1
Tokachi Ranch

The row of white birch trees that served as a filming location for a drama, now covered in a world of silver

The National Livestock Breeding Center Tokachi Station is a public institution dedicated to the breeding of cattle, horses, and sheep, as well as the improvement and propagation of forage crops using livestock technology, but part of the grounds is open to tourists.
The 1.3km-long straight avenue of white birch trees from the ranch entrance is a popular spot known as a filming location for the 2014 NHK morning drama "Massan." In the depths of winter, the leafless birch branches are covered in rime ice, making them look as if they are blooming with white flowers. The contrast between the pure white path and the clear blue sky is a breathtaking sight you will definitely want to capture in a photo.

Experience the beauty of vibrant life with the "Horse Driving Exercise"

At the Tokachi Station, "horse-driving exercises" are held every morning to prevent lack of exercise and stress in horses during winter, and to prevent difficult births for pregnant mares expecting in the spring. The exercises are open to the public from mid-January to the end of February. The sight of large draft horses kicking up snow and galloping with a thundering sound is incredibly impressive. Their dynamic bodies are full of strength and beauty that will leave you spellbound.
Pasture areas and facilities within the ranch are off-limits. Also, there are no shops or trash cans. If you are visiting by car, please follow instructions such as vehicle disinfection.

▼Public Viewing of Horse-Driving Exercises
Date and Time: Mid-January to end of February, around 9:30–10:30
*Times may be shortened or canceled due to weather, etc.

National Livestock Breeding Center Tokachi Station

• 8-1 Komaba Namiki, Otofuke-cho, Kato-gun, Hokkaido MAP
• Approx. 30 minutes by car from JR Obihiro Station
• Take a bus from JR Obihiro Station, get off at "Tokachi Bokujo," and walk for about 7 minutes.
• Free admission
• 0155-44-2131
• Free
• Viewing the horse herding exercise in large groups is not permitted due to limited parking and viewing space.

2
Jewelry Ice

Art made of ice created by the freezing sea

Jewelry Ice is a phenomenon that can only be seen during the depths of winter on the Otsu Coast in Toyokoro Town, which faces the Pacific Ocean. It is a natural phenomenon where water from the Tokachi River freezes, flows out into the sea, and then washes up on the shore. Depending on the weather that year, it can be seen from mid-January to late February.
While drift ice formed by frozen seawater is white, Jewelry Ice is made of river water that contains no salt, so it is characterized by its extremely high transparency. Polished by the waves, its appearance as it shines in the sunlight has a noble beauty similar to crystal. It makes you realize the power of nature that transcends human wisdom.

Breathtaking, ever-changing colors

At dawn, when the power of the morning sun quietly fills the air; during the day, when it reflects the vivid Tokachi blue sky; and at dusk, when it is wrapped in the soft light of twilight. Jewelry Ice changes its expression depending on the time of day, offering plenty of photo opportunities. Early in the morning, temperatures can drop below -20°C, which can cause the batteries of electronic devices to drain rapidly. Don't forget to keep your camera and smartphone warm, as well as yourself.
Access to the Otsu Coast is easiest by rental car from Obihiro. For those who are uneasy about driving on winter roads, there are also bus tours and taxi packages departing from and returning to Obihiro.

Jewelry Ice

• Otsu Coast, Otsumotomachi, Toyokoro-cho, Nakagawa-gun, HokkaidoMAP
• Approx. 60 minutes by car from JR Obihiro Station
• 015-578-7202 (Toyokoro Town Tourism Association)
• Free
• Please check with the Toyokoro Town Tourism Association regarding Jewelry Ice tours.

3
TOKACHI ICE PARK PLUS

Try skating at a downtown rink bustling with locals

Obihiro and Tokachi are a skating kingdom that has produced many Olympic athletes. You can feel this local character firsthand at the skating rink that appears in the middle of the city only during the winter. It is a truly handmade rink, created by packing down snow with feet and then sprinkling water for about 10 days to build up layers of ice.
Skating is fun for everyone, regardless of skill level, whether you are holding hands and skating with others or trying out difficult spinning techniques. Rental skates are available, so why not join the locals and head out onto the rink? For beginners, there are also push chairs available for support.

A variety of community-based ice events

"TOKACHI ICE PARK PLUS" is a winter-only community created through the combined efforts of local residents. In addition to curling, ice hockey experiences, and performances by figure skaters, there are food and beverage corners and various events that bring excitement to the city.
The fact that various restaurants are lined up right next to the rink is a charm unique to a city-center skating rink. After playing to your heart's content, enjoy the gourmet food of Obihiro and Tokachi.

TOKACHI ICE PARK PLUS

• Obihiro Station North Multi-purpose Plaza "Yume no Kita Hiroba", Nishi 2-jo Minami 11-chome, Obihiro City, HokkaidoMAP
• Approx. 3-minute walk from JR Obihiro Station
• Friday, December 26, 2025 – Sunday, February 1, 2026
  Fridays: 17:00–20:00
  Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and Dec 29–Jan 4: 11:00–20:00
  *Subject to change depending on weather conditions and rink status.
• Skating/Curling rink usage fee: Free
  Skate rental: Adults 1,000 yen, high school students and younger free
  Curling equipment: Free
• None (please use nearby paid parking)

4
Samurai Produce "Tokachi Winter River Cruising"

Travel down the river from the perspective of a waterfowl and become one with nature

Although it is a river flowing through the city, the Obihiro River is home to many migratory birds such as whooper swans that fly in from Siberia and other places during the winter. An activity that allows you to easily experience the great nature of Tokachi by rowing a boat from the riverbank, located about a 10-minute drive from Obihiro Station, is gaining popularity.
The appeal of the boat is that it is close to the water's surface, allowing you to experience scenery from a perspective similar to that of the waterfowl. As you glide along the quiet river under the Tokachi blue sky, listen to the chirping of wild birds and the sound of waterfowl wings. It is a luxurious time that will make you forget your daily life for a while.

