Hokkaido Coastal Gems Rumoi & Obira
On the Northwestern part of Hokkaido lies the Rumoi Subprefecture, your new favourite summer holiday destination. Home to the heart-shaped port city of Rumoi and the town of Obira, these may not be part of your Japan itinerary yet, but we’re convinced that they should be!
Obira is surrounded by a stunning sea and blessed with warm summers and well-kept nature that make for picture-perfect experiences. It is also completely accessible via most modes of transportation! Obira is also known for having one of the most beautiful sunsets in Japan, don’t just take our word for it!
Want to explore this seaside treasure trove in Hokkaido? Here’s everything you need to know about the lovely Rumoi and Obira area:
Where are Rumoi and Obira?
Rumoi and Obira are located on the Northwestern side of Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s four main islands. It’s 158 km North of Sapporo, a 150-minute drive away. The nearest airports are Asahikawa Airport to the East and Chitose Airport to the South.
How do I get there?
Getting to Rumoi by Train
Rumoi City is accessible by railway, as it’s connected to the JR Hokkaido Rumoi Main Line. If you’re coming from Asahikawa Airport, you can take a bus or taxi to the railway’s Asahikawa Station and ride to Fukagawa Station and get off at Rumoi Station.
If you’re coming from Chitose Airport, you can board the train directly at the New Chitose Airport Station and ride through Sapporo Station and Fukagawa Stations until you reach Rumoi.
Getting to Rumoi by Bus
When you’re in Sapporo and Asahikawa, you can take a bus straight to Rumoi City. The Coastal Bus Rumoi Asahikawa Line will take you to Rumoi from Asahikawa in just two hours. On the other hand, the Hokkaido Chuo Bus High-Speed Rumoi will take you from Sapporo to Rumoi in three hours (other transportation services would take seven hours).
Once you reach Rumoi City, you can go on a 16-minute car or 30-minutes by bus ride to Obira Town.
When is the best time to visit
Source: https://good-hokkaido.info/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/reuke-ranch3.jpg
Summer in Obira is extraordinary. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities that will make you appreciate the city’s natural beauty. The best immersive cultural experiences also usually happen during this season. While summer in Japan is typically June to August, the best time to visit Obira can be as early as May and as late as September.
You can still definitely visit in October, but it is a bit cooler than usual. #sweaterweather Get ready for breezy afternoon sightseeing trips and a steaming cup of tea or coffee in hand.
The rest of the colder winter months may not be as popular for tourists, but you can definitely visit if you want. Just make sure to wear warm clothes!
Things to do in Rumoi and Obira
Rumoi and Obira are bordered by the sea on the West and by green landscapes on the East. Because of this, they have numerous memorable tourist attractions and local experiences under its wing. Here are some of the must-see sights:
Rumoi City Highlights
1. Key to the perfect sunset view: the photogenic “Oloron Line”
There’s a famous sunset-watching strip in Hokkaido you should look out for called the “Oloron Line.” This runs through the Sea of Japan, connecting the cities Otaru and Wakkanai. Rumoi Subprefecture is part of this famous strip.
The cities along this strip are known for having the best vantage points to see the sunset over the Sea of Japan, which is one of the “100 Best Sunsets in Japan."
Fun fact: the name of Oloron Line comes from the Ororon bird, which is common in the seaside areas of Hokkaido.
Obira Town
Only a 16-minute drive from Rumoi City lies Obira, a quaint town in the subprefecture that’s also known for its herring as well as its other array of seafood, such as sea urchin and scallops. As a coastal town, many local and foreign tourists also enjoy visiting the beaches.
Since Obira and Rumoi City are in the same area, you can enjoy the activities in Obira and visit the attractions of Rumoi on the same trip!
Summer Experiences
2. Scallop Shelling
Learn the art of scallop shelling from the local pros: Obira’s expert fishermen. As a thriving fishing town, one of the best things you can do with the locals is to shell freshly harvested scallops on the spot and taste them right away. You can even bring home the spatula you used!
3. Octopus Boiling
Seafood lovers will also enjoy the one-hour octopus boiling & tasting experience in Obira. Learn from a fisherman’s mother who has years of boiling and hanging octopus experience under her belt. And, of course, tasting is included! Each participant will also receive 500g of boiled octopus.
Do note that the activity usually starts at 11:30 AM, but the schedule may change depending on the availability of the activity’s facilitators. Make sure to check the schedule when booking!
4. Pumpkin Harvesting and Soup Making
Aside from fresh seafood, Obira is also known for its agricultural products, thanks to its fertile lands. Test your Green Fingers and go on a two-hour pumpkin harvesting and soup-making experience, guided by none other than a skilled farmer. Warm yourself right up with the hearty soup you’ll be making, which you can recreate when you get home!
5. Rural Harvest Experience
In Obira’s Kodaira Town, you can also harvest fresh seasonal produce on the rural harvest experience with the town’s local farmers. Get your fill of tomatoes, eggplant, watermelons, and other delightful treats that you can take home with you or ship for free! It's perfect for those who want a breather from the busy city life and a taste of farm life.
Bonus Winter Experience: Doughnut Making & Tasting
During the winter in Obira, you can opt for this one-hour sweets making class, where you’ll learn how to make doughnuts out of the Ruru Rosso, a special hear wheat flour you can only get in Hokkaido. Aside from your creation, you’ll also sample sweets produced in the region. If you want to recreate the doughnuts at home and share them with your loved ones, you can purchase the special flour and bring it home with you!
