2025 Kato District Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Today we will introduce a famous day-trip hot spring in Otofuke town adjacent to Obihiro. Marumigaoka Onsen is famous for its high-quality moor hot spring, and the baths are large, so in summer you can soak while looking out at the fresh greenery filling the windows. The moor hot spring is brown in color and has a slightly viscous nature, which feels great on the skin. There is also a cafe space on the premises, so you can take a break with a coffee after your bath. If you are driving, it is about 10 minutes from Obihiro Station or Otofuke Interchange. It is about a 20-minute walk from the bus stop in front of Kino Agricultural Cooperative. #hotspring

A beautiful light-up event is held at Tokachigaoka Observatory in winter. Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event has not been held for a while, but it is the first time in a long time. It is truly wonderful to see the many triangular objects that stand in the park shining in various colors. Please take a look at how the colors change periodically in time with the music. The event will run until February 19th. #Snowscape #HokkaidoTrip #WinterTrip #BreathtakingView #Tokachi #TokachigawaOnsen #TokachigaokaObservatory

Tokachi Ranch, which has a vast area of ​​land located around Otofuke, north of Obihiro Station, holds the Umaoi event only in the winter. Unlike summer, grazing is difficult in this season, so the horses run around a circular course as exercise. This event is only held in the winter from 9:30am on weekdays, but it is very impressive and worth seeing. If you are visiting by car, you will need to disinfect your vehicle beforehand, so please read the instructions on the Tokachi Ranch website carefully before visiting. #Snowscape #HokkaidoTrip #WinterTrip #Obihiro

Mikuni Pass, which runs from Tokachi to Kamikawa, is the highest pass on the national highway in Hokkaido. In summer, you can see the lush green mountains of the Daisetsu Mountains😆 There's a chic cafe on the pass☕️ Take a break with some home-roasted hand-drip coffee and soft serve ice cream, and the view of the sea of ​​trees below is amazing👍 #Breathtaking view

There is a large ice building near the entrance to Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan. This place is usually used as an ice bar, where you can enjoy drinks in ice glasses. Unfortunately, the ice bar was not open when I visited, but I was able to enjoy the beautiful ice interior. #Snowscape #Ice

This is a dam lake on the banks of the Nukabira Dam. It is famous for being one of the first places in Hokkaido to enjoy ice fishing, as it is located at a high altitude and freezes over completely quite early. However, my personal recommendation is the ice bubbles that form under the ice. This natural phenomenon occurs when the forest submerged in the dam releases gas and freezes along with the bubbles, as shown in the photo. They are smaller and finer than those seen in Lake Akan and Lake Kussharo, but are also dynamic. The season in which they can be seen is limited, but if you have the chance, it is worth seeing. #Hokkaido #Photogenic Spot #Snow Scenery

The East Daisetsu region is located between Kamikawa and Kamishihoro Town. It is home to Higashinupkashiunupuri, where you can see pikas, and Lake Nukabira, which freezes over in winter. This visitor center specializes in providing information about the nature and outdoors in the region. Events are frequently held, so be sure to check the website before you go. #Museum #Hokkaido #Daisetsuzan

When you think of Hokkaido, you think of milk. When you think of milk, you think of Tokachi, right? ^^ There is a very large ranch in Tokachi. It is the Naitai Highland Ranch. There is an observation deck where you can look out over the vast Tokachi landscape while eating original soft serve ice cream. The soft serve ice cream you can eat while looking at the view was exceptional!! #Tokachi #Hokkaido #Breathtaking view #Breathtaking view

The hiking trail is along National Route 85 (with easy-to-follow signs). There is also a public bus. It takes 40-50 minutes one way from the trailhead to the summit. The rock garden where the pikas live is about 10 minutes from the summit. The bamboo grass is quite thick at this time of year, but the path is well-marked, so you shouldn't get lost. I've been to see them about 5 times so far, and I've seen them 100% of the time. However, it's quite difficult to find them, even if you can hear them calling...I think you'll be sure to see them if you hang on for about 2-3 hours. The pikas themselves are there all year round (they don't hibernate), but the safe time to hike is from June to October. The temperature seems to be just right for them at around 10-15℃, and they are especially active in the morning or evening. However, thanks to the wind hole (and the permafrost deep inside the hole), it's cool all year round. It's almost cold. I recommend bringing long sleeves even if you visit in the middle of summer. It's quite difficult to capture a pika on camera, but if you want to take a photo like the one below, I recommend a telephoto lens of at least 300mm. #Hokkaido #Shikaoi #Secret summer resort #Forest bathing #Photo guide for tourist spots#Couple trip#Amazing nature#Supporting tourism

