Obihiro occupies the central part of the Tokachi Plain along the middle reaches of the Tokachi-gawa River in the southeastern part of Hokkaido, and is the region’s center of politics, economics and logistics.
The city center is divided into sections like a checkerboard, which imitates the layout of Washington, D.C. in the United States, so it is therefore very easy to get around even if you are very new to the city.
The magnificent Midori-ga-oka-koen Park and Suiko-en Garden, which are located one kilometer from the city center, are proud of their 50 hectares of green area. The Obihiro Centennial Memorial Hall in the park was built in 1982 and contains many references to and much information about Obihiro’s history. Wildlife habitats that symbolize the nature of Tokachi are also on display there. There is also a memorial museum near the park dedicated to Naomi Uemura – the great mountaineer. In summer, an idyllic view is created when some 1,500 cows are put out to pasture at the Yachiyo Public Farm.
Lake Shikaribetsu-ko is another place for you to visit. This beautiful lake is situated at the southeastern tip of Taisetsu-zan National Park and is surrounded by a primeval forest of white fir and spruce trees. Canoeing and hot-air ballooning can be enjoyed on the southwestern side of Lake Shikaribetsu-ko.
The Tokachi-onsen Hot Spring is an ideal place for you to relax. It is famous for its high quality spring water – very smooth to the skin, which bubbles out of the center of Tokachi Plain. It is a very popular spa resort that links the scenic Taisetsu and Akan areas.
Getting Here
From Tokyo:
[Air] 1h 35 min from Haneda to Obihiro Airport, and 40 min from the airport to Obihiro Station by bus.
