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20 Recommended Driving Spots Near Obihiro & Tokachi (2025 Edition)! Full of Scenic Views and Culinary Delights
The Obihiro and Tokachi area is famous for its "Tokachi-bare" or "Tokachi clear skies," making it a perfect region for a drive where you can fully enjoy both nature and food. In this article, we'll introduce recommended spots for a road trip in and around Obihiro and Tokachi.
- Tokachi Hills (Makubetsu Town): A Garden Themed Around Flowers, Food, and Farming
- Tokachi Millennium Forest (Shimizu Town): Enjoy Segway Guided Tours
- Taushubetsu River Bridge (Kamishihoro Town): A Nationally Famous "Phantom Bridge" on the Former JNR Shihoro Line
- Ikeda Wine Castle (Ikeda Town): The Home of Internationally Acclaimed Tokachi Wine
- Rokka no Mori (Nakasatsunai Village): A Sprawling Landscape of Wildflowers from Rokkatei's Wrapping Paper
- Kofuku Station (Obihiro City): Famous for its Auspicious "Bound for Happiness" Tickets
- Tokachimura (Obihiro City): Another Spot to Visit, Adjacent to the Ban'ei Horse Racetrack
- Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden (Otofuke Town): Full of Sweets Made with Ingredients from the Agricultural Kingdom of Tokachi
- Karikachi Kogen Eco-torokko Railway (Shintoku Town): Enjoy a Trolley Ride on an 800-meter Course
- Manabe Garden (Obihiro City): A Magnificent Garden Spanning 25,000 Tsubo (approx. 82,600 sq. meters)
- Sahoro Resort Bear Mountain (Shintoku Town): Thrilling! Observe Brown Bears Up Close
- Shihoro Kogen Nupuka no Sato (Shihoro Town): A Viewpoint with a Panoramic View of the Tokachi Plain!
- Lake Shikaribetsu (Shikaoi Town): The Highest Lake in Hokkaido
- Ban'ei Tokachi (Obihiro City): The World's Only Thrilling Draft Horse Racing
- Kanda Nissho Memorial Museum of Art (Shikaoi Town): Permanently Exhibiting Works by One of Hokkaido's Leading Western-style Painters
- Tokachi Nuppuku Garden (Obihiro City): A Multi-purpose Spot with Horseback Riding, a Restaurant, and a Dog Run
- Shihoro Onsen Plaza Ryokufu (Shihoro Town): Refresh in a Free-Flowing Moor Hot Spring
- Tokachi Horokayanto Pit Dwelling Site (Taiki Town): Pondering Ancient Times
- Scenic Cafe Churui (Makubetsu Town): Relax and Enjoy the Scenery of Southern Tokachi at This Cafe
- Ginga no Mori Observatory (Rikubetsu Space and Earth Science Museum) (Rikubetsu Town): Stargaze with One of Japan's Largest Telescopes
1. Tokachi Hills (Makubetsu Town): A Garden Themed Around Flowers, Food, and Farming
Situated on a small hill, Tokachi Hills offers a luxurious, panoramic view of the rich natural landscape, including the Tokachi townscape and the Tokachi mountain range. In this superb location, a cafe serves gourmet dishes made with local ingredients, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing time. Additionally, the Hills Shop & Shop Cafe, located before the garden entrance, is filled with unique products you can only find here, such as handmade goods by Tokachi artists and lovely garden accessories.
■ Hours: April 19 (Sat) - October, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
*The Garden Cafe and part of the garden are open until mid-December, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
■ Closed: Open daily during the season
■ Admission: Garden Entrance Adults ¥1,000 / Junior high school students ¥400 / Elementary school students and younger Free
■ Address: 13-5 Nisshin, Makubetsu Town
Click here for details and a map of 'Tokachi Hills'
2. Tokachi Millennium Forest (Shimizu Town): Enjoy Segway Guided Tours
Tokachi Millennium Forest boasts a magnificent landscape with lush greenery, including natural broadleaf forests and artificial larch forests. It is a space where people and nature can interact in various fields such as forests, gardens, art, agriculture, and food. Known as one of the eight gardens of the "Hokkaido Garden Path" scattered throughout Shimizu Town, visitors can enjoy horseback riding and Segway guided tours.
