The town
Kimobetsu sits where National Routes 230 and 276 meet, in the Shiribeshi region of south-west Hokkaido. Farming is the main industry, and the town is known locally as the birthplace of asparagus growing. Winters are long and snowy; summers are cool.
- Population
- About 1,900
- Snowfall
- About 9.5 m a yearDeepest snow on the ground: about 145 cm
- Temperature
- −7 °C in January, 20 °C in AugustMonthly averages
Climate figures are 1991–2020 averages from the Japan Meteorological Agency's Kimobetsu station.
Where it is
| To | Travel time |
|---|---|
| Rusutsu Resort | 15–20 min by car |
| Kutchan (nearest larger town) | 30–40 min by car |
| Niseko | 40–50 min by car |
| Sapporo | About 1.5–2 hours by car66 km over Nakayama Pass on Route 230 |
| New Chitose Airport | About 1.5–2.5 hours by carDepends on weather and route |
Times are longer in winter. Nakayama Pass can close in heavy snow.
Daily life, in short
Housing
There is no real estate agency in town. People find homes through private rentals, the town's vacant-house listings and word of mouth, so it helps to ask us early.
Getting around
A car is part of daily life. Winter tyres are needed from around November to April. The town runs a local bus, and intercity buses stop here.
Shops and health care
The town has a supermarket, a convenience store, a post office, a town clinic and two dental clinics. For larger shops and hospitals, people drive to Kutchan.
Children
There is a town nursery, an elementary school and a junior high school. There is no high school in town; most students go on to high schools in Kutchan or other nearby towns.
Winter
Snow falls on most days from December to February. On heavy days, people clear snow around the house in the morning, at midday and in the evening.
Language
Daily life, town hall procedures and school are in Japanese. We can answer your questions in English by email.
We cannot advise on visas or residence status. Please check with the Immigration Services Agency of Japan or a qualified immigration specialist.
People who moved from overseas
Two of the residents who share their stories on this site moved here from abroad. Their names are not shown.
“I followed the snow, and ended up here.”
Moved from overseas / former outdoor guide
After guiding skiers and snowboarders around the world, they fell for Hokkaido's snow and decided to move. They chose Kimobetsu by looking at a map: between the ski resorts, close to the airport, and with affordable housing. The house they bought was too large for a couple, so they used the town's start-up support to turn it into lodging. In their first winter, clearing snow took hours every day, and neighbours and friends came to help.
“The second chapter of my life, in this town.”
Moved from overseas / relocated after retiring
After many winters spent in Hokkaido for winter sports, they moved here on leaving their job. Real estate agencies had nothing available, so they wrote letters to homes in town, and that is how they found their house. Part of it is now run as lodging. They say they want to stay connected with people here and think about what they can do for the town.
Ask us in English
The town's relocation coordinator, who also moved here from Tokyo, will reply by email within two business days. It is free, and a single question is fine.