What kinds of places draw people in when they travel to Obihiro, and what experiences do they enjoy? This year, the MATOKA editorial team surveyed international travelers who visited Obihiro. What we discovered was a strong interest in Tokachi’s signature charms—like gourmet food and hot springs—as well as a candid comment we heard often: “I’m not sure what to do at night.”
Based on these “traveler’s-eye” survey results, we present Obihiro’s BEST 10 sightseeing spots! We carefully chose experiences visitors said stayed with them, along with places our editors felt are “definitely worth a visit.” Let’s get started!
Each year, the number of foreign tourists visiting Tokachi continues to grow. This time, based on surveys of foreign visitors who actually traveled in...
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1. Hot Springs
One thing that surprises nearly everyone who comes to Obihiro is the abundance of hot springs you can enjoy all around the city. The brown “Moor Onsen,” rich in plant-derived organic matter, is globally rare and well known among hot-spring lovers.
It’s also famous as a “beauty bath,” drawing people from far and wide in search of that silky-smooth feeling on the skin. As you sink into the water, a rich, velvety softness wraps around you—and even after you get out, your skin stays moisturized and smooth.
Because there aren’t many tall buildings nearby, Obihiro also has plenty of hot springs where you can enjoy open-air baths. Steam rises softly, mingles with Tokachi’s clean air, and fades away—soothing not just your body, but your mind as well. Perhaps that is why visitors from overseas keep coming back: they’ve been captivated by the charm of Moor Onsen.
北海道の温泉でおすすめは？と聞かれれば「モール温泉」と答えます。世界広しといえども十勝とドイツにしかない、琥珀色の美しい湯は「美人の湯」と呼ばれ、北海道遺産にも選ばれていました。
Recommended hot spring in Obihiro: Fukui Hotel
Just a short walk from Obihiro Station, you’ll find a hot spring where you can enjoy high-quality free-flowing natural hot spring water. It’s called “Fukui Hotel.”
Despite being right in the city center, the hot spring quality is excellent. The gentle light reflecting on the water and the drifting steam help melt away travel fatigue. Many guests even come specifically for this hot spring.
In fact, the morning bath at Fukui Hotel is also highly recommended. If you soak in the early hours, the warmth of the water gradually sinks into your still-sleepy body, quietly setting the tone for the day ahead. It’s a perfect stop during your trip—and a great way to experience Obihiro’s “hot-spring culture,” too.
Just a one-minute walk from the south exit of Obihiro Station, Fukui Hotel is renowned for the superb quality of its moor hot spring. It is chosen by ...
【information│Contact】
Address: 19, Minami 11-chome, Nishi 1-jo, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-0011
Check-in: 15:00 (Last check-in: 25:00)
Check-out: 10:00
Number of rooms: 101 rooms total
Hot spring hours: 15:00–10:00 the next morning
Day-use hot spring: Adults 1,500 yen (tax included) / Hours: 6:00–10:00, 15:00–23:00
*Includes towel and bath towel
Parking: 52 spaces total
Official website
2. Banei Horse Racing
“Banei horse racing” is one of Obihiro’s most important sightseeing and entertainment highlights. Massive horses weighing nearly a ton charge forward on a sand track while pulling heavy iron sleds—at the Banei Racecourse, you can watch these breathtaking, nail-biting races up close.
Banei has a unique charm and romance unlike conventional horse racing that simply competes for speed. When you watch horses and jockeys strain together to crest the hill, you’ll find your own body tensing up as you cheer them on.
More than just wins and losses, it’s the entire journey to the finish—paired with passionate cheers—that has produced countless dramatic moments in Banei racing. It’s an experience you can only have in Obihiro.
Banei Horse Racing is a one-of-a-kind sport where massive draft horses pull one-ton iron sleds across the snow-covered lands of Tokachi. The 200-meter...
The adjacent “Tokachimura” is also highly recommended
“Tokachimura,” located next to the Banei Racecourse, is a popular spot where you can shop for local specialties and fresh vegetables and enjoy Tokachi gourmet food. It’s perfect to drop by before or after the races—and many people visit specifically for Tokachimura, too.
After enjoying the race’s intensity, take a breather with a warm meal. Even as you shop and dine, the sound of hooves and bursts of cheering from outside remind you this is truly a “racecourse town.” If you want a high-impact sightseeing experience, this is the place: a space where you can see, eat, and learn all in one.
