[Roadside Stations | Southern Tokachi Area] Dream of space and savor the blessings of the land. Introducing four roadside stations in the Southern Tokachi area.

On a day when you want a short outing, touring the roadside stations in Southern Tokachi is perfect for a drive with kids. Four roadside stations are clustered within a 15–20 minute drive, and the compact layout lets you visit them all in just half a day.

There are plenty of spots where children can play to their hearts’ content, and the food and souvenirs are full of character. If you’re wondering, “Where should we go today?”, the Southern Tokachi area is the answer.

This time, a dedicated MATOKA writer actually set out from Obihiro with two children. We’ll visit the roadside stations in order—Taiki → Churui (Makubetsu) → Sarabetsu → Nakasatsunai—and share real, firsthand tips on food and play along the way.

*The information in this article is current as of the publication date; all prices include tax.
*For the latest details on events and opening hours, please check the Hokkaido Roadside Stations portal.

[Taiki] Meet rockets in the “space town” — Roadside Station “Cosmall Taiki”

About 50 minutes from central Obihiro. Exit the free expressway “Obihiro–Hiroo Expressway” at Taiki–Churui IC, head south on National Route 236, and you’ll see Roadside Station “Cosmall Taiki” appear on your left.

Taiki is known as a “space town,” where public and private sectors have worked together for roughly 40 years to attract the aerospace industry. Thanks to its vast, flat terrain and stable weather, it’s considered one of the world’s ideal locations for rocket launches. Inside, you’ll find extensive space-related exhibits and merchandise. One standout is the full-scale display of the “MOMO No.7 (v0)” rocket, which was once slated for launch.

See a real rocket that actually stood on the launch pad, up close

Although the launch of “MOMO No.7 (v0)” was cancelled due to an engine issue, this valuable vehicle laid the groundwork for the later successful “MOMO v1.” Feel its power for yourself.

In the shop, you’ll find unique items lined up, such as “Rocket Coffee” carried aboard the MOMO No.4, and “Space Gummies” made using lactic acid bacteria that traveled in space. Kids will be glued to the space-themed stationery and toys—an impressive spark for their curiosity.

A special corner packed with space-related goods

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[Makubetsu] Play, eat, and unwind in the land of the Naumann elephant — Roadside Station “Churui”

Head north by car for about 10 minutes from “Cosmall Taiki.” Located along National Route 236, Roadside Station “Churui” is a spot that has it all: sightseeing, gourmet food, play, and relaxation. It’s popular both as a quick stop during your drive and as a destination where you can spend a leisurely day.

They also offer excellent dishes made with local ingredients. Menus featuring free-range “Dorobuta” pork and the local specialty “lily bulb” are especially popular.

On this day, we tried the “Dorobuta Minced Cutlet Croquette (¥480)” and the “Lily Bulb Cream Puff (¥250).”

Crisp on the outside and creamy inside, the “Dorobuta Minced Cutlet Croquette” bursts with savory juices

The gentle sweetness of the “Pure White Lily Bulb Cream Puff” is wonderfully comforting

Another essential part of Churui’s story is the Naumann elephant. In 1969, an almost complete fossilized skeleton of a Naumann elephant was excavated here, leading to Japan’s first full skeletal reconstruction. The “Naumann Elephant Museum,” located right next to the roadside station, exhibits the reconstructed skeleton and recreations of the excavation process.

Next to the roadside station is “Naumann Park,” featuring playground equipment, a water play area, a park golf course, hot springs, and barbecue houses—everything you need for a full day of fun.

A popular park with a 40-meter-long giant slide and a large water play area

With abundant nature and plenty of room to run around, it’s an ideal environment for families. Don’t forget to bring a water-play set when you visit.

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[Sarabetsu] Savor the bounty of a farming powerhouse — Roadside Station “Sarabetsu PiPOPA”

Head north from Churui on National Route 236. Shortly after turning onto Prefectural Route 238, you’ll spot Roadside Station “Sarabetsu PiPOPA.” The name references the “pi–po–pa” tones of a telephone, reflecting a wish for it to become a hub for sharing Sarabetsu’s information.

Sarabetsu Village is an agricultural powerhouse, ranking among Japan’s leaders in average farm size and number of tractors per farm household. Major crops include potatoes, wheat, beans, and sugar beets. In the on-site shop and restaurant, you’ll find plenty of products and dishes made from this bounty of the land.

A popular restaurant item is “Sarabetsu Fresh Udon (¥600),” made with 100% Sarabetsu-grown “Kitahonami” wheat. The smooth texture of the fresh noodles makes it easy to enjoy for kids and seniors alike. Goboten (burdock tempura) or tsukimi (egg) versions are just ¥650—great value. We had the “Goboten Udon” this time.

The pleasant bitterness of burdock tempura pairs perfectly with the flavorful broth

Fresh udon noodles are available for purchase inside

For dessert, we recommend original items made with Sarabetsu’s specialty fruit, sumomo (Japanese plum). The “Sumomo Cider,” with its addictive sweet-and-tangy refreshment, and the “Sumomo Jam Soft-serve,” topped with house-made jam, are especially popular.

“Sumomo Cider” with a clean, pleasant tartness

“Sumomo Jam Soft-serve (¥480)” accented with house-made jam

At “Sarabetsu PiPOPA,” you can taste local specialties on the spot and find souvenirs for your trip. It’s a perfect place to pop in during your drive.

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[Nakasatsunai] Country chicken karaage & fresh eggs are a hit! Plenty to do — Roadside Station Nakasatsunai

From “Sarabetsu PiPOPA,” return to Route 236 and drive about 20 minutes toward Obihiro. On the left you’ll find Roadside Station “Nakasatsunai,” where you can experience nature and rural culture.

The entire roadside station is designed as an “Agri Park,” dotted with historic local buildings, lawns, and ponds. It’s popular not only for rest stops during a drive but also as a place to leisurely enjoy local charm.

Nakasatsunai Village is known for poultry farming, and dishes made with the local brand “Nakasatsunai Inaka-dori” are specialties. Among them, the freshly fried “Inaka-dori Karaage” is a favorite. Juicy and generously portioned, it’s also a big hit for takeout.

The “Nakasatsunai Inaka-dori Karaage” is fragrant and irresistibly juicy

On the grounds, you’ll even find a rare “egg vending machine” where you can buy freshly laid eggs. Being able to purchase fresh eggs anytime makes it popular with both tourists and locals.

An “egg vending machine” where you can easily buy freshly laid eggs

Just press the button to meet your fresh eggs

For families with kids, the large indoor play area toward the back is also recommended. Slides and trampolines keep children fully engaged. There’s also a rest area for guardians nearby, so adults can sit, keep watch, and take a breather—another welcome touch.

A large play area where kids can run wild

On this visit, our two kids quickly bonded with another family we happened to meet and had a great time playing together. Serendipitous encounters like this are part of the charm of roadside-station drives.

*Play equipment is intended for up to 2nd-grade elementary students (baby area up to age 3)

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Southern Tokachi Roadside Stations MAP

Click the facility pins on Google Maps to see introductions and start navigation (route search from your current location)!