Lake Shikaribetsu is also known as the "Lake in the Sky" because it is the highest lake in Hokkaido at 810 meters above sea level. Due to its altitude and the fact that it is surrounded by wind holes, it is a very cool place even in midsummer, and this campsite is located on the north shore of the lake. The surrounding area is surrounded by recreational forests and is very quiet. Fishing is not possible there as it is a no-fishing zone, but despite its fame, there are few campsite users and you can spend your time there in peace. (*Another feature is that there are many spots where you can see pikas in the surrounding area.) #camping #Hokkaido #forest bathing #secret summer resort #travel with children #supporting tourism #couples trip

📝What kind of place is it? The first full-scale winery in the Otofuke Town/Tokachigawa Onsen area, opened in April 2025. The site is equipped with a wine shop and tasting counter, and will consistently produce low-alcohol red, white, and rosé wines using organically grown grapes (Yamayuki and Kiyomai). Soft-serve ice cream and grape juice will also be on sale, making it a relaxing spot where you can easily stop by during your trip. 📌Basic information • Address: 14-4-10 Tokachigawa Onsen Kita, Otofuke-cho, Kato-gun, Hokkaido  • Business hours: 9:00-16:00  • Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays (open on public holidays)  • Price: 500 yen per glass for tasting (includes cheese snacks)  • Access: Within Tokachigawa Onsen town. By car, it is about 15 minutes from the Otofuke Obihiro IC on the Doto Expressway. Or within walking distance from the local bus stop  🎯Recommended points • 🎁Start tasting and sales of home-brewed wine produced in 2025 (red, white, rosé)  • 🍇Wine made with organically grown grapes and low-alcohol types also available • 🍦Soft cream with grape sauce and grape juice are also planned to be launched, the collaboration of hot springs and wine is the best  • 🧀Cheese and local snacks are included in the tasting, creating a great atmosphere ◎ 🏷️Hashtags #Tokachigaoka Winery #Otofuke Town #Tokachigawa Onsen #Winery Tour #Organic Wine #Grape Soft Cream #500 yen Tasting #Drive Trip ⸻ A new attraction in Tokachigawa Onsen Town! Please enjoy the collaboration experience of hot springs + wine + sweets 😊 #Absolutely Free Trip

The space is thoughtfully curated: natural wood textures, soft lighting, and greenery that spills gently into every corner. It’s the kind of place where you can sip your morning coffee in silence, meet a friend for an unhurried chat, or simply sit by the window and watch the world go by. Every detail—from the ceramic cups to the handwritten menu—feels personal, like a quiet conversation between the space and its guests. The menu leans into comfort and craft: Vietnamese coffee, espresso-based drinks, and a rotating selection of pastries and light bites. Nothing is rushed here. Each cup is brewed with care, each plate served with a sense of calm. It’s not about being trendy—it’s about being present. Two Trees is more than just a café—it’s a quiet beginning, a gentle invitation to pause, and a space where stories can slowly unfold. Opening its doors on March 6, this new spot is tucked into a peaceful corner of the city, designed for those who crave warmth, intention, and a little bit of everyday magic. What makes Two Trees special is its philosophy: to offer a space where people can reconnect—with themselves, with others, and with the simple joy of a well-made drink. Whether you stay for five minutes or two hours, this café is here to hold space for you.

