1. Let's go out with a sled! Winter at Obihiro Zoo

If you're visiting Obihiro in winter, I highly recommend Obihiro Zoo.

Although the park is covered in snow, the animals are still energetically showing off their natural behaviors.
Obihiro Zoo is home to Nana, the oldest elephant in Japan, and she will come to see you if she is feeling well.

The park is covered in snow, just like a ski resort.
Young children can enjoy a fun winter getaway by riding sleds and sliding around the park.

2. Shikaribetsu Lake Kotan: A phantom village that only appears in winter.

Lake Shiribetsu is the highest-altitude lake in Hokkaido (810 meters above sea level).
This lake, famous for having some of the clearest water in the country, freezes completely in late December when temperatures are low.

The event held on this frozen lake is called "Shikaribetsu Lake Kotan".
The buildings, made entirely of ice and snow, resemble a village. This village will be submerged in the lake when the ice melts in the spring.

Experience the world of snow and ice, available for only 60 days, from late January to the end of March.

3. Immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit at Hiroo Santa Land

Santa Land is located in Daimaruyama Forest Park on the outskirts of Hiroo Town.
Look for the arch at the entrance shaped like Santa Claus's boots.

From late October until Christmas, the area is beautifully lit up with Christmas trees and illuminations at night.
Additionally, there are facilities such as Santa's House and Santa's Room. Santa's House displays Christmas cards, candles, dolls, and other Christmas items, and also sells Christmas goods.

4. A gathering of proud sleds! Churui Naumann All-Hokkaido Sledding Competition

The site where the first complete skeleton of a Naumann elephant was successfully reconstructed in Japan was discovered was the former Churui Village, now Churui, Makubetsu Town, Nakagawa District.
Therefore, Makubetsu Town uses the Naumann elephant as its symbol.
You can also see a reconstructed model at the Naumann Elephant Memorial Museum located in town.

The Churui Naumann All-Hokkaido Sledding Competition brings together original cardboard sleds from all over Hokkaido.

Each competitor runs only once, and the "Speed ​​Award" is determined by the time taken from start to finish, while the "Good Design Award" is given based on the design and overall quality of the sled.

The event is incredibly exciting thanks to the enthusiastic performances of the participants and the hilarious designs of the sleds, so please give it a try!

5. Warm yourself from the inside out! Must-try Tokachi gourmet food

If you're ever in Obihiro, I highly recommend visiting "Jingisukan Shirakaba Obihiro Main Store".

If you eat Genghis Khan here, you'll be surprised by its tenderness and lack of any unpleasant taste.
It's a popular restaurant, and the interior is filled with autographs from celebrities and famous people who have visited.

Although it's located in the suburbs, about a 30-minute drive from Tokachi Obihiro Airport and a 40-minute drive from Obihiro Station, it's definitely worth the trip.

(Photo by Flickr: 2010.01.22 Honeymoon DAY2 - Obihiro Rokkatei Main Store / Party Lin)　

Obihiro is a famous production area for Hokkaido-grown wheat and is also known as the "City of Sweets" because it has many shops selling delicious sweets.

Rokkatei, a famous confectionery shop that now has branches in various cities throughout Hokkaido, also originated in Obihiro.
The Obihiro main store is located about 500 meters from JR Obihiro Station, with a retail shop on the first floor and a coffee shop on the second floor.

Our recommendation here is the "Crispy Pie," a sweet treat only available at our Obihiro main store!
As the packaging states, "Eat within 3 hours of purchase," if you eat it soon after purchase, the crispness of the pastry is simply irresistible!

6. What are the temperatures like in the Obihiro/Tokachi area during winter? What kind of clothing should I wear?

The Obihiro and Tokachi areas are extremely cold in winter.

The average temperature is around minus 5 degrees Celsius, and it can drop to nearly minus 20 degrees Celsius in the mornings and late at night.
Therefore, warm clothing made of materials that effectively block out the cold air, such as a down coat, is essential.

Since there is a risk of frostbite, be sure to bring gloves and a knit cap.
However, since indoor spaces like hotel rooms are usually quite warm, layering your clothing so you can easily adjust by adding or removing layers is recommended.

Also, Obihiro and Tokachi are known for having many sunny days. We recommend taking thorough precautions against UV rays.

Summary

Winter in Obihiro and Tokachi is extremely cold, even by Hokkaido standards, and the area is covered in snow, creating a landscape typical of Hokkaido.
You'll get a real sense of how extremely cold it is when you see people skating in the elementary school playground, or when you step outside and feel your skin and hair freeze.

Many people want to rent a car to sightsee, but the roads remain frozen for most of the day, so if you're not confident driving on snowy roads, it's safer to use public transportation or a taxi.
Tokachi and Obihiro offer plenty of fun events in winter. Be sure to visit!

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