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Tokachi Farm

The tree-lined avenue of white birches that was the setting for the drama becomes a silver world.

The National Livestock Breeding Center Tokachi Pasture is a public institution that uses livestock breeding technology to raise cattle, horses, and sheep, and to improve and propagate feed crops, but part of its grounds is open to visitors.
The avenue of white birch trees that runs straight for about 1,3 km from the entrance to the ranch is a popular spot known as a filming location for NHK's morning drama series "Massan" (2014) and other episodes. During the severe winter, the branches of the white birches, which have lost their leaves, are covered with fog and ice, giving the appearance of white flowers blooming. The contrast between the pure white road and the clear blue sky is a beautiful sight that is definitely worth photographing.

The "Horse Chasing Campaign" to experience the beauty of vibrant life

At Tokachi Farm, "horse chasing exercise" is held every morning to relieve the horses' lack of exercise and stress during the winter and to prevent difficult births for pregnant horses that are due to give birth in the spring. from mid-January to the end of February, the farm is open to the public and visitors are welcome to observe the event. The sight of the large farm horses kicking snow off the ground and galloping at full gallop is very powerful. The horses' dynamic bodies are so strong and beautiful that one cannot help but admire them.
Pastures and Property on the ranch are off-limits. There are no stores or trash cans. If you are going to visit by car, please follow the directions for vehicle disinfection, etc.

▼ Horse Chase Exercise Open to the Public
Date and time: Mid-January to the end of February, around 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
(*Times may be shortened or cancelled due to weather conditions, etc.)

Tokachi Farm, National Livestock Breeding Center

• 8-1 Komaba-Namiki, Ondo-cho, Kawato-gun, Hokkaido MAP
• Approximately 30 minutes by car from JR Obihiro Station
• Take a bus from JR Obihiro Station, get off at "Tokachi Farm" and walk about 7 minutes.
• Free Release
• 0155-44-2131
• Free of charge
• Due to the small parking lot and viewing area, it is not possible to observe the horse chasing exercise with a large number of people.

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jewelry ice cream

Ice art created by the frigid sea

Jewelry Ice" can be seen only during the severe winter season on the Otsu Coast of Toyokoro Town facing the Pacific Ocean. This is a natural phenomenon in which the water of the Tokachi River freezes, flows out to the sea, and then comes to rest on the shore. Depending on the weather that year, it can be seen from mid-January to late February.
While drift ice formed from frozen seawater is white in color, jewelry ice is characterized by its extremely high transparency because it is river water that does not contain salt. The ice is clear and shining in the sunlight, and its angles are removed by the waves, giving it a noble beauty similar to that of crystal. It is a reminder of the power of nature that transcends human knowledge.

The ever-changing colors of light are breathtaking.

Dawn, when the power of the morning sun quietly fills the air; daytime, when the vivid Tokachi blue sky is reflected in the sky; and dusk, when the soft light of twilight envelops the area. Jewelry Ice, which changes its expression depending on the time of day, is full of shutterbug opportunities. Early morning temperatures can drop below -20℃, which can rapidly drain the batteries of electronic devices. Don't forget to keep your clothing, camera, and smartphone warm.
Directions to Otsu-kaigan are smooth if you rent a car from Obihiro. For those who are not comfortable driving on winter roads, bus tours and cab packages to and from Obihiro are also available.

Jewelry Ice

• Otsumotomachi, Toyokoro Town, Nakagawa County, Hokkaido (Otsu Coast) MAP
• Approximately 60 minutes by car from JR Obihiro Station
• 015-578-7202（Toyokoro Tourist Association)
• Free of charge
• Check with Toyokoro Tourist Association for jewelry ice tours.

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TOKACHI ICE PARK PLUS

Try your hand at skating at a rink in the city bustling with locals

Obihiro and Tokachi are skating kingdoms that have produced many Olympic athletes. You can experience firsthand the local character of the area at the skating rink that appears in the middle of the city only during the winter. The rink is truly handmade, made of layers of ice that are formed by stepping on snow and sprinkling water on it for about 10 days.
Skating is fun for everyone, regardless of skill level, as you can hold hands and skate together, or try difficult spinning tricks. Skates are available for rent, so join the locals and take off to the rink. Hand chairs are also available for beginners to assist them.

A variety of community-based ice events

TOKACHI ICE PARK PLUS is a winter-only community created by local residents working together. In addition to curling and ice hockey experiences and performances by figure skaters, there will also be a food and beverage corner and various events to bring excitement to the city.
The various restaurants and eateries lined up near the rink are another attraction that can only be found at a skating rink in the city. After a day of fun and games, enjoy the gourmet food of Obihiro and Tokachi.

tokachi ice park plus

• Yume no Kita Hiroba" multipurpose plaza north of Obihiro Station, Nishi 2-jo Minami 11-chome, Obihiro City, Hokkaido MAP
• Approx. 3 min. walk from JR Obihiro Sta.
• Fri, Dec 26, 2025 - Sun, Feb 1, 2026
  Friday: 17:00 - 20:00
  Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and December 29 - January 4: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  *Subject to change depending on weather conditions and rink condition.
• Skating and curling rink rental fee: Free
  Skate rental ¥1,000 for adults, free for high school students and younger
  Curling equipment free of charge
• None (use nearby paid parking)

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Samurai Produce "Tokachi Winter River Cruising

Become one with nature as you walk along the river from the perspective of a waterfowl

Although the Obihiro River runs through the city center, many migratory birds, such as whooper swans that fly in from Siberia and other regions, can be seen here in winter. A popular activity is to take a boat out from the shore, a 10-minute drive from Obihiro Station, and experience the great nature of Tokachi in a casual manner.
The boat is close to the surface of the water, so you can experience the scenery from the waterfowl's point of view. Under the Tokachi blue sky, glide along the quiet river and listen carefully to the chirping of wild birds and the sound of waterfowl wings. It is a luxurious time to forget your daily life for a while.