Encounter a unique, moving experience amidst a fantastical landscape

On cold mornings when the temperature drops below -15°C, "kearashi" (sea smoke) can occur, with river mist rising like steam. Furthermore, water vapor adheres to tree branches and freezes, creating rime ice. If you are lucky, you may have the chance to get up close to a flock of whooper swans resting by the water. Additionally, after the cruise, popular sweets from Tokachi, the kingdom of sweets, are provided as a souvenir.
"Samurai Produce" also offers various other activity plans, such as the Jewelry Ice tour in Toyokoro Town.

Samurai Produce

• Yell Center Tokachi, 1-73, Higashi 15-jo Minami 4-chome, Obihiro City, Hokkaido *Cruising meeting point MAP
• Approx. 10 minutes by car from JR Obihiro Station *Cruising meeting point
• December to March 8:00–10:00 (Meeting time is 8:00)
• December 31 to January 2
• 8,000 yen (includes insurance, guide fee, and equipment rental)
• 0155-66-4006
• Free
• 3 years old and up
• Reservation required at least 3 days in advance. Reservations can be made the day before if the event is already scheduled.

5
Otofuke Tokachigawa Swan Festival "Sairinka®"

A fantasy of light and sound that brilliantly colors the winter in Tokachi

In the town of Otofuke, adjacent to Obihiro City, the "Otofuke Tokachigawa Swan Festival Sairinka" illumination event is held every winter, named after the swans that fly to the Tokachi River. When night falls, a colorful "forest of light" illuminates the white landscape. The use of agricultural insulation material for the outer fabric of the triangle towers is an idea unique to Tokachi, a kingdom of agriculture.
The clear winter air makes the illuminations stand out sharply, and the fantastic space woven by resonating light and sound creates a moment that feels like wandering into a dream world.

Enjoy attractions and gourmet food that take advantage of the cold

The venue features a romantic "tunnel of light," a "zoo of light," and a wealth of various attractions that will captivate everyone from children to adults. You can enjoy activities that take advantage of the freezing cold, such as snow rafting at high speeds on a special course, making soap bubbles that freeze instantly, and creating snow candles.
If your body gets cold, you can warm up at the moor hot spring hand bath or take a break in a warm rest area made from a greenhouse. The menu includes hot drinks and light meals using local ingredients, which will warm both your stomach and your heart.

Otofuke Tokachigawa Swan Festival "Sairinka®"

• Tokachigaoka Park, Tokachigawa Onsen Kita 14-chome, Otofuke-cho, Kato-gun, Hokkaido MAP
• Take the bus bound for "Tokachigawa Onsen" from JR Obihiro Station, get off at "Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen," and walk for about 10 minutes.
• January 24 (Sat) – February 15 (Sun), 2026
  19:00–21:00
• Junior high school students and older: 500 yen; elementary school students and younger: free
  *Free for guests staying at Tokachigawa Onsen (member of the Tourism Association)
  
• 0155-32-6633 (Otofuke Town Tokachigawa Onsen Tourism Association)
• Free
• May be canceled in case of severe weather.

6
Natural Hot Spring Asahi-yu

A rare moor hot spring that captivates public bath fans across the country

In the Obihiro and Tokachi area, temperatures remain below freezing throughout the midwinter season. If your body gets cold from sightseeing or activities, why not visit "Asahi-yu," a public bathhouse located near Obihiro Station?
Asahi-yu opened in 1951. At that time, it was a public bathhouse with heated water, but in 1983, it was reborn as a hot spring bathhouse after a well was drilled. Although it temporarily closed due to the founder's poor health, the current owner's father bought it and reopened it in 2007. It boasts such popularity that public bath fans from both within and outside Hokkaido make a special trip to visit.

Not only the bathtubs but also the faucets and showers are 100% moor hot spring water

Asahi-yu is a moor hot spring, a rarity even on a global scale, rich in plant-derived organic matter. At Asahi-yu, the moor hot spring water pumped from 1.2 km underground is used exactly as it is, without heating, dilution, or circulation. The water from the faucets and showers is also 100% moor hot spring water. The amber-colored water is thick and soft, and as fine bubbles envelop your skin, both your body and mind will feel gently relaxed.
As a public bathhouse where you can easily enjoy one of the best hot springs in Hokkaido, it is very popular with tourists from both Japan and abroad. The time spent soaking in the tub among the locals will surely become a heartwarming memory of your trip.

Natural Hot Spring Asahi-yu

• 19 Higashi 3-jo Minami 14-chome, Obihiro City, Hokkaido MAP
• About an 11-minute walk from JR Obihiro Station.
• 13:00–23:00, Morning bath 6:00–10:00 (Sundays only)
• January 1st
• Bathing fee: Adults 500 yen, children 150 yen, infants 80 yen
• 0155-24-1933
• Free
• Alkaline simple hot spring