Hidaka region, the home of Thoroughbreds,
became the greatest horse producer in Japan,
when Ekiba (horse messenger) was established in Edo period.
In Tokachi, workhorses established the pioneering foundation during Meiji period,
and its history remains in Banei Races.
This is a course in which you can experience
the history of Hokkaido development by examining the regions
with different horse cultures, despite being physically adjacent to each other
and both having a history engrained with horses.
Story1The pioneering Banba and fine Thoroughbreds
<Urakawa> Urakawa Yushun Village AERU
A comforting place to experience
horses and nature Horseback riding,
from the beginner level, is popular
A “horse” theme park like facility with a clean, comfortable lodging facility. Fitting as a home of racehorses, there are opportunities to meet retired famous racehorses. After a horseback riding experience of your choice including, assisted riding or horse trekking, how would you like to enjoy a meal featuring local ingredients and freshen up in a black silica bath?
- 【DATA】
- Address: 141 Nishicha, Urakawa town
- Phone: +81-146-28-2111
- Business hours: (Horseback riding) 9:00～15:30
(time of last ride) - Closures: Open year round
*Reservation required 1 day in advance - Parking: Available (370 vehicles)
Stop-by menu
Panpakapan “Stone oven baked pudding”
Gets fresh milk and whipping cream from the nearby town. Granulated sugar is from Hokkaido, and eggs are from a free-range poultry farm in Higashikawa town. A carefully created pudding, slowly baked in a low-temperature stone oven.
- Address: 1-1 Sakai-machi Higashi, Urakawa town
- Phone: +81-146-22-4595
- Business hours: 10:00～18:30
- Closures: Sundays and Mondays
- Parking: Available (8 vehicles)
* We cannot make many puddings, and they may sell out quickly.
Hama no Kasan Chokubaijo (Fresh market) “Hidaka Konbu (Kelp)”
A store started by the wife of a Konbu fisherman, who wanted “to sell Hidaka Konbu in [her] hometown to spread awareness.” A lesser known “Ketsubu no Kanroni (Sweetened boiled Ketsubu shell” has been made into a product and is also available.
- Address: 588 Toei, Urakawa town
- Phone: +81-146-26-3446
- Business hours: 9:00～17:30
- Closures: Tuesdays
- Parking: Available (10 vehicles)
* We may be unavailable due to fishing schedules. Please call ahead to check.
Sankyo Suisan Ryokichimaru’s “Ginsei” Smoked Salmon
Catches “Ginsei,” a wild salmon representative of Hokkaido, on their own ship. It is smoked using broad-leaf tree chips from Hidaka. Each piece was carefully finished without artificial colors, preservatives or chemical flavorings.
- Address: Headquarters/ 32 Hamacho, Urakawa town
Ikeda Sengyo Store (retailer)/ 4-7 Odori, Urakawa town - Phone: +81-146-22-2075（Headquarters）
+81-146-22-2619（Ikeda Sengyo Store） - Business hours: 9:00～17:00
- Closures: (January ~ August) Weekends and public holidays;(September ~ November) Sundays
- Parking: (Ikeda Sengyo Store) None
Ramen Masago “Hidaka Konbu (Kelp), Japanese-style Tsukemen”
“Hidaka Konbu, Japanese-style Tsukemen” is popular here. It is a dish where you dip the special noodles with Hidaka Konbu in the dough in a dipping soup, which combines Ramen soup and Soba dipping sauce made with Hidaka Konbu.
- Address: 1-11-1 (Masagoyu 1F) Sakaimachi Higashi, Urakawa town
- Phone: +81-146-22-2645
- Business hours: 11:30～21:30
- Closures: Mondays
- Parking: Available (20 vehicles)
About 10 minutes
by car
<Urakawa town/Hiroo town> Tenma Road
A route that connects Hidaka and Tokachi
It is an amazing driving course.
A road that connects Hiroo and Urakawa on the National Highway 236. Everywhere on the road could be said to be a view point, and you can enjoy seasonally changing faces of magnificent nature and beautiful ravines of Hidaka Mountains. It is amazing during the fall foliage. In particular, “Nozuka Tunnel” area is known as a great photo spot for foliage. Taking a break at the Suimei Bridge Park, known for its water, is highly recommended.
