EXPLORING THE NISSHO PENINSULA

Mt. Apoi, designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark, is home to mountains and valleys composed of variety of unique peridotites and endemic alpine flora nurtured by its natural environment. Immerse yourself in the natural environment nurtured by these geological wonders as you learn at the Visitor Center and take on the challenge of mountain climbing.

Massive horses weighing over 1 ton (approx. twice the size of a Thoroughbred) called Banba horses’ race while pulling sleds weighing from 500 kg to a maximum of 1 ton. The horse racing originally started as a festival celebrating agricultural horses, where horses competed in their strength, and now it is the only event held exclusively in Obihiro, making it the only one of its kind in the world.

Banba horses played a significant role in the development of Tokachi, leading it to become what is now known as the kingdom of agriculture. Visitors can enjoy walking through the vast fields of this agricultural kingdom while listening to explanation from field guides, also experience making pizza using wheat harvested from the fields and travel back in time to the pioneering era and experience horse farming.

Hiroo Town, one of Japan's leading kelp-producing areas, has been conducting kelp fishing using traditional methods passed down through generations. Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with active fishermen and experience kelp drying. In addition, on the Pacific coast where fishing is popular, in order to protect and stabilize fishery resources and local industries, efforts such as greening projects and the production and release of young fish are undertaken. From an early stage, there has been a transition from "harvesting fisheries" to "cultivating fisheries," aiming to sustainably manage marine resources. You will have the chance to enjoy freshly caught local seafood nurtured through these efforts.