Oketo is a town with a population of about 2,800, located in the eastern part of Hokkaido at the southwestern tip of the Okhotsk Subprefecture. It borders Rikubetsu, Ashoro, and Kamishihoro towns of the Tokachi Subprefecture to the south and west.
It has a typical continental climate with large temperature differences between summer and winter, as well as day and night, and has little snow and rain. Over 80% of the town's area is covered by forests, and it is a town where forestry and agriculture thrive.
A notable scenic spot in Oketo is "Kanoko-sawa," located about 13 km from the town center, downstream from the Kanoko Dam. Its hiking course, which takes about 1.5 hours for a round trip, has been popular with people of all ages throughout the year.
Another attraction is "Lake Oketo," an artificial lake with a circumference of 13.4 km, formed by the Kanoko Dam. It is said to be a treasure trove of wild birds and plants. You can fish for yamabe trout and white-spotted char in the summer, and for smelt and rainbow trout in the winter. It is a place people visit for birdwatching, fishing, motorcycle touring, and cycling.