When it comes to Hokkaido day trips, most people instinctively depart from Sapporo. But if you want to experience a different side of Hokkaido, Obihiro is a better starting point. Located in eastern Hokkaido, the Tokachi region is renowned for its fertile dairy farming plains and local ramen. Departing from Obihiro Station, you can complete a journey combining food, nature, and farming experiences within a single day. This area is relatively off the beaten path for Taiwanese visitors, yet it's a popular weekend getaway destination for Japanese locals—according to the Tokachi Tourism Association, domestic Japanese visitors have been growing at approximately 8% annually in recent years, indicating that the appeal of this 'Food Kingdom' is on the rise.
The highlight of Tokachi day trips lies in 'what you see is what you eat.' You can visit a dairy factory in the morning and witness how milk transforms into cheese and yogurt; at noon, taste the Obihiro tonkotsu ramen, known as the 'origin of Hokkaido ramen'; in the afternoon, stroll through the flower fields of Shikafumi-no-bara, or visit an experiential farm to get close to the animals. There's no Tokyo-style glamour here, but you'll find the most authentic Hokkaido scenery—vast grasslands, occasional windmills on farms, and the scent of hay drifting through the air. Accommodation around Obihiro Station is diverse, ranging from business hotels to hot spring lodgings. For a deeper experience, many farmhouse-stay facilities in Tokachi offer package deals combining accommodation and activities—a tourism model that blends agriculture and travel, which has received high praise in Japan in recent years.
The first stop recommends 'Obihiro Station Front Ramen Street.' This short street located in front of Obihiro Station gathers more than ten ramen shops, with 'Kappa Ramen' and 'Sajou' being the two most representative. The characteristic of Obihiro tonkotsu ramen is its rich but non-greasy broth, with a slightly sweet soy sauce—this is due to the exceptional quality of local soybeans. A bowl of ramen costs between ¥900-¥1,200, with generous portions that usually satisfy male visitors completely. It is recommended to arrive around 10 AM to avoid the lunchtime queues—ramen shops here typically open at 11 AM, and 10:30 to 11:00 is the best dining time.
The second stop recommends 'Tokachi Millennium Forest.' This expansive forest garden is located about 30 minutes southwest of Obihiro City, combining English gardens with Hokkaido's natural landscape, offering different scenery in each season. Summer (June-August) is the peak blooming season for lavender and lupines, with its carpet-like scenery selected as one of 'Hokkaido's most beautiful flower fields.' The entrance fee is ¥1,500, with discounts available for foreign passport holders. The 'Forest Library' within the park provides travel information, and the ice cream made with locally sourced Tokachi milk at the café is also worth trying. There are no overly elaborate facilities here, but that sense of tranquility in dialogue with nature is exactly Tokachi's greatest charm.
The third stop recommends 'Mori no Hikari Cheese Factory.' This cheese factory located in the suburbs of Obihiro is open for tours and offers cheese-making experiences. The factory is operated by one of Japan's few EU-certified cheese artisans, where you can witness the entire process from milk to maturation. The factory offers 30-minute English guided tours daily at 2 PM (advance reservation required), with an experience fee of ¥2,500 including a piece of handmade cheese to take home. The factory-direct store's Tokachi cheddar and brie cheeses are of excellent quality, priced at ¥800-¥3,000, making them high value-for-money choices for gifting or personal use. This transparent 'from farm to table' experience is an important trend in Japanese food tourism in recent years.
The fourth stop recommends 'Shikarabetsu Lakeside Hot Spring.' If your energy permits, you can head to Shikarabetsu Lake on the east side of Obihiro City in the afternoon, where 'Shikarabetsu Lakeside Hot Spring' is a famous hidden hot spring in Hokkaido. The hot spring is located on the hillside by the lake, allowing you to soak while enjoying the lake and mountain scenery, with particularly stunning views at sunset. A single visit costs ¥600, with operating hours from 10:00 to 21:00. This is not an elaborate hot spring hotel, but a public bathhouse preserving the original Hokkaido atmosphere. It is recommended to bring your own towel.
In terms of practical information, from New Chitose Airport to Obihiro, you can take the JR 'Super Ozora' express train, taking approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes direct, with a fare of ¥4,860. Alternatively, you can choose highway buses, taking about 2 hours and 40 minutes, costing ¥3,500 but with fewer departures. Obihiro City does not have a subway, relying mainly on buses or taxis. It is recommended to purchase the 'Tokachi MAP' day pass (¥1,500), which allows unlimited rides on city buses. If driving, the distance from Obihiro to various attractions is within 30 minutes. Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore Tokachi—both New Chitose Airport and Obihiro Airport have car rental counters, and advance booking is recommended.
A few reminders: First, restaurants in Tokachi generally close early. Ramen street shops mostly close at 20:30. If you want dinner, be sure to set out early. Second, the weather here changes frequently. Even in summer, it is recommended to bring a light jacket. Tokachi is a region with less rainfall in Hokkaido, but occasional afternoon thunderstorms occur. Third, many farm experiences in Tokachi require advance reservations, especially for the cheese factory and farms. It is recommended to call and confirm your itinerary on the day you arrive in Obihiro. Obihiro is not the kind of destination that makes you say 'Wow' at first glance, but it is the kind of place that makes you want to stay and savor slowly—this is exactly its biggest difference from the Sapporo area.
