Be Amazed by the Vast Tokachi Plains! Recharge Your Energy with Outdoor Adventures and Gourmet Delights

Be Amazed by the Vast Tokachi Plains! Recharge Your Energy with Outdoor Adventures and Gourmet Delights
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter
Days required
4 days and 3 nights
Main methods of transportation
Car

Occupying about 10% of Hokkaido’s total area, the Tokachi Plains are a breathtaking sight. As you drive through the region, endless stretches of open land unfold before your eyes, and the sheer scale of the landscape fills you with excitement.


At Lake Shikaribetsu, you can relax while enjoying the tranquil scenery surrounded by primeval forests, and refresh both your body and mind in a hot spring. Indulge in Tokachi’s famous sweets, farm-to-table restaurants, and locally produced Tokachi wine, and you’ll feel your energy overflowing throughout your journey.


From leisurely garden tours to the thrilling experience of Banei Tokachi horse racing, this region offers a perfect balance of nature and culture. A trip to Tokachi allows you to immerse yourself in its vast natural beauty while enjoying a rich variety of activities.

  • * The spots and experience menus introduced in the course are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
  • * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Start
Day1

Tokachi Millennium Forest (Hokkaido Garden Path)

A Highly Acclaimed Forest Showcasing Northern Japan’s New Garden Culture

Set within a vast natural landscape, Tokachi Millennium Forest features beautifully designed gardens based on various themes, creating stunning scenery that connects people with nature.


Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from the popular Segway guided tours to hands-on experiences like cheese making and horseback riding. This large-scale complex offers a unique combination of garden exploration and interactive activities, making it a must-visit spot in Tokachi for those seeking both beauty and adventure.

Address
上川郡清水町羽帯南10線
Telephone Number
0156-63-3000
Open
9:30-16:00
Closed
Open throughout the period
About 30 minutes by car

Kyodogakusha Shintoku Farm

Famous for Farm-Made Soft Serve and Award-Winning Cheese

Kyodo Gakusha Shintoku Farm is renowned for its cheeses and dairy products made from cows raised freely in the mountain pastures, using traditional European techniques. The farm’s cheeses have won numerous international awards and are highly regarded both in Japan and abroad.


At the farm’s shop, "Mintaru," visitors can enjoy the special soft serve ice cream as well as freshly baked bread and pastries. This farm is a perfect stop on your Hokkaido trip, offering a delightful combination of natural scenery and delicious local flavors.

Address
上川郡新得町新得9-1
Telephone Number
0156-69-5600
Open
(Apr.-Nov.)10:00-17:00
(Dec.-Mar.)10:00-16:00
About 60 minutes by car

[Accommodation] Shikaribetsu Kohan Onsen Hotel Fusui

Experience the Sky-High Lake “Shikaribetsu” at Hokkaido’s Highest Altitude

Staying at Shikaribetsu Kohan Onsen Hotel Fusui, located within Daisetsuzan National Park, offers a truly special experience during your Hokkaido trip. From your room or the hotel’s dining area, you can enjoy stunning views of Shikaribetsu Lake. Dinner features local specialties such as grilled Oshorokoma fish (Salvelinus curilus) and seasonal Tokachi ingredients, providing a taste of the region’s finest flavors.


Relax in the open-air bath while taking in the lakeside scenery and the majestic mountains beyond. This luxurious experience allows you to refresh both body and mind amid Hokkaido’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Address
河東郡鹿追町字然別湖畔
Telephone Number
0156-67-2211

Column

Shikaribetsu Lake Night Watching | Enjoy the Mystical Darkness Beyond Artificial Light

Experience a guided night walk along the shores of Shikaribetsu Lake, surrounded by primeval forests. This program allows you to immerse yourself in the quiet, mysterious world of the night, where you can hear the breath of wildlife and the sounds of nature up close. Engage all your senses and fully enjoy the lake’s natural darkness.


Note: This program is exclusively available for guests staying at Hotel Fusui.

