Obira Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Obira Roadside Station (道の駅 おびら鰊番屋) is one of 128 roadside stations located across Hokkaido. It is located along Route 239 in Kikahirotomi, in the town of Obira in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Obira Roadside Station

Obira Roadside Station details

Obira Roadside Station is locally and formally called Michi no Eki Obira Nishinbanya (道の駅 おびら鰊番屋). It translates in English to Roadside Station Obira Herring Lodge. It is a three-building roadside station that consists of the Tourism Exchange Center, Food Center, and the historical Former Hanada Family Banya.

Obira Roadside Station - Obira, Hokkaido

Obira Roadside Station was registered on April 16, 1996, and was given registration number 27. In April 2015, the Obira Tourism Exchange Center was opened to the public. It houses an oyakata no ma, a special product sales corner, a historical and cultural preservation exhibit hall, a rest corner, and of course a 24-hour rest room.

Inside Obira Roadside Station

Oyakata no ma (break corner)





Historical and Cultural Preservation Exhibition Hall


Exchange Gallery

Obira Roadside Station toilet

I always see the Obira Roadside Station on my way to my visit schools up north but it was only last July 24, 2022, which was my 265th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme, that I finally got to visit it with my family. This trip was all thanks to Teacher Kanda who brought us on a day trip to Obira. 

Obira Roadside Station Stamp

During our visit, we first checked the Tourism Exchange Center where I got my Obira Roadside Station Stamp for the Hokkaido Roadside Station Stamp Rally booklet. 

Obira Roadside Station

Food Center

Former Hanada Family Banya

From there, we visited the Former Hanada Family Banya and learned about the history of herring fishing in Obira. However, heads up, visitors need to pay an entrance fee to explore this historic building but rest assured you will learn something about the glory days of Obira here. 

Obira Roadside Station map

Special Obira Roadside Station vending machine

Products sold in the special Obira Roadside Station vending machine

Sake and snacks made in the region

Check out this mural at the Food Center

Different kinds of snacks produced in the region

The last establishment that we visited was the Food Center. It has a restaurant and a special product sales corner. Before leaving, we bought some food products and souvenirs to give to our friends. 

Ella got to try the soft cream of Obira Roadside Station


Obira Roadside Station Stamp

Obira Roadside Station Stamp Rally 2022

Obira Roadside Station Stamp

Aside from the three buildings, visitors can actually cross the highway going to the Herring Cultural Historical Park. Sadly, we weren’t able to visit this place during our trip as it suddenly rained. Regardless, it just gave us another reason to visit the Obira Roadside Station in the future. 

Obira Roadside Station Operating Hours:

Tourism Exchange Center 

April – November 9AM to 6PM / December – March 9AM to 5PM

Food Supply Facility

May – October 8AM to 5PM / December – March 9AM to 4PM

Restaurant

May – October 10:30AM to 4PM / November – April 10:30AM – 2PM

Former Hanada Family Banya

Tuesdays-Sundays 9AM to 5PM
Closed on Mondays
Might be temporarily closed during winter.

Why visit Obira Roadside Station?

Overall, Obira Roadside Station is conveniently located between Rumoi Roadside Station (22.6 kilometers away) and the Tomamae Roadside Station (20.3 kilometers away). It would surely be a perfect place to rest if you’re driving along scenic Route 239. It is also a place to go to buy souvenirs for your friends and loved ones. 

Getting to Obira Roadside Station

 

The best way to reach Obira Roadside Station and also to fully appreciate it is by coming in by car. Simply follow Route 239 until you reach Kikahirotomi in Obira. 

However, if you plan to commute, you can ride the Coastal Engas Bus from Rumoi City to Toyotomi or Haboro. Board down at Hanada Banya Mae bus stop. 

