10 Things to Do in Obihiro City
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| 10 Things to Do in Obihiro City |
Obihiro (帯広市) is a vibrant city located in Hokkaido’s Tokachi Subprefecture, Japan. It is the largest city in eastern Hokkaido and the only designated city in the Tokachi area. In 2008, Obihiro was recognized as one of Japan’s “Model Environmental Cities.” The city’s name is believed to have originated from the Ainu word for the Obihiro River, o-pere-perke-p—meaning “something with a split river mouth.” The character “hiro” (広), meaning “wide,” was later added to represent the vastness of the Tokachi Plain.
For those planning to visit this vibrant city
to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Obihiro City:
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| Obihiro City's manhole cover designs |
1. Take a photo of Obihiro's manhole cover
designs. So far, I have seen 2 unique manhole cover designs that are commonly
found in the city proper.
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| Obihiro Pokémon manhole cover |
2. Capture a photo of Obihiro City's
Pokémon manhole cover, located in the grounds of Obihiro Station. The design
showcases Vulpix, Alolan Vulpix, and a pair of Mudbray.
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| L: Obihiro Shrine / R: Tokachi Gokoku Shrine |
3. Visit Obihiro Shrine (帯廣神社) and Tokachi Gokoku Shrine
(十勝護國神社), these are two of the city's main shrines, located
in the heart of the city. These two are just a few meters away from each other.
You can get a goshuin from both shrines for your collection.
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| Obihiro Zoo |
4. Visit Obihiro Zoo (おびひろ動物園), where affordable admission makes it easy to enjoy a fun and educational experience. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including polar bears, macaques, and giraffes, along with several impressive aviaries.
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| Former Aikoku Station |
5. Visit the Former Aikoku Station (愛国駅跡), a renovated railway museum housed in the
old station. It features a collection of train memorabilia and a steam
locomotive, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Japan’s railway history.
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| Himawari Onsen |
6. Take a soothing soak at Himawari Onsen (ひまわり温泉). This natural moor spring features
slightly dark, mineral-rich waters with a pleasantly thick texture. Day-use
admission is just ¥490.
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| Obihiro Centennial Museum |
7. Visit the Obihiro Centennial Museum (帯広百年記念館), a cultural and historical hub in
Obihiro, Hokkaido. Established to mark the city’s centennial, the museum
showcases exhibits on Obihiro’s history, culture, and natural environment,
making it a key destination for anyone interested in the region’s heritage.
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| Butadon Pancho |
8. Dine at Butadon Pancho (元祖 豚丼のぱんちょう), reputedly the first restaurant in
Obihiro City to serve the iconic butadon, a delicious pork rice bowl. This
place gets busy during lunch and dinner, so be prepared for long lines.
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| Former Kofuku Station |
9. Visit the Former Kofuku Station (幸福駅跡), famously featured in the March 1973 NHK
TV program New Japan Travelogue as "A Journey to Happiness –
Obihiro." The feature sparked a surge of travel from Aikoku Station to
Kofuku Station, popularizing the catchphrase "From the Land of Love to
Happiness." Today, a preserved train is on display, and inside the
station, you’ll find it filled with pink tickets, adding to its charming and
nostalgic atmosphere.
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| Obihiro Race Course |
10. Experience the excitement of the Ban’ba horse races at Obihiro Race Course (帯広競馬場), a unique style of horse racing where draft horses pull heavy sleds instead of jockeys riding on them. The thunder of hooves and the power of these strong horses create an unforgettable spectacle. After the races, visit the nearby Horse Museum (馬の資料館) to explore exhibits on the history, training, and care of Ban’ba horses, giving you a deeper appreciation for these iconic animals and their role in Hokkaido’s culture.
I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Obihiro City gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this vibrant city of Hokkaido.
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