As of 2025, Shikaoi is the only town in the Western Tokachi area with roadside stations. Within the town are two facilities with distinct charms: “Roadside Station Shikaoi” and “Roadside Station Urimaku.”Just by touring these two roadside stations, you can fully enjoy local gourmet foods, sweets, and even activities—that’s a major appeal.
Once again, a dedicated MATOKA writer has actually visited the area to share a relaxed “roadside-station journey” in Western Tokachi.
*The information in this article is current as of the publication date; all prices include tax.
*For the latest details on events and hours, please check the Hokkaido Roadside Stations portal.
北海道の道の駅に関する総合情報サイトです。スタンプラリーやグルメ情報、各道の駅からのお知らせなど、道の駅に関するあらゆる情報を紹介しています。
[Shikaoi] Savor the flavors and relaxation of the “soba town” — Roadside Station Shikaoi
About 35 minutes by car from central Obihiro, “Roadside Station Shikaoi” is beloved as a direct-sales market featuring local specialties: buckwheat (soba), local sweets, and seasonal vegetables. 
The first thing that catches your eye upon entering is the bundle of soba displayed at the entrance. The product, “Soba Shikaoi-jin,” uses 100% Shikaoi-grown unhulled buckwheat, with no salt and no additives. It seals in the flavor of carefully selected local ingredients—perfect for souvenirs or gifts.
A symbol of the “soba town” displayed at the entrance—a bundle of Shikaoi buckwheat. ¥350 per bag (serves 2).
The sweets selection is also plentiful. The “Pika Cookies,” modeled after the pikas that inhabit the Lake Shikaribetsu area, are among the most popular items.
The pika, called a “living fossil,” can be seen only in limited places in Hokkaido, including around Lake Shikaribetsu.
They come in Plain (2 cookies, ¥140) and Cocoa (2 cookies, ¥160). Their simple sweetness and satisfyingly crisp bite are part of the charm.
Thin, pika-shaped cookies with a firm, crunchy texture.
Order ice cream, and they’ll add a cute touch by perching a pika cookie on top.
Perfect with ice cream (¥350)! Adorable to look at—and kids love it.
A sweet available only here is the “Sweet Potato Daifuku” (¥300). Take a bite and rich sweet-potato filling spreads through your mouth—an indulgent delight.
From the fluffy, chewy mochi skin, plenty of gently sweet sweet potato overflows.
A short stroll from the roadside station brings you to “Sen no Koen,” a park beloved by locals. Seasonal flowers bloom across the grounds, and a fountain adds to the leisurely atmosphere.
The highlight is the “carillon,” often called the largest musical instrument in the world—a rare pitched percussion instrument played with bells and a keyboard.
Be awed by the towering presence of the carillon. You can hear it only at 12:00, 17:00, and 21:00.
When you visit Shikaoi, meet the local flavors at “Roadside Station Shikaoi,” then unwind with a soothing moment in “Sen no Koen.”
[INFORMATION │ Inquiries]
Phone: 0156-66-1125
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (10:00–16:00 from Nov–Mar)
Closed: Irregular / Year-end & New Year holidays (Dec 31–Jan 3)
Parking: 142 standard cars
Access: About 20 min from Tokachi-Shimizu IC on the Obihiro–Hiroo Expressway Official website
[Shikaoi] A relaxing place to meet horses — Roadside Station “Urimaku” packed with activities
About 10 minutes north on National Route 274 from “Roadside Station Shikaoi,” you’ll find “Roadside Station Urimaku” amid tranquil scenery of open pastures. It’s known for a full lineup of activities such as horseback riding and park golf.
At the adjoining “Shikaoi Riding Park,” even beginners can easily interact with horses.
The most popular option is the “Solo Riding Experience” (¥640), where staff lead the horse for two laps on a dedicated course. It takes about 3–4 minutes. No reservation is required, so you can pop in and enjoy a casual riding experience.
Horseback riding for the whole family—a moment of smiles. Children 4 and up can ride solo if they are at least 100 cm tall.
For little ones, the “Two-person Riding Experience” (¥840) with a guardian is recommended. There’s also the “Brush & Bond Experience” (¥1,050 / about 15 minutes), which includes brushing, feeding, and a solo ride; advance reservations are required for this option.
Indoors, you’ll also find a “Riding Simulator” where you can mount a life-size horse. For ¥200 per 90 seconds, you can enjoy a realistic riding sensation.
A riding simulator you can enjoy even in bad weather—perfect for making travel memories!
Outdoors, there’s a park golf course boasting one of Hokkaido’s largest scales, with 36 holes over a total length of 1,500 m. Kids’ clubs are available, making it fun for the whole family.
For food lovers, we recommend the specialty “Nikujaga-man” (¥270)—a fluffy bun stuffed with meat-and-potato stew made from Shikaoi “himuro” potatoes and Shikaoi pork. The affordable price and rich flavor that fills your mouth will have you reaching for another.
A palm-sized treat—perfect for takeout!
At “Roadside Station Urimaku,” you can meet horses mid-journey, stay active, and fully experience Shikaoi’s appeal. Drive about 20 minutes more and you’ll reach the famed “Lake Shikaribetsu,” with its mystical scenery—highly recommended if you’re seeking relaxation.
For more on the charms of Lake Shikaribetsu, see the article below.
今回は北海道観光の定番観光スポットの中でも特異な魅力を放つ場所、「然別湖（しかりべつこ）」をご紹介します。湖の底に線路が沈む幻想的な風景は、ジブリ映画『千と千尋の神隠し』のワンシーンを彷彿させると話題で、訪れた人々を魅了しています。
[INFORMATION │ Inquiries]
Phone: 0156-67-2626
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (until 16:00 from mid-Nov to mid-Mar)
Closed: Year-end & New Year holidays (Dec 29–Jan 4)
Parking: 81 standard cars
Access: About 30 min from Tokachi-Shimizu IC on the Obihiro–Hiroo Expressway Official website
Western Tokachi Roadside Stations MAP
Click the facility pins on Google Maps to view introductions and start navigation (route search from your current location)!
十勝・帯広エリアには15ヵ所が点在し、まるで旅先のオアシスのよう。地域の情報発信基地としての機能、酪農王国・十勝らしさあふれるレストランや直売所、温泉、フォトジェニックなアトラクションなど盛りだくさんです。そんな北十勝にある5つの道の駅をご紹介。
ちょっと出かけたい休日、南十勝の道の駅めぐりは子ども連れのドライブにぴったりです。4つの道の駅が車で15〜20分圏内にぎゅっとまとまっていて、半日あればすべて巡れるコンパクトさが魅力。子どもが思いっきり遊べるスポットが充実していて、グルメやお土産も個性豊か。
