Obihiro City: The Perfect Destination for Couples
Obihiro City is located in Hokkaido. The Aikoku Station and Kofuku Station in Obihiro are recognized as lovers’ sanctuaries. It’s believed that buying a ticket here brings love and happiness. Back in the day, a staggering 13 million tickets were sold. Although these stations have been decommissioned due to the closure of the Hiroo Line, they now serve as transportation museums.
Near Aikoku Station, you can find the Aikoku Shrine, which receives blessings from the deity Ōkuninushi no Mikoto of the Izumo Grand Shrine. The shrine is known for blessings related to marriage, safe childbirth, and overall good health. Both locations are must-visit spots for couples and newlyweds.
Moreover, Obihiro is renowned as the birthplace of “buta-don” (pork rice bowl). This simple dish features sweet and savory pork atop rice, but each restaurant in Obihiro adds its unique touch, offering a variety of flavors. When you visit Obihiro, trying buta-don is a must.
Quoted from TABIPPO.NET
Let’s Go to the Obihiro Heigen Festival!
Location: Nishi 2-chome South 7-11, Hirokoji, Obihiro City, Hokkaido
Dates: August 14th to 16th, annually
Access: 1-minute walk from JR Obihiro Station
15km via National Route 241 from Dōtō Expressway Otofuke-Obihiro IC (no parking available)
http://www.tonxton.com/heigenfes?defaultBaseId=1 (Official Website)
This festival, held for three days every August, is a hallmark of Obihiro City. By 2017, it marked its 70th iteration, demonstrating a long history among the more recent and event-oriented festivals. It’s the largest summer festival in the Tokachi region, drawing approximately 200,000 attendees each year.
Quoted from Obihiro Tourist Navi
The Charm of the Obihiro Heigen Festival Lies in Its Numerous Events!
The first night of the Obihiro Heigen Festival features “Yume Furuiya,” an event to honor the pioneers who developed the land of Obihiro and to give thanks for the bounty of the northern lands. It’s also a time to wish for a bountiful harvest and prosperity for future generations. Participants carry a large mikoshi (portable shrine) over 3 meters tall, divided into groups of men, women, and children.
A highlight of Yume Furuiya is the “Golden Ear Throw,” where spectators toss ears of wheat, and the “Yume Pan Maki,” an unusual event where bread is thrown instead of mochi (rice cakes), with the number thrown corresponding to the year.
Additionally, there is the “Heigen Taiko Festival,” where taiko drum teams from across Hokkaido gather to perform powerful and dynamic taiko drum music, including collaborative pieces.
Other must-see events include the “Obihiro Bon Dance,” which anyone can join on the spot, and the “North Land de Daidogei” (Street Performance Festival), featuring over 30 performers from across Japan.
Quoted from Tokachi Bare
Not All Festivals Are So Formal!
If you’re tired of the usual ceremonial festivals, this is one event you shouldn’t miss. Be sure to visit and enjoy three days of carefree festivities!
Featured image sourced from Hokkaido Style
(Edited by 千八乃)
