ACCESS to BIHORO

Bihoro is an inland town located in the eastern area of Hokkaido, about 30km from the Sea of Okhotsk. It has a population of approximately19,000, and agriculture is its key industry. The origin of the name, “Bihoro” is an Ainu expression, “Pi Poro.” It means “a large place with plenty of water”, namely referring to the abundance of water brought by merging clear streams. Particularly, Bihoro River rises from Bihoro Pass and brings many natural blessings as the “Mother River.” Bihoro is teemed with rich water, forests and natural beauty. Bihoro Pass, which connects Bihoro Town and Teshikaga Town, welcomes more than 700 thousand visitors and is known to for its unmatched view. Bihoro Town is located in a 15-minute drive from Memanbetsu Airport, which is a symbolic airport in the Okhotsk area serving many tourists inside and outside Hokkaido. Bihoro thrives with agriculture and is especially known for growing beets, wheat, potatoes, onions and beans. Vast crop fields are unique to Hokkaido, and they present different sceneries as the seasons progress, from potato flowers and wheat ears in the early summer, to harvest around the fall. In recent years, the number of cafés and local businesses has been increasing. Younger generations are actively involved in the continuous development of the town.