Nice to meet you! Tokachi Tourism Federation. We are pleased to share highlights from Tokachi, Hokkaido, a region blessed with vast landscapes and stunning nature. First, here is some basic information about Tokachi. Tokachi comprises 19 municipalities, centered on Obihiro City. "The 19 municipalities of Tokachi" Obihiro City, Otofukecho, Shihorocho, Kamishihoro Town, Shikaoicho, Shintoku Town, Shimizucho, Memuro Town, Nakasatsunaimura, Sarabetsumura, Taiki Town, Hirocho, Makubetsu, Ikeda Town, Toyokorocho, Hombetsucho, Ashorocho, Rikubetsucho, Urahorocho The name Tokachi comes from the Ainu word Tokapchi, which referred to the Tokachi River. Tokachi has a continental climate, so spring and summer temperatures are relatively high for Hokkaido. Winters can drop to around minus 30 degrees Celsius, but the region sees less snow and many sunny days. The main way to access Tokachi is by air via Tokachi Obihiro Airport. Flights from HanedaKuukou take about 1.5 hours, and from Nagoya Chubu about 1 hour 45 minutes. By train, the fastest trip from Sapporo to JR Obihiro Station takes about 2 hours 24 minutes. Tokachi is a treasure trove of nature, with each of its 19 municipalities offering diverse attractions where you can enjoy beautiful scenery and wildlife. In this post we introduce some of the area's popular sightseeing spots. Banei Tokachi (Obihiro Racecourse) in Obihiro City is the only racecourse in the world that hosts ban’ei horse racing, where horses pull heavy sleds. Ban’ei races test strength, speed, and endurance. The dramatic sight of horses running a 200-meter course is a must-see. The racecourse also has a petting zoo where visitors can meet ponies and rabbits; it is open even on non-race days. Next is Tokachi Hills in Makubetsu. This hilltop complex blends nature and gardens with a focus on agriculture and food. You can enjoy themed gardens filled with roses, herbs, and other flowers year-round. The garden café serves unique dishes you can only find here, such as sandwiches made with the world’s only heritage edible pork, Mangalitsa. Nearby attractions around Tokachi Hills include Kofuku Station, about 20 minutes by car. Kofuku Station, famous in the 1970s for the slogan "From the Land of Love to Happiness," remains a popular lovers’ shrine where couples wish for happiness. From late April to the end of November, the Kofuku Station Happy Ceremony offers a mock wedding experience. Aikoku Station, which sparked a similar boom, is about 15 minutes by car from Kofuku Station. It now serves as the Traffic Memorial Museum, and the "Happiness-bound" ticket monument in front of the station building is a recommended photo spot. Tokachigawa Onsen, about 25 minutes by car from Tokachi Hills, sits on the banks of the Tokachi River. The area’s moor hot springs, selected as a Hokkaido heritage, are rare plant-derived baths in Japan. Moor springs are said to help with neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, chronic gynecological conditions, and poor circulation. Some nearby hotels offer day-use bathing. Soak in the hot springs surrounded by beautiful nature to relieve daily fatigue. The Tokachi area has 15 roadside stations that offer local specialties, gourmet food, and tourist information (as of July 2023). Roadside Station Ashoro Ginga Hall 21 in Ashorocho was renovated from a railway station in 2011 and still retains railway atmosphere. The shop and bakery sell products made with the town’s specialty, the exceptionally large rawan-buki butterbur, and the restaurant offers local treats such as rawan-buki soft serve. Don’t miss the local specialty butadon available at Kumanoko Regional Exchange Product Center Store. Roadside stations let you enjoy regional foods and specialties unique to each area. Please stop by for memories of your trip. Next, we introduce spots where you can experience Hokkaido’s vast nature. Lake Onneto, one of Hokkaido’s three hidden lakes, lies at the western edge of Akan-Mashu National Park. The lake changes color by season and time of day, earning it the nickname "Goshikinuma" or Five-Color Pond. An observation deck with views of MtMeakan and Mount Akanfuji is a recommended viewpoint. In Kamishihoro Town, the Taushubetsu River Bridge at Lake Nukabira is a 130-meter concrete arch bridge built in 1937. About 60 arch bridges of various sizes once formed part of the Japanese National Railways Shihoro Line and are preserved as modern industrial heritage. In spring, melting snow raises the water level so the arches reflect on the surface, earning it the nickname "Megane Bridge" or Spectacle Bridge. Mikuni Pass in Daisetsuzan National Park (Kamishihoro Town) sits at 1,139 meters and is the highest pass in Hokkaido. You will be captivated by the sea of fresh green trees in spring and vivid autumn leaves. At the summit, Mikuni Pass Cafe is popular for its carefully prepared hand-drip coffee made from its own roasted beans. Finally, Tokachi Ranch in Otofukecho covers a vast area of 4,092 hectares. The ranch raises Dosanko horses, sheep, and cattle. A popular spot is the roughly 1.3-kilometer birch tree avenue that stretches from the ranch entrance. Tokachi hosts events throughout the year. The Tokachi Port Festival’s Tokachi Port Sea Fireworks Festival in Hirocho is the only harbor fireworks display in the Tokachi region. Underwater fireworks that spread across the sea surface are a highlight. The 2023 event was scheduled for August 5. The summer Obihiro Heigen Matsuri, autumn Obihiro Chrysanthemum Festival, and winter Obihiro Ice Festival are known as the three major Obihiro festivals. The Kachimai Fireworks Festival held on the Tokachigawa Riverbed is noted for its highly entertaining program. Enjoy a fireworks show woven together with music and lighting. The 2023 event was scheduled for August 13. Tokachi, Hokkaido, is a region rich in vast nature, gourmet food, hot springs, and attractions that blend harmoniously. We will continue to share more Tokachi sightseeing spots, events, and gourmet information that we could not cover in this post! Please look forward to future updates!