Reservation by phone: 0156-69-8181 (9:00–16:30)

Season: Mid-May to early November (open daily during the period)

Start time: 20:00 (Duration: about 60 minutes)

Shikaribetsu Lake Night Watching | Enjoy the Mystical Darkness Beyond Artificial Light
Day2
About 60 minutes by car

Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden

A Must-Visit for Sweets Lovers! Factory Tours and Shopping

Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden is both a store and factory of Ryugetsu, the long-established confectionery famous for the Hokkaido specialty Samporoku. Visitors can watch the production process through glass windows and enjoy freshly purchased cakes and confections at the popular café terrace.


Additionally, the hands-on workshop offers experiences such as cookie and cake making, allowing visitors to enjoy the fun of creating their own sweets. (Reservation required / Paid program)

Address
河東郡音更町なつぞら1-1
Telephone Number
0155-32-3366
Open
Summer: Store 9:00-18:00, Cafe 9:00-17:00
Winter: Store 9:00-17:00, Cafe 9:00-16:30
*Factory tours are available from opening until 16:00
Closed
Open all year round (the cafe is closed on Jan. 1st)
About 40 minutes by car

Tokachi Makiba-no-ie

Enjoy Western-Style Lunch at the Forest Café Restaurant

At the forest café restaurant, you can enjoy Western-style dishes such as tomato-based curry, pasta, and hamburgers. On the outdoor terrace, BBQ grilled meats are also available.

Beyond lunchtime, the café offers a variety of drinks and takeout menu items, making it a versatile spot to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature.

Address
中川郡池田町清見144
About 5 minutes by car

The Ikeda-cho Grape and Wine Research Institute "Ikeda Wine Castle"

Explore the Rich World of Tokachi Wine in Its Hometown

Located in Ikeda Town, the birthplace of Tokachi Wine, this research facility offers visitors a chance to explore the underground wine aging rooms and learn about the town’s history of winemaking at the museum.


The attached restaurant serves dishes made with local ingredients paired with Tokachi wines, while the paid tasting corner allows you to sample several varieties of wine. Experienced advisors are available to help you select the perfect bottle to suit your taste.

Address
中川郡池田町字清見83
Telephone Number
015-572-2467
Open
9:00 -17:00
10:30 - 17:00 (Last Order 16:30)
- Saturday only dinner time 17:00 - 20:00 (Last Order 19:00)
*Reservation only (by 17:00 the day before)
*Reservation phone: 015-578-7857
9:00 - 17:00 (Last Order 16:30)
Closed
Open year-round (except for New Year’s holidays)
Tuesdays (open if Tuesday is a holiday, then closed the following Wednesday) and New Year’s holidays
Open year-round (except for New Year’s holidays)
About 20 minutes by car

Tokachigaoka Observatory

Panoramic Views of the Tokachi Plains

Located on a hill in Tokachigaoka Park, the observatory offers sweeping views of the Tokachi River, Tokachigawa Onsen town, and the vast Tokachi Plains. In the distance, you can also admire the majestic mountains of the Hidaka Range, providing a true sense of Hokkaido’s scale.


Famous as a beautiful sunset spot, this observatory is a must-visit for photography enthusiasts and anyone wanting to experience breathtaking scenery.

Address
河東郡音更町十勝川温泉北14丁目4
Telephone Number
0155-32-6633(Tokachigawa Onsen Tourist Association)
About 5 minutes by car

[Accommodation] Tokachigawa Hot Spring

Hokkaido Heritage Site! “Beautiful Skin” Hot Spring with Rare Moor Water

Tokachigawa Hot Spring is a rare hot spring area in Japan, known for its natural moor hot spring, rich in plant-based organic matter. This unique water is recognized worldwide for its quality and is especially popular as a “beautiful skin” hot spring with notable skin benefits.


Visitors can enjoy a luxurious and relaxing stay while taking in views of the gently flowing Tokachi River and the distant mountain ranges, making it an ideal accommodation spot for a memorable Hokkaido trip.

Address
音更町十勝川温泉
Telephone Number
0155-32-6633
Day3

Tokachi Nature Center

Try an Early Morning Adventure and Enjoy a Panoramic View from Above

At a location near Tokachigawa hot spring, tethered flights allow you to rise about 30 meters above the ground and take in sweeping views of Tokachi’s great outdoors. You can admire the scenery of the Tokachi River below and, on clear days, even see the distant Hidaka Mountains.