Travel fare: 660 yen if you come from the first stop of the bus
Travel time: around 50 minutes

Ratings

Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall rating


Location: 48-5 Onishikahirotomi, Obira, Rumoi District, Hokkaido 078-3454, Japan

Comments

  1. AnonymousOctober 30, 2023 at 7:42 AM

    Obira Roadside Station is by far the most beautiful road side station that you have written about. I'm looking forward to read more and see more of your articles.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Book your hotel thru KLOOK

Klook.com
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Popular posts from this blog

Munting Buhangin Beach Camp - Batangas

Image
Located in the municipality of Nasugbu in the province of Batangas, Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is one of the few privately owned resorts in the area that doesn't really require memberships for visitors to enjoy. Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Details Although Munting Buhangin Beach Camp doesn't have white sand to boast, it's quite an isolated place which makes the resort stand out. Its light brown sand, sprinkled with different kinds of shells, is cleaned daily by the dedicated staff of the resort. Sadly, during my visit, a broken piece of glass buried in the sand gave one of my toes a deep cut but I know that it's just a rare case (no one needs to be fired) and nobody wanted that to happen. Munting Buhangin Beach - Nasugbu, Batangas  One of the best places to go camping...  ...or rent nipa huts and treehouse You might want to try kayaking here too Going up: parking / Going down: beach Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is ide
Keep reading

Imus City Plaza - Cavite

Image
Located in the center of the Poblacion or town proper of Imus City in the province of Cavite, Imus City Plaza is one of the city's scenic and historical attractions. Imus City Plaza Imus City Plaza Details This plaza is located in front of the equally historical Imus Cathedral and Imus City Hall . Imus City Plaza is also the first place to greet you if you're heading to the cathedral via Sapinoso Street.  Imus City Plaza - Imus City, Cavite General Licerio Topacio The general guarding the flag Checking out each angle of the monument Imus City Plaza History Imus City Plaza is probably easily remembered because of the monument with two vintage artillery flanking it. The monument stands as an honor to the children of Imus who joined the fight for the independence of the country against Spain. As for the man standing on top of the monument, he is General Licerio Topacio . He is one of the most notable sons of Imus. He is famously known for honorably declining
Keep reading

A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps

Image
Japan is undeniably a collector's paradise. As a matter of fact, there are a plethora of different things to collect here that are catered to every collector's unique taste and preference.  Anime fans have their usual toys, mangas, and memorabilia. Pokemon fans have numerous Pokemon Centers that sell an assortment of Pokemon merchandise. Kitkat collectors have more than 300 flavors of Kitkat to try out. Pilgrims have the temple stamps called goshuin which I wrote about last time. These are but some of the numerous possible things to collect in Japan . A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps However, since I'm promoting budget travel, my article today talks about something that you can collect for FREE . Yup, you read that right. All you need to have is a clean notebook or tickler and an ever-watchful eye. A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps Eki stamps , also called train station stamps, are rubber ink stamps that are typically found in most train stations in Japan. These stamps f
Keep reading

National Shrine of St. Padre Pio - Batangas

Image
Located in Barangay San Pedro in Sto. Tomas in the province of Batangas, the National Shrine of St. Padre Pio is a pilgrimage site dedicated and inspired by Saint Padre Pio. National Shrine of St. Padre Pio National Shrine of St. Padre Pio History The shrine initially started out as a bamboo and nipa chapel back in 2003. Then on November 7, 2005, a 1.6-hectare agricultural land was donated to the Archdiocese of Lipa by a generous couple. A year later, another generous individual donated 200 square meters of land to provide the right of way to the site. This land would be the site of the new chapel and later on the Shrine of St. Padre Pio . The salakot like roof as seen from the bell tower Devotees hanging handkerchiefs dipped in the Well of Hope or Bukal ng Pag-asa  St. Padre Pio welcomes the pilgrims to the shrine Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry - National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio St. Padre Pio belltower St. Padre Pio painting A relic inside the Reli
Keep reading

Barcelona Ruins Park - Sorsogon

Image
Located on the coastal area of the town Barcelona in the province of Sorsogon, Barcelona Ruins Park refers to the park where century-old ruins of Spanish colonial-era buildings are found. Barcelona Ruins Park Barcelona Ruins Park History Speaking of the ruins of Spanish Colonial-era buildings, there are two such ruins in Barcelona Ruins Park . The school building ruins at the southeastern tip of the park and the prominent Presidencia building ruins in the northwestern tip of the park.  The ruins of the Presidencia building as seen from across the street A closer look at the Presidencia Building The ruins of the school building at the far end of Barcelona Ruins Park The Presidencia building was once the office of the governadorcillo during the colonial period. If you're wondering why the building seems massive in size, well it's because it doubled as a fortress that guards the town against the pirates and Moro raider that once frequently attacks Spanish-cont
Keep reading