- 【DATA】
- Address: Nishihorobetsu, Urakawa town ~ Toyoni, Hiroo town
- Phone:
+81-146-26-9014(Urakawa town Fishing, Commerce and Tourism Department)
+81-1558-2-0177(Hiroo town Fishing, Commerce, and Tourism Department) - Parking: Available (Suimei Bridge Park)
About 1.5 hours
by car
<Hiroo town>
Hiroo Santaland
Acknowledged by Norway,
a first outside of the country
Japan’s only Santaland
Hiroo town received a certification in 1984 by the city of Oslo in Norway as the first Santaland outside of Norway. Daimaruyama Forestry Park, the main symbol zone, has facilities associated with Santa Claus such as “Santa’s house,” and the park is brightly illuminated for the Christmas season. You can enjoy Hiroo’s city flower, Rhododendron, in the park between spring and fall.
- 【DATA】
- Address: 689 Hiroo, Hiroo town
- Phone: +81-1558-2-0177 (Hiroo town Fishing,
Commerce, and Tourism Department) - Business hours: 10:00～17:30 (Santa’s house)
- Closures: End and beginning of the year; April 1st ~ mid-April
- Parking: Available (30 vehicles)
Stop-by menu
Hiroo Fishery Cooperative Association Food Department Store
A wide variety of bounties of the ocean such as salmon, smelt, crab, octopus, and cod roe are sold at direct-sale prices. 4th Sunday of every month is the “Fish Day,” where free soups are distributed (10:00 ~ 11:00).
- Address: 3-38 Kaishomae, Hiroo town (In front of Hiroo Fishing Cooperative Food Department)
- Phone: +81-1558-2-3202
- Business hours: 8:00～17:00 (Saturdays until 12:00)
- Closures: Sundays
- Parking: Available
Ａ Co-op Santa Mura “Santa Soft”
Made with Hokkaido-only milk and ripe strawberries. It has clean sweet and tart, extravagant flavors. It is popular as a soft-serve ice cream representing Santa’s village.
- Address: 18-48 Monbetsu, Hiroo town
- Phone: +81-1558-9-5577
- Business hours: 8:00～19:00 (until 18:30 on Sundays)
- Closures: open year round (Closed on Sundays during November ~ April)
- Parking: Available (5 vehicles)
Kashi Kokado “Santa Ferry”
Repeatedly received Grand Gold Quality Award at Monde Selection, an internationally renowned quality award. A healthy cookie made with cream and milk from Tokachi, and chitosan, an element found in crab shells.
- Address: 9-12 Hondori, Hiroo town
- Phone: +81-1558-2-3243
- Business hours: 9:00～19:30
- Closures: Wednesdays
- Parking: None
Patisserie Ueda “Tuiles”
A thinly backed cookie, also called a Western rice cracker. Popular for the exquisite level of sweetness and doneness, and welcomed as a gift. A famous Western dessert shop, known for fluffy waffles and Maruyama rolls.
- Address: 1-12-2 Maruyamadori Kita, Hiroo town
- Phone: +81-1558-2-3277
- Business hours: 9:00～19:30
- Closures: Sundays
- Parking: Available (5 vehicles)
goody’s DINER “Sharokke”
“Sharokke” is a fried rice croquette, made with smelt, cheese, rice, and cream sauce. Many restaurants around town offer creative dishes featuring Sharokke. At goody’s DINER, “Sharokke Burger” is popular. Lettuce, tartar sauce, sweet vinegar, and “Sharokke” are served on a bun.
- Address: 7-6 Hondori, Hiroo town
- Phone: +81-1558-2-6757
- Business hours: 10:00～19:00
- Closures: Tuesdays
- Parking: Available (6 vehicles)
About 40 minutes
by car
<Taiki town>
Saint Julien
“Cheese Salmon Bowl”
A Western restaurant with
unwavering popularity among locals
An exquisite collaboration of cheese and Tempura
1 of the 5 restaurants serving Taiki’s local specialty, “Cheese Salmon Bowl.” It is a Tendon plate combining local ingredients: “string cheese,” made at a local factory, and salmon, harvested around Taiki. There are 5 pieces of Tempura combining, salmon, potatoes, Chikuwa, and Konbu (Kelp). Enjoy them with the restaurant’s original salt, dipping sauce, and drizzling sauce.
