Shibetsu Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Shibetsu Roadside Station, formally called Roadside Station Sheep Town Samurai Shibetsu (道の駅 羊のまち 侍・しべつ) is one of the 128 roadside stations of Hokkaido. It is located at 5 Chome-440-23 Odorihigashi, Shibetsu City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan

Roadside Station Sheep Town Samurai Shibetsu (道の駅 羊のまち 侍・しべつ)
Shibetsu Roadside Station

Shibetsu Roadside Station details

Situated conveniently at the heart of Shibetsu City, at the crossroads of National Route 40 and National Route 239, the Shibetsu Roadside Station stands as a vital nexus uniting local culinary delights and tourism, acting as a catalyst for the revival of the city center. This multifaceted hub is designed to invigorate the downtown area, bolster the local shopping district, and facilitate seamless access to public transportation networks.

Shibetsu Roadside Station - Shibetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture
Shibetsu Roadside Station - Shibetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture

Beyond its functional role, the Shibetsu Roadside Station is a vibrant meeting point for both residents and visitors. Showcasing an array of regional treasures, the station proudly presents Shibetsu Suffolk Lamb, a locally acclaimed mutton brand, and a variety of distinctive offerings from amicable towns and nearby regions. Moreover, the on-site restaurant boasts a tantalizing menu crafted from the finest local ingredients, with Shibetsu Suffolk Lamb as the star attraction. Indulge in the recommended dish, the succulent beef burg teppanyaki, or savor piping hot Hokkaido beef burgers served on an iron plate. Don't miss the opportunity to relish soft-serve ice cream—a must-have delicacy at any roadside station—offering flavors like Shiroi Koibito and Hokkaido azuki bean.

Shibetsu Roadside Station facade

Shibetsu Roadside Station facade

Shibetsu Roadside Station facade

Shibetsu Roadside Station facade

The post box outside Shibetsu Roadside Station is uniquely white.
The post box outside Shibetsu Roadside Station is uniquely white. It is decorated with images of the city's mascots - Sahocchi (さほっち), Mei-chan (メイちゃん), Mi-chan (みーちゃん) and Janpun (ジャンプん)

道の駅 羊のまち 侍・しべつ

Inside Shibetsu Roadside Station

Toilet area of Shibetsu Roadside Station
Toilet area of Shibetsu Roadside Station

Shibetsu Roadside Station Cafe
Shibetsu Roadside Station Cafe

Shibetsu Roadside Station Cafe
Shibetsu Roadside Station Cafe Area

Products sold at Shibetsu Roadside Station Souvenir Shop

Shibetsu Roadside Station Souvenir Shop
Shibetsu Roadside Station Souvenir Shop / Antenna Shop and Local Products Shop

Products sold at Shibetsu Roadside Station Souvenir Shop

Products sold at Shibetsu Roadside Station Souvenir Shop

Products sold at Shibetsu Roadside Station Souvenir Shop

Products sold at Shibetsu Roadside Station Souvenir Shop

Products sold at Shibetsu Roadside Station Souvenir Shop

Products sold at Shibetsu Roadside Station Souvenir Shop

Exploring the amenities within the station, you'll discover the Antenna Shop and Local Products Shop, an exclusive emporium brimming with Shibetsu City's specialized goods, including the rare Shibetsu Suffolk rum and freshly harvested local vegetables. The shop also proudly exhibits unique offerings from neighboring towns such as Wassamu, Kenbuchi, and Horokanai and delightful products from Miyoshi City, Aichi Prefecture. Visitors can access comprehensive information on local dining, beverages, and entertainment through the Shibetsu, Wassamu, Kenbuchi, and Horokanai Tourism Promotion Council, housed within the station.

Shibetsu City Pokemon Manhole Cover
Shibetsu City Pokemon Manhole Cover

Shibetsu colored manhole cover 1
Shibetsu City colored manhole cover 1

Shibetsu colored manhole cover 2
Shibetsu City colored manhole cover 2

Shibetsu Roadside Station Stamp

Shibetsu Roadside Station Stamp

Shibetsu Roadside Station Stamp

For aficionados of the popular "Pokefuta" (Pokemon-themed manhole covers), an exciting detail awaits—a glimpse of the Shibetsu Pokemon manhole cover on the station grounds, featuring charming designs of Vulpix and Mareep. Adjacent to this, another visual delight awaits with Shibetsu's uniquely colored manhole covers, adding to the station's charismatic charm and local allure.

Team Nicerio visits Shibetsu Roadside Station

Team Nicerio visits Shibetsu Roadside Station

Team Nicerio visits Shibetsu Roadside Station

Team Nicerio visits Shibetsu Roadside Station

My family and I visited Shibetsu Roadside Station for the first time last September 25, 2022, the last day of our September 24-25 Road Trip. It was my 328th 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, we also aim to see and take photos of the Pokefutas of Hokkaido. These, of course, were all accomplished during our visit to Shibetsu Roadside Station


Shibetsu Roadside Station Fees

It’s FREE to park, enter, and explore Shibetsu Roadside Station. However, it is highly recommended that you bring money in case you want to buy souvenirs or try the different delicious food at the roadside station.


Shibetsu Roadside Station Operating Hours:

Shibetsu Roadside Station is open from 9 AM to 6 PM

Restaurant Takeshi’s Operating Hours;

Lunch 11:00-14:00 (last order 13:30)

Cafe 14:00-17:30 (last order 17:00)

Dinner 18:00-20:30 (last order 20:00)

*Closed Sun: Year-end and New Year holidays


Why visit Shibetsu Roadside Station?

Shibetsu Roadside Station is a good place to rest if you’re driving the whole length of Route 40 or Route 239. The toilets are clean and there is plenty of food to try out. If you collect roadside station stamps or are looking for the Pokemon manhole covers of Hokkaido then Shibetsu Roadside Station is a must-visit destination.


Getting to Shibetsu Roadside Station

 

From Asahikawa Station, board the Soya Line to Shibetsu Station. From there, walk for about 700 meters going to Shibetsu Roadside Station.

Travel time: 1 hour and 16 minutes

Fare: 1,290 yen

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