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There are great many things to do in Japan, and so are in Obihiro.
Nestled amidst the lush Japanese landscape, Obihiro awaits with open arms, inviting travelers to bask in its cultural allure.
From wandering through lavender fields to indulging in the scrumptious local cuisine, Obihiro exudes a charm that is both captivating and irresistible.
So, pack your bags, embrace the serene surroundings, and immerse yourself in the myriad of experiences awaiting you in this enchanting city.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Obihiro:
1. Obihiro Zoo
Obihiro Zoo is a small zoo located in Obihiro city in Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: The zoo is known for its polar bears, which are the main attraction. Visitors can also see various animals including tigers, lions, monkeys, and more.
There’s a petting zoo area where children can feed and touch animals such as rabbits and goats.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the polar bear feeding time, where you can see these majestic animals up-close. In the summer, the zoo also offers cooling treats for the polar bears.
Insider travel tips: Visit the zoo early in the morning when the animals are more active. The zoo can be crowded during weekends and holidays, so plan your visit accordingly.
If you’re traveling by car, the zoo has free parking available.
2. Manabe Garden
Manabe Garden is a beautiful botanical garden located in Obihiro, a city on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the garden’s vast collection of flowers and plants, including over 2,000 different varieties of roses during the summer months.
The garden also has a greenhouse filled with tropical plants and an impressive collection of cacti and succulents.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Manabe Garden is the stunning rose tunnel, a walkway lined with vibrant roses in full bloom.
Additionally, don’t miss the garden’s picturesque Japanese pond and waterfalls.
Insider travel tips: To avoid the crowds, visit the garden during the week or early in the morning. Another tip is to bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the garden while having lunch.
Lastly, be sure to check the garden’s event schedule as they often hold seasonal festivals and light-up events.
3. Obihiro Centennial City Museum
Obihiro Centennial City Museum is a museum dedicated to the history and culture of Obihiro City in Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the exhibits that showcase the various aspects of the city’s history, ranging from the indigenous Ainu people to the modernization of the city during the Meiji Era.
The museum also features interactive displays that provide an immersive experience of Obihiro’s rich culture and traditions.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the life-sized replica of the townscape of Obihiro during the Meiji Era. Visitors can step back in time and experience the atmosphere of the bustling town.
Insider travel tips: Plan to spend a few hours at the museum to fully appreciate the exhibits and displays. The museum also offers guided tours in English, which can enhance the overall experience.
4. Obihiro Shrine
Obihiro Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: The main hall of the shrine has a beautiful vermillion color and an impressive roof. You can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while walking around the spacious grounds.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the large torii gate at the entrance, which is one of the largest in Hokkaido. Also, check out the Kagura-den building, where traditional Shinto music and dance performances take place during festivals.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the annual Obihiro Shrine Festival (Reitaisai), held in late July, to see the shrine come to life with food stalls, games, and various festivities.
Additionally, the autumn leaves around the shrine are particularly beautiful, so plan your visit accordingly.
5. Tokachi Hills
Tokachi Hills is a vast farm located in Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a tour of the farm and see a variety of crops being grown, including fields of flowers, vegetables, and wheat.
The farm also has a winery where you can taste some of the delicious local wines.
Don’t miss: The farm-to-table restaurant, which serves a variety of dishes made with fresh ingredients grown on the farm. Be sure to try their signature dish, the Tokachi beef steak, which is known for its high-quality and tender meat.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to visit Tokachi Hills during the summer months, when the fields are in full bloom and the weather is pleasant.
The farm is also easily accessible by car, so renting a vehicle is a good idea.
Additionally, if you plan on visiting the winery, be sure to book your tasting in advance as it tends to get crowded.
6. Obihiro City Horse Racing Track
The Obihiro City Horse Racing Track is a popular horse racing venue located in Obihiro, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can watch exciting horse races, place bets and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the track. The facility also offers a range of dining options, including Japanese and Western cuisine.
Don’t miss: The biggest event of the year, the Obihiro Horse Racing Festival, which takes place every July and attracts horse racing enthusiasts from all over Japan.
Insider travel tips:
7. Sahoro Ski Resort
Ski Resort located in Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: Ski and snowboard in powdery snow, dog sledding, backcountry tours, snowshoeing, and onsen (hot spring) relaxation.
Don’t miss: Night skiing, the panoramic view from the top of the mountain, and the Torchlight Parade (a nightly light show).
Insider travel tips: Look out for package deals that include ski passes, rental equipment, and meals. Check the snow forecast before making plans to ensure optimal skiing conditions.
For a unique experience, try the Ice Hotel located in the heart of the resort.
8. Kofuku Station
Kofuku Station is a quaint train station located in the city of Obihiro, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the well-manicured garden surrounding the station. The garden is beautifully decorated with colorful flowerbeds and a pond.
Don’t miss: The station’s unique architecture is inspired by traditional Japanese houses and is definitely worth admiring. The station also houses a small souvenir shop where you can purchase locally made crafts, snacks, and souvenirs.
Insider travel tips: If you travel during the summer, you can see beautiful seasonal flowers and plants in the garden. Additionally, the station is an excellent starting point for a scenic cycling trip, with rental shops available locally.