- 【DATA】
- Address：7-1 Ichijodori, Taiki town
- Phone：+81-1558-6-2355
- Business hours：11:00～19:00
- Closures：1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays of the month
- Parking：Available (5 vehicles)
Stop-by menu
Gen Farm “Sausage”
Slow smoked sausages with cherry blossom chips do not contain any artificial additives, and pack flavors of the meat. Simply boil and enjoy them with mustard.
- Address：111-1 Kaishin, Taiki town
- Phone：+81-1558-9-6116
- Business hours：11:00～17:00
- Closures：Mondays and Tuesdays
- Parking：Available (10 vehicles)
Handa Farm “Cheesecake”
Handa Farm makes natural cheese with milk from cows raised under stress-free environment. Enjoy their homemade cheesecake in a warm, wood-themed tearoom.
- Address：198 Shimotaiki, Taiki town
- Phone：+81-1558-6-3182
- Business hours：11:00～18:00
- Closures：Mondays and Tuesdays
- Parking：Available (10 vehicles)
Patisserie NAOYA HIROSE “Soufflé Cheesecake”
A well-established dessert shop since 1930. Makes a famous fluffy and delicious soufflé cake made with cream cheese manufactured at the local Yukijirushi Factory.
- Address：8 Higashihondori, Taiki town
- Phone：+81-155-86-3023
- Business hours：9:00～20:00（Until 17:00 on Sundays)
- Closures：Irregular
- Parking：Available (10 vehicles)
Kitchen Mori no Sanpo “White Birch Sap Genghis Khan Set”
Offers marinated lamb shoulder roast and sliced lamb meat, in a special marinade containing locally harvested white birch sap, as a Genghis Khan set. It is famous for the tender meat and mild flavors.
- Address：106-1 Moiwa, Taiki town
- Phone：+81-1558-6-5280
- Business hours：11:00～18:00
- Closures：Wednesday (may close without notice)
- Parking：Available (10 vehicles)
About 10 minutes
by car
<Makubetsu town>
Roadside Rest Area Churui
“Pure White Yurine
(Lily roots) Cream Puff”
Copious amount of cream
containing the best lily bulb!
Roadside Rest Areas, located along National Highway 236, is where you can obtain regional information. It is also close to hotels with Onsen (Hot spring), a park, golf course, and campground. “Pure White Yurine Cream Puff” sold at the Roadside Rest Areas has flavorful cream incorporating the best lily bulb inside of a crispy choux. It has mild sweetness and elegant flavors.
- 【DATA】
- Address：384-1 Shirogane-machi, Churui, Makubetsu town
- Phone：+81-1558-8-3236
- Business hours：9:00～18:00
- Closures：12/31～1/3
- Parking：Available (about 60 vehicles)
Stop-by menu
Cheese Factory NEEDS
A factory that makes cheese with milk from 100-year old Nitta Farm. Offers traditional natural cheeses such as “Daichi no Hoppe” and “Kashiwa,” and desserts like milk jam.
- Address：162-111 Shinwa, Makubetsu town
- Phone：+81-155-57-2511
- Business hours：10:00～17:00
- Closures：Irregular
- Parking：Available (about 20 vehicles)
Yoshikawaya Tokachi Pickles
Since its opening, it has been producing and selling Tokachi Pickles that contain no artificial additives. “Japanese yam Tamarizuke” is a perfect companion to rice with its crunchy texture. Fukujinzuke, Daikon Pirikarazuke, etc. are also available
- Address：540 Akeno, Makubetsu town
- Phone：+81-155-54-5227
- Business hours：9:00～16:00 (Until noon on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
- Closures：Saturdays and Sundays
- Parking：Available (10 vehicles)
About 50 minutes
by car
<Obihiro city> Banei Tokachi (Obihiro Horse Racetrack)
The only one in the world!
