After being greeted by a large mammoth replica at the entrance, you can learn all about the transformation of the area into Japan's largest agriculture kingdom from exhibitions on the nature, people and culture of Obihiro and Tokachi, the history of the indigenous people (the Ainu people), the nature and life in Tokachi during the pioneering era, the development and improvement of agricultural machinery, as well as cold damage problems and harvests.
Photo: Obihiro Centennial Hall Archive

Pork Donburi originates from Obihiro and consists of pork dipped in a sauce similar to eel kabayaki served on top of white rice. It was developed as stamina food for farmers and settlers who exchanged the expensive and hard to obtain eel with pork, which was readily available at the time from the thriving pig farming industry. Locals often prepare and eat this specialty at home and it is also widely served in restaurants for visitors to enjoy.
*The pictures of the dishes are for illustration.

After learning at the Horse Museum about the history of the close relationship between people and horses in the pioneering era, you can enjoy watching a Ban’ei horse race. Ban’ei has its roots in the Banba festival that tests the strength of farming horses, that worked together with the pioneers as work horses in agriculture and other settling activities, and Obihiro is the only place worldwide where this race is held. Experience the strength and tenacity that overcame a history of hardships in the Ban’ei horse race.
(Betting slips can also be purchased. Held on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays)

The hotel building is made of Japanese oak, bricks and other materials sourced mainly from Hokkaido and Tokachi. Dinner is a course meal using local ingredients. Enjoy the Moor Onsen, a botanical hot spring that is very rare in the world and recognized as Hokkaido heritage, and sauna.
*The pictures of the dishes are for illustration.

(Option) Basha BAR:
This is a horse-drawn carriage tour with horses that used to star at the Obihiro Racecourse. Enjoy this 50-minute ride through the bustling nightlife in the city centre with local craft beer and snacks.

The Tokachi Plain is the largest crop-growing region in Japan. Originally, the volcanic ash soil was unsuitable for agriculture, but after demanding work in cultivating new land through improving the soil and cultivating vast areas using both man- and horsepower, the region became what it is now. Today, the region is expected to play a major role in providing food as Japan's breadbasket. Tokachi is known as one of Japan's most important farmland areas, and the view over its vast fields extending all the way to the horizon is truly spectacular. The tour takes you on a walk through actual production sites (farmers' fields), usually off-limits to visitors, while you listen to the field guides’ explanations and learn about food.

The Tokachi area is a major wheat producer, growing a quarter of the country's wheat. Mugioto Bakery, established in 1950 and belonging to the popular local bakery Masuya, uses 100% locally grown Tokachi wheat in all of its bread. Try your hand at baking a pizza with 100% Tokachi wheat and then enjoy tasting your hand-made pizza.

A horse-loving couple lives on this farm together with retired racehorses and horses that have nowhere else to go. See how farming with horses was done in the pioneering era in Tokachi and learn about the history of the close connection between people and horses.

You will stay in a cottage or glamping facility in the middle of the forest. Dinner is a char-grill barbecue of local produce from the mountains, sea and fields. You can also enjoy a "Moor hot spring" and authentic Finnish sauna about a 5-minute walk away. (Depending on the season, you can also try harvesting vegetable and collecting eggs.)
*The pictures of the dishes are for illustration.