| population | 5,908 peoples |
|---|---|
| area | 391.91 km² |
| population density | 15.1 peoples/km² |
Located in northeastern Tokachi, Hokkaido, Honbetsu Town is a charming area blessed with rich natural beauty and deep-rooted history. The town’s development began in 1872 and it took its present form in 1955. Agriculture is the main industry, with dairy farming and bean cultivation as major contributors. The inland climate, marked by sharp temperature differences, helps produce flavorful crops. Residents live in harmony with nature, enjoying the beauty of all four seasons.
Winter brings opportunities for skiing and snowboarding, while traditional Hokkaido dialect and warm local customs give the town its distinct character. Annual events such as the “Honbetsu Milk Festival” and “Snow Light Night” unite residents and visitors alike. The town’s locally sourced cuisine and tranquil rural scenery offer a heartwarming experience, allowing visitors to feel both the natural and human warmth of Honbetsu.
Culture and Traditions
Honbetsu’s roots lie in its pioneering agricultural culture, which began during Japan’s Meiji Era. The fertile lands of northern Tokachi have long supported the cultivation of beans, wheat, and sugar beets. Despite the harsh winters, often dropping below −25°C, local people have maintained a lifestyle that harmonizes with the natural environment. The Hokkaido dialect can still be heard, and residents foster close community ties through seasonal festivals and gatherings.
New Year’s celebrations include traditional mochi-pounding events that bring families and neighbors together. Spring welcomes the Honbetsu Mountain Azalea Festival, while summer is highlighted by the KIRAMEKI Town Festival featuring fireworks and music. The Honbetsu Milk Festival celebrates the pride of local dairy farmers, and winter’s Snow Light Night transforms the town into a magical landscape illuminated by handmade snow lanterns. These community-driven events beautifully represent Honbetsu’s spirit of unity and cultural richness.
Local Specialties
- Honbetsu Horse Meat: Known for its lean yet flavorful quality, local horse meat is a prized delicacy enjoyed as sashimi or grilled dishes in many restaurants.
- Honbetsu Melon: Grown in Hokkaido’s pristine environment, these sweet and juicy melons are a popular summer gift and dessert choice.
- Honbetsu Rice: Cultivated with pure water from the Ribetsu River, this rice is plump and fragrant, offering a rich, natural sweetness.
- Fresh Raw Milk: Collected from Honbetsu’s dairy farms and processed at facilities such as Meiji’s Honbetsu Factory, the milk’s freshness and creamy flavor make it ideal for cheese and yogurt production.
- Honbetsu Beef: Raised in the rich natural environment of Tokachi, Honbetsu beef offers tender texture and deep flavor, served in local eateries and farm restaurants.
Annual Events
- Snow Light Night (February): A winter highlight featuring handmade snow lanterns and ice sculptures that illuminate the town around Yoshitsune-no-Sato Honbetsu Park.
- Honbetsu Mountain Azalea Festival (Mid-May): A spring festival filled with blooming azaleas, local food stalls, and live performances.
- KIRAMEKI Town Festival (Early September): The town’s largest celebration, featuring fireworks, food vendors, and stage shows that attract visitors from across Tokachi.
- Honbetsu Beef Festival (August): A summer event where guests can enjoy premium Honbetsu beef, livestock exhibitions, and live entertainment.
- Agricultural Fair (November): A local harvest festival with fresh produce sales, workshops, and hands-on farming experiences for families.
Access
- By Air: The nearest airport is Kushiro Airport, about 40 minutes by car. Obihiro Airport is about 90 minutes away.
- By Bus: From Sapporo, take the Tokachi Bus “Tokachi-go” (approx. 4.5 hours). From Obihiro, it takes about 90 minutes.
- By Car: Approximately 3.5 hours from Sapporo via the Doto Expressway, exiting at Honbetsu IC or Honbetsu JCT.
- By Train: Take the JR Nemuro Line to Ikeda Station, then transfer to a Tokachi Bus bound for Honbetsu (approx. 40 minutes).
Tourist Attractions
- Yoshitsune-no-Sato Honbetsu Park – A comprehensive park with a campground, playgrounds, and a local museum. Famous for its spring azaleas and autumn foliage.
- Honbetsu Onsen Grand Hotel – A natural hot spring resort known for its skin-beautifying effects and relaxing atmosphere.
- Honbetsu Historical and Folklore Museum – Exhibits related to Baron Nishi and the town’s pioneering history.
- Aristo Honbetsu Golf Club – A scenic and challenging golf course designed around the natural landscape.
- Taiyo-no-Oka Park Golf Course – A well-maintained course that welcomes both beginners and advanced players.