■ Hours: April 19 (Sat) - June, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM / July - August, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM / September - October 13 (Mon), 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
*Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time
■ Closed: From October 14 (Tue) until the park reopens the following year
■ Admission: High school students and older ¥1,200 / Elementary and junior high school students ¥600 / Preschoolers Free
■ Address: Minami 10-sen, Haobi, Shimizu Town, Kamikawa District
Click here for details and a map of 'Tokachi Millennium Forest'
3. Taushubetsu River Bridge (Kamishihoro Town): A Nationally Famous "Phantom Bridge" on the Former JNR Shihoro Line
This 130-meter-long concrete arch bridge is known as the "phantom bridge." It appears on the frozen lake surface around January, begins to submerge as water levels rise around May, and sinks to the bottom of the lake by summer. When it starts to sink, the reflection of the bridge's arches on the water's surface resembles a pair of glasses, earning it the nickname "Meganebashi" (Spectacles Bridge). It is the only arch bridge in Japan that appears and disappears with the seasons.
■ Address: Nukabira Gensenkyo, Kamishihoro Town, Kato District
Click here for details and a map of the 'Taushubetsu River Bridge (Former JNR Shihoro Line)'
4. Ikeda Wine Castle (Ikeda Town): The Home of Internationally Acclaimed Tokachi Wine
This winery, famous for "Tokachi Wine," has a history of over 50 years. It was named the Wine Castle due to its resemblance to a medieval European castle. The first floor features a shopping area where you can buy Tokachi wine and other local specialties from Ikeda Town, while in the underground aging cellar, numerous French oak barrels and old vintage wines rest quietly.
■ Hours:
・Wine Castle: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
・Restaurant (4th floor): 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last order 4:30 PM)
*Saturdays only, open until 8:00 PM (Last order 7:00 PM)
■ Closed:
・Wine Castle: Year-end and New Year holidays
・Restaurant: Tuesdays, year-end and New Year holidays
*If Tuesday is a public holiday, it will be open and closed the following Wednesday instead.
■ Admission: Free
■ Address: 83-4 Kiyomi, Ikeda Town
Click here for details and a map of 'Ikeda Wine Castle'
5. Rokka no Mori (Nakasatsunai Village): A Sprawling Landscape of Wildflowers from Rokkatei's Wrapping Paper
Against the backdrop of the magnificent Hidaka Mountains, 100-year-old elm trees grow, and the babbling of a small stream can be heard in the rich nature of Rokka no Mori. You will be greeted by the familiar wildflowers from the floral wrapping paper of Rokkatei Seika, a popular Hokkaido souvenir. The park also houses the "Naoyuki Sakamoto Memorial Hall," where you can enjoy exhibits of his works depicting Hokkaido's mountains and sketches of wildflowers.
■ Hours: April 25 (Fri) - October 26 (Sun), 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (from 9:00 AM in June-July)
*Shop: 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM (from 9:30 AM in June-July) / Cafe: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Lunch last order 3:00 PM, Dessert menu last order 3:30 PM)
■ Admission: Adults ¥1,000 / Elementary and junior high school students ¥500
■ Address: 249-6 Tokiwa Nishi 3-sen, Nakasatsunai Village, Kasai District
Click here for details and a map of 'Rokka no Mori'
6. Kofuku Station (Obihiro City): Famous for its Auspicious "Bound for Happiness" Tickets
This station, with a name that seems to bring happiness just by visiting, is now cherished as a "Railway Park." Two diesel cars that were in service until the line was discontinued, the platform, and the station building have been preserved. The "Kofuku-yuki" (Bound for Happiness) tickets, available as souvenirs, are still popular for their good fortune.
■ Hours: Shop Summer 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM / Winter 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
■ Admission: Free
■ Address: Higashi 1-sen, Kofuku-cho, Obihiro City
Click here for details and a map of 'Kofuku Station'
7. Tokachimura (Obihiro City): Another Spot to Visit, Adjacent to the Ban'ei Horse Racetrack
Located on the grounds of the Obihiro Racecourse, where the thrilling "Ban'ei Horse Racing" takes place, this tourist spot brings together all the culinary charms of Tokachi. Inside, you'll find the "Kitchen," where you can savor dishes made with local ingredients; "Sweets & Select," offering sweets made with high-quality ingredients and original goods; and the "Direct Sales Market," selling safe and secure agricultural products and specialties. It's the perfect place to find unique Tokachi souvenirs.
■ Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM *Varies by store
■ Closed: Wednesdays
*The facility's restrooms, parking lot restrooms, kids' room, free lounge, and shrine remain open.
■ Address: Nishi 13-jo Minami 8-chome, Obihiro City
Click here for details and a map of 'Tokachimura'
8. Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden (Otofuke Town): Full of Sweets Made with Ingredients from the Agricultural Kingdom of Tokachi
Sweetpia Garden is the factory of "Ryugetsu," a company representing Tokachi in both Japanese and Western confectionery. The facility includes a tour course, a cafe corner, and a confectionery-making workshop. Among its attractions, the sale of the limited-quantity "Sanpouroku Bargain Items" is so popular that it often draws a queue.
■ Hours
・April 21 (Mon) - November 3 (Mon): Store 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM / Cafe 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM / Factory Tour Store opening time - 4:00 PM
・November 5 (Wed) - April 20 (Mon): Store 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM / Cafe 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM / Factory Tour Store opening time - 4:00 PM
■ Closed: Cafe, Factory Tour on January 1
■ Admission: Entrance and factory tour are free *Separate fees for some experiences and purchases.
■ Address: 1-1 Natsuzora, Otofuke Town, Kato District
Click here for details and a map of 'Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden'
9. Karikachi Kogen Eco-torokko Railway (Shintoku Town): Enjoy a Trolley Ride on an 800-meter Course
Here you can pedal your own way along a long 800-meter course on a railway maintenance bicycle that has been converted into a trolley. The course, built on the premises of the former Nemuro Main Line's Shinnai Station, features railway crossings and various railway signs, allowing you to feel like a train driver as you follow the signals.
■ Hours: April 29 (Tue) - October, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
*Open only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, except in August. Other closing days may apply.
■ Closed: Weekdays *Some weekdays are open in August.
■ Fee
・Pedal-powered trolley: Adults ¥700 / Children 3 years old to junior high school students ¥400
・Battery-powered train: Adults ¥700 (Only for adults, including those with a regular driver's license)
■ Address: 637-1 Shinnai, Shintoku Town, Kamikawa District (Former Shinnai Station, Karikachi Kogen)
Click here for details and a map of 'Karikachi Kogen Eco-torokko Railway'
10. Manabe Garden (Obihiro City): A Magnificent Garden Spanning 25,000 Tsubo (approx. 82,600 sq. meters)
Boasting a site of 25,000 tsubo (approx. 82,600 sq. meters or 20.4 acres), Manabe Garden is a strolling garden composed of three themed areas. The plant collection, gathered from around the world over many years, numbers in the thousands of species, and wild birds and Ezo squirrels are daily visitors. The grounds also feature a relaxing cafe terrace and a garden center where you can purchase rare and new varieties of horticultural plants.
■ Hours: Usually late April to November
Until September: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM / October: until 4:30 PM / November: until 3:30 PM *Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
■ Closed: Open daily during the season.
■ Admission: Adults ¥1,000 / Elementary and junior high school students ¥200
■ Address: Higashi 2-sen 6, Inada-cho, Obihiro City
Click here for details and a map of 'Manabe Garden'
11. Sahoro Resort Bear Mountain (Shintoku Town): Thrilling! Observe Brown Bears Up Close
This is a spot where you can observe brown bears, the largest species native only to Hokkaido, in a near-natural state. Seeing the bears up close from various angles, such as from the "Bear Watching Bus" or the 5-meter-high "Walking Path," is a truly powerful and impressive sight. There are also cute bear-themed original goods, making souvenir shopping another fun part of the visit.
