Things To Do
in Obihiro
Obihiro is a city located in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. It is known for its vast agricultural lands and delicious food products such as wagyu beef and sweets made from local dairy products. The city hosts an annual ice festival that attracts visitors from all over the country to admire its intricate ice sculptures.
Obihiro is also home to a number of hot springs, providing a relaxing retreat for locals and tourists alike.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $60 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $8 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Tokachi Hills, where you can enjoy scenic views and fresh air. Don’t forget to take photos of the beautiful landscapes.
For lunch, visit a local café and try the famous Obihiro pork bowl. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Obihiro Flower Park, admiring seasonal blooms.
Wrap up your evening by dining at a local izakaya, tasting traditional Japanese dishes. If you have time, check out the night market for local crafts and snacks.
Visit the Obihiro Zoo to see native and exotic animals. Participate in any available feeding sessions for a unique experience.
Have lunch at the zoo’s café and then explore the surrounding forest trails for a chance to spot local wildlife. Take advantage of the natural beauty surrounding the zoo.
Dine at a family restaurant and enjoy Japanese-style set meals. After dinner, head to a nearby park for a tranquil evening walk.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural landscapes, including mountains and rivers
- Rich agricultural area known for delicious local produce, especially dairy and meat
- Cultural experiences, including traditional Onsen (hot springs) and local festivals
- Good quality of life with low crime rates and a friendly community
- Proximity to outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and hot air ballooning
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities
- Potential language barrier as English is not widely spoken
- Job opportunities may be limited, especially for non-Japanese speakers
- Fewer entertainment and shopping options than major urban centers
- Harsh winters with heavy snowfall may not be appealing to everyone
Best Activities in Obihiro
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A beautiful nature park offering various outdoor activities such as walking trails, cycling, and picnic spots.
Explore the zoo for a fun outdoor experience and see various animals in their natural habitat.
Visit the museum and enjoy the outdoor spaces surrounding it, including gardens and outdoor exhibits.
Places to Visit in Obihiro
Visit one of these nice places.
Midorigaoka Park offers beautiful panoramic views of Obihiro and the Tokachi plain, making it a popular spot for photography and enjoying the cityscape.
Obihiro Shrine not only provides a cultural experience but also offers picturesque surroundings for photography, especially during traditional festivals and events.
Manabe Garden features a stunning array of flowers and greenery, creating a scenic backdrop for capturing the beauty of nature through photography.
Food in Obihiro
Obihiro Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular dish featuring slices of tender pork served on a bowl of rice, often topped with a savory sauce. One of the best places to try Butadon is at Obihiro's Butadon-no-Mise restaurant.
Must-Try!
This iconic Hokkaido dish comprises of grilled lamb or mutton with a special sauce, typically enjoyed at Genghis Khan restaurants like Daruma, which is famed for its flavorful Genghis Khan cuisine.
Zangi refers to Hokkaido-style deep-fried chicken. For a mouthwatering Zangi experience, head to Yayoiken or other local eateries specializing in this crispy delight.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can savor fresh seafood, confectionery, and local delicacies like Higashimokoto potatoes and Tokachi wine. Don't miss the chance to sample street food such as yakitori skewers and grilled seafood.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Obihiro, Japan, it is important to show respect for elders by using polite language, bowing, and deferring to their opinions.
Punctuality is highly valued in Obihiro, Japan, so it's important to arrive on time for appointments and social gatherings.
It's important to be mindful of noise levels and to avoid speaking loudly or causing disturbances in public spaces in Obihiro, Japan.
Safety
Tipping in Obihiro
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Japan, including in Obihiro. It is generally not expected or required to tip at restaurants, hotels, or for services. Exceptional service may be acknowledged with a thank-you or a small token of appreciation, but tipping in the Western sense is not customary.
Payment in Obihiro, Japan, is predominantly done through cash, although credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted, especially at larger hotels and restaurants. It's advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. Contactless payments and electronic money systems like Suica or Pasmo cards are also commonly used for public transportation and some purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Obihiro to see cherry blossoms in bloom, mild temperatures, and the annual Tokachi cherry blossom festival in April.
Ideal for summer festivals, warm temperatures, and activities like visiting the Obihiro Zoo and exploring the surrounding nature.
Great for autumn foliage viewing, particularly around late September to mid-October, and for enjoying local food festivals.
Perfect for experiencing snow and enjoying winter sports, as well as attending the Obihiro ice festival which usually takes place in late January.
Obihiro at Night
Hiking in Obihiro
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful and serene hiking trail around a picturesque lake surrounded by lush forests and breathtaking mountain views.
Japan's largest national park featuring numerous hiking trails, offering stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the chance to climb Japan's tallest peak, Mount Asahi.
An iconic active volcano with various hiking routes leading to magnificent views of the surrounding area and a chance to see hot springs.
Known for its extensive marshlands, this park features trails that showcase its unique ecosystem and offers scenic views of marshes and wildlife.
A lesser-known trail that follows the river, encountering diverse flora and fauna along the way, ideal for a peaceful hike.
Aiports
How to reach Obihiro by plane.
The largest airport in Hokkaido, located approximately 120 kilometers from Obihiro. It serves as a major gateway for international and domestic flights.
Located about 90 kilometers from Obihiro, this airport serves domestic flights and the occasional international charter.
Situated around 150 kilometers from Obihiro, it offers domestic flights primarily, with some seasonal international services.
Located approximately 200 kilometers away, this airport serves both domestic and limited international flights.
About 370 kilometers from Obihiro, it is an important regional airport serving both international and domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group, including locals and those with Japanese nationality.
Indigenous people of Japan, with a small community presence in Hokkaido.
Includes a mix of expatriates and immigrants from various countries, predominantly from East Asia.
A smaller community living in Japan, some are long-term residents and others are recent migrants.
A growing population of Chinese students and professionals residing in the area.
Includes various minority groups from Southeast Asia and other regions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is a very popular sport in Obihiro, with local teams and a strong community following. The city has a rich baseball culture and often hosts high school and amateur games.
Soccer has gained popularity in Obihiro, with various youth leagues and clubs promoting the sport. The city's facilities support both recreational and competitive play.
Ice hockey is another popular sport in Obihiro, featuring local teams and ice rinks that promote youth engagement in the sport, especially during the winter months.
Tennis is a widely played sport in Obihiro, with several public courts and community tournaments that encourage residents of all ages to participate.
Track and field events are popular in Obihiro, particularly in schools where students participate in various competitions throughout the year.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Obihiro.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While vegetarian and vegan options may be limited in traditional restaurants, modern cafes like Petit Merveille offer plant-based dishes and beverages. Additionally, communicating specific dietary preferences clearly to the staff can often lead to accommodating meals.
Finding exclusively gluten-free establishments can be challenging, but certain restaurants like Kitchen Juneberry provide gluten-free dishes, and sushi restaurants can offer sashimi dishes that are free from gluten-containing ingredients.