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| Roadside Station Natowa-Esan |
Roadside Station Natowa-Esan Details
Located along National Route 278, Roadside
Station Natowa-Esan offers a relaxing stop for travelers exploring southern
Hokkaido. Registered on August 27, 1999, with Registration No. 61, this unique
roadside station was designed as a base for a wide-area tourist route. The name
"Natowa," derived from the southern Hokkaido dialect, translates to
"you and me," reflecting its welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
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| Roadside Station Natowa-Esan - Hakodate City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
A Seaside Escape with Stunning Views
Built as part of a seaside park, Roadside
Station Natowa-Esan features a wooden structure that seamlessly blends into its
natural surroundings, offering a soothing environment for all who visit. The
facility is thoughtfully designed to offer a sense of tranquility while
immersing guests in the beauty of the coastal landscape.
One of its standout features is the rooftop access, where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Tsugaru Strait. Wheelchair accessible, this observation area provides an inclusive space for everyone to experience the breathtaking scenery, including a clear view of Esan.
Roadside Station Natowa-Esan
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| 道の駅 なとわ・えさん |
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| The view from the observation deck of Roadside Station Natowa-Esan |
Facilities and Attractions at Roadside
Station Natowa-Esan
This charming roadside station is packed
with amenities and local attractions:
Natowa Shop: A must-visit for souvenirs and
locally produced products, especially the famous konbu (kelp), a perfect gift
to take home.
Natowa Café: Whether you’re in the mood for
a warm cup of coffee or indulgent soft cream, this café offers a cozy spot to
relax and refresh.
Restaurant Fuwafuwatei: Serving a variety
of dishes, from crispy tonkatsu to savory yakisoba and comforting ramen, this
restaurant is a great place to refuel after a day of sightseeing.
Warasha Land: A family-friendly indoor
space designed for young children, featuring playful equipment for a fun and
safe experience.
The roof terrace doubles as an observation
deck, offering visitors a spectacular view of the sea and Esan mountain.
Whether you're taking a quiet moment to appreciate the natural beauty or
snapping a few photos, the rooftop is the perfect place to unwind and take in
the surroundings.
Inside Roadside Station Natowa-Esan
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| Natowa Shop and Cafe |
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| Warasha Land |
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| Restaurant Fuwafuwatei |
Camping at Esan Seaside Park
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| Roadside Station Natowa-Esan's Grounds Map |
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| Esan Seaside Park Camping Ground |
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| えさん |
For those seeking a more immersive
experience in nature, Esan Seaside Park Camping Ground is located just outside
the roadside station. To camp here, simply pay the camping fee at the roadside
station, and enjoy the peaceful coastal environment under the stars.
Roadside Station Natowa-Esan Stamp
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| Roadside Station Natowa-Esan's Digital Stamp |
Team Nicerio visits Roadside Station Natowa-Esan
My family and I visited Roadside Station
Natowa-Esan for the first time last April 3, 2023, during the third day of our
3-day Birthday Road Trip. It was also my 518th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Roadside Station Natowa-Esan was the first roadside
station that we visited for the day. Sadly, it was a Monday when we visited so
we weren’t able to get the physical stamp. Regardless, I could still get
the digital copy of it thanks to the Michi-Repo.com App.
Roadside
Station Natowa-Esan Admission Fee
It’s FREE to park, use the toilet, enjoy
the view, and explore the roadside station grounds. However, make sure to bring
cash just in case you want to buy souvenirs or food at the roadside station.
You also need to pay a camping fee of 300
yen if you want to pitch a tent at the campground.
Roadside
Station Natowa-Esan Operating Hours
Roadside Station Natowa-Esan operates from 9:00 AM
to 6:00 PM between April and September, and from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM from
October to March.
The shop is open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
during the warmer months (April-September) and from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM in
winter (October-March).
The café serves from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM
(April-September) and 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM (October-March), with adjusted hours
during winter.
The restaurant is open from 11:00 AM to
4:00 PM, with the last order at 2:00 PM, but it is closed from November to
March.
Roadside Station Natowa-Esan is closed every
Monday, except when Monday is a national holiday, in which case it will be
closed the following day. Additionally, the roadside station is closed during
the New Year's holiday, from December 29th to January 3rd.
Please be reminded that you won’t be able
to get the roadside station stamp during closed days.
Why
visit Roadside Station Natowa-Esan?
Whether you're passing through or planning
to spend the day, Roadside Station Natowa-Esan is the perfect stop to relax,
enjoy local food, shop for unique souvenirs, and take in stunning natural
views. With its combination of accessibility, scenic beauty, and
family-friendly amenities, it’s a must-visit destination on your southern
Hokkaido journey. Aside from that, if you’re collecting roadside station stamps
for the Hokkaido Stamp Rally, then don’t miss out on this roadside station.
Getting to Roadside Station Natowa-Esan
There are a few ways to reach Roadside Station Natowa-Esan and the best one is by private or rental car as you won't need to worry about the bus schedule. However, if you intend to use public transportation here's what I'm familiar with:
From Hakodate Station, walk to Hakodate Sta.-mae (Bus stop No.6) and board Bus No.91 bound for Esan Misaki operated by Hako Bus Company. Board down at Natowa Esan-mae bus stop.
Roadside Station Natowa-Esan is located a few meters away from the bus stop.
Travel time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Fare: 1,600 yen
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