■ Hours: April 26 (Sat) - October 19 (Sun), 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Last entry 3:20 PM / 3:00 PM in October)
■ Closed:
・May 7 (Wed), 14 (Wed), 22 (Thu), 27 (Tue)
・June 12 (Thu), 23 (Mon)
・September 4 (Tue), 17 (Wed), 24 (Wed)
・October 1 (Wed), 9 (Thu), 15 (Wed)
*Closing days may change due to facility maintenance, etc.
■ Admission:
・Walking Path Course: Adults ¥2,200 / Ages 4 to elementary school & seniors 60+ ¥1,650
・Bear Watching Bus Course: Adults ¥3,300 / Ages 4 to elementary school & seniors 60+ ¥2,750
■ Address: Karikachi Kogen, Shintoku Town, Kamikawa District
Click here for details and a map of 'Sahoro Resort Bear Mountain'
12. Shihoro Kogen Nupuka no Sato (Shihoro Town): A Viewpoint with a Panoramic View of the Tokachi Plain!
A gentle 20-minute drive up a slope from Shihoro town brings you closer to Higashi Nupukaushinupuri of the Daisetsuzan mountain range. As you arrive, captivated by the majestic mountains, turn around to find a grand panorama of the endless Tokachi Plain before you. It's a luxurious place where you can feel the clear air and wind with your whole body, and at night, you can see a sky full of fantastically twinkling stars.
■ Hours: April - November, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
■ Closed: Every Tuesday (excluding public holidays, GW period, and the 3rd week of July to August), December - March
■ Address: 21-173 Kami-Otoine, Shihoro Town
Click here for details and a map of 'Shihoro Kogen Nupuka no Sato'
13. Lake Shikaribetsu (Shikaoi Town): The Highest Lake in Hokkaido
Lake Shikaribetsu, the only natural lake in Daisetsuzan National Park, is located at the highest altitude in Hokkaido, 810 meters, with a maximum depth of about 100 meters. Surrounded by primeval forests, it is home to precious wildlife such as pikas, said to have inhabited the area since the ice age and known as living fossils, as well as white-tailed eagles, black woodpeckers, and grey herons.
■ Address: Shikaribetsukohan, Shikaoi Town, Kato District
Click here for details and a map of 'Lake Shikaribetsu'
14. Ban'ei Tokachi (Obihiro City): The World's Only Thrilling Draft Horse Racing
Ban'ei horse racing, found nowhere else in the world, features large horses weighing over a ton pulling heavy iron sleds, competing in strength and speed on a straight course. Originating from strength competitions among farm horses during Hokkaido's pioneering era, it has been passed down as a modern race and is now a Hokkaido Heritage site that continues to inspire people. After enjoying the races, you can also buy delicious food and souvenirs from Obihiro and Tokachi at the adjacent "Tokachimura."
■ Hours: Races held on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays
*Please check the official website for race times.
*Entry is possible on non-race days (please inquire about opening hours).
■ Closed: On-site facilities
・Tokachimura: Wednesdays
・Fureai Petting Zoo: Tuesdays
■ Admission: ¥100 (on race days)
■ Address: Obihiro Racecourse, Nishi 13-jo Minami 9-chome, Obihiro City
Click here for details and a map of 'Ban'ei Tokachi'
15. Kanda Nissho Memorial Museum of Art (Shikaoi Town): Permanently Exhibiting Works by One of Hokkaido's Leading Western-style Painters
Nissho Kanda is one of Hokkaido's leading Western-style painters, also known as the model for the character Tenyo Yamada in the NHK morning drama "Natsuzora." This museum permanently exhibits more than half of the precious major works of Kanda, who passed away from illness at the young age of 32, his talent much lamented. His strikingly realistic style has earned timeless acclaim.
■ Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM)
■ Closed: Mondays (open if it's a public holiday), the day after a public holiday, year-end and New Year holidays *Other temporary closures may occur.
■ Admission: General ¥530 / High school students ¥320 / Elementary and junior high school students ¥210 / Preschoolers Free
■ Address: 3-2 Higashi-machi, Shikaoi Town, Kato District
Click here for details and a map of the 'Kanda Nissho Memorial Museum of Art'
16. Tokachi Nuppuku Garden (Obihiro City): A Multi-purpose Spot with Horseback Riding, a Restaurant, and a Dog Run
A vast, hand-made garden spanning approximately 4 hectares. The grounds feature Western-style gardens, Japanese-style gardens, and natural forests. Visitors can enjoy horseback riding, feeding rainbow trout, and interacting with ponies and rabbits in a petting area. The sound of the river flowing with spring water is pleasant, and you can see rainbow trout and Nishikigoi carp swimming in the pond. From the observatory above the waterfall, you can get a panoramic view of the entire garden.
