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| Makkari Roadside Station |
Makkari Roadside Station (真狩道の駅), formally called Roadside Station Makkari Flower Center (道の駅 真狩フラワーセンター) is one of the 128 roadside stations of Hokkaido. It is located at 8-3 Hikari in the village of Makkari in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
Makkari Roadside Station Details
WINTER
Located along the scenic Route 66 or Iwanai Toya Line that connects Niseko Town and Rusutsu Village, Makkari Roadside Station (also known as the Makkari Flower Center) is a delightful stop for travelers exploring the area. Opened in 1997 with a vision to promote flower production and create a flower-themed tourist hub, this roadside station officially opened on April 28, 2006, under Registration number 89. In 2022, it underwent a revitalizing renovation, introducing the first 100-yen shop corner in Makkari Village.
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| Makkari Roadside Station - Makkari village, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Set on a spacious 40,000 m² site, Makkari Roadside Station is a haven of natural beauty, with stunning views of Mt. Yotei to the north. The expansive grounds feature a central house, a glass house, and a well-maintained restroom facility, providing a tranquil space for visitors to relax amidst colorful blooms. The roadside station is more than just a stop – it’s an experience that immerses you in the beauty of seasonal flowers.
Makkari Roadside Station Facade
The station’s flower sales corner is housed in a charming glasshouse, offering potted flowers and gardening supplies year-round. From May to June, the glasshouse showcases a wide selection of flower bed seedlings and vegetable seedlings, perfect for gardening enthusiasts looking to bring a bit of Makkari’s charm to their own homes. The surrounding grounds are lined with vibrant flowers, creating a peaceful atmosphere that invites visitors to take a leisurely stroll.
Inside Makkari Roadside Station
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| Yamabiko Shokudo |
In addition to flowers, the center takes pride in offering fresh, locally grown agricultural products, including asparagus, edible lily roots, and potatoes, which vary with the seasons. These seasonal delicacies are perfect for visitors looking to take home a taste of Makkari’s rich farming heritage.
Makkari Roadside Station Stamp
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| Makkari Roadside Station Digital Stamp |
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| Makkari Roadside Station Stamp |
On top of its beautiful flower displays, Makkari Roadside Station has introduced a 100-yen shop corner, marking the first of its kind in Makkari Village. This convenient addition offers a variety of everyday items at affordable prices, making it an essential stop for both locals and tourists. For those traveling with pets, the station also boasts a dog run located within the grounds. Open from late April to October, this designated area is perfect for letting your furry companions stretch their legs while you enjoy the surrounding beauty.
Team Nicerio visits Makkari Roadside Station
My family and I visited Makkari Roadside Station for the first time last April 1, 2023, during our 3-Day 2023 Birthday Road Trip. It was my 516th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. As part of our #Hokkaido179 travel goals, we visited the Makkari Roadside Station during our visit to the village. My daughter and I got the roadside station stamp for our Hokkaido Stamp Rally and stamp collection. Since it was late winter when we visited, there weren’t any flowers yet. This only means that we’d have to revisit this roadside station again in the future.
Makkari Roadside Station Admission Fee
It’s FREE to enter and explore Makkari Roadside Station. Parking is also FREE. However, I highly recommend that you bring cash when you visit as there are products here that you might want to buy. There is also a 100 yen shop and restaurant in the roadside station worth checking out.
Makkari Roadside Station Operating Hours
Makkari Roadside Station is open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM (late April to October 31) and 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (November to late April). It is closed during the New Year’s Holiday (December 31st to January 3rd).
If you collect roadside station stamps, remember that you won’t be able to get the stamp when the roadside station is closed.
Why visit Makkari Roadside Station?
Whether you're stopping by to admire the flowers, shop for local produce, or simply enjoy the scenic views of Mt. Yotei, Makkari Roadside Station offers something for everyone. Its tranquil atmosphere, combined with the charm of seasonal flowers and fresh local products, makes it a must-visit destination on your journey through Hokkaido. Aside from that, Makkari Roadside Station is a must-visit if you are collecting roadside station stamps for the Hokkaido Roadside Station Stamp Rally.
Getting to Makkari Roadside Station
There are various ways to reach Makkari Roadside Station, but this is the route I’m familiar with:
From Sapporo Station, walk to the Sapporo Ekimae bus stop and take the Express Bus on the Sapporo - Toyako Higashimachi Sun Palace route [via Gonohara/Each stop]. Get off at the Rusutsu Resort Hotel Mae bus stop.
From there, walk to the nearby Rusutsu Kogen bus stop and take the Rusutsu Kutchan-sen bus heading to Kutchan Ekimae, operated by the Donan Bus company. Get off at the Makkari Kōminkan Mae bus stop.
Makkari Roadside Station is just a short walk away from there.
Travel time: 3 hours and 25 minutes
Fare: 2,490 yen
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