Tokachigaoka Park | Review by 黃國棟

Tokachigaoka Park

A multi-purpose park near Tokachigawa Onsen, centered around a flower clock and featuring a footbath and scenic views from an observation deck.

22 Sep 2026 See More

When you visit Tokachigaoka Park near Tokachigawa Onsen in Hokkaido, the winter scenery looks completely different. Centered around the famous flower clock, the park is filled with colorful flowers in summer, but in winter, the entire park is covered in a blanket of pure white snow. Everywhere you look is a silvery-white landscape set against the blue sky and distant woods, so quiet that it feels like stepping into a fairy-tale world.

The park also has a footbath and observation deck, where you can soak your feet in warm water while enjoying the snowy winter scenery. There are no bustling crowds, only white snow, blue skies, and crisp, cold air, which makes it even easier to appreciate the unique purity and romance of winter in Hokkaido.

Although there were no blooming flowers during this winter visit, I discovered another kind of Tokachi beauty--the flower clock park covered in white snow, quietly beautiful.

Other Reviews by 黃國棟

Butadon Ichiban - Obihiro Main Store

Butadon, a dish consisting of pork seasoned with a sweet and savory sauce and grilled before being served over rice, is a soul food originating from Tokachi, Obihiro in eastern Hokkaido. While Obihiro is home to nearly 200 pork bowl specialty restaurants, Butadon Ichiban stands out as a popular spot frequented by locals.
- Tokachi and Obihiro
- Japanese Cuisine
22 Sep 2026 See More

Obihiro has quite a few famous butadon restaurants, and Butadon Ichiban is also a very popular local spot where people line up. The moment it arrives at the table, the white rice is completely covered with grilled pork, and just looking at it makes your mouth water. The pork is charcoal-grilled, giving it an enticing charred and smoky aroma. Paired with the rich, slightly sweet sauce, the sweet and savory flavor goes perfectly with the rice. However, the seasoning is fairly strong, so it may start to feel a little heavy toward the end. That’s when you can use the sansho pepper, shichimi spice, or black pepper on the table to change up the flavor and keep each bite satisfying!

One bite of tender, flavorful pork, then one bite of white rice—this is the taste of happiness in Obihiro. Overall, it was quite delicious and had a distinctive local flavor from Tokachi, Hokkaido.
Ganso Butadon No Pancho

This specialty shop has been serving Butadon for over 90 years. The origin of Butadon came from a desire to create a hearty dish as an alternative to grilled eel, even in Tokachi, which lacks access to the sea. The first president of "Pancho" conceived this dish.
- Tokachi and Obihiro
- Japanese Cuisine
22 Sep 2026 See More

Founded in 1933, Ganso Butadon No Pancho is a long-established and well-known butadon restaurant in Obihiro. After more than 90 years, it remains extremely popular, and you can often see people lined up outside. Its reputation is definitely well deserved!

When the butadon arrives, the steaming white rice is completely covered with pork. The aroma of charcoal grilling makes your mouth water as soon as it gets close. The pork has an enticing smoky flavor, and together with the sauce, it’s savory without being overly salty. The sauce slowly soaks into the rice, making every bite satisfying.

I really like this kind of simple yet memorable flavor—

There aren’t many fancy toppings, but the charcoal aroma, sauce, and rice bring out the flavors of Tokachi, Hokkaido to the fullest.

There’s a reason this restaurant has kept its delicious aroma going for more than 90 years. When you visit Obihiro, besides taking in Tokachi’s vast scenery, don’t forget to sit down and enjoy a bowl of Obihiro’s soul food, butadon.
Obihiro Shrine

Founded in 1910, Obihiro Shrine is one of the seven designated Bekkaku Shrines in Hokkaido. It enshrines the three deities of development: Okunitama no Kami, Onamuchi no Kami, and Sukunahikona no Kami. Onamuchi no Kami, also known as Okuninushi no Kami of Izumo Taisha, is revered for blessings in agriculture, commerce, medicine, and martial arts, as well as fostering strong relationships.
- Tokachi and Obihiro
- Shrines & Temples
22 Sep 2026 See More

Winter in Hokkaido always has a kind of magic that makes you want to slow down. On this visit to Obihiro Shrine, the entire shrine was covered in thick white snow. The torii gate, approach, and trees were all dressed in pure white, and the scenery truly looked like a painting.

You can also find the popular "snow fairies" of eastern Hokkaido here—the long-tailed tits. If you're lucky, you may encounter these adorable little creatures in the woods around the shrine.

Although the deep snow on the ground makes walking a little difficult in winter, with your feet sinking into the snow with every step, that's also what makes it feel like you've truly entered Hokkaido's snow country.

Standing before the torii gate in the snow, surrounded by endless white, it was so quiet that all I could hear were my footsteps in the snow... It took some effort, but it was truly worth it.