Bihoro Travel Guide

Explore the best of Bihoro, Hokkaido with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover cultural and natural attractions, outdoor adventures, local cuisine, and more.


Introduction to Bihoro

Bihoro is a small town located in the eastern circuit of Hokkaido, Japan. Despite its size, the town is full of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for travelers looking for an authentic Japanese experience. In this guide, we will explore the best of Bihoro, from cultural and natural attractions to outdoor adventures and local cuisine.

List of Places to Visit in Bihoro

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Bihoro Museum of History and Folklore: This museum exhibits the town’s rich history, including its Ainu culture and early settlers. Visitors can enjoy various displays of traditional clothing, tools, and crafts.
  2. Shikeikan: A historic home of a wealthy merchant that dates back to the Edo period. It is an excellent spot for history enthusiasts.
  3. Bihoro Pass Observatory: The observatory at the top of the Bihoro Pass offers a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and the sea of clouds.

Natural Attractions of Bihoro: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Bihoro Park: This peaceful park overlooks Lake Onuma and has walking trails with picturesque views of the surrounding mountains.
  2. Hanayama Waterfall: This beautiful waterfall in the forest is a perfect spot for a scenic hike.
  3. Mount Meakan: This active volcano is perfect for hiking, with its unique landscape, unparalleled views, and spiritual significance for the Ainu people.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bihoro

  1. Bihoro Pass: This scenic route is perfect for a leisurely drive or for cycling.
  2. Lake Kussharo: This lake is famous for its clear blue water and offers multiple hiking and cycling trails.
  3. Mount Meakan: As previously mentioned, the mountain offers a challenging yet rewarding hike for experienced adventurers.

Best Things to Do in Bihoro: Activities and Tours

  1. Boat Tour of Lake Onuma: This tour takes visitors on a scenic boat ride around Lake Onuma.
  2. Ainu Culture Experience: Visitors can experience the Ainu culture by taking part in traditional activities such as woodcarving, embroidery, and weaving.
  3. Ice Fishing: Ice fishing is a popular activity during the winter months, where visitors can catch Sanma and other local fish.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bihoro

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Bihoro Museum of History and Folklore, Shikeikan, and Bihoro Pass Observatory
Day 2 Hike Mount Meakan, visit Ainu Culture Experience
Day 3 Boat Tour of Lake Onuma, visit Hanayama Waterfall
Day 4 Hike Lake Kussharo, visit local hot springs
Day 5 Visit Bihoro Park, try ice fishing
Day 6 Explore local cuisine, visit local markets
Day 7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Bihoro

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Sanma (Pacific Saury): This local fish is grilled and seasoned with salt and is a staple of Bihoro cuisine.
  2. Hokkaido-style ramen: Hokkaido is famous for its ramen, and Bihoro is no exception. The local ramen is known for its rich broth and chewy noodles.
  3. Oyaki: These dumplings are made with locally sourced ingredients and are a popular snack.

Local Beverages

  1. Otokoyama Sake: This sake is produced locally and is known for its clean and crisp taste.
  2. Asahikawa Brewery Beer: This local brewery produces a variety of beers that are worth trying.

Where to Stay in Bihoro: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Bihoro Heights Hotel: This hotel overlooks Lake Onuma and offers a variety of rooms, including traditional Japanese-style rooms.
  2. Onsen Guesthouse Yuyu: This guesthouse is perfect for budget travelers and is located near multiple hot springs.
  3. Bihoro Youth Hostel: This hostel is ideal for backpackers and is located centrally in town.

What to Buy in Bihoro: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Hokkaido Soba: This local specialty is made from buckwheat flour and is a perfect souvenir for foodies.
  2. Ainu Crafts: Visitors can find various crafts such as woodcarvings, embroidery, beads, and woven goods that depict the Ainu culture.
  3. Local Produce: Bihoro is known for its fresh produce such as corn, potatoes, and onions.

Local Culture and Customs of Bihoro

Bihoro has a rich culture shaped by the Ainu people and early settlers of the region. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, including removing shoes in traditional homes, and ask before taking photographs of local people.

Best Time to Visit Bihoro

The best time to visit Bihoro is in the summer when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities. Autumn also offers breathtaking views of the colorful foliage, which attracts many visitors to the area.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bihoro

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions
  2. Try local cuisine and products
  3. Experience Ainu culture
  4. Hike or cycle around the beautiful natural scenery

Don’t:

  1. Take photographs of local people without permission
  2. Litter or damage natural attractions
  3. Disrespect local customs or traditions

Safety and Health

Safety in Bihoro

Bihoro is a safe place to visit, with very low crime rates. Visitors should always be aware of their surroundings and take appropriate safety precautions when hiking or engaging in outdoor activities.

Health in Bihoro

The tap water in Bihoro is safe to drink, and the town has a hospital and medical facilities for emergencies.

Getting to Bihoro: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bihoro

  1. Obihiro Airport (OBO): This airport is the closest airport to Bihoro, with flights from Tokyo and other major cities.

Bus Stations Near Bihoro

  1. Bihoro Bus Terminal: This bus terminal offers regular services to Obihiro and other nearby towns.

Other Options

  1. Car rental: Visitors can rent a car to explore the area and visit nearby attractions.

How to Get Around in Bihoro

Bihoro is a small town with limited public transportation. Renting a bicycle or a car is the best way to get around and explore the area at your own pace.

Where to Go Next from Bihoro: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Obihiro: This nearby city is known for its hot springs, local cuisine, and whiskey distillery.
  2. Kushiro: This coastal city is home to a beautiful national park, Mount Akan, and a bustling fish market.
  3. Sapporo: Hokkaido’s capital city is known for its beer, ramen, and winter sports.

Conclusion

Bihoro offers a unique experience for travelers looking to dive deeper into Japan’s rich culture and natural beauty. From history museums to mountain hikes, local cuisine to traditional crafting experiences, visitors will be captivated by Bihoro’s charm.

Bihoro Pass and Highway 243 Bihoro Pass and Highway 243