Obihiro Overview
Obihiro is a city in Tokachi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. Obihiro is the only designated city in the Tokachi area. As of July 31, 2023, the city had an estimated population of 163,084. The next most populous municipality in Tokachi is the adjacent town of Otofuke, with less than a third of Obihiro's population. The city had approximately 500 foreign residents in 2008. The city contains the headquarters of the Fifth Division of the Northern Army of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. It also hosts the Rally Japan World Rally Championship-event.
Obihiro Key Statistics
Population165684
Area619 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés273 / 2 / 7
Practical Essentials for Obihiro
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
Getting Around Obihiro
Obihiro Main Station & Rail Lines
帯広 (Obihiro)
Train Travel to Obihiro
Obihiro is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Obihiro
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Obihiro
Cover Your Trip to Obihiro
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Obihiro
- Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Obihiro downtown.
- Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Obihiro.
- Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Obihiro Station.
- Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Obihiro.
- Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Obihiro.
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Obihiro
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Obihiro
¥3,400,000*est
Median household income / year
78*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Obihiro
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Obihiro
When was Obihiro founded?
Obihiro was founded on 1883.
How old is Obihiro?
Obihiro is roughly 143 years old.
What is the population of Obihiro?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 165,684.
What is the land area of Obihiro?
Obihiro covers roughly 619 km².
What is the main railway station in Obihiro?
The primary hub is 帯広 (Obihiro).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Obihiro?
The city has roughly 273 parks, 2 museums and 7 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Obihiro expensive to live?
Obihiro is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Obihiro?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Obihiro?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Obihiro has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Obihiro?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Obihiro?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Learn more ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Obihiro?
Obihiro hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Obihiro?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Obihiro?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Obihiro?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Obihiro?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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