In June 2025, a new community hub “Tokutoku” opened in front of JR Shintoku Station, connecting local residents and visitors.
“We want to bring back vibrancy and smiles to the station area starting with the opening of Tokutoku,” says Mr. Haruki Watanabe, General Manager of Shintoku Town Management Co., Ltd., who is leading the operation of Tokutoku.
After about 10 years of planning, “Tokutoku” has finally come to life, carrying the hopes of the townspeople and beginning its journey as the “face of the town.”
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Overview of the New Facility “Tokutoku”
Photo credit: Tokutoku
“Tokutoku” is a two-story wooden complex, created as the centerpiece of the JR Shintoku Station area redevelopment plan.
Inside the approximately 1,315㎡ facility, local larch from Shintoku has been generously used, creating a warm atmosphere themed around the “Forest of Shintoku.”
The building houses a café, retail shops, a tourist information center, and a kids’ play space, functioning as a hub for community interaction. Nursing rooms, child-friendly facilities, and barrier-free restrooms have also been installed, making the space welcoming to all generations.
Introducing the Facilities of “Tokutoku”
“Tokutoku” features a variety of facilities such as cafés and shops showcasing local charm, as well as play areas where children can feel safe. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
1. Café “Kotoise” – Enjoy the Flavors of Shintoku
At Café “Kotoise,” visitors can enjoy menus that highlight ingredients from Shintoku Town.
The most recommended dish is the “Roast Beef Bowl” made with beef from Ueda Meat Shop in town, topped with horseradish from JA Shintoku.
Juicy roast beef melts in your mouth, enhanced by the gentle spiciness and aroma of horseradish. Photo credit: Tokutoku
Currently, new dishes featuring Shintoku-produced cheese and soba are under development. The café plans to further expand its menu to share more of the town’s appeal.
2. Shop “Kotoise” – A Collection of Shintoku’s Best
The shop “Kotoise,” adjacent to the café, offers a wide selection of local specialty products.
In the crafts corner, visitors will find carefully handmade items by local artisans, as well as wooden goods created by residents of the local welfare facility “Wakafuji Dormitory.” This shows the deep connection between Tokutoku and the community.
Food specialties are also a highlight. Cheese can be found in the refrigerators, while shelves showcase a soba-focused section, allowing tourists to easily bring home the flavors of Shintoku.
A special section dedicated to Shintoku’s renowned soba
The value created in Shintoku circulates back into Shintoku itself. It is truly a shop embodying the spirit of circulation.
3. Kids’ Space “Pokke no Mori”
Photo credit: Tokutoku
“Pokke no Mori” is a free play space for children. It features large net playground equipment, slides, and a magnetic wall—plenty of attractions to keep children entertained.
A giant net playground connecting to the second floor sparks children’s sense of adventure.
With its open layout and minimal blind spots, the design allows guardians to easily keep an eye on their children. Open year-round, this play area is a reassuring spot for families, providing children with a safe place to move their bodies freely.
4. Railway Exhibition Room “Poppo”
Photo credit: Tokutoku
Railway fans won’t want to miss the free exhibition room “Poppo,” where a diorama recreates Shintoku Station and the townscape from the 1950s.
Intricate models bring the history of Shintoku’s railways to life.
Shintoku Station was established around 120 years ago in 1907. By 1917, a locomotive depot was built, and the region’s economy flourished around the railway. Shintoku is truly a “town that grew with the railway.”
The walls also feature many historical railway materials. For both tourists and residents, it is a place to rediscover Shintoku’s heritage.
5. Three Types of Rest Areas
Inside Tokutoku, three different rest areas are provided for various uses.
| Coworking Space | Equipped with power outlets and Wi-Fi. An ideal workspace for studying or remote work. |
| Meeting Space | A cozy raised-floor area. Parents can read picture books with their children or rest while watching them play in Pokke no Mori. |
| Komorebi Terrace | An open rest area available to everyone. Visitors can enjoy café meals or even bring their own food. |
Tokutoku offers plenty of resting spots where everyone can relax without hesitation.
6. Tourist Information & Rental Services
On the second floor, a tourist information center provides local travel information. Staff are always available to answer questions and recommend sightseeing spots. Rental bicycles and cars are also available—perfect for travelers wanting to explore the town freely.
Future Focus on Events
According to facility staff, Tokutoku plans to focus on hosting events in the future. Workshops and exchange gatherings are already underway.
Outdoors, the parking lot space can be used for food trucks and open-air events.
The multipurpose room on the second floor can also accommodate a wide variety of events.
A multipurpose room available for conferences, study groups, craft experiences, and more. Photo credit: Tokutoku
Anyone—whether from inside or outside the town—is welcome to host events. For example, the multipurpose room can be rented for 2,000 yen for up to 4 hours, or 4,000 yen for longer.
If you want to “create a new place for交流” or “share your activities in Shintoku,” consider hosting your event at Tokutoku.
Phone: 0156-67-9170 (Contact: Mr. Watanabe)
Tokutoku ─ Upcoming Event Information
北海道・新得町の駅前施設「とくとく」では、リユースをテーマにした楽しいイベントが開催されます！今回のイベントでは、古着屋さんの出店に加えて、サステナブルな暮らしを体験できるワークショップも実施予定。施設内には休憩スペースもあるのでゆったりと過ごせます。
A Place Where the Town and People Connect and Grow
“Tokutoku” is a new “face of the town” that gently connects everyone who visits. In its warm wooden space, children play freely, while tourists and locals alike find comfort and relaxation.
With future plans for more events and workshops, many new encounters and connections are sure to emerge. “Tokutoku,” a place that nurtures the future of the town—be sure to visit and experience its warmth for yourself.
[Information │ Contact]
Address: 1-21-22 Hondori Minami, Shintoku Town, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido
Phone: 0156-67-9170
Opening Hours: 9:00–20:00 (Café/Shop until 19:00, L.O. 18:30)
Closed: Open year-round (Café closed on Tuesdays only)
Parking: 88 standard cars
Access: 1 minute walk from JR Shintoku Station
Official Website
