[Northern Tokachi Area] Fully Enjoy Leisure and Gourmet Delights: Complete All 5 Roadside Stations in Northern Tokachi!

For those traveling by car in Hokkaido, roadside stations equipped with restrooms and parking available 24/7 are the perfect pit stops. In the vast Tokachi and Obihiro region—famous for its endless dairy farms and countryside scenery—15 of these stations are scattered like oases for travelers. Beyond being hubs of local information, they also feature restaurants and shops overflowing with Tokachi’s dairy culture, hot springs, and even Instagram-worthy attractions worth visiting. In this article, we’ll introduce five roadside stations in northern Tokachi. After reading, Let’s Drive!

※The information in this article is current as of the time of publication. All prices include tax.
※For the latest updates on events and hours, please check the official Hokkaido Roadside Station website.
Hokkaido Roadside Stations

[Otofuke Town] Step into the World of a Popular Morning Drama! The Picture-Perfect “Otofuke Natsuzora no Furusato”

Just a 40-minute drive from Tokachi-Obihiro Airport, the gateway to the Tokachi-Obihiro area, “Michi-no-Eki Otofuke Natsuzora no Furusato” was relocated and renewed in 2022 in Otofuke Town—Hokkaido’s most populous municipality. It’s also easily accessible via the Tokachi Airport shuttle bus, making it a popular spot even for travelers without rental cars.

Inside the adjacent agricultural and livestock products market “Natsuzora Ichiba,” you’ll find a variety of processed goods and specialty items made with locally grown ingredients from Tokachi. The direct sales area offers fresh vegetables and fruits with the faces of the producers, so you can take home the seasonal flavors.

Feeling a bit hungry? Head over to “Natsuzora Dining,” a food court based on the theme of “Tokachi’s culinary delights.” Here, you’ll find local favorites like “Butadon” (pork bowl) and “Indian Curry,” along with eateries featuring dishes made from Otofuke-produced wheat and cheese.

Ramen FUJI features noodles made from Tokachi wheat

Don’t miss the “Natsuzora Area,” which faithfully recreates four buildings from the Tokachi arc of the 2019 NHK morning drama “Natsuzora,” including the Shibata family home. The souvenir shop also offers exclusive items available only here—be sure to check it out.

A must-have specialty from this roadside station: a confectionery gift set from the long-established “Rokkatei” based in Otofuke

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[Shihoro Town] A Gourmet Roadside Station Offering Local Brand Beef and Potatoes — “Pia 21 Shihoro”

Located in northern Tokachi, Shihoro Town is home to “Michi-no-Eki Pia 21 Shihoro,” easily recognizable by its unique barn-inspired roof at the intersection of National Routes 241 and 274. The building is made with plenty of Hokkaido-grown larch, creating a space filled with warmth and openness. Over half the town’s land is agricultural, making it a well-known production area for wheat, potatoes, sugar beets, and legumes.

Among the many delights here, the star is the locally raised “Shihoro Beef.” At the restaurant “Nijiiro Shokudo,” whole Shihoro cattle are purchased, allowing diners to savor juicy, tender lean cuts in dishes like steak and hamburgers. Over at “CAFE KANICHI,” you’ll also find 100% Shihoro Beef burgers—a must-try for meat lovers!

Shihoro Beef is such a local staple, it’s even the main attraction at local festivals and events

The French fries made from locally grown potatoes are superb, but locals especially rave about the station’s original “Potato Daifuku” (mochi sweets). Made with the Hokkaikogane variety, the sweet, buttery filling offers a warm and comforting texture. The Daifuku buffet features many flavors, and beautifully boxed sets are available—perfect as a road snack or souvenir.

