Ishikari Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Ishikari Roadside Station officially called Roadside Station Ishikari Air Road Atsuta (道の駅石狩 あいろーど厚田) is one of the 128 roadside stations spread around Hokkaido. It is located at 98-2 Atsuta, Atsutaku in the city of Ishikari in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. It was registered as a roadside station last November 17, 2017, and was given registration number 120.

道の駅石狩 あいろーど厚田
Ishikari Roadside Station

Ishikari Roadside Station details

Perched on National Route 231, Ishikari Roadside Station stands out as one of Japan's few three-story rest stops. Recognized for its stunning backdrop, the facility clinched the runner-up spot in the "Michi-no-Eki with Magnificent Landscape" category of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism's "Hokkaido Michi-no-Eki" Ranking Selected by Finishers" in 2018/2019. From the upper floors' viewing terraces and decks, visitors can witness the breathtaking sunset over the Sea of Japan and the city of Atsuta.

道の駅石狩 あいろーど厚田
Ishikari Roadside Station - Ishikari City, Hokkaido Prefecture

The first floor houses 24-hour toilets, food, and beverage vendors, and units selling locally-made products. The hall boasts an open floor plan and an atrium and is wheelchair-friendly, equipped with escalators and elevators.

Inside Ishikari Roadside Station












The viewing deck of Ishikari Roadside Station. This is the best place to view the sunset

The second floor features a restaurant vendor that serves up regional fare using ingredients carefully sourced from the Ishikari area. The glass-enclosed dining space overlooks the spectacular scenery. There is also an exhibition corner and reference room that showcases the nature and history of Ishikari, introducing visitors to Atsuta's history, its people, and its stunning natural terrain.

Things you'd see outside Ishikari Roadside Station

Roadside Station Ishikari Air Road Atsuta map

Ishi-curry
Try the special Ishi-curry from one of the vending machines



道の駅石狩 あいろーど厚田
Pledge to Peace Monument

Ishikari Roadside Station

Outdoors, visitors can enjoy the "Children's Square" and Air Road Park with its "Lover's Sanctuary/Atsuta Observatory," "Josei Toda Birthplace," and "Atsuta Campsite." These features make Ishikari Roadside Station a destination that visitors of all ages can enjoy.

Team Nicerio visits Ishikari Roadside Station




My family and I visited Ishikari Roadside Station during our Mashike to Ishikari Road Trip last September 4, 2022. It was my 307th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. We arrived early so while waiting for it to open to get its stamp, my daughter, and I hiked up the hill behind it to check out Atsuta Park Observation Deck, also known as the Lover's Sanctuary. We enjoyed a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan and Atsuta District on this clear, sunny day. It was a tiring yet unforgettable mini-adventure for both of us.

Ishikari Roadside Station stamp

Ishikari Roadside Station stamp

Ishikari Roadside Station stamp

Ishikari Roadside Station Fees

It’s FREE to park, explore, and enter Ishikari Roadside Station. However, it is best to bring money when visiting as there are a lot of things to try in Ishikari Roadside Station.

Ishikari Roadside Station Operating Hours


Ishikari Roadside Station is open;

9:30-18:00 (April-May)
9:30-19:00 (June-August)
9:30-18:00 (September-October)
10:00-16:00 (November to March)

Why visit Ishikari Roadside Station?

If you are collecting roadside station stamps, then the Ishikawa Roadside Station is a must-visit. If not, then the Ishikawa Roadside Station is a place to stop by if you need to rest, do a toilet break, or grab some snacks. Aside from that, this roadside station is also one of the best places to view the beautiful sunset.

Getting to Ishikari Roadside Station

 

Access by car

If you go north from JR Sapporo Station on the Ishikari Highway along the Sosei River for about 30 minutes, you will find the Barado Junction. Follow the road signs here and drive along National Route 231 in the direction of Atsuta, Hamamasu, and Rumoi for about 40 minutes, and you will arrive at Roadside Station Ishikari "Ai Road Atsuta".

Access by bus

About 100 minutes from Hokkaido Chuo Bus Sapporo Terminal to Ishikari Michi-no-Eki "Ai Road Atsuta". Get off at the last stop and walk straight.

Ratings

Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall rating


Location: 98-2 Atsutaku Atsuta, Ishikari, Hokkaido 061-3601, Japan

Comments

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

List of Festivals in the Philippines: April

Image
Do you want to witness and be part of the exciting and colorful cultural activities in the Philippines in this month of  April ?   Please check out the list of popular fiestas or festivals happening this April . Rodeo Masbateno Festival Location:  Masbate City, Province of Masbate Details:  The festival is celebrated every 9th to 14th of April. Its highlights are the bull riding competition, lassoing, 2-4 carambola, and bulldogging. This festival showcases the "cowboy skills" of the Masbatenos. Kangayedan Festival Location:  Pagudpod, Province of Ilocos Norte Details:  The festival is celebrated every 22nd to the 26th of April. Its highlight is the parade of cultural dances. This festival's objective is to safeguard the ecological beauty from destruction and also to renew the vow of the townspeople to replenish and protect the environment.  Butanding Festival Location:  Donsol, Province of Sorsogon Details:  The festival is celebrated every 28th of April to t
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

Cagayan Adventure: Palaui Island

Image
Our adventure today takes us 457 kilometers northwest of kilometer 0 in Manila. Located in the municipality of Sta. Ana in the province of Cagayan, Palaui Island is every backpacker's / island hopper's dream destination. Palaui Island Palaui Island Details  Palaui Island was declared a National Marine Reserve on August 28, 1994. It is home to countless species of migratory birds, corals, fishes, and even plants.  Palaui Island -  Sta. Ana, Cagayan Palaui Island as seen from San Vicente Port Palaui Island got into the international spotlight after it was used as the filming location for Survivor: Cagayan and Survivor: Blood vs. Water. Not only that, but Palaui Island is also placed in the 10th spot in CNN's World's 100 Best Beaches list. Dos Hermanos Islands as seen from Palaui Island Panoramic view of Palaui Island from Mt. Kabo My group visited the island to see its "raw" beauty. You see, the negative effect of becoming a popular island
Keep reading