In our previous article, we mentioned there is no off-peak season for tourism for Tokachi. Today we will share with you the beauty of Tokachi that you will not miss all year round.
Banei Horse Racing
Banei horse racing is one of the most unique events in the world, showing the strong relationship between people and horses in this northern region in Japan. Back in around 1900, horses are important friends for Hokkaido farmers as they help drastically reduce the effort and time for farming in such a cold region. In the days, they compare and show off their horse’s strength and ability to efficiently and effectively conduct farming activities.
Nowadays through advances in technology farming has obviously been replaced by machines. but horse remains a large tradition for the region and Banei horse racing remains as a cultural tradition; every year people from around Japan and even around the world will travel to Tokachi to enjoy the race. With a low betting ticket price at 100 Yen, it is not about the gamble, it is about the experience, the racing atmosphere, and the celebration of such a beautiful culture.
In addition, the racecourse is a famous spot for watching the sunset in Obihiro, the main city of Tokachi. Together with a snowy winter, horse racing and sunset is a mesmerizing experience.
Romantic carriage in Obihiro street
In Obihiro's downtown streets, romantic background music and the sound of horseshoe tapping often surround you. When working horses are retired from the Banei racecourse they are sometimes put to rest as the people of Tokachi don’t want to see them in pain of old age. These horse carriages are beautifully made and presented in the city for the remembrance of the importance of these horses to locals living. Today, they are also fitted with a minibar on board where you can taste a variety of wines while romantically navigating through the city in the horse carriage.
Chasing Horse Campaign
Every year from mid-January to late February, Tokachi Farm will hold a colorful season’s Winter Chasing Horse Campaign. The original intention of this sport is to avoid insufficient horse exercise and prevent mares from early deterioration. Throughout the years its become an event that locals love to visit and enjoy. While watching the horse chasing in snowy winter, the vitality of the horses with flying snow is an experience of a lifetime.
Sled Dog Parade
The Sled dog snowfield journey is an event worth participating in. The vast plains of Tokachi are farmland in summer and become endless snowfields in winter. The feeling of being pulled by a sled dog is amazingly romantic, just like traveling in a fairy tale world. There are 12km and 6km routes to choose from, allowing you to experience the feeling of real speeding on the snowy field.
Japan Jewellery Ice
The ice from the nearby Tokachi River flows into the Pacific Ocean and gets tossed about in the heavy waves, forming crystal clear blocks of ice that are beached and glisten like diamonds along the shoreline. A natural ice phenomenon that glistens like diamonds. if you have a chance to visit the shoreline keep an eye out for these beautiful Jewellery Ice.
Taushubetsu Bridge and Ice bubble
This cement arch bridge used to be the support of a railway. After years of erosion, it gradually collapses and becomes a relic of people’s appreciation and nostalgia. while the structure itself is fascinating to look at, under the bridge, the natural phenomenon called mushroom ice can only be seen. One of the most popular images on Instagram is the Ice Bubble, the methane surging from the bottom of the lake, and when winter comes, as the lake freezes, bubbles are intercepted and frozen, becoming an art form.
Nakasatsunai Art Village
Nakasatsunai Art Village surrounded by a natural grove of trees. Inside each building will display local paintings from the Tokachi region. The unique history of each building is yet another layer of art. The area is very quiet, and there are often free music performances by local artists.
Naitai Highlands Farm
Naitai highlands farm located at the hillsides of the Eastern Daisetsu has about 1700 hectares, equivalent to 362 Tokyo Dome. You can see 2700 milk cows grazing. Due to the exceptional natural environment, ranchers will send their cows to this area to graze and bring them back in winter. This highland has one of the most beautiful sceneries of Hokkaido.
Tokachi Millenium Forest
Tokachi Millennium Forest is an ambitious and visionary environmental conservation project, with a 1,000-year sustainable vision to cultivate a deeper appreciation of nature by offering Japan’s mainly urban population the chance to engage with the landscape, forest, gardens, and farms.
It is the work of landscape designer Dan Pearson who devoted himself to creating the British Princess Diana Memorial Garden. In 2012, Tokachi Millennium Forest was awarded two Gold Awards by the British Association of Garden Designers (ACE) the highest awards for garden design in the world. Highly recommend riding a Segway to enjoy the nature, you can also hire a local guide to take you up to the mountain.
Kachimai Fireworks Festival
Kachimai Fireworks Festival is one of the largest fireworks events in Japan held near the Tokachi River in Obihiro. More than 20,000 fireworks are set off combined with background music. There are many food stalls along the river where visitors can enjoy the local snack during the fireworks.
Manabe Garden
This ‘Fairytale’ garden preserved the precious old trees and plants from the early time of Hokkaido, which can only be seen here. The garden composed of different sections such as Japanese and European style, the layout and scenery change in every section.
lwanai Gorge
Iwanai Gorge is located at the foot of the Hidaka mountain. You can view the Canyons, streams and suspension bridge, in autumn this is one of the famous spots to see autumn leaves. There you can quietly enjoy the nature.
Kita no Yatai (the Northern stalls)
Kita no Yatai has 20 unique restaurants offering Japanese, Chinese, French, Italian and Korean cuisine, there are barbecues and bars. When the sun goes down and the red lanterns are lit, this street comes alive. You can enjoy a night out with your friends or chatting with other guests, enjoy a few drinks with few dishes in one of those cozy restaurants.
We are sure the above attractions should make you tempted to visit Tokachi. Besides the commercial flight and train routes, we mentioned in our previous article, Traveling to Tokachi via business jet from China and surrounding cities to relatively convenient.
In our next article, we will introduce you to one of the famous hot spring resorts in Hokkaido. Stay tuned.