10 Things to Do in Otofuke
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| 10 Things to Do in Otofuke |
Otofuke (音更町) is a picturesque agricultural town situated in Tokachi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. Known as the most populous town in Hokkaido, it is also famous as the birthplace of the Otofuke Osode soybean variety. The town's name originates from a corruption of the Ainu word "Otopuke," meaning "growing hair." This name is thought to refer to the many small tributaries of the Otofuke, Shikaribetsu, and Shihoro rivers, which resemble strands of growing hair.
For those planning to visit this picturesque
agricultural town to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do
in Otofuke:
1. Take a photo of Otofuke's manhole cover
design. I have seen 2 unique manhole cover designs. The colored version is
displayed inside the Garden Spa Rokachigawa Roadside Station, while the other is
commonly found in the town.
Otofuke Shrine
2. Visit Otofuke Shrine (音更神社), one of the town’s main
shrines. It’s an ideal spot to pay your respects and offer prayers. The shrine
also features a goshuin for visitors to collect as a special memento.
Senjojiki Park
3. Visit Senjojiki Park (千畳敷公園), a public park located next to the
shrine. Its lush trees provide plenty of shade, making it perfect for a
leisurely walk even on hot, sunny days. The park is best visited in autumn to
enjoy the vibrant foliage, and you might even spot Ezo squirrels playing among
the trees.
Menya Bozu
4. Dine at Menya Bozu (麺や ぼうず), also known as Noodle Shop Bouzu. This
local ramen spot is popular for its signature Horumon Ramen, a flavorful dish
made with grilled pork or beef intestines that perfectly captures the hearty
taste of Hokkaido comfort food.
Roadside Station Natsuzora no Furusato
5. Visit Roadside Station Natsuzora no
Furusato (道の駅おとふけ なつぞらのふる里). It
features a bakery that offers delicious, freshly baked bread and a food court
with various local dishes. Before you leave, don’t forget to collect the
roadside station stamp as a fun keepsake for your travel collection.
Natsuzora Area
6. Visit the Natsuzora Film Set Shibata
Farm, also known as the Natsuzora Area (なつぞらエリア). Located beside the Roadside Station Natsuzora no Furusato, this
film set recreates scenes from the NHK morning drama “Natsuzora.”
Walking around the area feels like stepping right into the world of the beloved
TV series.
Hotel Tetra Resort Tokachigawa
7. Take a relaxing dip at the onsen of
Hotel Tetra Resort Tokachigawa (ホテルテトラリゾート十勝川). You can stay here overnight, too. The breakfast served here is
good. They also have a camping option during busy months, which allows you to
sleep in the tents set up outside the hotel. It’s way cheaper than booking a
room.
Dengaku
8. Dine at Dengaku (麺処
田楽), a local ramen restaurant known for its flavorful
Tsukemen ramen. The rich dipping broth and perfectly cooked noodles make it a
must-try spot for ramen lovers visiting Otofuke. Head’s up, this place can get
crowded even at night.
Tokachi Hill Observatory
9. Head up to the Tokachi Hill Observatory
(十勝が丘展望台) for a stunning panoramic
view of the Tokachi area in Otofuke. It’s a great spot to appreciate the vast
landscapes and natural beauty that the region is known for.
Garden Spa Tokachigawa Roadside Station
10. Visit Garden Spa Tokachigawa Roadside Station (道の駅 ガーデンスパ十勝川温泉). This family-friendly roadside station features both indoor and outdoor onsens, including relaxing open-air tubs surrounded by a garden. It also has a souvenir shop and offers cooking classes for visitors. Before leaving, don’t forget to collect the roadside station stamp for your travel collection.
I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Otofuke gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this picturesque agricultural town in the Tokachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido.
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