10 Things to Do in Honbetsu
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| 10 Things to Do in Honbetsu |
Honbetsu (本別町) is a picturesque inland town located in Hokkaido’s Tokachi Subprefecture, Japan. It is best known for its high-quality bean products and scenic natural landscapes. The town’s name originates from the Ainu word “pon-pet,” meaning “small river,” referring to the Honbetsu River that flows through the area.
For those planning to visit this picturesque
inland town to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Honbetsu:

Honbetsu’s unique manhole cover designs
1. Take a photo of Honbetsu’s unique manhole cover designs. There are two distinct designs commonly found
throughout the town. The colored Genki-kun design can be seen along National
Route 242, while the colored flower design is located in Honbetsu Park.

Honbetsu Pokémon Manhole Cover
2. Take a picture of the Honbetsu Pokémon manhole cover. It features Vulpix and Ditto. It’s installed at the roadside
station grounds.
3. Visit Honbetsu Shrine (本別神社) to pay
respect and offer prayers. This shrine offers a goshuin that you might want to
add to your collection.
4. Dine at Ukifune (浮舟), a well-loved
local restaurant specializing in tonkatsu and other hearty Japanese
dishes. One of its most popular offerings is the Yokkaichi tonteki, a
flavorful pork steak served with a rich, savory sauce. The restaurant has
earned a solid reputation among locals and travelers alike, so expect a lively
crowd—especially during lunchtime, when seats fill up quickly.

Honbetsu Park Seizen Camp Mura Daini Camping Ground
5. Pitch a tent and enjoy an overnight stay
at Honbetsu Park Seizen Camp Mura Daini Camping Ground (本別公園静山キャンプ村 第二キャンプ場). This free campsite is nestled deep within Honbetsu Park, offering
a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush trees and the sounds of nature. It’s an
ideal spot for campers seeking tranquility and a genuine outdoor experience
away from the bustle of town.
6. Head up to the Urahorozaka
Observation Deck (浦幌坂展望台) for a stunning panoramic view of Honbetsu Town and the vast Tokachi
Plains. It’s a great spot to appreciate the region’s expansive farmland and
natural beauty, especially during sunrise or sunset when the landscape is
bathed in golden light.

Honbetsu Town History and Folklore Museum
7. Visit the Honbetsu Town History and
Folklore Museum (本別町歴史民俗資料館) to learn about the town’s rich past. This free museum features
exhibits on Honbetsu’s history from the Jomon period to the present. It also
highlights the time when Honbetsu was home to the Imperial Japanese Army’s
Horse Reserve Unit, where Baron Nishi served from 1939 to 1940. Documents about
the Honbetsu air raid on July 15, 1945, are also displayed.

Honbetsu Park Shizuyama Camping Village Campground
8. Pitch a tent and spend the night at Honbetsu
Park Shizuyama Camping Village Campground (本別公園静山キャンプ村
第一キャンプ場). This free
campsite inside Honbetsu Park offers a peaceful outdoor experience surrounded
by nature. The site is separated from the parking area by a road, so loading
and unloading may take a bit of effort. Its long, narrow layout features grassy
areas and a good number of trees, providing a pleasant and comfortable
atmosphere for campers. Toilets and shower facilities are conveniently located
next to the parking lot.
9. Visit Honbetsu Roadside Station,
formally called Roadside Station “Stella Honbetsu” (道の駅 ステラ★ほんべつ). There is a wide
variety of natto, bean products, and anko sweet for sale. You should also try
the “mame mame” bean-flavored soft cream. Be sure to collect the station’s
unique stamp for your collection.
10. Visit Honbetsu Park (本別公園), a spacious public park filled with a variety of attractions. Families can enjoy the children’s play area, row boats, and a go-kart course, making it a fun destination for all ages. For those seeking a more peaceful experience, take a relaxing stroll around the park and appreciate the natural beauty and serene atmosphere that Honbetsu Park has to offer.
I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Honbetsu gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this picturesque inland town in the Tokachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido.
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