Encounter the unique excitement of this fantastic landscape

On cold mornings when the temperature drops below -15°C, a "ke-arashi," or river mist that rises like steam, can occur. In addition, water vapor adheres to tree branches and freezes, creating fog and ice. If you are lucky, you may have a chance to get up close to a flock of whooper swans resting on the water's edge. After the cruise, visitors can take home as souvenirs some of the popular sweets from Tokachi, the "Kingdom of Sweets.
Samurai Produce also offers a variety of other Activity plans, including a jewelry ice cream tour of Toyokoro Town.

Samurai Produce

• Yale Center Tokachi, 4-1-73, Higashi 15 Minami, Obihiro, Hokkaido *MAP of cruising meeting place
• 10 min. drive from JR Obihiro Station *Cruising meeting place
• December - March 8:00 - 10:00 (Mon) (Meeting time is 8:00)
• December 31 - January 2
• 8,000 yen (including insurance, Experience guide fee, and equipment rental)
• 0155-66-4006
• Free of charge
• Ages 3 and up
• Reservations required at least 3 days in advance. Reservations can be made a day in advance on days when the tour is scheduled.

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Otofuke Tokachigawa Swan Festival "Sairinka®".

A fantasy of light and sound that glamorously decorates the winter in Tokachi

In the town of Otofuke, adjacent to Obihiro City, the "Otofuke Tokachigawa Swan Festival: Sairinka" is held every winter, an illumination event named after the swans that fly to the Tokachigawa River. When night falls, a colorful "forest of light" is lit up on the white ground. The use of agricultural thermal insulation material for the outer fabric of the triangle tower is an idea unique to the agricultural kingdom of Tokachi.
The clear winter air makes the illumination stand out clearly, and the fantastic space of echoing light and sound creates a moment as if you have wandered into a dream world.

Attractions and gourmet delights that make the most of the cold

In addition to the romantic "Tunnel of Light" and "Zoo of Light," there are a variety of attractions that will enthrall children and adults alike. Snow rafting on a special course, making soap bubbles that freeze instantly, and making snow candles are just a few of the activities that make the most of the freezing temperatures.
If you get cold, you can warm up in the hot spring baths or take a breather in the warm rest area built in a plastic greenhouse. Hot drinks and snacks made from local ingredients are on the menu to warm both your stomach and your soul.

Otofuke Tokachigawa Swan Festival "Sairinka

• 14, Tokachigawa Onsen Kita, Ondo-cho, Kawato-gun, Hokkaido (Tokachigaoka Park) MAP
• From JR Obihiro Station, take the bus bound for Tokachigawa Hot Spring, get off at Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen, and walk 10 minutes.
• January 24, 2026 (Sat) - February 15, 2026 (Mon)
  19:00-21:00
• 500 yen for junior high school students and older, free for elementary school students and younger
  Free for guests staying at Tokachigawa Hot Spring (a member of the Tourism Association)
  
• 0155-32-6633（Ontogata Town Tokachigawa Hot Spring Tourist Association)
• Free of charge
• May be cancelled on stormy days

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Natural hot spring Asahi-yu

Rare mall hot spring that attracts bathhouse fans from all over Japan.

In the severe winter season, the temperature in the Obihiro/Tokachi area is often below freezing. When you get cold from sightseeing and activities, why not visit Asahi-yu, a public bathhouse near Obihiro Station?
Asahi-yu opened in 1951. At that time, it was a boiling bathhouse, but in 1983, it was reborn as a hot spring bathhouse after hot spring water was drilled into the ground. The business was temporarily closed due to the founder's poor health, but the current owner's father bought it and reopened it in 2007. The bathhouse is so popular that local and foreign bathhouse fans go out of their way to visit it.

The bathtub, faucets, and showers are all 100% mall hot spring.

Asahi-yu is a mall hot spring rich in plant-derived organic matter, which is rare in the world. Asahi-yu uses hot spring water pumped up from 1.2 km underground without heating, adding water, or circulating it. The hot water from faucets and showers is 100% mall hot spring water. The amber-colored hot water is soft and thick, and the fine air bubbles envelop the skin, gently relaxing the body and mind.
Since it is a public bath where you can casually enjoy one of the best bathhouses in Hokkaido, it is very popular among tourists from Japan and abroad. A time spent soaking in the bathtub with the locals is sure to be a warm and memorable part of your trip.

Natural hot spring Asahi-yu

• 14-19 Higashi 3-jo Minami, Obihiro City, Hokkaido MAP
• 11 min. walk from JR Obihiro Station
• 13:00-23:00, morning bath 6:00-10:00 (Sunday only)
• January 1
• Admission: Adults 500 yen, children 150 yen, infants 80 yen
• 0155-24-1933
• Free of charge
• Alkaline simple hot spring