Butadon Ichiban - Obihiro Main Store | Review by 黃國棟

Butadon Ichiban - Obihiro Main Store

Among the many pork bowl (butadon) specialty restaurants in Obihiro, this one is a local favorite, often drawing long lines of customers.

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.

Other Reviews by 黃國棟

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.
Taushubetsu River Bridge Ruins (Former JNR Shihoro Line)

Located in Kamishihoro Town in northern Tokachi, the Taushubetsu River Bridge Ruins is a remnant of the former Japan National Railways’ Shihoro Line, which was decommissioned during privatization. Spanning Lake Nukabira-a reservoir for hydroelectric power-the bridge is submerged for much of the year, only emerging when water levels drop from winter to early summer. This fleeting appearance has earned it the nickname “phantom bridge.”
- Tokachi and Obihiro
- Tourist Attractions
22 Sep 2026 See More

Visiting in winter, I found a lake completely covered in ice and snow. The "phantom bridge," which normally emerges from the lake only from winter to early summer, stood quietly on the frozen surface. It was so beautiful that I couldn't take my eyes off it.

The bridge has a history spanning half a century. Although time has gradually weathered and deteriorated it, this has also given it a unique, timeworn beauty. In the depths of winter, the bridge and the endless frozen lake form a striking scene together, as if time itself has stopped at this moment.

What surprised me most was that a winter visit also offered views of ice bubbles on the lake and unusual mushroom-shaped layers of ice stacked on top of one another. Nature truly is incredible!

Standing in this world of ice and snow and looking at this old bridge filled with history, I could feel both the grandeur of Hokkaido in winter and the traces left by time. The phantom bridge, frozen lake, ice bubbles, and mushroom-shaped ice made this winter trip truly worthwhile!