Alongside the signature Potato Daifuku, you’ll find other flavors like pumpkin mitarashi and kinako cream

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[Kamishihoro Town] A Versatile Roadside Station for Leisure, with Rental Bikes and a Dog Park — “Kamishihoro”

Opened in 2020 as the 127th roadside station in Hokkaido, “Michi-no-Eki Kamishihoro” is located in Kamishihoro Town at the northern tip of the Tokachi region. The town sits on the eastern slope of Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan’s largest mountain park, and serves as a gateway to popular destinations like Mikuni Pass, Naitai Highland Farm, and Nukabira Hot Springs.

What immediately stands out is the station’s modern glass-walled design, which doesn’t look like a typical roadside station. Inside, the restaurant, burger shop, and local goods corner have a stylish, contemporary feel—more like a trendy co-working space. There’s even a kids’ area and nursing room, so families with small children can relax comfortably.

Near the entrance, you’ll find exhibits on the historic Shihoro Line railway bridges

Outside, the grassy area features large playground equipment and an on-site dog park. As a town famous for hot air balloons, the station occasionally offers tethered hot air balloon rides when weather permits. These five-minute experiences lift you about 30 meters off the ground, offering sweeping views of the Tokachi Plains—a unique way to enjoy your trip.

This roadside station was designed to be a destination in itself

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[Ashoro Town] Home to a Local Music Legend and Pokémon Manholes — “Ashoro Galaxy Hall 21”

About 5 km from the Ashoro IC on the Doto Expressway, you’ll find “Michi-no-Eki Ashoro Galaxy Hall 21,” marked by a tall tower at the intersection of National Routes 241 and 242. Located on the former site of the now-closed Ashoro Station on the Furusato Galaxy Line, part of the building recreates the old platform and tracks—making it a must-visit for railway fans and history buffs alike.

But the attractions go beyond trains. Ashoro is the hometown of singer-songwriter Chiharu Matsuyama, and at the entrance stands a monument playing his 1977 hit song “Big Sky and Vast Land,” which he wrote and composed himself. On a clear Tokachi day, hearing the melody under the open sky creates an unforgettable experience.

Press the button to hear the song — the monument links the scenery of Ashoro with the world of the music

Inside, the “Chiharu Matsuyama Corner” displays his stage costumes, trophies, and more. You can even take a photo with a life-sized panel of him—entry is free, so don’t miss it.

In recent years, many visitors also come for the “Pokéfuta” — Pokémon-themed manhole covers. As of May 2025, they’re installed in 42 cities and towns across Hokkaido, each with a unique design. Why not come see Ashoro’s one-of-a-kind cover for yourself?

The Pokéfuta here features characters like Azelf and Alolan Vulpix

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[Rikubetsu Town] A Chilly Town with a Warm Welcome — So Many Ways to Enjoy “Aurora Town 93 Rikubetsu”

In winter, temperatures drop below -30°C! Rikubetsu Town, located in eastern Hokkaido, is known as Japan’s coldest town with a population of just around 2,100. Along Route 242 at the entrance to town is “Michi-no-Eki Aurora Town 93 Rikubetsu.” Once a train station on the Furusato Galaxy Line, the facility now functions as a multipurpose center—housing a bus terminal, specialty product shop selling venison and other local goods, the Kanji Sekiguchi Memorial Museum showcasing the life of a pioneering doctor, and the “Aurora House” accommodation.

Even though the train line was discontinued in 2006, train cars and tracks remain on site for visitors to explore. There are hands-on train driving and riding experiences available by reservation, as well as a 400-meter rail cart ride—making this a hidden gem for couples and families alike.

Take a photo with the “Maetel-wrapped” train, a dream for rail fans!

The town was also a filming location for the 1977 movie *The Yellow Handkerchief*. Inside the station, you’ll find decorations and posters paying tribute to the film—a great nostalgic photo spot that captures the spirit of Showa-era Japan. Why not pair your visit with a stop at the “Galaxy Forest Observatory,” also located in Rikubetsu?

Yellow handkerchiefs hang from the ceiling inside the station—some say they bring good luck!

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Northern Tokachi Area Roadside Station MAP

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