Shihoro, town in Katō district, Hokkaido, Japan
Shihoro is a small town in the Tokachi region of Hokkaido surrounded by green fields and wide open spaces where a few thousand residents live. The Otofuke River flows through its center creating a quiet area for local activities, while the fertile plains around it are ideal for growing potatoes, wheat, and sugar beets.
The town was founded during the Meiji era when settlers from Gifu Prefecture arrived to build new lives and brought their farming skills with them. The spirit of cooperation and hard work from these early pioneers shaped the community and continues to be seen in local traditions today.
The name Shihoro comes from the Ainu language and means "strong river," referring to the Otofuke waterway that flows through the center. Community traditions remain visible through seasonal festivals where residents celebrate harvests and share local dishes that reflect their connection to farming and the land.
The easiest way to reach the town is by car or bus, with the nearest airport at Obihiro about an hour and a half away by car. There is no train station within the town, so visitors typically arrive through Obihiro Station and continue on by bus or car from there.
The town is famous for potatoes that taste sweet and have high starch content because of the local soil, and visitors can buy potato chip snacks made from them. Many travelers overlook local products like sea buckthorn berries and mini tomatoes that develop natural sweetness from the long daylight hours and temperature shifts.
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