Located in the southeastern part of Hokkaido, the Tokachi and Obihiro regions are celebrated for their vast agricultural landscapes, unique culinary offerings, and serene natural beauty. Here are ten must-visit spots that highlight the best of these vibrant areas.
Tokachi Millennium Forest
- Address: Minami 10-sen, Shimizu, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 089-0356, Japan
- Business Hours: Varies between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM depending on the season
- Closed Days: Closed from October to April
- Admission Fee: ¥1,200 for adults
- Website URL: Tokachi Millennium Forest
Tokachi Millennium Forest is designed to merge sustainable practices with landscape art, creating a unique environmental project. It features various themed gardens, forested trails, and art installations that aim to foster a connection between nature and visitors. This forest is an ideal destination for those looking to engage in eco-friendly activities while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
Lake Onneto
- Address: Akan National Park, Ashoro, Tokachi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan
- Business Hours: Open 24/7
- Closed Days: N/A
- Admission Fee: Free
- Website URL: Lake Onneto
Lake Onneto is a small, jewel-like lake famed for its changing colors—varying from deep blue to turquoise depending on the angle and light. Nestled within dense forest, this serene lake offers picturesque views, making it a popular spot for nature photography and peaceful walks.
Manabe Garden
- Address: 2-6, Higashi 2-line, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-0832, Japan
- Business Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM *Shorter hours in October and November
- Closed Days: December to late April
- Admission Fee: ¥1,000 for adults
- Website URL: Manabe Garden
Manabe Garden showcases an exquisite collection of both local and exotic plants. This carefully curated botanical garden offers a tranquil retreat with beautifully landscaped paths, ponds, and seasonal flower displays. It’s a space where visitors can enjoy the art of Japanese gardening and relax in a natural setting.
Tokachi Hills
- Address: 13-5 Midorigaoka, Makubetsu, Nakagawa District, Hokkaido 089-0572, Japan
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (April to October)
- Closed Days: Closed from November to March
- Admission Fee: ¥1,000 for adults
- Website URL: Tokachi Hills
Tokachi Hills is a sprawling garden complex known for its scenic landscapes that change with the seasons. It offers a therapeutic stroll through flower fields and thematic gardens, a restaurant featuring local ingredients, and a variety of workshops, making it a cultural and culinary hub in the heart of nature.
Mikuni Pass (Mokuni Toge)
- Address: Kamishihoro, Kato District, Hokkaido 080-1407, Japan
- Business Hours: Best visited during daylight hours
- Closed Days: Closed in winter due to heavy snowfall
- Admission Fee: Free
- Website URL: Mikuni Pass
Mikuni Pass provides one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the region, offering expansive vistas of the Tokachi mountain range. The pass is particularly popular during autumn when the changing leaves create a vibrant tapestry of colors, ideal for driving tours and cycling.
Lake Nukabira and Taushubetsu River Bridge
- Address: Kamishihoro, Kato District, Hokkaido, Japan
- Business Hours: Open 24/7, although access can depend on seasonal conditions
- Closed Days: N/A
- Admission Fee: Free, but guided tours (recommended) have a fee
- Website URL: Lake Nukabira and Taushubetsu River Bridge
Lake Nukabira is an artificial lake famous for the Taushubetsu River Bridge, a historical arch bridge visible only during certain times of the year due to fluctuating water levels. This area offers excellent opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and snowshoeing in winter, alongside stunning views of the seasonal bridge.
Kofuku Station
- Address: Kofuku, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
- Business Hours: Open 24/7
- Closed Days: N/A
- Admission Fee: Free
- Website URL: Kofuku Station
Kofuku Station, often translated as “Happiness Station,” is a decommissioned train station that has become a symbol of good luck and a popular destination for couples. Visitors come to leave behind ema (wish plaques) and enjoy the quaint nostalgia of a bygone era in rail travel.
Rokka no Mori
- Address: 249-6, Tokiwa, Nakasanai-mura, Kawanishi-gun, Hokkaido, 089-1300, Japan
- Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Open only from April to October)
- Closed Days: Closed from November to April
- Admission Fee: ¥1,000 for adults
- Website URL: Rokka no Mori
Rokka no Mori is a multi-faceted cultural facility set in a vast forest. It combines a music hall known for its acoustics, art galleries, and a restaurant serving dishes made from local produce. This center provides a harmonious blend of art, music, and cuisine, all set against the backdrop of the natural beauty of the forest.
Ikeda Wine Castle
- Address: 83-4 Kiyomi, Ikeda-cho, Nakagawa-gun, Hokkaido 083-0002, Japan
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed Days: December 31, January 1
- Admission Fee: Free; charges for tastings
- Website URL: Wine Castle
Ikeda Wine Castle is a distinctive winery set in a castle-like structure that offers a unique wine-tasting experience in the heart of the region. Visitors can tour the wine-making facilities, learn about the local viticulture, and sample a variety of wines produced from locally grown grapes. The castle also features a museum dedicated to the history of wine in the area and a shop where guests can purchase their favorite bottles. This charming destination combines the romance of a European castle with the rich flavors of Japanese wine.
Akan International Crane Centre
- Address: 23-40 Akancho Akankonsen, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0467, Japan
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed Days: N/A
- Admission Fee: ¥480 for adults
- Website URL: Akan International Crane Centre
The Akan International Crane Centre is dedicated to the conservation of the Japanese crane, an iconic symbol of longevity and luck. The center provides educational exhibits on crane ecology and conservation efforts, along with viewing opportunities to see these elegant birds in their natural habitat, particularly during the feeding times which are a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts.
These ten spots in Tokachi and Obihiro showcase the region’s rich agricultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re a nature lover, food enthusiast, or cultural explorer, these destinations offer a diverse range of attractions that cater to all interests. Be sure to check the latest information from official sources or websites provided before planning your visit to ensure a fulfilling journey through this charming area of Hokkaido.
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