Kita no Yatai | Review by 黃國棟

Kita no Yatai

A food stall village where you can enjoy a variety of cuisines made with the rich ingredients of Tokachi, Japan’s agricultural powerhouse.

22 Sep 2026 See More

When visiting Tokachi in Hokkaido, don't just enjoy the food—step into Kita no Yatai for the most authentic local atmosphere! The small, distinctive food stalls offer all kinds of dishes, from local Tokachi ingredients to Hokkaido specialties, and each one has its own charm. At night, lanterns light up one after another, filling the entire alley with a warm atmosphere that really captures the feeling of a winter night in Japan.

It doesn't feel as formal as a tourist attraction. Instead, it's more like part of everyday local life, where people stop after work for a drink, something to eat, and a chat. Sit inside one of the tiny stalls, raise a glass with strangers, and experience Tokachi's most genuine and lively local warmth.

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.