My name is MAKO
Based in Sapporo, Hokkaido | Born and raised in Obihiro, Hokkaido | Lover of Sapporo Classic beer and fresh sashimi | Passionate about road trips and camping | Always chasing beautiful scenery
Why Is Kitami Famous for Mint?The Short Answer
Kitami is famous for mint because the crop became one of the region’s most important industries in the early 20th century. At its peak around 1939, Kitami mint accounted for about 70% of the world mint market.
Today, large-scale production has disappeared, but mint remains one of Kitami’s strongest symbols.
Why You Should Care
When you arrive in Kitami, mint may seem like a small local souvenir.
But once you know the history, that little bottle of peppermint oil tells a much bigger story.
For several decades, mint helped farmers earn money, supported the growth of Kitami, and connected this remote part of Hokkaido with markets around the world. Kitami City describes the industry as one of the foundations of the region’s development.
That is what makes Kitami mint interesting.
It is not simply a refreshing smell.
It is the scent of a city’s history.
The Story Behind It
Why Did Mint Grow So Well in Kitami?
Mint production in the Kitami region began around the turn of the 20th century. The Kitami Tourism Association says production became established around 1902.
The plant suited the local natural conditions, and more importantly, mint had a very high commercial value compared with many other crops. Kitami City records that these advantages helped cultivation spread quickly across the region.
Unlike bulky crops, mint could also be processed into valuable oil.
For farmers working far from Japan’s major cities, that made it an attractive crop.
How Did Kitami Become a World Mint Powerhouse?
The major turning point came in the 1930s.
A large mint processing facility was established in Kitami, helping producers refine and market their mint on a much larger scale. The HOKUREN Kitami Mint Factory began operations in 1934.
Then came Kitami’s extraordinary peak.
By around 1939, the region had roughly 20,000 cho of mint fields, and Kitami mint represented about 70% of the world market.
Think about that for a moment.
A city in eastern Hokkaido, far from Tokyo and the world’s major trading centers, had become one of the most important places on Earth for mint.
That is why Kitami became known as a “mint kingdom.”
What Was Kitami Mint Used For?
The valuable part was not simply the leaf.
Mint plants were harvested and distilled to extract aromatic mint oil. That oil could then be refined to obtain menthol and used in many different products.
Mint and menthol have long been associated with products such as medicines, confectionery, fragrances, and personal-care goods.
At the Kitami Mint Memorial Museum and Mint Distillery, you can still see historical equipment and learn how this processing worked. The adjacent distillery also demonstrates traditional mint distillation.
Why Did Kitami’s Mint Industry Disappear?
Kitami’s dominance did not last forever.
After World War II, mint production recovered for a time. But cheaper mint from overseas began entering the market, while synthetic menthol became increasingly common.
Competition from countries such as Brazil and China also grew. Later, trade liberalization made imported products even more competitive.
Eventually, the HOKUREN Kitami Mint Factory closed in 1983.
For an industry that had once supplied so much of the world, it was a dramatic ending.
But Kitami did something important afterward.
It decided not to forget the story.
How Did the Old Mint Factory Become a Museum?
The former factory buildings largely disappeared, but an important building survived.
The former research facility was preserved and opened as the Kitami Mint Memorial Museum in 1986. Today, it is recognized as a cultural property of Kitami and as part of Japan’s modern industrial heritage.
Inside, you can see historical documents, mint products, old machinery, and displays explaining how Kitami became a global mint center.
The building itself is worth noticing too.
Its Western-style architecture preserves some of the atmosphere of Kitami’s industrial boom years.
Why Is Mint Still Part of Kitami’s Identity?
Kitami no longer produces mint on anything close to its former scale.
But the city has kept the memory alive.
Mint appears in local products, tourism, gardens, and even Kitami’s official tourism characters. The city’s character “Mint-kun,” for example, is an Ezo squirrel holding a mint leaf.
At the museum garden, visitors can also see Japanese mint, Western mint, and other herbs.
This is what makes the story interesting.
The industry declined.
The identity survived.
## Peppermint Oil Is Useful for More Than Just Its Fresh Scent
One of Kitami’s most popular products is peppermint oil, and many travelers take a bottle home as a souvenir.
Besides its refreshing aroma, peppermint oil is commonly used as a natural insect repellent. Many people spray it on their clothes, hats, or around outdoor seating areas to help keep mosquitoes and other insects away while camping or hiking in Hokkaido.
Although it’s a popular outdoor tip, peppermint oil should be used according to the product instructions and is not a substitute for registered insect repellents.
Did You Know?
- Around 1939, Kitami mint represented about 70% of the world market.
- The HOKUREN Kitami Mint Factory began operating in 1934.
- The factory closed in 1983 after growing competition from imported and synthetic mint.
- The Kitami Mint Memorial Museum opened in 1986.
- The museum garden contains Japanese mint, Western mint, and several other herbs.
FAQ
Is Kitami Still a Major Mint Producer?
Not on the scale it once was.
Large-scale production declined because of cheaper overseas mint, synthetic menthol, and changes in international trade. Today, mint is more important as a part of Kitami’s cultural and industrial heritage.
What Can I See at the Kitami Mint Memorial Museum?
You can see historical mint products, documents, machinery, and exhibits explaining the rise and decline of Kitami’s mint industry.
The neighboring Mint Distillery also introduces traditional distillation techniques.
Can I Smell Real Mint There?
Yes.
The site includes a herb garden with Japanese and Western varieties of mint, and the distillery offers a much more sensory experience than an ordinary history museum.
How Long Should I Spend There?
Around 45–90 minutes is a comfortable amount of time for most travelers.
Give yourself a little longer if you want to look carefully at the exhibits or join an available mint-related experience.
Visit It Yourself
Location
Kitami Mint Memorial Museum & Mint Distillery
1-7-28 Minaminaka-machi, Kitami, Hokkaido.
Best Season
Year-round
May through October is especially pleasant because you can also enjoy the herb garden outside.
How to Get There
The museum is about a 10-minute walk from JR Kitami Station.
By car, it is roughly 40 minutes from Memanbetsu Airport.
Estimated Visit Time
45–90 minutes
Admission Fee
Free admission.
Opening Hours
- May–October: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- November–April: 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
The museum is generally closed on Mondays, certain days following national holidays, and during the New Year period.
Please check the official website for the latest information.
Official Website
Kitami Mint Memorial Museum Official Website
Final Thoughts
Kitami is famous for mint because this small plant once helped transform the city.
Farmers discovered that it could become a valuable crop.
A large factory turned Kitami into a center of production.
And by 1939, mint from this remote corner of Hokkaido had reached markets around the world.
The industry eventually disappeared.
But the story did not.
Today, when you smell the sharp, cool scent of Kitami mint, remember:
you are smelling a piece of Hokkaido’s industrial history.
That small bottle of mint oil suddenly feels much more interesting.
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