Don’t forget to grab a delicious soft-serve ice cream cone at the nearby dairy farm before you leave!
9. Obihiro Station
Obihiro Station is a train station located in the city of Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: At the station, you can take a ride on the Lilac Express, which is a popular tourist train that runs from Sapporo to Asahikawa.
The station building itself is also worth exploring, as it features a modern design with many restaurants and shops.
Don’t miss: If you’re visiting in the winter, don’t miss the opportunity to try the local specialty of Obihiro, the “butadon” (pork bowl).
You can find it at the station’s basement food hall.
Insider travel tips: There are plenty of souvenir shops at the station that sell locally-made products such as sweets and sake, so be sure to take a look if you’re planning on bringing home some gifts.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a place to stay, the nearby Hotel Nikko Northland Obihiro is a great option with convenient access to the station.
10. Nukabira Gensenkyo Onsen
Nukabira Gensenkyo Onsen is a hot spring resort located in the rural town of Kamishihoro in Obihiro, Hokkaido.
What to see or do: The resort offers several types of natural hot spring baths, including both indoor and outdoor ones.
Visitors can also take a dip in the foot bath and enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
The resort also has a restaurant that serves delicious local dishes.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to try out the “Jigokudaki” outdoor bath, which is fed by naturally steaming hot water and located in the middle of a forest.
It’s a unique and unforgettable experience.
Insider travel tips: Consider staying at one of the traditional Japanese-style rooms, or “ryokans” at the resort to fully immerse yourself in the Japanese cultural experience.
Also, be sure to bring a towel and some extra clothing as the sulfuric water in the baths can cause the clothes to smell like rotten eggs.
11. Obihiro City Agricultural Experiment Station
Obihiro City Agricultural Experiment Station is a public research facility that focuses on the development of agriculture.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various agricultural research activities and get an insight into the latest agricultural techniques that are being developed.
There are also various types of crops, fruits, and vegetables that visitors can observe under different growing conditions.
Don’t miss: The greenhouses where visitors can see rows of different types of tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, and melons being grown under different conditions such as different temperatures, lighting cycles, and growing mediums.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit is from May to October when most of the outdoor crops are grown.
12. Taushubetsu River Bridge
Taushubetsu River Bridge is a suspension bridge located in Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can walk on the bridge and enjoy the stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains. The bridge also offers a great vantage point to capture some amazing photographs.
Don’t miss: The view of the bridge during cherry blossom season is simply breathtaking.
Insider travel tips: Visit the bridge during the off-peak hours to avoid the crowds and have a more peaceful experience. Also, be prepared for strong winds as the bridge is exposed and can get very windy at times.
13. Ayumu Park
Ayumu Park is a spacious park located in the heart of Obihiro, Hokkaido. It’s a great place to relax and unwind in the midst of nature.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll along the park’s peaceful walking trails, while enjoying the serene surroundings. Ayumu Park is also home to an enchanting rose garden, with over 2,500 varieties of roses on display.
During the summer, visitors can enjoy a picnic on the vast lawn area.
Don’t miss: Make sure to visit the park’s observation deck, which offers stunning views of Obihiro city and the surrounding mountains. The deck can be accessed via the park’s winding hillside paths.
Insider travel tips:
14. Tokachigawa Onsen
Tokachigawa Onsen is a popular hot spring resort located in the town of Otofuke, near Obihiro in Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: The hot spring baths in Tokachigawa Onsen are the main attraction and offer a range of indoor and outdoor baths.
The town’s prime location near the Tokachi River also makes it a great spot to enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, cycling, and hiking.
Don’t miss: The Goto Sumio Museum located near the hot spring resorts offers a glimpse into the artwork and life of the Japanese artist Goto Sumio.
Also, a visit to the nearby Obihiro Zoo for animal enthusiasts is a must.
Insider travel tips: Try the popular ‘shiroi koibito’ – sweet white chocolate biscuitas that are a popular delicacy in Hokkaido.
If you visit the hot spring resort during winter, don’t miss the snow-covered hot spring experience where you can soak in warm water while being surrounded by snow.
The local river fish served in the nearby restaurants is also a must-try.
15. Kyokushin Shrine
Kyokushin Shrine is a unique shrine located in Obihiro, Japan. It is dedicated to the founder of the Kyokushin Karate style.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the shrine grounds and learn about the history of the Kyokushin Karate style. There is a museum on site displaying karate artifacts and information about the founder.
The shrine is also a popular place for martial arts practitioners to visit and pay their respects.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take a walk around the peaceful grounds of the shrine and observe the unique architecture of the shrine buildings.
The shrine also hosts karate demonstrations and festivals throughout the year, so check the schedule ahead of time to plan your visit accordingly.
Insider travel tips: The shrine is located about 30 minutes by car from central Obihiro, so it’s recommended to rent a car or join a guided tour to visit the shrine.
It’s also advisable to wear comfortable shoes as there are stairs and hills to climb on the shrine grounds. Lastly, be respectful when visiting the shrine and observe proper shrine etiquette.