Otofuke Roadside Station Natsuzora no Furusato, located in Otofuke Town, Hokkaido, is a roadside station that relocated and reopened in April 2022. It is popular as a spot where you can fully enjoy the charm of Tokachi, including the Natsuzora Area, which recreates the setting of the NHK drama series Natsuzora, gourmet food made with local ingredients, and sales of local specialties. ⸻ Basic information Location: 2 Natsuzora, Otofuke-cho, Kato-gun, Hokkaido Business hours: Roadside station: 9:00-18:00 Restaurants: 10:00-18:00 (last order 17:30) Masuya Shoten Michimasu: 7:30-18:00 (April-October), 9:00-18:00 (November-March) Closed: Every Monday from November to March (next day if Monday is a public holiday), New Year's holiday (December 31st-January 3rd) Access: About 2 minutes by car from Otofuke Obihiro IC on the Doto Expressway Parking: 262 regular cars, 22 large cars, 4 handicapped cars, 12 cars for overnight stays, 2 electric car charging stations ⸻ Natsuzora area There is a facility modeled after the set of the NHK drama series "Natsuzora," where you can experience the world of the drama.  Gourmet At Natsuzora Dining, a food court with nine restaurants using local ingredients, you can enjoy dishes using wheat, cheese, and vegetables from Tokachi. For example, the white omelet rice at Western Food Petit Joie and the Otofuke char siu noodles at Ramen FUJI are popular.   Shopping At Natsuzora Market, a farm and livestock product sales center, fresh local vegetables and specialty products are sold. You can also purchase limited edition breads and sweets at Masuya Shoten Michimasu, a long-established bakery in Tokachi. Experience Throughout the year, events such as camping, markets, and snow activities are held, allowing you to experience Hokkaido and Tokachi. #Otofuke Roadside Station #Natsuzora's Hometown #Tokachi Gourmet #Otofuke Town #Hokkaido Tourism #Natsuzora Area #Food Court #Local Food #0 Yen Travel

During the Qingming Festival, we recommend a beautiful 6-day itinerary for Japan: experience a snowy fairy tale at Furano's Ningle Terrace, be mesmerized by Hakodate's three-star night view, and encounter the blue wonderland of Biei's Blue Pond. Come and experience it! 🎉Itinerary Overview: Explore Japan and embark on a wonderful journey🌈 D1: Doraemon Waku Waku Sky Park Travel through time, relive your childhood, and spend a joyful day with Doraemon!🎈 D2: Noboribetsu Jigokudani — Hachiman-zaka Slope — Motomachi Catholic Church — Mount Hakodate — Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse Explore the magical Jigokudani, stroll along the historic Hachiman-zaka Slope, experience the tranquility of Motomachi Catholic Church, ascend Mount Hakodate for a panoramic view of the dazzling night scene, and then explore the rich history of Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse.🌃 D3: Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden — Goryokaku Park — Mount Hakodate Ropeway — Showa Shinzan Explore the wonders of the tropical botanical garden, admire the unique scenery of Goryokaku Park, enjoy the city view from the Mount Hakodate Ropeway, and experience the wonder of nature at Showa Shinzan.🌳 D4: Asari — Otaru Canal — Otaru Music Box Museum — Kitaichi Glassware — Shiroi Koibito Park — Odori Park Take a walk by the Asari seashore, stroll along the Otaru Canal, listen to the beautiful melodies at the Otaru Music Box Museum, experience glass craftsmanship at Kitaichi Glassware, savor the sweetness at Shiroi Koibito Park, and experience the city's bustle at Odori Park.🎵 D5: Asahiyama Zoo — Takasago Sake Brewery Museum — Heiwa-dori Park — Nakano-gawa Birch Tree Avenue — Blue Pond — Ningle Terrace Visit the adorable animals at Asahiyama Zoo, learn about the history and culture of Takasago Sake Brewery, take a relaxing walk in Heiwa-dori Park, admire the beautiful birch trees along Nakano-gawa, encounter the blue wonderland of the Blue Pond, and dance with the fairies at Ningle Terrace.🦌 D6: Sapporo Clock Tower — Former Hokkaido Government Building — Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill Feel the historical chimes of the Sapporo Clock Tower, admire the beauty of the classical architecture of the Former Hokkaido Government Building, and overlook the magnificent mountains and rivers from Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill.🏛 🌟The journey ends, returning with a wealth of wonderful memories!🎉 Recommended Attractions: ✨Shiroi Koibito Park✨ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: 2 Chome-11-36 Miyanosawa 2 Jo, Nishi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 063-0052, Japan Opening Hours: 10:00–18:00 Duration: 1–3 hrs A dreamy chocolate-themed park, with an even more romantic winter light show and delicious food. Don't miss it! 🐾Asahiyama Zoo🐾 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: Kuranuma Higashiasahikawacho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 078-8205, Japan Opening Hours: February 11–April 7, 10:30–15:30 Duration: 2–4 hrs A must-see in winter is the penguin walk. Various adorable penguins are waiting for you. Come and experience their cuteness! 🌊Otaru Canal🌊 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: 047-0007 Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan Opening Hours: Open 24 hours Duration: 1–3 hrs Retro-style street lamps and shops along the canal complement each other. Strolling along the canal is like traveling through time, experiencing the unique charm of Otaru. 🌳Odori Park🌳 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: 3 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042, Japan Opening Hours: Open 24 hours Duration: 1–2 hrs Flowers bloom in all seasons, and there are century-old trees in the central area. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll, experiencing the tranquility and beauty of Sapporo. **Important Notes**: * Visa Information: A visa is required to travel to Japan. Remember to prepare the necessary materials in advance.📝 * Time Difference: Japan is 1 hour ahead of China. Adjust to the time difference and enjoy your trip!⏰ * Food Exploration: Be sure to try Japanese specialties such as sushi and ramen.🍣🍜 * Souvenir Prices: When buying souvenirs, compare prices at multiple stores to avoid overspending.💰 Japan group tour, easy and worry-free!🌸 Don't forget to follow me for more travel tips. Let's explore Japan together!✨

