Sapporo Surprises

This summer I spent a week in Hokkaido in Sapporo. It was an absolutely amazing experience and there was no shortage of things to do and see. On my first day there, I aimlessly strolled around on my way to Sapporo Tower. When walking the streets in any Japanese city stopping in stores like Family Mart and Lawson or 7-11 is a MUST. You can find amazing treats and snacks as well as beverages that are cheap. I learned to stock up at these stores and some of the most delicious foods I sampled came from convenience stores.

These are melon flavored chocolate cookies that I absolutely loved. I found them at the local Lawson in Sapporo.

I had a picnic lunch at Sapporo Tower and purchased lunch at a food truck. Do NOT overlook these. This was absolutely delicious and was accompanied with a melon beverage and dessert from a convenience store. This was a memorable experience for many reasons.

Yubari melon is something you have to try. Here is information about it I found online to help me learn more about this mouthwatering delight.

Hokkaido is a large island in the north of Japan famed for its natural beauty. It is home to one of Japan’s biggest national parks, with mountains reaching heights of over 2,000 meters. The biggest city in Hokkaido is Sapporo City. Not far from Sapporo and right in the middle of Hokkaido is Yubari City, home of the Yubari Melon (Yubari King), known as the king of melons.

Yubari is surrounded by mountains and an abundance of volcanic ash means the soil offers great drainage. Yubari also has a huge difference in the day and night temperatures - which is perfect for melons. The bigger the temperature difference, the sweeter the melon.

The Yubari Melon begins life in the cold winter, snug and warm inside a heated greenhouse. In spring, the plants begin to blossom. When the plant begins to fruit, farmers lay a mat underneath the melon to help it grow into a perfect sphere. The mat also prevents soil from sticking to the melon. The farmer adjusts the covering to make sure the melons receive the right amount of sunlight: Too much sunlight and the skin will not develop the distinctive white mesh.

Hokkaido melons are a renowned specialty of Japan's northern island. From ice cream flavors to fresh fruit, a wide variety of products showcase different brands of Hokkaido melons.Among them, the Yubari King stands out for its recognition and reputation. Known for its mellow taste and rich fragrance, the succulent flesh of the Yubari King offers an exquisite and robust flavor. As a result, the melon's flavor is consistently delectable. The melon's flesh is soft, juicy, and fragrantly sweet. In terms of taste, it certainly lives up to its "king" moniker!

At a local open shopping area, I bought some melon to sample. This is a great way to try it as it is cut and sliced for easy eating.