■ Hours: Usually April - October 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM / November - March 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
■ Closed: Open year-round
■ Admission: Adults ¥500 / Junior high school students and younger Free
■ Address: 109 Nishi 1-sen, Showa-cho, Obihiro City
Click here for details and a map of 'Tokachi Nuppuku Garden'
17. Shihoro Onsen Plaza Ryokufu (Shihoro Town): Refresh in a Free-Flowing Moor Hot Spring
This is a unique hot spring in Shihoro where you can enjoy the moor hot spring, a designated Hokkaido Heritage, with all baths luxuriously supplied by free-flowing spring water. Soaking in the silky, smooth water amidst the rich nature of a deep forest will leave your skin moist and supple. The facilities are well-equipped with large public baths, jacuzzis, and lie-down baths. At night, you can bathe in the rock-made open-air bath while gazing at a star-filled sky.
■ Hours: Day-use bathing 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Last entry 9:00 PM) *Varies by facility
■ Closed: Open year-round *Temporary closures for facility maintenance may occur.
■ Admission: Day-use bathing Junior high school students and older ¥700 / Elementary school students and older ¥350
■ Address: 134 Nishi 2-sen, Shimoibe, Shihoro Town
Click here for details and a map of 'Shihoro Onsen Plaza Ryokufu'
18. Tokachi Horokayanto Pit Dwelling Site (Taiki Town): Pondering Ancient Times
This is a major settlement of an indigenous people, built along a stretch of about 2 km north-to-south on the Bansei coastal terrace, 15 meters above sea level overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The remains of these pit dwellings are scattered in about 130 locations in the surrounding area. A distinctive feature of this ruin is the small number of pottery and stone tools and the excavation of metal tools. It has also garnered interest for the discovery of Okhotsk-style pottery. It was registered as a Hokkaido Designated Historic Site in 1966.
■ Address: 1 Bansei, Taiki Town
Click here for details and a map of the 'Tokachi Horokayanto Pit Dwelling Site'
19. Scenic Cafe Churui (Makubetsu Town): Relax and Enjoy the Scenery of Southern Tokachi at This Cafe
This cafe terrace is located within the Churui Kyoei Ranch, which spreads over a small hill. The word "scenic" means "having a beautiful view," and the magnificent view from an altitude of 189 meters, along with the sight of cows leisurely grazing, will make you forget the hustle and bustle of daily life.
■ Hours: July - September, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
■ Address: 204 Shirogane-cho, Churui, Makubetsu Town
Click here for details and a map of 'Scenic Cafe Churui'
20. Ginga no Mori Observatory (Rikubetsu Space and Earth Science Museum) (Rikubetsu Town): Stargaze with One of Japan's Largest Telescopes
This is a public observatory equipped with one of Japan's largest reflecting telescopes, the 115cm telescope, as well as smaller 30cm class telescopes and a 4-lens solar telescope. In the exhibition room, you can experience space through panel displays of the Milky Way forest, auroras, and beautiful cosmos, as well as through a space exploration computer and a 70-inch large monitor. On the second-floor rooftop plaza, there is a large telescope dome and a small telescope observation room where you can enjoy the starry sky.
■ Hours: Usually April - September 2:00 PM - 10:30 PM / October - March 1:00 PM - 9:30 PM
■ Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays, 3rd Monday to 4th Friday of May, December 28 to January 3 of the following year
*However, special openings on Mondays and Tuesdays from May 3-5 and August 14-16.
■ Admission: Adults ¥500 / Elementary and junior high school students ¥300
■ Address: Uenbetsu, Rikubetsu Town, Ashoro District
Click here for details and a map of 'Ginga no Mori Observatory'
*All information is current as of March 2025.
*Please note that all information is subject to change. Please check the official websites for the latest details.