It's a quiet and very beautiful park where you'll be greeted by a large flower clock 🌷 I went there in September, and I was really impressed by the variety of flowers in bloom ✨ There's a hot spring foot bath, and there's also space for children to run around, so I think it would be fun for families to come 👍️ I went on a weekday, so there weren't many people, and I was able to spend my time leisurely!! [Name] Tokachigaoka Park [Location] 1-14-1 Tokachigawa Onsen Kita, Otofuke-cho, Kato-gun, Hokkaido 080-0262 [Visit date] 2024.9.28 #0 yen travel autumn #Hokkaido trip #Otofuke town sightseeing #Domestic travel

Hokkaido's summer event ⛱️ "Hokkaido Balloon Festival" 2024 will be the 51st time✨Every year, guests from all over the world visit this grand summer event in Hokkaido✨ You can also try out a hot air balloon and enjoy a trip in the sky in a hot air balloon✨You definitely have to try this✨✨✨ Hokkaido Balloon Festival" ■ Event name The 51st Hokkaido Balloon Festival in 2024 ■ Date Friday, August 2, 2024 - Sunday, August 4, 2024 * 3 days ■ Venue Kamishihoro Town Aviation Park ■ Organizer Hokkaido Balloon Festival Organizing Committee #Summer event #Hokkaido #Balloon festival #Shihoro #Hot air balloon

I went to Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan, a phantom village that can only be visited for 44 days from 1/27 (Sat) to 3/10 (Sun) in 2024!!! ※The number of days seems to change every year👀 ⁡ This year was a warm winter, and the ice dome had already melted...😂 ⁡ I was able to enjoy the beautiful scenery, hot springs, and ice bar!!! ⁡ It takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes by bus from Obihiro, so if you are traveling to Obihiro, please be sure to check it out!!! ——— 📍Access to Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan 🚌Hokkaido Takushoku Bus Obihiro Station Bus Terminal - Lake Shikaribetsu Onsen, about 1 hour and 40 minutes ⁡ 🎟️Fee Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan Season Pass: 500 yen ※ 500 yen flat rate for elementary school students and above. Free for Shikaoi town residents. ※Additional fees apply for drinks at the ice bar and snowmobiles! *You can get a great deal on the bus if you purchase a Visit Tokachi Pass 🚌 (I only found out about this ticket after I got back, so I just bought a round trip ticket and rode the bus 😭) ⁡ ⌛️Business hours 9:00-20:00 ——— ⁡ #Sakura2024 #LakeShikaribetsu #LakeShikaribetsuKotan #Hokkaido #IceDome #Footbath #HotSpring #HotSpring

Shihoro Line Sannosawa Bridge Ruins 〒080-1403 Nukabira Onsenkyo, Kamishihoro-cho, Kato-gun, Hokkaido There is a path that leads down to the lake from the parking lot near the forest trolley railway. Please be careful as there is a steep unpaved road downhill. When you go down to the lake, you will see the remains of Sannosawa Bridge. The very large arch was impressive. The driftwood and fallen trees create a very nice atmosphere and match the calm scenery of the lake. Date of visit: 2021.10.10 #Autumn trip #Hokkaido tourism #Hokkaido trip

