Tokachi sightseeing model itinerary: Pork bowl Hapancho, Ikeda Wine Castle, Kofuku Station, Kita no Yatai (public transport only)①

Hello. I’m ”Arafifi Mitsu”（Around 50 Mitsu）.

Obihiro City, located in Hokkaido’s Tokachi region, is an area with a different charm from Sapporo and Hakodate. The Tokachi region has a population of approximately 350,000 and is home to approximately 430,000 cattle, meaning the number of cattle outnumbers the population.

Here’s a two-day, one-night itinerary for Tokachi using public transportation. Travel efficiently around the vast Tokachi region and enjoy the local flavors and tourist spots.

Ikeda Wine Castle is a sacred place for the long-popular Japanese band Dreams Come True!

On the first day, we’ll head to Ikeda Wine Castle, a tourist spot that represents Tokachi. It takes about 30 minutes from Obihiro Station to Ikeda Station on the JR Nemuro Main Line. As there are few trains, we recommend checking the timetable in advance. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Ikeda Station to the Wine Castle, and you can enjoy the scenery along the way.

At Ikeda Wine Castle, you can tour the underground cellars and the restaurant on the upper floor.
The restaurant offers a spectacular view of the Tokachi Plain, which is highly recommended.

Enjoy a menu made with local ingredients, including a wine tasting set and an hors d’oeuvre platter. The thick-sliced terrine on the hors d’oeuvre platter is exquisite.

DCT garden IKEDA is located on the grounds of the Wine Castle, where Dreams Come True costumes and related merchandise are on display.

Ikeda Wine Castle: Enter the world of Dreams Come True at DCT garden IKEDA

Ikeda Town, where Ikeda Wine Castle is located, is also famous as the hometown of Yoshida Miwa of DREAMS COME TRUE.

There is also a DREAMS COME TRUE museum here.

This is a spot that can be enjoyed by anyone, even those who are not Dreams Come True fans, and will add color to your travel memories with the music.

Enjoy Obihiro’s specialty “Pork bowl” at the famous restaurant “Panchou”

When you return to Obihiro, be sure to try the local specialty, “Pork Bowl.” Located just a short walk from Obihiro Station, the long-established “Panchou” is a popular restaurant that often has long queues.

Pancho is a popular restaurant, so there may be a wait, but the rice bowl topped with tender and juicy pork is delicious and a dish you should try at least once.

Feel the nostalgia of the Showa era at Kofuku Station

After the meal, we headed to Koufuku Station. You can get there by bus from Obihiro Station, but there are only a few buses, so it’s important to check the timetable in advance!

Kofuku Station was in use until 1987, and is now a popular tourist spot. In keeping with its name, “kofuku,” you can enjoy taking commemorative photos and purchasing merchandise.

Enjoy local cuisine at the popular “Kita no Yatai” (Northern Food Stall) restaurant “Kohyou” in Obihiro

If you’re looking to enjoy a night out in Obihiro, we recommend Kita no Yatai.
Located at Nishi 1-jo Minami 10-chome 7, Obihiro City, this street is lined with over 20 food stalls serving a wide variety of cuisines, including Japanese cuisine, skewered grills, and izakayas. Each stall mainly has small counter seating, allowing customers and the owners to sit close to each other, creating a homey atmosphere. Even in winter, the stalls are equipped with cold weather protection, making them comfortable to stay in.

Of the many food stalls, we especially recommend the locally popular Koyo.

The restaurant can be rented out for private use for groups of around 10 people, and outdoor seating is also available, so even large groups can visit with peace of mind.

I had the seared raw lamb. Why not enjoy the nightlife in Obihiro while enjoying food and drinks made with local ingredients?