Horokanai Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Horokanai Roadside Station, formally called Roadside Station Mori-to-Mizuumi-no-sato Horokanai / Forest and Lake Village Horokanai Roadside Station (道の駅 森と湖の里ほろかない) is one of the 128 roadside stations of Hokkaido. It is located along Route 275 in Masawa Daiichi, in the town of Horokanai in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan

Horokanai Roadside Station
Horokanai Roadside Station

Horokanai Roadside Station Details

Horokanai Town is renowned throughout Japan for its soba production, boasting the highest volume in the country. During the summer months, the fields come alive with the pure white buckwheat flowers, creating a breathtaking sight. In winter, amidst the snowy landscapes, Scandinavian-style buildings add a unique charm. Along National Route 275, you will find the roadside station "Mori to Ko no Sato Horokanai," consisting of the "Sawayaka Toilet," the center house "Seiwa Onsen Luonto," and the "Product Center."

Horokanai Roadside Station - Horokanai town, Hokkaido Prefecture
Horokanai Roadside Station - Horokanai town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Registered as a roadside station on April 17, 1998, with the number 55, Horokanai Roadside Station offers a range of facilities for visitors to enjoy.

道の駅 森と湖の里ほろかない
It was rainy when we arrived at the roadside station

Tourist map of Horokanai town
Horokanai Map

Information about Horokanai Roadside Station
Information about Horokanai Roadside Station

Soba Dining "Soba no Sato"

Horokanai Soba

Soba Dining "Soba no Sato"
We were able to watch the Soba Master make noodles for the famed Horokanai Soba

Horokanai's soba master
Horokanai's soba master

Soba Dining "Soba no Sato"

Soba Dining "Soba no Sato"

Soba Dining "Soba no Sato"

Soba Dining "Soba no Sato"

One such facility is the Soba Dining "Soba no Sato". Here, you can savor the pride of Horokanai soba, which is freshly handmade every day. Alongside the soba, they also offer a variety of other dishes, including curry. Whether you desire a delicious meal or want to relax in the nearby hot springs, Soba no Sato has everything you need.

Horokanai Seiwa Onsen Luonto

Horokanai Seiwa Onsen Luonto (幌加内せいわ温泉ルオント)
Horokanai Seiwa Onsen Luonto (幌加内せいわ温泉ルオント)

Horokanai Seiwa Onsen Luonto (幌加内せいわ温泉ルオント)

Horokanai Seiwa Onsen Luonto (幌加内せいわ温泉ルオント)

Horokanai Roadside Station Toilet Facility

幌加内町・さわやかトイレ
Horokanai Town/Sawayaka Toilet (幌加内町・さわやかトイレ)

Horokanai Town/Sawayaka Toilet (幌加内町・さわやかトイレ)

For those seeking ultimate relaxation, the Mitosan no Yu open-air bath is a must-visit. This spacious bath, crafted with luxurious Towada stone, offers a serene and open atmosphere. As you soak in the warm waters, the sounds of nature's wind and the singing of birds create a peaceful ambiance, allowing for a truly luxurious hot spring experience.

Horokanai Town Product Center

Horokanai Town Product Center (幌加内町物産館)
Horokanai Town Product Center (幌加内町物産館)

Horokanai Town Product Center (幌加内町物産館)

Horokanai Town Product Center

Horokanai Town Product Center

Soba Mitsu Sundae
Soba Mitsu Sundae

Horokanai Town Product Center (幌加内町物産館)

Horokanai Roadside Station Stamp

Horokanai Roadside Station Stamp
Horokanai Roadside Station Stamp

Horokanai Roadside Station Stamp

Furthermore, the Horokanai Town Product Center is a haven for local souvenirs and products. Here, you can purchase the renowned "Kumasasa Soft-serve Ice Cream" and indulge in the delightful "Soba Mitsu Sundae," which is a delicious ice cream treat topped with buckwheat. Additionally, the center showcases a variety of products utilizing buckwheat from Horokanai, allowing visitors to take a piece of this unique townhome with them.

Team Nicerio visits Horokanai Roadside Station

Team Nicerio visits Horokanai Roadside Station

Team Nicerio visits Horokanai Roadside Station

Team Nicerio visits Horokanai Roadside Station

Team Nicerio visits Horokanai Roadside Station

My family and I visited Horokanai 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 have a hobby of collecting roadside station stamps. Aside from that, we also aim to visit all roadside stations in Hokkaido.


Horokanai Roadside Station Fees

It’s FREE to enter and explore Horokanai Roadside Station. Parking is also FREE. However, I highly suggest that you bring money in case you wish to try Horokanai’s famed soba or buy some souvenirs.


Horokanai Roadside Station Operating Hours

Seiwa Onsen Luonto

10:00-21:00 (last admission 20:30)

Restaurant Soba Dining [Soba no Sato]

11:30-14:00 (Lunch LO 14:00)

15:00-20:30 (Evening session LO 20:00)

*Evening hours are subject to change.

Horokanai Town Product Center

10:00-17:00

The good thing about Horokanai Roadside Station is that you can still get the roadside station stamp even if the roadside station is closed. 


Why visit Horokanai Roadside Station?

When visiting Horokanai Roadside Station, be sure to explore the roadside station facilities and indulge in the rich soba culture, hot springs, and local delights that make this town truly special. Also if you’re collecting roadside station stamps then this place is a must-visit. 


Getting to Horokanai Roadside Station

 

The most convenient way to reach Horokanai Roadside Station is by private vehicle, as the bus service can have long wait times between departures, at times requiring hours of patience. Nevertheless, if you prefer to use public transportation, you can follow these steps to get to Horokanai Roadside Station:


Start your journey at Asahikawa Station. Hop on the Kamui 32 Limited Express Sapporo, part of the Lilac-Kamui Line, and ride it until you reach Fukagawa Station.


After arriving at Fukagawa Station, take a brief one-minute walk to the Fukagawa Bus Stop, which is situated right in front of the station.


At the Fukagawa Bus Stop, catch a bus on the Fukamei Line, which is operated by JR Hokkaido bus company and runs the route from Fukagawa Station to Maruyama and Horokanai.


Alight from the bus at the Horokanai bus stop, where you'll need to make a transfer to the Fukanai Line, another service provided by JR Hokkaido bus company. This bus will take you from Horokanai to Mimata and eventually to Nayoro Station, bound for Shumarinai.


Finally, disembark at the Luonto bus stop, which is conveniently located near the Horokanai Roadside Station.


By following these steps, you can reach Horokanai Roadside Station via public transportation, even though it may involve multiple transfers and plenty of waiting time.

Travel time: 2 hours and 6 minutes
Fare: 3400 yen

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