Quituinan Hills - Albay

Image
Located at Barangay Tinago, Camalig in the province of Albay, Quituinan Hills is one of the most beautiful yet least known tourist destinations of the town.  Quituinan Hills Quituinan Hills Details For those who have visited Quituinan Hills on a clear day, I bet they'd agree with me when I say that this place is among the top places in the province to view Mayon Volcano. Aside from that, the best way to describe Quituinan Hills is that it has a ranch-like feel. Well, that's probably due to the fact that the developed part of the hill is really a ranch named Quituinan Ranch .  Road to Quituinan Hills Welcome to Quituinan Hills This place is a great location for picnics with friends and family. You can either rent a cottage (small P100; big P500) or bring and pitch a tent (P100 space rental) in one of the allowable areas of the hill. Other activities offered here are horseback riding (P60 per 15 minutes) and ATV rental (P200 per 15 minutes). You can also explore
Keep reading

First Timer's Guide to Collecting Goshuin

Image
Japan has always been the best country when it comes to souvenirs. Each city prides itself on its own product which is perfectly suited for the different tastes of tourists. As a travel blogger whose interest is mostly culture and history, I'm naturally inclined to buy souvenirs that remind me of the rich history and culture of the places that I have visited. Oftentimes, I am left with no other option but to buy refrigerator magnets, key chains, and pins. However, during my last visit to Japan, I discovered and got a unique souvenir that I think you'd also love to take home (and bring back to Japan next time you visit). This souvenir would surely remind you of Japan's cultural, religious, and historic side... this souvenir is none other than a goshuin collection. First Timer's Guide to Collecting Goshuin A goshuin is described as a temple or shrine stamp/seal that is written by a temple priest called a kannushi in a special notebook called goshuincho which tran
Keep reading

88 Hotspring Resort and Spa - Laguna

Image
Updated: October 30, 2020 Our adventure today will take us  46.11 kilometers south from kilometer 0 in Manila. The historic atmosphere still lingers due to the historical landmarks that you can see all around this place. One of the most famous landmarks this city has to offer is the Rizal Shine or more popularly known as Rizal's house. However I'm not here to give you a history adventure but instead, I will tell you the different side of this city. 88 Hotspring Resort and Spa Calamba City in the province of Laguna is a city that has more resorts than the number of days in a year. Because of the fast-growing number of resorts (661 and counting), this city earned the nickname Resort Capital of the Philippines.  88 Hotspring Resort and Spa - Calamba, Laguna Travelers and resort seekers who didn't read my blog  The Adventurer's List  would surely be unprepared for what's to come. It would surely take a day for you to choose and pick the most suitable resort f
Keep reading

Sato Auto Campground of Firefly - Hokkaido

Image
Sato Auto Campground of Firefly ( ほたるの里オートキャンプ場 ) is the nearest campsite to the famed Horoshin Spa of Numata. It is located at 612 Horoshin in the town of Numata in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Sato Auto Campground of Firefly Sato Auto Campground of Firefly details If you're looking for a tranquil getaway surrounded by nature, Sato Auto Campground of Firefly in Hokkaido is the perfect destination. The lush greenery of the Horoshin district provides an idyllic setting for your vacation. Sato Auto Campground of Firefly  - Numata town, Hokkaido Prefecture The campground is open from early June until September and offers a variety of accommodation options, including campsites and cottages. Reservations are accepted by phone from the second Monday of April and can be quite competitive, so be sure to book early to secure your spot. Administration Building Administration Building A miniature water wheel display Sato Auto Campground of Firefly map Upon reservation, customers receive a c
Keep reading

Cavite Adventure: Tagaytay City

Image
Tagaytay City Tagaytay City details Our adventure today takes us about 55 kilometers south of Kilometer 0 in Manila. Tagaytay City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the province of Cavite. Taal Volcano as seen from Tagaytay City Known as " The Country's Second Summer Capital ", Tagaytay City 's proximity to Manila makes it a frequent destination for those who are on a budget adventure or those who are just escaping the city life. Tagaytay City 's unique blend of beautiful scenery and semi-temperate climate makes tourists and adventurers come back for more. My friends and my old ride Since my wife and I live near Tagaytay City , we have the convenience of going there anytime we want to. I, for one, have been to Tagaytay plenty of times and experienced a lot of memorable things there. The most unforgettable one that I have was when I experienced zero visibility when I drove through a very thick mist that blanketed the city during
Keep reading