A race where horses pull iron sleds
It is a race by Banba, a large breed of horse weighing over 1 on (2x that of a Thoroughbred), pulling iron sleds weighing 500kg~1 ton. It originally started as a festival for workhorses, a competition of their strength. Currently, it is only held in Obihiro. At Obihiro Horse Racetrack, where Banei Tokachi is held, you can experience the power of Banba up close. There is so a beginner’s section for a peace of mind. On the premise, there is a “Petting Zoo,” where you can touch a Banba, and “Tokachimura,” a collection of specialty food items of Tokachi. It is a theme park for all ages.
- 【DATA】
- Address：9 Chome, Nishi 13 Jominami, Obihiro city
- Phone：+81-155-34-0825
- Business hours：Every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday
- Cost：￥100 entry fee
- Parking：Available
Stop-by menu
Obihiro specialty “Butadon (Pork rice bowl)”
Obihiro’s specialty food, “Butadon,” was created with the flavors of Unadon (Grilled eel rice bowl) in mind, with readily available pork meat since the pioneering days, where the pork meat is flavored with a sweet and salty soy sauce based sauce and placed over a bowl of rice. It has been loved by the locals since it first appeared at a restaurant by the Obihiro Station in 1933. It gained a national recognition, and there are many popular restaurants with long lines.
- Please refer to “Butadon.com,”
where you can find more information on Obihiro Butadon.
http://www.butadon.com/
Tokachimura
A tourist facility on the Obihiro Banei Horse Racetrack premises offering ingredients from Tokachi and gourmet dishes created with them. You can find fresh vegetables at farmer’s market, take a break with some desserts, or have lunch at the restaurant.
- Address：8 Chome, Nishi 13 Jominami, Obihiro city Inside Obihiro Horse Racetrack
- Phone：+81-155-34-7307
- Business hours：<Farmer’s market/Desserts & Select>
10:00～19:00（4/29～10/31）
10:00～18:00（11/1～4/28）
<Kitchen>
11:30～22:00 ※Varies by store - Closures：<Farmer’s market/Desserts & Select>
Open year round
<Kitchen>
Varies by store - Parking：Available ※Shared with racetrack
Kita no Yatai
“Kita no Yatai” is located 5 minutes on foot from the Obihiro Station. 20 vendors are bustling with tourists and locals every night. Perhaps the best dish is interacting with the unique and energetic owners?!
- Address：10-7 Nishi 1 Jominami, Obihiro city
- Phone：+81-155-23-8194（Kita no Kigyou Hiroba Cooperative Assosiation）
- Business hours：Varies by store
- Closures：Varies by store
- Parking：None (Use nearby pay parking)
Kingdom of desserts Obihiro “Desserts”
Blessed with high quality ingredients produced in Tokachi including, flour, milk, sugar, eggs, and red beans, Obihiro is known for its desserts in Hokkaido. There are many dessert shops, from nationally famous places to locally popular but lesser known stores.
- Obihiro Convention and Tourism Bureau
Please refer to Obihiro Kanko Navigation (Desserts).
http://obikan.jp/cat_spot/sweet/
About 20 minutes
by car
<Makubetsu town>
Tokachi Makubetsu Onsen (Hot spring)
Grand Vrio Hotel
A hot spring facility on a hill
with the best view in Tokachi
Tokachi Makubetsu Onsen (Hot spring) Grand Vrio Hotel is located on a hill in Satsunai, Makubetsu. It’s health spa, “Hana no Yu,” offers over 10 types of baths and sauna for day use. 100% plant-based Moor hot spring, designated as a Hokkaido heritage property, flows from the lignite layer, which was created from the accumulation of native plants in Tokachi River. The water here is known to be beautifying
- 【DATA】
- Address：384 Yoda, Makubetsu town
- Phone：+81-155-56-2121
- Business hours：11:00～23:00、Saturday, Sunday and public holiday10:00～24:00
- Closures：Open year round
- Cost：For hot spring ￥950 for adults, ￥520 for children
- Parking：Available (200 vehicles)