The early morning flight offers a refreshing experience that the whole family can enjoy safely, including young children. This activity provides a memorable and special adventure during your Hokkaido trip.

Address
河東郡音更町十勝川温泉南12-1-12
Telephone Number
0155-32-6116
Open
[Reservations accepted] 9:00-17:00
Closed
Open all year round
About 20 minutes by car

Tokachi Hills (Hokkaido Garden Path)

A hilltop garden overlooking Tokachi, where about 800 rose bushes bloom in vibrant colors

Beyond the stunning Rose Garden, you’ll find spaces filled with herbs, fruit trees, and even edible flowers, creating a landscape that changes beautifully with each season.


Families can enjoy picnics on the spacious lawn near the children’s playground, while couples and travelers can relax at the cozy café, known for its rich variety of sweets. Celebrating the themes of flowers, food, and farming, Tokachi Hills is a unique theme park that captures the essence of Tokachi, making it a popular destination for visitors of all ages.

Address
中川郡幕別町字日新13-5
Telephone Number
0155-56-1111
Open
9:00-17:00 (Mid-Apr. - Mid-Oct.)
Closed
Open every day during the period

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Lunch in Tokachi: The Famous Pork Bowl!

Born in Obihiro during the 1930s, the Tokachi specialty “Butadon” (pork bowl) has become a beloved local dish.


This signature meal of the Tokachi region features juicy slices of pork, grilled over charcoal and served atop a steaming bowl of rice. In some versions, the pork is pan-fried instead, creating the same irresistible aroma that stimulates the appetite.


If you’re traveling through Hokkaido, make sure to try Butadon for lunch — it’s a local delicacy that captures the authentic flavor of Tokachi.

Lunch in Tokachi: The Famous Pork Bowl!
About 15-30 minutes by car

Garden Hopping in Obihiro

Discover enchanting gardens set against the backdrop of the Hidaka Mountains, stretching across the Tokachi Plain’s picturesque countryside.

Take a moment to relax in some of the most beautiful gardens Tokachi has to offer.

Manabe Garden
Manabe Garden
Step into a fairytale world at Japan’s very first conifer garden, where numerous ornamental trees imported from Europe and Canada create a truly enchanting landscape.
The scenery transforms beautifully with each season, making it a favorite spot not only for garden lovers but also for photography enthusiasts seeking that perfect shot.
Address: 帯広市稲田町東2-6
TEL: 0155-48-2120
https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spot/detail_10127.html
Shichiku Garden
Shichiku Garden
Across an expansive about 49,500 m² site, themed gardens showcase around 2,500 kinds of flowers in full bloom throughout the year.
This enchanting spot is especially beloved as “Grandma Shichiku’s Garden”, inviting visitors into an elegant and peaceful world where nature and heartwarming hospitality come together.
Address: 帯広市美栄町西4線107
TEL: 0155-60-2377
https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spot/detail_10128.html

Each one showcases a unique theme that reflects the region’s climate and natural surroundings, creating ever-changing landscapes throughout the seasons.


With the majestic Hidaka Mountains framing the horizon, the scenery feels like a living painting. As you explore, you’ll be embraced by a sense of openness and tranquility — the perfect way to refresh both body and mind.

About 15-30 minutes by car

Banei Tokachi

Get up close to the excitement of Banei Keiba, a one-of-a-kind horse race found only in Tokachi

In this dramatic spectacle, massive draft horses weighing about 1 ton pull heavy steel sleds down a straight dirt track. Originating as a competition among farm horses, Banei racing showcases raw power and strength in every stride — an unforgettable sight to witness.


Beyond the racetrack, visitors can enjoy a family-friendly petting zoo where ponies, rabbits, and other animals await, as well as a farmers’ market offering fresh local produce.


Combining Tokachi’s nature, animals, and the thrill of unique horse racing, Banei Tokachi is an activity the whole family will enjoy.

