Obihiro Overnight Date: A Journey Through Traditional Yakiniku, a Magical Horse-Drawn Carriage Bar, and a Hidden Urban-Style Bar
1. [Check-in] Richmond Hotel Obihiro Ekimae
Your base for the trip is the Richmond Hotel Obihiro Ekimae, known for its excellent location and hospitality.
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After checking in, start with a toast using the welcome beer. It is the perfect beginning to build anticipation for the Obihiro night ahead while quenching your thirst.
2. [Dinner] Yakiniku Heiwaen
For dinner, we decided not to make a reservation and instead walked through the night air until we found Heiwaen.
History and Dedication: Founded in 1959. It is a long-established restaurant that everyone in Obihiro names when talking about yakiniku. Its greatest feature is the traditional 'Iccho-zuke' technique, where artisans hand-marinate each piece of meat in sauce only after receiving an order. The flavor, which relies on the freshness of the ingredients rather than machines, is truly the soul food of Tokachi.
3. [Experience] Horse-Drawn Carriage BAR
After filling up, we boarded the highlight of the day: the Horse-Drawn Carriage BAR. It takes about 50 minutes to slowly circle the downtown area of Obihiro.
The Power of 'Banba': This massive carriage is pulled by a Banba (draft horse) weighing about one ton. Rooted in the farm horses that once supported the development of Hokkaido, they are now symbols of Tokachi, also active in Obihiro's 'Ban'ei Horse Racing.' Gentle and kind horses, such as the former racehorse Musashikoma-kun, will guide you.
Luxurious Interior: A classic two-story carriage made from Tokachi wood. Enjoying craft beer and snacks inside while watching the night view with the sound of hooves as background music is truly extraordinary. You can also spend a special moment with an original commemorative boarding ticket in hand.
4. [Night Cap] pondou
To wrap up the date, we visited the wine bar 'pondou,' marked by its sophisticated green door.
An Urban Adult Hideaway: Run by a couple who moved from Tokyo to Obihiro, this shop is a space where you can fully enjoy an 'urban and sophisticated atmosphere while still being in Obihiro.'
Gourmet Pairing: Enjoy delicacies such as the urban-chic "Shrimp and Mushroom Ajillo" and prosciutto, paired with Spanish orange wine "Tarongino" or other carefully selected wines from around the world. In the calm, modern interior, the night of your trip slowly deepens.
Summary
The freedom of "not making reservations" led to a story-filled overnight date that connected the flavors of a long-established restaurant, the powerful breath of Ban'ei horses, and the sophistication of an urban bar. It was a wonderful day where we could feel the profound charm of Obihiro firsthand.