The vast Tokachi Plain, with its expansive rural landscapes, seemingly endless Hidaka Mountain Range, and blue skies as far as the eye can see. Enjoy scenery most typical of Hokkaido here in the Tokachi area. This area is blessed with one of the longest annual sunshine durations in Japan, and although annual precipitation is low, the changes in the seasons are distinct and differences in temperatures extreme. In summer, temperatures can rise above 30 degrees Celsius yet drop to 20 below zero in winter, when the area becomes a world of ice rather than snow. Since the tourist destinations are scattered around the region, traveling by car is recommended. The expressway from the Sapporo area will be fully opened in 2011.

There are many sightseeing spots and events enjoyed by locals alike that take advantage of the area’s agricultural and rural background. The Aikoku and Kofuku railway stations on the former JR Hiroo Line in Obihiro draw a large number of tourists from all over Japan, and the world’s only Banei horse races also attract attention. Famous summer events include the Balloon Festival in Kamishihoro, where many colorful hot-air balloons can be seen in the blue sky; Obihiro’s Kachimai Fireworks Display, which is one of the largest in Japan; and the Wine Festival in Ikeda, where spit-roast beef is served with Tokachi Wine. Must-see winter events include the Obihiro Ice Festival, which features fantastical ice sculptures; the Shibare Festival in Rikubetsu, the coldest town in Japan; and the Shikaribetsuko Kotan Mura (Igloo village) established on the frozen Lake Shikaribetsu in Shikaoi.

Tokachi is a hot-spring paradise, with over 20 onsens including organic peat and volcanic springs. Tokachigawa Onsen, which is known as the “hot water of beauty,” is an organic peat spring designated as a Hokkaido Heritage, and its water is particularly gentle on skin. The Nukabira Spa surrounded by the primeval forests of Higashi Taisetsu, with its continuous flow of fresh hot water from the source, is also highly regarded among hot-spring enthusiasts. In Obihiro, public baths that use hot-spring water are also popular among those in the know.

Tokachi is one of Hokkaido’s leading centers of agriculture. The area produces an abundance of foodstuffs, such as beans, wheat, potatoes, buckwheat, beef, dairy products, pork and seafood. One of the local delicacies that is known nationwide is buta-don, a bowl of rice topped with pork, which originated in Obihiro. Nowadays there are restaurants that specialize in the dish, and even establishments where lines of potential customers can be seen waiting. In recent years, new local dishes such as Tokachi Obihiro green-bean salad noodles and Tokachi Memuro corn fried rice have begun to appear. Kitano-Yatai in downtown Obihiro, where 20 open-plan counters and bar-type establishments serving a variety of styles of food stand side-by-side, is a great place to enjoy cuisine made with ingredients from the area, as well as mix with the locals. Since the expressway will soon be open, the gourmet paradise of Tokachi is attracting even more attention.

Due to the abundance of ingredients such as dairy produce, flour and beans, Tokachi is a perfect place for sweets. From major confectioners that frequently appear on TV and in magazines, to smaller patisseries with their own original tastes, each town in the region boasts a wealth of delicious sweets. Other well-known products include Tokachi Wine, beans and cheeses.