Address
帯広市西13条南9丁目
Telephone Number
0155-34-0825
Open
Basically, races are held on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays,please inquire for departure time.
Closed
Depends on content
*Please check our website or contact us.
About 10 minutes by car

Kita no Yatai

Enjoy Tokachi’s Flavors at the Vibrant Food Stall Village

Located just a 5-minute walk from Obihiro Station, Kita no Yatai is a must-visit spot during your Hokkaido trip. Around 20 unique food stalls line this lively village, offering easy access to authentic Hokkaido gourmet dishes made with fresh local ingredients from Tokachi.

While savoring the flavors of Japan’s “Kingdom of Agriculture,” you can also enjoy conversations with fellow travelers and friendly stall owners. This food stall village is a highlight of Hokkaido tourism and an experience you shouldn’t miss.

Address
帯広市西1条南10丁目7
Telephone Number
0155-23-8194
Open
17:00-24:00(Depends on the store)
Closed
(Depends on the store)

[Accommodation] Obihiro

Obihiro is one of Hokkaido’s most popular destinations, offering a perfect balance of rich natural landscapes, delicious sweets, and a lively nightlife scene

Around JR Obihiro Station, you’ll find many city and business hotels that provide easy access to transportation and sightseeing. If you venture a bit further, you can also discover relaxing hot spring inns and spacious campgrounds, making it easy to match your accommodation with your travel style.


As a hub where convenience meets nature and Hokkaido’s famous gourmet experiences, Obihiro is a highly recommended place to stay.

Telephone Number
0155-22-8600(Obihiro Tourism and Convention Association)
Day4
About 35 minutes by car

Rokkatei Art Village Nakasatsunai

Where Nature and Art Meet

Spread across an impressive 145,000 square meters, the Nakasatsunai Art Village is a must-visit attraction in Hokkaido.


The grounds are home to several distinctive museums, including the Kyuichiro Aihara Museum and the Junsaku Koizumi Museum, each presenting its own unique artistic world. Surrounded by lush birch groves, the walking paths change with the seasons, offering visitors a peaceful and ever-changing natural backdrop.


Blending art and nature in perfect harmony, Rokkatei Art Village Nakasatsunai promises an unforgettable experience and a memorable highlight of any Hokkaido journey.

Address
中札内村栄東5線
Telephone Number
0155-68-3003
Open
April - October
10:00-16:00 (subject to change)
Closed
Museum: closed Monday-Thursday
Restaurants: closed Monday-Friday
About 5 minutes by car

Michi-no-Eki Nakasatsunai

Lunch and Souvenir Shopping in One Spot

Michi-no-Eki Nakasatsunai is a gourmet roadside station where visitors can enjoy both delicious meals and local shopping.


The on-site restaurant focuses on local production for local consumption, while the market is well known for its fresh, same-day eggs and a wide variety of local products. At the cheese workshop’s gelato shop, the homemade Camembert flavor is especially popular.


True to Nakasatsunai’s nickname as the “Town of Beans,” the facility also features a unique Bean Museum. With its mix of dining, shopping, and culture, Michi-no-Eki Nakasatsunai is a must-visit stop packed with the charms of Hokkaido travel.

Address
河西郡中札内村大通南7-14
Telephone Number
0155-67-2811
Open
April-October: 9:00-18:00
November-March: 9:00-17:00
(Depends on the store)
Closed
(Depends on the store)
Goal
  • Tokachi Millennium Forest (Hokkaido Garden Path)
  • Kyodogakusha Shintoku Farm
  • [Accommodation] Shikaribetsu Kohan Onsen Hotel Fusui
  • Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden
  • Tokachi Makiba-no-ie
  • The Ikeda-cho Grape and Wine Research Institute "Ikeda Wine Castle"
  • Tokachigaoka Observatory
  • [Accommodation] Tokachigawa Hot Spring
  • Tokachi Nature Center
  • Tokachi Hills (Hokkaido Garden Path)
  • Garden Hopping in Obihiro
  • Banei Tokachi
  • Kita no Yatai
  • [Accommodation] Obihiro
  • Rokkatei Art Village Nakasatsunai
  • Michi-no-Eki Nakasatsunai

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