Rokka no Mori 〒089-1300 249-6 Tokiwa, Nakasatsunai-mura, Kasai-gun, Hokkaido Tokachi Ranch 〒080-0572 Komaba Namiki, Otofuke-cho, Kato-gun, Hokkaido Rokka no Mori has closed for the season. It varies from year to year, but it is generally open until around mid-October every year. Only a few areas had started to turn red, but it was very beautiful. The tree-lined roads of Tokachi Ranch are very vast and deep, and the straight roads are pleasant. Even though it is not a tourist attraction, there are cows grazing and a road lined with larch trees, so it is fun to drive there♩ Visit date: 2021.10.8-10.12 #Autumn trip #Hokkaido tourism #Hokkaido trip #Rokka no Mori #Tokachi Ranch

Tokachi Ranch, Birch Tree-Lined Road 〒080-0572 Komaba Namiki, Otofuke-cho, Kato-gun, Hokkaido It is located at the entrance to Tokachi Ranch. I parked my car in the parking lot next to the entrance or on the side of the tree-lined road and took photos and walked around. The road is wide and deep, so it feels very nice. If you go through here and continue on, you can reach the observation deck. Please visit it as well. #HokkaidoTrip #Tokachi #TokachiRanch #BirchTreeLinedRoad

Taushubetsu River Bridge at Lake Nukabira It appears on the surface of the lake depending on the water level of Lake Nukabira, which is a dam lake, and when the water level rises, it is submerged. I wanted to see the scenery where the lake water recedes and stumps are scattered, so I aimed to go from mid- to late May, when the water level usually recedes. However, the amount of precipitation also plays a role, so it is not guaranteed. There are two ways to get here. 1. Join a tour. If you are a first-time visitor, a tour is probably safer. 2. Go on your own. In this case, the gate is locked, so you will need to borrow a key from the Tokachi Western Forest Management Office Higashidaisetsu Branch Office. The road from the gate to the bridge is a gravel road that is barely wide enough for one car, and there are brown bears along the way. Please be careful as it is dangerous to walk there. #HokkaidoTrip #Tokachi #LakeNukabira #TaushubetsuRiverBridge

Lake Shikaribetsu in eastern Hokkaido. It is a natural lake in Daisetsuzan National Park, and there is a free foot bath on the lakeside. You can enjoy a foot bath while looking at the magnificent view. If you don't have a towel, the neighboring hotel sells towels with the logo on them for a reasonable price of 100 yen. #summerweekendtrip #hokkaidotrip #keihangroupcampaign

Lake Shikaribetsu is a natural lake located at an altitude of about 810m in Daisetsuzan National Park in eastern Hokkaido. It is about an hour and a half away from Obihiro, and a little far from other tourist spots, so it is recommended after visiting the standard tourist spots in Obihiro. #SummerWeekendTrip #HokkaidoTrip ##KeihanGroupCampaign

I went to see the underwater railway tracks at Lake Shikaribetsu, which is within a day's drive from Obihiro, Hokkaido. I love eastern Hokkaido and go there every year, and my destinations are becoming less and less standard, but I found it on social media and went there. The railway tracks at the bottom of the lake. It's not an abandoned line, but it seems to be a railway track for lifting pleasure boats onto land. #summerweekendtrip #hokkaidotrip #keihangroupcampaign

There are many natural attractions in the Obihiro area, and this row of white birch trees is one of them. This row of trees at the entrance to Tokachi Ranch serves as a windbreak, but it was a beautiful sight. It was a completely different view from the winter. #Keihan Group Campaign #Hokkaido Trip #Summer Weekend Trip

There are actually observation decks at various points in Obihiro. It's a lot of fun to look down on the vast land. The Tokachi Ranch Observatory is one of them. It was a wonderful place with a clear sky, majestic land, and Mount Daisetsu in the distance. I was able to see horses nearby, probably because it was a pasture on the ranch. #Keihan Group Campaign #Hokkaido Trip #Summer Weekend Trip

The Taushubetsu River Bridge is a concrete arch bridge on the former Shihoro Line (abandoned) of the Japanese National Railways, located at Lake Nukabira in Hokkaido. Selected as one of the first Hokkaido Heritage Sites, its nickname "Megane Bridge" is a phantom bridge that appears and disappears depending on the water level 😃 On the road leading to the observation deck, there is a Hokkaido specialty, a "Beware of Brown Bears" sign 😱 Bears really do appear... #QuintessaCampaign

Tokachi Ranch is a particularly large ranch in the Obihiro area. Since it is not a tourist ranch, you cannot enter the premises, but the area around this birch tree line is open to the public. The beautiful rows of birch trees have apparently been used for filming in TV dramas and other TV shows. #snowscape #linedtrees #tokachiranch #hokkaido