Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe - Hokkaido

Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe (道の駅 縄文ロマン 南かやべ) is one of the 128 roadside stations located around Hokkaido Prefecture. It is also one of the 2 roadside stations of Hakodate City. It is located at 551-1 Usujiricho, Hakodate City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

道の駅 縄文ロマン 南かやべ
Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe

Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe details

Located in the Minamikayabe region of Hakodate City, Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe is a must-visit destination for those interested in Japan's rich Jomon culture. Registered as a roadside station on August 25, 2011, and officially opened in October 2011, this unique site (Registration Number 113) combines history, culture, and local charm, making it a standout spot for travelers exploring Hokkaido.

Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe - Hakodate City, Hokkaido Prefecture
Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe - Hakodate City, Hokkaido Prefecture

A Hub for Jomon Culture

The Minamikayabe region is historically significant, surrounded by abundant seas and mountains that helped foster the continuous flourishing of Jomon culture for over 7,000 years, from the early to late Jomon period. Excavations in the area have unearthed valuable artifacts that reveal the daily lives of ancient inhabitants. The Jomon Roman Minamikayabe roadside station offers visitors a chance to explore this cultural heritage firsthand.

Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe's info board
Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe's info board

At the heart of the station is the Hakodate City Jomon Culture Exchange Center. This facility is dedicated to showcasing the region's rich Jomon past, including a prominent national treasure: the Hollow Clay Figurine. As the only roadside station in Japan that houses a national treasure, it draws history lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.

Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe facade

Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe facade

Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe facade

Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe

Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe

Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe

Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe

Taste the History: Jomon Walnut Soft Serve and Jomon-themed souvenirs

No visit to the Jomon Roman Minamikayabe roadside station is complete without sampling the Jomon Walnut Soft Serve, a local treat that pays homage to the region’s history. You can also browse a variety of Jomon-themed souvenirs, including items inspired by ancient culture, making it a perfect stop to take home a piece of history.

Inside Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe

Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe souvenir shop
Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe souvenir shop

Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe souvenir shop

The hallway to the stamp area and the toilets
The hallway to the stamp area and the toilets

Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe

Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe
Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe's toilet

Immerse Yourself in Jomon Culture

The Jomon Culture Exchange Center offers more than just exhibitions. Visitors can engage in interactive activities that bring the Jomon era to life. Experience hands-on activities like miniature pottery making or crafting Jomon-style accessories. These experiences offer a fun and educational way to learn about the techniques and daily life of people from the Jomon period.

Inside Hakodate City Jomon Culture Exchange Center

Inside Hakodate City Jomon Culture Exchange Center

Inside Hakodate City Jomon Culture Exchange Center

Inside Hakodate City Jomon Culture Exchange Center

Inside Hakodate City Jomon Culture Exchange Center

Explore the Kakinoshima Jomon Ruins

Just behind the roadside station lies the Kakinoshima Site of the Jomon Era, a World Heritage Site and one of the most significant Jomon ruins in Hokkaido and northern Tohoku. This archaeological site, dating from around 7000 BC to 1000 BC, offers a glimpse into the continuous habitation of this area during the Jomon period. Visitors can explore the ruins and gain a deeper understanding of early Japanese society.

Kakinoshima Site of the Jomon Era

Kakinoshima Site of the Jomon Era
Kakinoshima Site of the Jomon Era

Kakinoshima Site of the Jomon Era

Local volunteers are often available at the roadside station, offering free explanations of the area’s history and the significance of the Kakinoshima ruins, making your visit even more informative.

Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe Stamp

Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe Stamps

Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe Stamp

Team Nicerio visits Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe

Team Nicerio visits Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe

Team Nicerio visits Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe

On April 3, 2023, my family and I visited Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe on the final day of our 3-day "Birthday Road Trip." It also marked my 518th day in Japan as an ALT in the JET Programme. As part of our Hokkaido 179 travel goal, we aim to visit all of Hokkaido's roadside stations and collect their stamps. Although the station was closed during our visit, we were still able to get the stamp and explore the nearby Kakinoshima Jomon Ruins. We’re looking forward to revisiting in the future to learn more about the Jomon Period and try the famous Jomon Walnut Soft Cream.

 

Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe Admission Fee

It’s FREE to park and explore Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe. However, if you want to enter the Hakodate Jomon Culture Center, you need to pay 300 yen.

 

Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe Operating Hours

Opening Hours:

Roadside Station:

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (April - October)

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (November - March)

Hakodate City Jomon Culture Exchange Center:

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (April - October)

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (November - March)

Closed Days:

Every Monday (If Monday is a national holiday, the following weekday will be closed)

New Year’s Holiday: December 29th to January 3rd

Temporary closures in February for facility fumigation (about 4 days)


Why Visit Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe?

Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking to explore something unique in Hakodate, Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe is an unmissable destination. From exploring the ancient artifacts at the Jomon Culture Exchange Center to tasting local delicacies like the Jomon Walnut Soft Serve, this site offers an enriching experience that connects you to Japan’s ancient past.

The addition of the Kakinoshima Jomon ruins nearby further enhances the visit, giving you the chance to walk in the footsteps of those who lived thousands of years ago. It’s an ideal spot to learn, explore, and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Jomon era.

Make sure to add Jomon Roman Minamikayabe to your Hokkaido travel itinerary and dive deep into Japan’s fascinating cultural heritage!


Getting to Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe

 

The most convenient way to reach Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe is by private or rental car, as it's easier than waiting for the next bus back to the city. However, if you prefer public transportation, here's what I know:

From Hakodate Station, walk a few meters to the Hakodate Station-mae (Bus stop No.6). From there, take Bus No.99 heading to Shikabe Shutchojo, operated by the Hako Bus Company.

Get off at the Kakinoshima Iseki-shita bus stop, then walk approximately 1.2 kilometers to reach Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe.

Travel time: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Fare: 1,500 yen

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