The morning begins with the sound of birds singing, and the night ends savoring Tokachi’s finest cuisine. Tokachi is full of spots where you can step away from the bustle of the city and enjoy a truly “elegant time.”
For those who want to discover not only Obihiro’s famous tourist attractions but also a few hidden local gems, the MATOKA editorial team presents our **[Recommended Tokachi Travel Route]**.
This time, we’ll introduce a plan that lets you leisurely stroll through **Manabe Garden**, relax in **Tokachigawa’s Moor Hot Springs**, and finish your day with **fine local cuisine** — the perfect itinerary for those who want it all.
Contents
1. Departing from Obihiro Station
Your Tokachi journey begins at Obihiro Station. Take a seat on a bench in front of the station, coffee in hand, and double-check your itinerary.
While browsing events on MATOKA, you might even find a **local market** along your route!
MATOKA’s event search displays events happening that day directly on a map.
After renting a car from one of the shops near the station, it’s time to hit the road.
Even if you take a wrong turn, don’t worry — Obihiro’s streets are laid out in a grid, so it’s easy to get back on track.
The next spot is about a 15-minute drive away. Enjoy the scenery of the city as you make your way there in no time.
See the full list of rental car options here.
2. Manabe Garden
Your next destination is **Manabe Garden**, located on the outskirts of Obihiro. It’s Japan’s first garden to feature a **conifer garden**, and it’s beloved by both gardening enthusiasts and those who simply enjoy walking through nature.
Follow the large sign along the road to the parking lot. After checking in at the entrance, start your stroll along the recommended walking route.
The garden is divided into three zones — a **European-style formal garden**, a **natural forest garden**, and a **Japanese garden** with ponds and bridges — all seamlessly connected, offering a shifting atmosphere as you walk.
Winding paths dappled with sunlight, tree-lined avenues with gentle breezes, and moss-covered stone steps — the scenery invites you to stop and breathe.
The wooden bridge overlooking the pond and the straight tree-lined path are popular photo spots, especially in the soft morning light.
After your walk, you’ll feel refreshed both physically and mentally. Now it’s time to head to one of Obihiro’s most famous specialties.
3. Butadon (Pork Bowl)
When visiting Tokachi and Obihiro, you can’t leave without trying **Butadon** — a bowl of rice topped with grilled pork.
This local delicacy features tender pork grilled over charcoal and coated with a sweet and savory sauce. Searching “Obihiro Butadon” online reveals many well-known shops.
“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...
Each restaurant uses different cuts, cooking styles, and secret sauce recipes, giving each bowl its own distinct flavor.
After much consideration, we decided on one of Obihiro’s most popular spots — **Tonta**.
When the Butadon arrives, the glistening golden-brown pork slices cover the bowl — it’s a feast for the eyes.
One bite fills your mouth with the rich aroma of grilled pork and its deep umami flavor.
The sauce-soaked rice is just as delicious — you’ll finish the bowl before you know it.
We liked it so much that we even bought a bottle of the sauce to take home. Tokachi’s Butadon is famous nationwide, making it a great souvenir as well.
With a full stomach, it’s time to move on to the next destination.
4. Tokachigawa Onsen
A 20-minute drive from Obihiro takes you to open countryside, where the wide Tokachi sky stretches endlessly.
Many people are so captivated by this view that they decide to move here.
Your destination, **Tokachigawa Onsen**, is located in Otofuke Town — one of Japan’s most famous hot spring areas.
Here you can experience the rare **Moor Hot Springs**, rich in plant-derived ingredients that make your skin silky smooth. The amber-colored water is known as a “beauty hot spring,” attracting visitors from around the world.
Soak your whole body in the water and feel the fatigue melt away.
As you relax in the spacious bath, take time to enjoy a moment of detox and tranquility.
Step into the open-air bath, and you’ll be lost for words at the sight of the river and the vast natural landscape.
The setting sun in the distance creates a truly luxurious experience — soaking in Tokachi’s best scenery and hot springs at the same time.
5. Genghis Khan & Food Stalls
After relaxing in the hot springs, return to Obihiro and head out for a night in town.
Your first stop: **Akatogarashi**, one of Obihiro’s most popular restaurants serving **Genghis Khan**, Hokkaido’s must-try dish.
The traditional way to enjoy it is by grilling lamb with vegetables on a sizzling hot plate.
One bite releases the juicy, savory flavor of perfectly cooked lamb.
If you’ve ever thought, “Lamb has a strong smell, doesn’t it?” — this will change your mind.
Truly fresh Genghis Khan has no odor, and it pairs perfectly with steaming white rice.
As you enjoy your meal, you’ll understand why Genghis Khan has been loved in Hokkaido for generations.
Completely satisfied, you finish your meal.
Feeling the night is still young, head to **Kita no Yatai**, a lively alley filled with food stalls loved by locals.
Drawn in by laughter and the warm, local atmosphere, you step into the street.
From yakitori and grilled skewers to French and Korean food — the variety is impressive.
The intimate counter setting makes it easy to chat with locals, and even solo travelers can enjoy a cozy night out.
As conversations and laughter flow, so does the delicious sake.
After enjoying the evening to the fullest, step out into the cool night breeze and head back to your hotel — heart and stomach both content.
Experience the Little Luxuries of Tokachi with MATOKA
A quiet garden stroll, a relaxing Moor hot spring, and flavorful local cuisine — this **Plan A** is a perfect one-day course filled with Tokachi’s essence of *healing and gastronomy.*
MATOKA’s travel planning feature helps you create customized sightseeing routes based on the season and time of day.
You can check detailed articles on each spot and easily build your own route, even mid-trip.
Green gardens, soothing hot springs, lively nights — with MATOKA, you can experience Tokachi’s “small luxuries” more closely than ever.
Why not come and indulge yourself in the beauty and flavors of Tokachi?
