For this trip, I decided to explore two beloved but lesser-known regions of Hokkaido: Furano and Obihiro. As someone who has visited Hokkaido over 20 times, I was eager to reconnect with these regions’ quieter corners, rich with local flavor and unforgettable landscapes.
Day 1: Arriving in Hokkaido and Heading to Furano
After a quick 1.5-hour flight from Narita Airport, I arrived in Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport around 4 PM. With my rental car booked for a one-way trip to Obihiro, I hit the road to Furano.
First stop? Sushi, of course! Furano’s Kaiten Sushi Topical offers fresh, generous cuts at an incredible value — around JPY3,000 to JPY4,000 per person. Besides a few locals and a friendly foreign visitor next to us, the restaurant was mostly free from crowds.
For a genuinely local experience, this is a hidden gem. After a satisfying meal, I stayed at La Vista Furano Hills, a hotel with everything you need, including a shared hot spring. At around JPY13,000 per night, it was a comfortable and convenient choice.
Day 2: From Furano to Obihiro – Nature’s Grand Theater
With a clear sky welcoming us, driving through Hokkaido’s expansive landscapes was a true delight. My first stop of the day was Campana Rokkatei, a café managed by the famous Rokkatei brand. Situated among sweeping vineyards with views of the Daisetsuzan mountain range, this café offers stunning scenery alongside Rokkatei sweets and light meals. For the best experience, go right when it opens, as it can get busy!
Next, I stopped by Popura Farm Cafe to try their iconic Hokkaido melon paired with soft-serve ice cream. With beautiful scenery around, the sweet local melon and creamy ice cream combo made for a perfect break.
As I continued my journey toward Obihiro, I visited NAITAI TERRACE, a glass-walled observation café with sweeping views. Although it was a bit cloudy, the tranquil atmosphere and expansive landscape were unforgettable — NAITAI TERRACE remains relatively undiscovered by foreign tourists, making it a hidden gem for those interested in a more local experience.
Upon arriving in Obihiro, I headed to Tonda for a taste of their famous pork bowl (Butadon), which costs about JPY800 – JPY1,000. The rich flavor of the pork was surprisingly light and left me ready for my next stop:
Nagoyakatei, nother sushi spot, for some fresh, affordable sushi. Given its popularity, I suggest avoiding peak mealtimes if you can.
Finally, I stayed at the Richmond Hotel Obihiro Ekimae, conveniently located near the station and an excellent value for under JPY10,000.
Day 3: Wrapping Up in Obihiro
On my final day, I visited Manabe Garden, Japan’s first conifer garden. Spanning 25,000 square meters, this garden features Japanese, Western, and scenic-style gardens, plus rare plant species. I enjoyed coffee at the attached Tokachiya Garden Café, which offers views of the garden even without the 1,000-yen entrance fee.
With a few hours left before my flight, I made my way to Rokka Forest. Managed by Rokkatei, this unique gallery features works by a renowned artist who illustrated Hokkaido’s wildflowers on their famous packaging. Each season brings different blossoms, including the “Tokachi Six Flowers.” The JPY1,000 entrance fee was well worth the experience, which included a Croatian farmhouse-inspired gallery.
Afterward, I headed to Obihiro Airport to conclude this Hokkaido journey. Every visit to Hokkaido brings new discoveries, and this trip reminded me of the unmatched tranquility Hokkaido offers, especially for those who live amidst the bustle of the city. While Hokkaido has become popular among international tourists, there are still plenty of hidden spots for those seeking a deeper, more local experience.
See you on the next adventure!
