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


Comments

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

Imus City Plaza - Cavite

88 Hotspring Resort and Spa - Laguna

Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Cavite

Hermano Pule Shrine - Quezon

Gifu Castle - Gifu

A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps

Japan Diaries 2: Day 3

Japan Diaries 3: Day 3

Japan Diaries 2: Day 16

Nijo Castle Revisited 2019 - Kyoto