【information│Contact】
Address: Minami 9-chome, Nishi 13-jo, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-0023
Phone: 0155-34-0825
Hours: On race days 10:00 until the final race ends (varies by season)
Closed: Tuesdays and non-race days
Parking: Approx. 400 spaces (free)
Access: 7 minutes by car from JR Obihiro Station / Get off at Tokachi Bus “Obihiro Keibajo-mae” stop
Email: info@banei-keiba.or.jp
Official website
■Tokachimura
Hours: Varies by shop
Closed: Irregular
Official website
3. Obihiro Zoo
About a 10-minute drive from central Obihiro, inside Midorigaoka Park surrounded by greenery, you’ll find Obihiro Zoo—where animals live peacefully and at ease.
With the second-longest history of any zoo in Hokkaido, Obihiro Zoo brings together a lineup of “Hokkaido-only” wildlife, including Ezo deer, Ezo squirrels, Ezo mountain hares, and Ezo flying squirrels. Bright flamingos, adorable seals, and tall giraffes with an elegant presence are also hugely popular.
From international family travelers to local moms—this guide is for all animal lovers. Located in Midorigaoka Park in Obihiro City, Obihiro Zoo is a “...
The zoo grounds are designed so you can observe animals’ natural behaviors as-is, making full use of dense trees and the park’s terrain. With plenty of benches and areas where you can spread out a mat and rest, it’s a real pleasure to take your time observing under dappled sunlight.
After enjoying animal encounters, have a little fun on nostalgic playground equipment. It’s a place everyone can enjoy—whether you’re traveling with small children, visiting with friends, or exploring across generations.
★Open in winter too (weekends and holidays only)!
The winter opening of Obihiro Zoo is back again this year!This year, it will be open on weekends and holidays from December 6, 2024 (Sat) to February ...
【information│Contact】
Address: 2 Midorigaoka, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-0846
Phone: 0155-24-2437
Hours: Summer 9:00–16:30 (Oct 1–Nov 3: 9:30–16:00) / Winter (Sat/Sun/holidays) 11:00–14:00
Closed: Weekdays Dec–Feb, March–late April, early Nov–Nov 30
Parking: Main gate 80 spaces / South gate 150 spaces / Additional temporary parking available
Email: zoo@city.obihiro.hokkaido.jp
SNS:X・Instagram
Official website
4. Manabe Garden
Located on the outskirts of Obihiro, Manabe Garden is a garden cultivated over more than 60 years, nurturing trees from around the world while making full use of Tokachi’s natural environment. Across its roughly 25,000-tsubo grounds, a Japanese garden, a Western-style garden, and a landscape garden flow gently into one another—revealing new expressions with every step.
Take photos in nature, sit on a bench and listen to the wind, or simply enjoy doing nothing—this is a Tokachi-style travel pleasure we especially hope those tired of city bustle will experience.
In between city strolls and gourmet stops, let yourself sink into nature for a little while. Why not spend a wonderful time in this garden that helps set a relaxed rhythm for your trip?
*Closed from December through April.
15 minutes by car from central Obihiro. The moment you pass through the gate, an Ezo squirrel’s tail flicks softly and the tips of conifers fade into ...
【information│Contact】
Address: 6, Higashi 2-sen, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido
TEL: 0155-48-2120
Open season: Late April–early November / 8:30–17:30 (Last entry 17:00) *Shorter hours in Oct and Nov
Admission: Adults 1,000 yen / Elementary & junior high students 200 yen
(Group & disability discounts, annual pass available)
Closed: December–late April
SNS:Instagram・facebook
Official website
5. Butadon (Pork Rice Bowl)
When talking about Obihiro, you simply can’t leave out “Butadon” (pork rice bowl). The savory aroma, the juicy umami that wells up from the meat, and the sweet-and-salty sauce that clings to the rice in perfect harmony—butadon lets you savor both Tokachi’s rich ingredients and a simple yet powerful flavor all at once.
It began as a local food culture rooted in the Tokachi region, but today it’s widely named as a “must-eat gourmet” for visitors. The flavor is approachable and familiar, yet never simplistic—its depth captivates everyone who tries it.
Try shoveling down that pork soaked with the sauce’s sweetness and smokiness, together with rice, without overthinking it. Your daily fatigue and worries will be blown away. And before you know it, you’ll be thinking you might want to live in Tokachi—where butadon is always close at hand.
“Aren’t all pork bowls kind of the same?” — If you’ve ever thought that, think again. In Obihiro, butadon isn’t just another rice bowl—it’s a culinary...
Recommended butadon in Obihiro: “Ganso Butadon no Panchou”
Beloved by many as a long-established Obihiro institution, “Ganso Butadon no Panchou.” The line that forms before opening is an everyday scene near Obihiro Station.
At Panchou, you can enjoy a traditional butadon where the aroma of charcoal grilling and the sweet-salty sauce intertwine. One bite and the tender pork’s umami and the sauce’s richness melt into the rice—instantly recharging both heart and stomach with happiness.
Its unbeatable station-front location also makes it easy to fit into your travel plans. When you come to Obihiro, start with butadon. Enjoy a truly special dish you can only taste here.
