Located in the vast central region of Hokkaido, Obihiro serves as the hub of the Tokachi Plain—one of Japan’s premier agricultural and dairy farming heartlands. However, Obihiro is far more than just a regional city. With its endless horizons, crystal-clear blue skies, and the rich bounty that springs from the earth, it possesses the distinct character of an “Agri-Resort,” guiding the mind and body of every visitor toward harmony.
It is a place where the urban sophistication reminiscent of Sapporo coexists with untouched, wild nature, all within the leisurely “time axis” unique to Tokachi. To visit Obihiro is to surrender yourself to the natural cycles and rediscover your essence through food and healing—the ultimate well-being experience.
The Tokachi Plain and Obihiro: The Essence of “Abundance” Taught by Japan’s Greatest Farmland
The Tokachi Plain, the third largest in Japan, offers a landscape centered around Obihiro that feels like a masterpiece of painting. Especially in summer, when a refreshing, low-humidity breeze sweeps through, you can feel the “vitality” of this land at its peak.
In this area, you can witness Ban’ei Tokachi, the world’s only draft horse racing event. Seeing colossal horses, weighing over a ton, pulling heavy iron sleds over obstacles is a profound symbol of the deep bond between horses and humans that once supported the pioneers of this land. This powerful and beautiful tradition quietly yet surely teaches us about “true strength”—something often forgotten in modern society’s obsession with efficiency and speed.
Rokkatei Obihiro Main Store: The Art of Confectionery as a Reflection of Tokachi
An essential part of any conversation about Obihiro is Rokkatei, Japan’s leading confectionery brand, and its origin: the Obihiro Main Store. Upon entering, you will be greeted by a beautiful space adorned with motifs of Tokachi’s wildflowers, instinctively sensing that this is more than just a sweet shop.
Their flagship product, the “Marusei Butter Sand,” is a crystallization of the Tokachi terroir, combining biscuits made from specific local flour, white chocolate, and 100% Hokkaido dairy butter. At the main store, you can also enjoy exclusive sweets where freshness is paramount, such as the “Sakusaku Pie.” Rokkatei’s philosophy—elevating confectionery from mere sweets to an expression of regional culture and art—will deeply satisfy the sensibilities of the discerning traveler.
Shop Information ① Rokkatei Obihiro Main Store 6, Minami 9-jo Nishi 2-chome, Obihiro, Hokkaido Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Café Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Last Order: 4:00 PM) Closed every Wednesday
② Rokkatei Nishi-Sanjo Store 1-1-1, Minami 1-jo Nishi 3-chome, Obihiro, Hokkaido Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Café Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Last Order: 4:00 PM) Parking: 60 cars (space available for 2 buses)
③ Rokkatei Garden 21-9, Minami 2-chome, Nishi 22-jo, Obihiro, Hokkaido Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Café Hours: Morning Service: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Last Order: 10:30 AM) Lunch Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Last Order: 3:30 PM)
Obihiro’s Signature Butadon: Gastronomy Born from Pioneering History
Butadon (Pork Bowl), known as Obihiro’s soul food, is a robust gastronomy born from the region’s pioneering spirit. Thick, carefully selected slices of pork are meticulously grilled in a secret sweet-and-savory soy-based sauce and served over freshly steamed Tokachi rice. Within this simple composition lies the concentrated power of the land.
The moment the smoky aroma of the charcoal fire meets the sweetness of the high-quality pork fat in your mouth is pure bliss. The style of grilling each slice with soul, found at establishments like “Butahage” near the station or the legendary “Pancho,” lets you experience the true essence of Japanese cuisine: extracting the maximum potential from the finest ingredients. This simple yet profound flavor serves as the ideal energy source for active travelers.
Kita-no-Yatai and Obihiro Nights: Where Food Culture and Community Intersect
As the sun sets, a unique microcosm called “Kita-no-Yatai” (Northern Food Stalls) emerges on the street corners of Obihiro. In this area, where approximately 20 small stalls stand side-by-side, diverse culinary cultures coexist—ranging from French and Chinese to traditional Ainu cuisine.
Of particular note is “Poncise,” which serves traditional Ainu home cooking. Their “Pone Ohau,” a soup concentrated with the umami of pork bone and vegetables, is an incredibly gentle dish that warms you from the core. Sharing conversations with the owners and fellow travelers is a warm, human experience that goes beyond typical sightseeing, leaving a lasting impression of Obihiro’s unique hospitality.
Gateway to Tokachi and Eastern Hokkaido: The Strategic Hub for Exploration
Obihiro functions not only as a destination in its own right but also as the primary gateway to the wider Tokachi and Eastern Hokkaido regions. Using the city as a base, you can design routes to explore the rural scenery of the vast Tokachi Plain or venture further to the untamed nature of Eastern Hokkaido, such as the Kushiro Marsh or Lake Akan.
Obihiro’s ability to coexist with urban functions and nature at just the right distance allows for a stress-free travel experience. The ability to balance a “quiet, stay-oriented journey” with a “dynamic, exploratory journey” is one of the greatest appeals unique to Obihiro.
Traveler’s Advice:
While summer is the peak season, be mindful of the significant temperature drops in the mornings and evenings. Furthermore, given the vastness of the land and the distances between spots, we highly recommend a flexible schedule utilizing a rental car. After your exploration, head to the Moor Springs found in Tokachi. These amber-colored waters, rich in organic plant matter, are rare worldwide and known as the “ultimate skincare hot spring.” There is no experience more fitting to conclude your journey.
Spot Information
Address：Obihiro City, Hokkaido (Around JR Obihiro Station) Access：Approx. 40 minutes by shuttle bus from Tokachi-Obihiro Airport. Or approx. 2 hours 20 minutes from Sapporo Station via Limited Express (Super Tokachi / Ozora). Seasonal Attire： Spring/Autumn: Coats or thick sweaters are necessary. Summer: Short sleeves are fine during the day, but a light jacket is essential for mornings and evenings. Winter: High-quality down jackets, scarves, and gloves are indispensable. Key Highlights：Ban’ei Tokachi, Rokkatei Obihiro Main Store, Butadon Specialists (Pancho, Butahage, etc.), Kita-no-Yatai.
