From mornings filled with birdsong to nights indulging in Tokachi’s finest flavors, Tokachi is full of spots where you can step away from the city bustle and enjoy truly “elegant moments.”
For those who want to discover not only Obihiro’s famous sightseeing spots but also a few hidden local gems, the MATOKA editorial team presents our [Recommended Tokachi Travel Route]. This plan introduces a one-day trip using buses to enjoy horseback riding, sweets, and local drinks in Obihiro.
Contents
1. Obihiro Station Bus Terminal
While driving is convenient in the vast Tokachi region, driving in an unfamiliar area can feel a bit daunting.
If you’d rather “sit back and enjoy the scenery passing by the window,” traveling by bus or taxi is a great choice. It’s also perfect for a relaxed girls’ trip with plenty of time to chat.
This trip begins at the bus terminal, just a one-minute walk from the north exit of Obihiro Station. The information counter inside the building kindly helps first-time visitors find the right route and platform.
This time, we’ll take the Takushoku Bus “Shikaoi–Shintoku–Shikaribetsu Lake Line.”
*Bus schedule as of December 2025.*
Once you leave central Obihiro, fields and blue skies spread outside the window. Straight roads and endless horizons — it’s the quintessential Hokkaido scenery.
Relax and enjoy the ride as the bus heads toward your first destination — Shikaoi Town.
2. Horseback Riding (Shikaoi Riding Park)
Get off the bus at **Michi-no-Eki Urimaku**, a peaceful roadside station surrounded by meadows. Here, you can enjoy Tokachi-style activities like horseback riding and park golf. 
Today’s highlight is the horseback riding experience at Shikaoi Riding Park. Friendly staff members offer careful guidance, so even first-timers can ride with confidence.
As your perspective rises and you sway gently with the horse’s steps, you’ll feel the refreshing Tokachi breeze and take in the sweeping meadow views — a liberating experience that clears your mind.
The “one-person guided ride” course doesn’t require reservations, so you can join easily on the spot.
After your ride, it’s time to head to a cozy lunch spot nearby.
3. Little House on the Prairie
Still basking in the joy of horseback riding, head to **“Little House on the Prairie”**, a popular restaurant in Shikaoi. As the name suggests, it’s a charming log-style lodge surrounded by wide pastures. 
The warm wooden interior and calm atmosphere make it perfect for a leisurely lunch. From the window seats, you can gaze out over the open fields.
The restaurant serves a buffet-style country meal using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Each dish has a gentle, home-cooked flavor that warms both body and soul.
Lunch with a view of the ranch is something special — a relaxing moment to take a deep breath and unwind in the middle of your journey.
There’s a bus stop right in front of the restaurant for your return to Obihiro, so no worries even if you eat a bit too much. Let the gentle sway of the bus and your satisfied stomach lull you into a happy nap as you head back.
*Bus schedule as of December 2025.*
4. Obihiro Sweets (Cranberry & Totepo Kobo)
After getting off at the bus terminal, it’s time for the much-awaited sweets tour! Tokachi and Obihiro are famous for their delicious desserts, offering plenty of perfect spots for an afternoon treat. You may be full from lunch, but…
Your first stop is Cranberry, a long-established Western confectionery inside Obihiro Station, known for its giant sweet potatoes. The shop also offers takeout cakes and baked goods.
We tried their eye-catching Yomitan Soft, where rich milk and gentle sweet potato flavors melt together perfectly after a day outdoors.
With a little time to spare, open your phone and browse MATOKA, Tokachi’s travel media, which introduces photo-worthy cafés and takeout-friendly shops.
Tokachi is known as a “sweets kingdom,” blessed with ingredients essential for confectionery such as wheat, milk, sugar, and eggs. Centered around Obi...
Inspired by a shop from a MATOKA article, we hopped in a taxi and arrived at Totepo Kobo, another popular sweets spot in Obihiro. Though close to a busy road, the area is surrounded by greenery and soft natural light.
Inside, colorful cakes immediately catch your eye, but our goal is the café in the back — famous for its seasonal parfaits. Local dessert lovers eagerly await each month’s new creation.
The shop’s signature Shimaenaga Parfait features an adorable cake shaped like the tiny white bird perched on top. The ingredients inside change with the season — something to look forward to each visit!
With hearts and stomachs happily full, we headed back to the hotel for a short rest.
5. Enjoy the Night at a Snack Bar
To wrap up your journey, head to Obihiro’s lively snack bar district that lights up the night. 
Open the door, and you’ll be greeted by warm lighting and counter seating. The friendly “mama” might strike up a conversation, or a regular might share local tips — that’s the charm of Obihiro’s cozy snack bar culture.
As you enjoy local drinks and deep flavors of Tokachi, time flies by.
When you finally return to your hotel, you’ll drift into sleep still wrapped in the glow of a day well spent in Tokachi.
Make Your Tokachi Journey Even Richer with MATOKA
Horseback riding in Shikaoi, a relaxing countryside lunch, and sweet treats with fine drinks in Obihiro — this **Bus Trip Plan** offers a full day of Tokachi charm without needing a car.
MATOKA’s travel planner recommends customized sightseeing routes based on your purpose, weather, and location.
You can find detailed information about each spot in MATOKA articles — making it easy to enjoy Tokachi even more deeply.
Immerse yourself in Tokachi’s scenery, flavors, and experiences — and let MATOKA guide you to a truly unforgettable day.
