Summary
This time, I went on a solo trip to Obihiro city, Tokachi area in Hokkaido! Known for their agricultural richness and delectable food specialties, Tokachi area is often referred to as the “breadbasket of Hokkaido” due to its diverse crops.
Obihiro city is renowned for its delicious local dishes such as butadon (pork bowl) as well as horse racing events at the Obihiro Racecourse. These areas offer picturesque landscapes and cultural attractions, making them popular destinations for visitors to Hokkaido.
This itinerary provides details for day 1 of my trip. Make sure to continue to day 2 on another page and check out the itinerary there too✨ I hope these will be helpful for your trip planning!
*Please note that information and prices listed are subject to change.
Travel Itinerary
Tokachi-Obihiro Airport (帯広空港（とかち帯広空港）)
Obihiro and Tokachi were used as filming locations in the Japanese TV series “Natsuzora.”
From Tokyo to Obihiro takes about an hour by plane.
Spot Outline
Tokachi Obihiro Airport is located in Obihiro City, Hokkaido. This airport was used as film location for the TV series Natsuzora, and can be reached by airplane from Tokyo in about an hour. Tokachi Obihiro Airport also offers convenient access to ski resort Tomamu.
1:30pm Jingisukan Hokkaido (じんぎすかん北海道)
Once I arrived in Obihiro, my first stop is lunch! I head to a restaurant near both the racecourse and the station, known for its delicious Jingisukan, a famous local dish in Hokkaido featuring lamb meat and vegetables cooked on a hot plate. The taste was amazing, earning high praise from locals. At the entrance of the restaurant, there is a wood carving bear objects, adding to the charming ambiance.
Famous restaurant in Obihiro
The delicious smell of grilling meat wafts through the air, and the retro Showa-style restaurant is filled with the autographs of many famous people.
Limited King lamb
The signature dishes, “King Lamb” and “King Mutton,” are limited in number, so they are sometimes sold out. They are just so tender and the lamb flavor is so great that you cannot stop eating rice.
Spot Outline
Jingisukan Hokkaido, located in Obihiro City, Hokkaido, is a restaurant specializing in Jingisukan. It is located near station, and is highly regarded by locals. The restaurant is marked by a wooden carved bear.
2:30pm Obihiro Racecourse (帯広競馬場（ばんえい十勝))
I arrived at a racetrack for Banei Horse Racing, where large draft horses race on courses. The race progresses slowly as the horses powerfully climb over two obstacles while pulling heavy sleds weighing up to 400 kilograms. Visitors can run alongside the horses and cheer them on. The photo captures the obstacle, which is the highlight of the race.
Even beginners can enjoy
If you don’t know how to buy a horse ticket, don’t worry, you will be given a lecture. Find the horse you want and write it on the mark sheet.
Racecourse Map
In addition to the races, there are places to eat and interact with the horses. Many people enjoy the races, from regulars to young people and families.
Feeding experience
Visitors can also interact with draft horse, sheep, rabbits, and other animals, and even feed carrots directly to them.
Spot Outline
Obihiro Horse Racecourse (Banei Tokachi) is the world’s only Banei horse racing track located in Obihiro City, Hokkaido. Banei horse racing is a horse race in which racehorses compete for strength and speed while pulling sleds. Races are held on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. At the racecourse, you can run alongside the horses and cheer them on, especially at the obstacle points. If you visit Obihiro, please visit Banei Racecourse.
5:30pm Kita no Yatai（北の屋台）
A 5-minute walk from Obihiro Station, this spot has a variety of restaurants, including Japanese, Western, and Chinese! I’m going to have a drink here.
Map
Spot Outline
Kita no Yatai is located in Obihiro City, Hokkaido, and is home to 20 stalls with rich varieties. It is especially recommended for those who love to drink. It is a pleasure to visit several of them, but please note that many of them are closed on Sundays.
5:30pm Puchi purejiru （プチ・プレジール）
The first restaurant is a bistro in Kita no Yatai. The owner selects wines and dishes to go with them, as well as cheeses from Tokachi and Obihiro.
*This shop is currently closed.
A wide variety of wines
You can enjoy carefully selected wines from all over the world. Tell them your taste preferences and impressions and they will serve you the perfect match.
Raclette
The ripened and sweetened potatoes and cheese are a perfect match. The locals prefer to eat the potates in this way.
whelk and Tokachi Mash
Grilled whelk from Tokachi seasoned with escargot flavor and Tokachi-grown mushrooms are too good with wine. I bought some mushrooms as souvenirs.
Spot Outline
Located in Kita no Yatai, Puchi purejiru is a wine and cheese store. Known as a wine bar, you can enjoy wines selected by the sommelier owner, Western cuisine, and cheeses from Tokachi and Obihiro. Note that It is currently closed.
7:00pm Enjin（煙陣）
The second restaurant, offers smoked dishes as well as game meats that the owner himself has hunted.
Venison
The taste of fresh game meat is exceptional, with no odor, only flavor. The freshness of the accompanying wild horseradish is also a perfect match.
Smoked oyster
Large oysters! Raw oysters are good, but smoked oysters with a nice aroma are also great.
Spot Outline
The spot called Enjin is located in Kita no Yatai and offers smoked dishes and game meat cuisine. You can taste wild game meat that the owner himself has hunted. According to the reviews, the smoked dishes are exquisite and the game meat is delicious.
8:00pm Kohitsuji（琥羊）
The third restaurant is a place where you can enjoy not only lamb but also fresh local seafood and the drinks that go well with it.
Sashimi
Contrary to its scary appearance, the taste of white fish is amazing. Pairs well with either sake or shochu.
lamb
I had Jingisukan for lunch but had lamb again for dinner. It was cooked perfectly and tender, and I finished it in one bite.
Sake from Kamikawa Taisetsu Sake Brewery
Sake from the local sake brewery located in Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine. It is a delicious sake with a refreshing taste, but leaves a strong aftertaste.
Spot Outline
Located in Kita no Yatai, Kohitsuji is a restaurant serving Tokachi lamb & horse meat dishes. In addition to lamb, you can also enjoy fresh local seafood and matching alcoholic beverages.
9:00pm Daichi no Akindo （大地のあきんど）
To wrap up day 1, I visited a restaurant that gained fame through TV and other media after Japanese actress Suzu Hirose frequented it during the filming of the TV series Natsuzora. I tried her favorite menu!
Local wine “Tokappu”
This wine is produced in Tokachi Obihiro with a history of over 50 years. It had a light, easy-drinking fruity taste.
French fries
It’s hard to tell from the picture, but it was surprisingly large. It was sweet and chewy, just like a sweet potato.
Okonomiyaki with Chinese yam
This is actress Suzu Hirose’s favorite menu item. It was fluffy, light, hot and really delicious. I can see why she visited here again and again.
Spot Outline
Daichi no Akindo, located in Obihiro City, Hokkaido, is an izakaya where you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients. It is popular among tourists as well, as they can enjoy a full meal at a reasonable price.
Read More
Check out the Day 2 itinerary!
Summer Trip Itinerary to Tokachi/Obihiro
Watch the video
