1. Home
2. Japan Travel Info
3. Japan Unique Experiences
4. Obihiro Hokkaido Travel Guide 2025: Top Things to Do, Food, Onsen & Winter Attractions

Obihiro Hokkaido Travel Guide 2025: Top Things to Do, Food, Onsen & Winter Attractions

2025/10/17

• LocalJapan
• OnsenWellness
• Hokkaido
• Winter
• Food
• TravelGuide

Obihiro, located in the heart of Hokkaido’s Tokachi region, is a unique destination that blends nature, culture, and cuisine. From lush gardens and scenic rivers to local festivals and historic landmarks, Obihiro offers experiences that cannot be found elsewhere in Japan.

The city is especially famous for its delicious Tokachi cuisine, relaxed atmosphere, and distinctive local traditions. Whether you’re visiting in summer for flower fields or in winter for snowy landscapes, Obihiro is a versatile destination for first-time travelers and repeat visitors alike.

Access: Tokachi-Obihiro Airport, about 25 km south of the city center, connects to Tokyo (Haneda) and Chubu Centrair International Airport, making it easy to reach for both domestic and international travelers.

How to Get to Obihiro

Sunset over the snowbreak forest on the outskirts of Obihiro

• From Tokyo (Haneda Airport): Approx. 90 minutes by direct flight (7 round trips daily).
• From Nagoya (Chubu Centrair): Approx. 180 minutes by flight (limited service in August).
• By Train: JR Hokkaido lines connect Obihiro with Sapporo, offering scenic rail travel for those who prefer overland transport.
• By Car: Driving through Tokachi’s scenic routes allows flexible stops at farms, parks, and local attractions.

If you want a comfortable and smooth transfer from Haneda, Narita, or even New Chitose Airport directly to Obihiro city or Obihiro Airport, Charter Bus or Private Chauffeur services are highly recommended. Even with luggage, travel is easy and convenient without the hassle of transfers. Get a quote today and start your stress-free Obihiro journey!

Top Things to Do in Obihiro

Banei Tokachi Obihiro Horse Race Track

Witness the world’s only Banei horse racing, where massive draft horses pull heavy sleds along a 200-meter course. This unique spectacle showcases strength, speed, and endurance, reflecting Hokkaido’s pioneer farming heritage.

• Address: 9 Nishi13jominami, Obihiro 080-0023 Hokkaido
• Hours: Sat–Mon, 13:00–20:45

Kofuku Station – Land of Love

Take photos at the iconic “Land of Love” station, famous for its pink building and visitor business cards wishing for good fortune. Nearby Aikoku Station features a transportation museum, ideal for railway enthusiasts.

• Address: Kofukucho, Obihiro 089-1246 Hokkaido
• Hours: Summer 9:00–17:30 / Winter 9:30–15:00

Kita no Yatai – Obihiro’s Night Food Stalls

Explore Obihiro’s street food culture with 20 unique yatai stalls offering izakaya dishes, pork bowls, desserts, and international flavors. Perfect for evening bites in a lively local atmosphere.

• Address: 10-8 Nishi 1jo Minami Tachibana Bldg. 2F, Obihiro 080-0011 Hokkaido
• Hours: 17:00–24:00 (varies by stall)

Manabe Garden

Japan’s first conifer garden, featuring hundreds of imported trees and seasonal flowers. A peaceful place to enjoy Hokkaido’s nature in every season.

• Address: 6, Higashi-2, Inada, Obihiro
• Hours: 8:30–16:30 (seasonal)

Pokemon Attraction

Perfect for fans! Capture fun photos with Pokémon statues like Vulpix and Mudbray near Obihiro Station.

Nearby Attractions in Hokkaido’s Tokachi Region

Furano & Biei – Scenic Flower Fields and Rolling Hills

Just a short drive or train ride from Obihiro, Furano and Biei are famous for their colorful flower fields, picturesque farms, and gently rolling hills. In summer, lavender fields in Furano bloom from late June to early August, creating iconic purple landscapes perfect for photography. Biei, known for its “Patchwork Road,” offers rolling farmland vistas dotted with sunflowers, tulips, and seasonal flowers.

Activities:

• Cycling or driving along scenic routes for panoramic views.
• Visiting local farms for fresh produce, cheese, and homemade sweets.
• Hot air balloon rides in summer for aerial views of the flower fields.

Best Time to Visit: Late June to August for flowers, autumn for colorful foliage.

Kushiro – Marshlands and Wildlife

About 2–3 hours east of Obihiro, Kushiro is a nature lover’s paradise. The Kushiro Shitsugen National Park is Japan’s largest marshland, home to iconic red-crowned cranes, foxes, and rare birds. Boardwalks and observation decks allow visitors to experience the wetlands without disturbing the delicate ecosystem.

Activities:

• Crane-watching tours in winter for unforgettable wildlife encounters.
• Canoeing and hiking through marshlands in summer.
• Visiting the Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf for fresh seafood and local delicacies.

Best Time to Visit: Winter (Dec–Feb) for cranes, summer for walking and canoeing.

Lake Shikaribetsu – Stunning Seasonal Landscapes and Outdoor Adventures

Lake Shikaribetsu, about 1.5–2 hours from Obihiro, offers dramatic landscapes year-round. In winter, the lake freezes over, creating the Shikaribetsu Ice Festival with ice sculptures, snow domes, and ice fishing. Summer brings crystal-clear waters surrounded by mountains, ideal for kayaking, hiking, and camping.

Activities:

• Ice fishing and winter snow activities (sledding, snowshoeing).
• Photography of snow-covered mountains and misty lake mornings.
• Summer boating, hiking, and lakeside picnics.

Best Time to Visit: December–March for ice festivals and winter activities, June–September for summer outdoor adventures.

Enjoy Obihiro Comfortably with a Charter Taxi

Explore Obihiro Hokkaido effortlessly with Charter Bus & Limousine Japan. Flexible routes, comfortable vehicles, and local driver knowledge make visiting top attractions like Banei Horse Races, Kofuku Station, and Manabe Garden easy and stress-free. Perfect for families, friends, or seasonal trips to Furano & Biei and Lake Shikaribetsu.

Start your hassle-free Obihiro adventure today!