Engaru Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Engaru Roadside Station (道の駅 遠軽 森のオホーツク) is one of the 128 roadside stations spread around Hokkaido Prefecture. It is located at 150-1 Nogami, in the town of Engaru in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

道の駅 遠軽 森のオホーツク
Engaru Roadside Station

Engaru Roadside Station details

Officially called Roadside Station Engaru Mori-no-Okhotsk, Engaru Roadside Station is one of the three roadside stations in the town of Engaru. The other two are Shirataki Roadside Station and Maruseppu Roadside Station. It was built only last 2019 and is one of the newest roadside stations in Hokkaido. It was given the registration number 125.

道の駅 遠軽 森のオホーツク
Engaru Roadside Station - Engaru town, Hokkaido Prefecture

One of the highlights of the 
Engaru Roadside Station is the plethora of indoor and outdoor experience programs available, such as tree trekking, bungee trampoline, and more.

Engaru Rock Valley Ski Resort





For winter sports enthusiasts, the Engaru Rock Valley Ski Resort offers six courses to choose from, including a champion course with a maximum incline of 33°, a dynamic course over 1,000 meters in length, and a family slope perfect for beginners. You can even enjoy bobsled racing here. Ski rental and lift tickets can be purchased at the Rock Valley Lodge on the 2nd floor of the Engaru Roadside Station.

Engaru Roadside Station souvenir shop



There are also several vending machines inside the roadside station

On top of that, visitors can buy a variety of products at the souvenir shop, which offers a range of items made and grown in Engaru. From unique souvenirs to Hokkaido specialties, the shop makes sure that you don't leave empty-handed.

Engaru Terrace


Engaru Roadside Station
Check out this fried chicken vending machine

When it comes to food, the roadside station has a restaurant where you can relish the delicious Hokkaido local food made from locally sourced ingredients. Plus, you can also buy these dishes at Engaru Terrace and Sally Cafe, both located inside the roadside station. One of the must-tries in Engaru Terrace is the black sesame soft cream and as for Sally Café, you should try any of the Italian Soda.

Engaru Roadside Station's Ashiyu

Inside Engaru Roadside Station's Ashiyu

Engaru Pokemon manhole cover

In addition to the above, in the vicinity of Engaru Roadside Station, there is a free-to-use concentrated carbonated spring footbath (ashiyu) that is highly effective in relieving fatigue, making it a perfect place to relax after a day of activity. Also, if you are “collecting” Pokemon manhole covers, you can snap a photo of the Engaru Pokemon manhole cover featuring Alolan Vulpix and Froslass installed near the only entrance and exit road to the roadside station.

道の駅 遠軽 森のオホーツク


Engaru Roadside Station toilet

The toilet in this roadside station makes you feel that you are doing your thing in the cosmos field

Engaru Roadside Station Stamp

Engaru Roadside Station Stamp


Lastly, the Engaru Roadside Station has ample parking space for up to 178 small cars, 9 large cars, 10 motorcycles, and 4 disabled and pregnant women. It also has 1 electric vehicle quick charger and 84 temporary parking spaces.

Team Nicerio visits Engaru Roadside Station






My family and I visited Engaru Roadside Station on the second day of our September 17 – 19, 2022 Road Trip. It was my 321st day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Engaru Roadside Station was the first roadside station that we visited for the day. We weren’t able to try the skiing activity as we were quite early but we were able to get the roadside station stamp for the Hokkaido Stamp Rally. Aside from that, my daughter and I also got to take pictures of the Engaru Pokemon manhole cover for our collection. Hopefully, we could visit again in the future and try the different activities offered here.

Engaru Roadside Station Fees

It’s FREE to park and explore Engaru Roadside Station. However, you will need money if you want to bring home some souvenirs, try the unique food, and experience the different activities offered at the Engaru Roadside Station.

Engaru Roadside Station Operating Hours

Engaru Roadside Station is open from 9 AM to 6 PM.


Why visit Engaru Roadside Station?

Engaru Roadside Station offers an ideal respite for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and a taste of Engaru's unique allure. Whether you're in pursuit of excitement, memorable experiences, or simply wish to revel in Engaru's natural beauty, this destination has it all.

Speaking of fun-filled activities, Engaru Roadside Station stands out as the perfect spot for those eager to embark on a skiing adventure even outside of the traditional winter months. If you're an avid collector of roadside station stamps, this is an absolute must-visit destination on your journey.

Getting to Engaru Roadside Station

 

The most convenient way to access Engaru Roadside Station is by using a private vehicle. However, if you're relying on public transportation and are traveling from Asahikawa City, here's a detailed route to follow:

Begin your journey in Asahikawa City and catch the Taisetsu 1 Limited Express Abashiri train on the Okhotsk-Taisetsu Line.

Disembark at Engaru Station.

Upon arriving at Engaru Station, you will need to take a short 5-minute walk to reach the Engaru Maruseppu SenMaruseppu Eki mae bus terminal.

At the bus terminal, board the Engaru Town Community Bus headed for Engaru no Mori Okhotsk bus stop.

When you reach Engaru no Mori Okhotsk bus stop, you will be just a few meters away from the entrance to Engaru Roadside Station.

By following this route, you can easily access Engaru Roadside Station via public transportation, making your trip to this destination hassle-free.

Travel time: 2 hours 56 minutes
Fare: 5,439 yen

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

Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Cavite

Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park - Cavite

Jose Rizal Shrine in Calamba - Laguna

10 More Things to Do in Asahikawa City

Iwao Onsen Attamaru - Hokkaido

Japan Diaries 4: Day 387

First Filipino Family to Visit All 179 Municipalities of Hokkaido: A Memorable Adventure

Bonifacio Shrine in Indang - Cavite

Japan Diaries 4: Week 56