Tobetsu Roadside Station, formally called Roadside Station Nordic Wind Tobetsu (北欧の風 道の駅 とうべつ) is one of the 128 roadside stations around Hokkaido Prefecture. It is located at 774-11 Tobetsu, in the town of Tobetsu in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Tobetsu Roadside Station |
Tobetsu Roadside Station Details
Tobetsu Town's "Nordic Wind Roadside Station" is the closest roadside stop to central Sapporo, conveniently located near the Sapporo Ohashi Bridge along National Route 337. Its Nordic-inspired architecture, complete with a striking triangular roof and Bengala-colored exterior, is modeled after Tobetsu's sister city, Leksand in Sweden. This unique design gives the station a distinct and charming atmosphere that reflects the town's international connection.
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| Tobetsu Roadside Station - Tobetsu town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Inside, you'll find a variety of local gems. The highlight is "Café Terzina," helmed by Chef Horikawa Hideki of the renowned "Trattoria Terzina," specializing in Hokkaido Italian cuisine. For a quick bite, there’s a gourmet take-out shop run by a local business. Another must-visit is "Hana Pokke," a farm produce store managed by the JA, where you can pick up fresh vegetables, locally grown rice, and high-quality cut flowers—Tobetsu is known for being a top producer in Hokkaido.
Tobetsu Roadside Station facade
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| Tobetsu Roadside Station facade |
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| 北欧の風 道の駅 とうべつ |
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| Tobetsu Roadside Station floor guide |
For those with a sweet tooth, the "SWEETS" shop offers an array of local and sister-city specialties, including dumplings made with Tobetsu's rice by the famous Ichikyu Daifukudo. The entire facility is dedicated to showcasing the best of Tobetsu's local ingredients.
Inside Tobetsu Roadside Station
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| Tobetsu Roadside Station toilet |
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| Tobetsu Roadside Station special soft cream |
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| Sweden Mix soft cream - the blue has an amazake flavor while the yellow has an elder yellow flavor |
Adding to its convenience, the Tobetsu Roadside Station features a 24-hour convenience store, making it a popular stop for travelers and local residents who can rely on it for any time access. Whether exploring Hokkaido or just passing through, the Nordic Wind Roadside Station Tobetsu is a charming and practical destination that celebrates the town's rich agricultural heritage and international ties.
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| PWD parking in Tobetsu Roadside Station |
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| Swedish Dala Horse Display in Tobetsu Roadside Station |
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| Tobetsu-themed vending machine |
In addition to the various shops, you'll find Tobetsu's colorful manhole cover installed just outside the roadside station. There's also a special Tobetsu Pokémon manhole cover featuring Alolan Vulpix, Sinistea, and Polteageist, adding a playful touch to the site.
Team Nicerio visits Tobetsu Roadside Station
My family and I made our first visit to Tobetsu Roadside Station on March 19, 2023, which happened to be my 503rd day in Japan as an ALT with the JET Programme. Along with our goal of exploring all the municipalities of Hokkaido, we're also aiming to visit every roadside station in the prefecture. One of the things we loved about this stop was the "Swedish Soft Cream." Its blue and yellow colors mirror the Swedish flag, and the taste didn’t disappoint!
Tobetsu Roadside Station Admission Fee
It’s FREE to park, enter, and explore Tobetsu Roadside Station. However, it is highly recommended that you bring cash as there are numerous things worth buying inside the roadside station.
Tobetsu Roadside Station Operating Hours
Tobetsu Roadside Station is open from 9 AM to 5 PM every day.
Why visit Tobetsu Roadside Station?
Tobetsu Roadside Station is a unique stop in Hokkaido, blending Nordic-inspired architecture with local charm. Modeled after Tobetsu’s sister city, Leksand, Sweden, its distinctive design sets it apart. Inside, visitors can enjoy delicious local cuisine, including the popular "Swedish Soft Cream," and explore farm-fresh produce at "Hana Pokke." The station also features colorful Tobetsu manhole covers and a special Pokémon-themed manhole, making it a fun spot for photos. With a 24-hour convenience store, it offers round-the-clock services for both travelers and locals, making it a must-visit on your Hokkaido journey.
Getting to Tobetsu Roadside Station
To get to Tobetsu Roadside Station (Roadside Station The Nordic Winds Tobetsu) from Sapporo, follow these steps:
Take a JR Train from Sapporo Station: Board the JR Gakuentoshi Line (Sassho Line) from Sapporo Station heading towards Ishikari-Tobetsu Station. The train ride takes around 40–45 minutes, with a one-way fare of approximately JPY 640.
Take a Local Bus or Taxi: From Ishikari-Tobetsu Station, you can take a local bus toward Tobetsu Roadside Station. Buses generally depart every 20–30 minutes, and the ride takes about 10–15 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi ride from the station will take about 5 minutes and cost approximately JPY 1,000.
By Car: If you have access to a car, Tobetsu Roadside Station is about a 30–40 minute drive from central Sapporo via Route 337, making it an easy and scenic drive through the countryside.
Once there, you can enjoy the station’s Nordic-inspired architecture, fresh local produce, and delicious dairy treats while relaxing in the rural surroundings.
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March 19, 2023
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