Bifuka Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Bifuka Roadside Station (道の駅 びふか) is one of the 128 roadside stations all over Hokkaido. It is located at 307-1 Ote, in the town of Bifuka in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan

Bifuka Roadside Station (道の駅 びふか)
Bifuka Roadside Station

Bifuka Roadside Station details

Conveniently located on National Route 4, Bifuka Roadside Station offers visitors an enchanting experience with its medieval European castle-style building, designed by a renowned Italian architect. Situated against the backdrop of Bifuka Forest Park and the flowing Teshio River, this station boasts numerous outdoor amenities including hot springs, campgrounds, and cozy cottages. Bifuka Roadside Station was one of the first to be registered as a roadside station in Hokkaido. It was registered on April 22, 1993, giving it registration number 5. 

Bifuka Roadside Station - Bifuka town, Hokkaido Prefecture
Bifuka Roadside Station - Bifuka town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Bifuka Roadside Station takes pride in its extensive selection of local delicacies, highlighting specialties like "Mori no Shizuku," a refreshing drink made from white birch sap, and freshly fried croquettes crafted with chestnut potatoes, a regional favorite. Guests can even catch a glimpse of rare sturgeon at the hot springs and indulge in delectable sturgeon dishes.

Bifuka Roadside Station facade
Bifuka Roadside Station facade

Although it was a rainy day, there were food stalls set up outside the roadside station
Although it was a rainy day, there were food stalls set up outside the roadside station

The owl sculptures of Bifuka Roadside Station
The owl sculptures of Bifuka Roadside Station

"Island Tower" (アイランドタワー)
"Island Tower" (アイランドタワー)

The road to Bifuka Onsen
The road to Bifuka Onsen

Inside Bifuka Roadside Station

Fresh produce for sale at Bifuka Roadside Station
Fresh produce for sale at Bifuka Roadside Station

Bifuka town ref magnets and other souvenirs
Bifuka town ref magnets and other souvenirs

The korokke sold in the roadside station is probably one of the most delicious

Products for sale in Bifuka Roadside Station

Products for sale in Bifuka Roadside Station

Products for sale in Bifuka Roadside Station

Within the station, visitors can explore various facilities, including a captivating product display corner where they can peruse and purchase Bifuka's finest offerings such as vegetables, sweets, wine, handmade croquettes, soft-serve ice cream, and locally crafted pottery. The rest gallery, adorned with photographs showcasing the picturesque seasonal scenery of Bifuka, provides a tranquil space for visitors to unwind and recharge.

Rest House "Auru" (Restaurant)

Rest House "Auru"

Inside Rest House "Auru"

Spicy curry
The famed spicy curry

For those seeking a delightful dining experience, the Rest House "Auru" restaurant is a must-visit. Renowned for its smooth and spicy curry, this establishment serves an authentic taste passed down directly from an Indian cook, earning it a devoted following among locals and tourists alike.

Bifuka Roadside Station Stamps

Bifuka Roadside Station Stamps

Bifuka Roadside Station Stamps

Team Nicerio visits Bifuka Roadside Station

Team Nicerio visits Bifuka Roadside Station

Team Nicerio visits Bifuka Roadside Station

Team Nicerio visits Bifuka Roadside Station

Team Nicerio visits Bifuka Roadside Station

My family and I visited Bifuka Roadside Station for the first time last September 24, 2022, the first day of our September 24-25 Road Trip. It was my 327th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. It was included in our itinerary as my daughter and I collect roadside station stamps for the Hokkaido Stamp Rally. Aside from that, my wife and I also made it a point to support local farmers and artisans by buying local produce and souvenirs. During our visit, we were able to buy giant Napa cabbages for a very cheap price. We later made these into kimchi which we gave our friends and neighbors. 


Bifuka Roadside Station Fees

It’s FREE to park, enter, and use the toilet of Bifuka Roadside Station. However, it is highly recommended that you bring cash in case you want to buy snacks and refreshments. 


Bifuka Roadside Station Operating Hours

Bifuka Roadside Station is open from;

9 AM to 6 PM (April 29th to October 31st)

9 AM to 5:30 PM (November 1st to April 28th)


Why visit Bifuka Roadside Station?

Bifuka Roadside Station is a perfect place to stopover when you’re passing along Route 40. If you collect roadside station stamps then this place should be on your list of places to visit. 


Getting to Bifuka Roadside Station

 

The most convenient way to reach Bifuka Roadside Station is by private vehicle, providing the flexibility to explore both the roadside station and nearby attractions without the constraints of bus schedules.

For those relying on public transportation to reach Bifuka Roadside Station, the following steps can be followed:

1. Begin your journey at Asahikawa Roadside Station and board the Rapid Nayoro train on the Soya Line.

2. Alight at Nayoro Station and proceed to the Nayoro Station bus stop.

3. Take the Onnenai Sen route of the Meishi Bus from Nayoro Station and disembark at the Ote 8 Sen bus stop.

4. From there, it's a short walk of approximately 140 meters to reach Bifuka Roadside Station.

Travel time: 3 hours and 3 minutes

Fare: 2,530 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

10 Things to Do in Otaru City

10 Things to Do in Biei

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

Sapporo City Budget Day Tour Itinerary

Jose Rizal Shrine in Calamba - Laguna

10 More Things to Do in Asahikawa City

Bonifacio Shrine in Indang - Cavite