'''Bihoro''' (___y, [http://www.ohotuku26.or.jp/bihoro/]) is an insufferably obscure farming town in northern Hokkaido, Japan.
Get in
By plane
Bihoro is a 20-minute bus ride away from Memanbetsu Airport (¥340).
By train
Bihoro is on the '''JR _r______________ Line''' (___k_{__) from Asahikawa to Abashiri.
The '''Okhotsk''' limited express runs to Bihoro from Sapporo in about 5 hours at a cost of ¥9430.
By road
Bihoro is a major road junction and highways lead from here to Abashiri on the northern coast, to Teshikaga (Akan National Park) and to Asahikawa and Sounkyo Onsen (Daisetsuzan National Park). Buses run along most roads but only very intermittently.
See
'''Bihoro Pass''' (___y__ ''Bihoro-t?ge''). On Highway 243 between Bihoro and Teshikaga, this is Bihoro's sole claim to fame, affording views over Lake Kussharo in the nearby Akan National Park. The pass was also canonized in the eponymous ''enka'' (Japanese folk song), which now plays on repeat in the small service area near the pass.
'''Bihoro Agricultural Museum''' (_____y______ ''Bihoro-n?gy?kan''). [http://www.ohotuku26.or.jp/bihoro/bibot/ex_e/index_e.html]. With exhibits like "Modern Agricultural Machines" and "Let's Play With BIBOT", this is best reserved for those ''really'' rainy days. Admission ¥300, open 9 AM to 5 PM daily.
Do
'''T?ge-no-Yu Bihoro''' (____________). [http://www.ohotuku26.or.jp/bihoro/telguide/458.html] . The inevitable hot spring, but a fairly modern and pleasant operation — and yes, that does mean "Pass Hot Water Bihoro". Entry ¥500, or get a set ticket which includes a 15-minute return bus ride to JR Bihoro station for ¥900.
Buy
Bihoro's speciality is ''kumazasa-cha'' (_F____), a type of herbal tea made from the ''kumazasa'' (lit. "bear grass") leaf that grows abundantly in this harsh climate. Steeply priced at ¥840 per bag, but worth a try —
Eat & Drink
'''Gurutto Panorama Bihoro''' (_________p_m___}___y__). The fancy name of the highway service area at Bihoro Pass... but in addition to the souvenir and fried-everything-on-a-stick vendors downstairs, there's a decent restaurant upstairs which serves ''kumazasa'' tea along with your meal.
Sleep
'''Minshuku Tar?-an''' (___h___Y__). Tel. 01527-3-4310. A tiny minshuku (capacity 7 people) right across the street from the JR station. ¥5000 for one night with two good meals, considerably better value than the youth hostel.
'''Bihoro Youth Hostel''' (___y___[_X_z_X_e__). Tel. 01527-3-2560, [http://www.jyh.or.jp/english/hokaido/bihoro/]. Inconveniently located even by Bihoro standards, over 2 kilometers on foot south from the train station. ¥2940 per night for HI members.
Contact
The small tourism office in the train station will be overjoyed at seeing an actual tourist. They can also book accommodation for you.
Get out
Akan National Park — Just across the Bihoro Pass are a number of sights actually worth seeing.