Obihiro

Obihiro is a city in the Tokachi Plain in central Hokkaido, Japan, surrounded by mountains and rivers. The urban area combines modern districts with wide agricultural fields that stretch to the horizon.

The settlement was founded in 1883 by pioneers who cultivated the land. In 1933, the place gained city status and developed into the administrative center of the region.

Residents often gather in the broad streets and open squares of the downtown area, where shops and restaurants reflect the agricultural tradition of the region. Many buildings carry names that recall the early settlers and their connection to farming.

Travelers reach the city through regular trains on the JR Nemuro Line from Sapporo or with direct flights to the local airport. Road connections cross the plain and offer access to surrounding areas.

At the Banei Tokachi racecourse, draft horses pull heavy sleds up steep hills, a traditional racing format that has survived in this region. The horses often weigh over 2,000 pounds (900 kg) and move loads of around one ton (1,000 kg).

Location: Hokkaido

Inception: 1883

Shares border with: Otofuke, Memuro, Sarabetsu, Nakasatsunai, Makubetsu, Biratori, Hidaka, Niikappu

Website: https://city.obihiro.hokkaido.jp

GPS coordinates: 42.92397,143.19611

Latest update: December 14, 2025 07:23