【information│Contact】
Address: Minami 11-chome, Nishi 1-jo, Obihiro, Hokkaido (MAP)
Phone: 0155-22-1974
Hours: 11:00–19:00
Closed: Mondays; 1st & 3rd Tuesdays (Open on holidays; closed the following day; also closed around consecutive holidays)
Parking: None
Official website
6. Jingisukan (Hokkaido-Style Lamb BBQ)
If you’re traveling in Hokkaido, one dish you should absolutely try is “Jingisukan.” Cooked on a special iron skillet, this style has been loved in Hokkaido for generations.
Obihiro’s Jingisukan is especially appealing because you can truly taste the ingredients themselves. The aroma of charcoal rises softly, and the sizzling sound whets your appetite.
Gathering around the grill with friends or family feels like sitting at a “Hokkaido dining table.” Laughter and conversation naturally flow, and those happy moments become memories of your trip. The deep flavor of lamb with a pleasant bounce, coated in sauce and aromatics—take one bite and you’ll understand.
If you're visiting Hokkaido, one dish you absolutely must try during your stay is "Jingisukan" (grilled lamb). Interestingly, Jingisukan varies by reg...
Recommended yakiniku in Obihiro: Heiwaen Main Store
A yakiniku restaurant loved in Obihiro for many years: “Yakiniku Heiwaen Main Store.” You can enjoy a wide variety of fresh, flavorful grilled meats. Many people make a point of coming here every time they return home—even after leaving Tokachi.
Jingisukan in particular is known for the lamb’s tenderness and savory aroma. The more you chew, the more the umami gently spreads—perfect with rice or salad. Seasoned to be approachable even for first-timers, it still delivers that satisfying “treat” feeling you want on a trip.
It would be a shame to leave Obihiro without trying Jingisukan. Be sure to taste Heiwaen’s lamb, beloved by locals.
【information│Contact】
Address: 1, Minami 12-chome, Odori, Obihiro
Phone: 0155-22-6151
Hours: 11:00–23:00 (L.O. 10:40)
Closed: Thursdays (Open if the next day after a holiday), year-end and New Year holidays
Parking: Available
Official website
7. Indian Curry
Among Obihiro’s food culture, one dish enjoys particularly deep-rooted popularity: “Indian Curry.” Curry may be a staple at the dinner table, but in Obihiro, Indian Curry plays a dual role—both as a “filling gourmet treat” for visitors and as a reliable go-to that helps locals get through their meal planning.
The roux feels light and smooth, yet carries a rich, toasty depth—easy on the palate, but deeply satisfying. The moment you bring it to your mouth, a layered aroma from careful simmering spreads through the back of your nose.
The classic choice is the “Indian Curry,” packed with tender beef, but if you select the spice level and roux type, the possibilities are endless. You’re sure to find a bowl that suits your tastes, so even first-timers can enjoy it with confidence.
Why did a “home-style flavor” found anywhere in Japan become an Obihiro specialty? Try it once and you’ll understand. If you’re lucky, you might even spot locals bringing their own pots for takeout.
【information│Contact】
Address: 1-1, Minami 10-chome, Nishi 2-jo, Obihiro, Hokkaido
Phone: 0155-20-1818
Hours: 10:00–21:00 (L.O. 20:45)
Closed: December 31 and January 1
Official website
8. Soft-Serve Ice Cream
When you’re traveling in Tokachi, there are moments when you suddenly crave something sweet. And that’s when your hand naturally reaches for soft-serve made with Hokkaido Tokachi milk.
In Tokachi, where dairy farming thrives, the milk itself is wonderfully rich. Soft-serve here doesn’t rely on excessive sweetness—it wins you over with deep milky richness and a clean, light finish. It’s easy to enjoy after a meal or during a stroll, without any fuss.
Its smooth look, cool mouthfeel, and the gentle milkiness that spreads from the very first bite will softly melt your heart, too. Tokachi and Obihiro have many places serving ice cream, so a soft-serve crawl is highly recommended.
Recommended soft-serve in Obihiro: Cranberry
“Cranberry” is a long-loved patisserie in central Obihiro. A familiar name for locals, it’s also a popular, time-tested sweets shop for first-time visitors.
Cranberry’s soft-serve is known for its smooth melt-in-your-mouth texture, letting you fully taste Tokachi milk’s flavor. It hits rich the moment it touches your tongue, yet the aftertaste turns clean and light—before you realize it, you’ve happily finished it all.
Soft-serve enjoyed during a city walk—pausing for a moment to savor it. That time, eating while feeling the outdoor air, becomes one of your trip’s precious scenes. Because it’s a shop loved for so long, it offers a dependable, unchanging taste—be sure to try it.
