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The Mainichi

Japan Uncovered #1: Obihiro shines with fresh air, wide open spaces, abundant agriculture

Coordinators for international relations from around the world are responsible for international exchange activities across Japan. In this series, they share the charms of the municipalities where they live and work. *** Love the great outdoors? Big blue sky, clean air and water, the smells and sounds of nature, and outdoor activities like cycling, camping, fishing and hiking? Obihiro is the perfect escape from busy urban life. Located in the center of the Tokachi Plain in eastern Hokkaido, Obihiro is surrounded by wide-open fields and overlooked by the Hidaka mountain range (now a Japanese National Park). This geography not only creates beautiful scenery but also contributes to "Tokachi-bare" -- clear, sunny weather during winter. The pace of life in Obihiro is slow and relaxing, with spacious roads, few crowds, and plenty of green spaces filled with oak trees and colorful flowers. Summers are especially pleasant, with comfortable humidity levels and vibrant green scenery. Locals often have picnics and barbecues outdoors, embracing the calm and fresh environment. Must-visit: Banei horse races and Green Park One experience in Obihiro you simply can't miss is the Banei horse races. Banei is a one-of-a-kind cultural tradition rooted in Hokkaido's agricultural history. Nowhere else in the world will you witness anything quite like this; enormous draft horses -- bred for raw strength -- hauling iron sleds weighing up to a ton across a 200-meter stretch complete with two steep hills and a sand trap. Each race is a test of not just speed, but power, endurance, and strategy. The atmosphere is electric with spectators cheering on their favorite horse as the ground trembles with the sound of pounding hooves and clanging bells. It's the kind of adrenaline-pumping spectacle that leaves a lasting impression and it's only found here, right in Obihiro. Another great spot is Green Park, a vast recreational area with rows of "shirakaba" white birch and cherry blossom trees, playgrounds, a pond, a zoo, art and centennial museums, and gardens. The zoo even has a mini theme park with a Ferris wheel offering a bird's-eye view of Obihiro and the Hidaka Mountains. Agricultural treasures Tokachi is known throughout Japan for its agriculture, and Obihiro plays a central role in the production of key crops including potatoes, beans, wheat, and beets. The region's climate, fertile soil, and ample sunlight contribute to the high quality of these agricultural products. One special product is beet sugar, which has historic importance in the development of the region. Tokachi flour, made from locally grown wheat, is widely used in fresh breads and pizzas served at local bakeries and restaurants. This area is also known as the "dairy kingdom" of Japan. From milk and cheese to ice cream and high-quality meat, Obihiro showcases the best of Hokkaido's agricultural power. Love wine? Wine grapes bred to grow in cold climates are grown here and are used in producing local wines you can sample at vineyards around the region, the most famous being the Ikeda Wine Castle. If you've ever wanted to have Japanese food made with Japanese-grown ingredients, this is the place to do it. Local flavors you can't miss Obihiro's signature dish is "butadon," a rice bowl topped with pork slices grilled in a sweet and spicy sauce. Each spot puts its own spin on it -- some use secret basting sauces, others charcoal-grill for that smoky flavor. For those with a sweet tooth, local bakeries and confectionary shops offer a delicious variety of freshly baked pastries made with local ingredients, including delicious butter cookie sandwiches that are famous throughout all of Japan. Another local favorite is Indian Curry, a popular curry chain serving flavorful Japanese-style curry that the locals consider their soul food. Of course, there is also Kita no Yatai, a street with small 6-10 person stalls where you can meet new people while tasting all the flavors of Hokkaido. No matter where you go, you can't miss with local food in Obihiro. Obihiro is my home and favorite place in all of Japan. No matter where I go, nowhere beats its beauty, food, and peaceful rhythm. I know you will love it too! City information Population: 159,885 (as of May 2025) Number of foreign residents: 1,626 (as of May 2025) Area: 619.34 square kilometers Convenient access to the city: JR Obihiro Station, Obihiro Airport Name: Christopher Andrade Country of origin: United States Years living in Japan: 7 Favorite Japanese foods: Miso ramen, motsu nabe, chicken nanban Favorite things about Japan: Japanese musical instruments, hot springs, Ainu culture