【information│Contact】
Address: Minami 29-chome, Nishi 9-jo, Obihiro, Hokkaido
Phone: 0155-49-3670
Hours: 9:00–20:00
Official website
9. Ramen
If you love ramen, you’re probably always drawn to ramen signs—even when you’re traveling. Hokkaido may be strongly associated with Sapporo miso ramen, but Obihiro is actually a fiercely competitive ramen town, too. You’ll be surprised by the high level often summed up as, “There are no bad picks in Obihiro ramen.”
Because you can eat it anywhere in Japan, ramen is a gourmet food that lets you feel “what that town is like.” Obihiro has plenty of proud local specialties, but why not add ramen to your travel plans as well?
Check the following article for an Obihiro ramen crawl!
帯広ラーメンの美味しさをもっと伝えるため、帯広のラーメン店を食べ歩きます。ランキングではありません。なぜなら、帯広ラーメンの味は千差万別。味噌、塩、醤油の人気店がひしめき、豚骨ベース、魚介ベースといった出汁も様々。お店によっていろいろなバリエーションが楽しめる地域が帯広なんです。そんな帯広ラーメン店を一挙ご紹介していきます。今回の更新（2025年7月10日）で1店舗が追加。合計45店舗となりました。食べ歩きはまだまだ続きます。
Recommended ramen in Obihiro: Ramen Houryu Obihiro Odori Branch
“Ramen Houryu Obihiro Odori Branch” is a place where you can casually enjoy the familiar Houryu taste, loved across Hokkaido, right in central Obihiro.
The savory aroma of the soup rises beyond the steam. One sip and the rich umami of miso spreads through you—warming you not only in cold seasons, but also when your body feels a little tired. With a great balance of noodles and soup, it’s satisfying all the way to the last bite.
The interior is welcoming and easy to enter, whether you’re alone or with friends. It’s a reliable spot where you can confidently find “a bowl that won’t disappoint” during sightseeing breaks—or as the perfect finish to an evening stroll.
【information│Contact】
Address: 11, Minami 27-chome, Odori, Obihiro, Hokkaido
Phone: 0155-25-6488
Hours: 11:00–21:00
Closed: Tuesdays (If a holiday, closed the following day)
Parking: Available
Official website
10. Food Stalls & Snack Bars
As the sun sets behind distant mountains and city lights begin to glow, Obihiro’s night starts to reveal a different face from the daytime. One thing we often hear from international travelers is a simple concern: “I don’t know where to go at night.” For those visitors, we strongly recommend enjoying Obihiro’s food stalls and snack bars.
Across the counter, the distance feels close, and you can naturally see what’s happening inside from outside the shop. Even if it’s your first time, it’s easy to step in. Even if you don’t share a language perfectly, smiles and gestures create conversation. People enjoying a quiet drink, locals dropping in after work, travelers who bravely opened the door mid-journey—these different moments gently intersect. That is the charm of Obihiro at night.
As night falls, Obihiro reveals a softer, more mellow side than it does by day. Here, a deeply rooted “nighttime economy” enriches your evening travel...
Kita no Yatai (North Food Stall Village)
A relaxing spot that symbolizes Obihiro nightlife: “Kita no Yatai.” Located just a short distance from Obihiro Station, this row of food stalls gathers many small, distinctive shops where you can casually enjoy both food and drinks.
Step under the noren curtain and you’ll feel instantly closer to the owner—and conversations with the person next to you may naturally begin. The food-stall space itself functions like a device that connects people. Hop from stall to stall and gradually settle into the rhythm of Obihiro at night—this is a style of enjoyment unique to Kita no Yatai.
After a day of travel, you’ll find yourself liking Obihiro even more—Kita no Yatai is the kind of place that leaves you with that lingering warmth.
【information│Contact】
Address: 7, Minami 10-chome, Nishi 1-jo, Obihiro, Hokkaido
Phone: 0155-23-8194
Hours: Varies by shop *See the website for details
Closed: Varies by shop *See the website for details
Access: 5 minutes on foot from JR Obihiro Station
Official website
If It’s Recommended by Travelers, You Can’t Go Wrong!
What we learned from our survey of international travelers who visited Obihiro is that “hot springs,” “gourmet food,” and “nighttime” play a major role in overall satisfaction with an Obihiro trip.
The spots we introduced are places that truly attract travelers’ interest—and places our editorial team can confidently vouch for as “no doubt about it.” Even if it’s your first time in Obihiro, when you’re not sure where to go, this list should give you helpful hints.
If there’s a place that catches your eye, start with one step. Here at MATOKA, we’ll continue sharing the charm of Tokachi and Obihiro by valuing both the traveler’s perspective and the local perspective. Stay tuned for more to come!
