Nishiokoppe Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Nishiokoppe Roadside Station (道の駅 にしおこっぺ) is one of the roadside stations of Hokkaido. It is located along National Route 239 in 37 Kamiokobe, Nishiokoppe Village, Monbetsu District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Nishiokoppe Roadside Station

Nishiokoppe Roadside Station Details

Nishiokoppe Roadside Station (officially known as Roadside Station Nishiokoppe Kamu, 道の駅 にしおこっぺ花夢) offers a delightful mix of natural beauty, unique attractions, and local culture. Established on August 18, 2000, and registered as Roadside Station No. 68, this charming stop on National Route 239 is a must-visit destination for those traveling through Hokkaido.

Nishiokoppe Roadside Station - Nishiokoppe village, Hokkaido Prefecture

Flower Park and Park Golf: A Nature Lovers’ Paradise

One of the main highlights of Nishiokoppe Roadside Station is its expansive 6-hectare flower park, a vibrant and colorful landscape perfect for a peaceful walk. The park's diverse blooms change with the seasons, offering visitors stunning views throughout the year. For those seeking a bit of activity, the station also features an 18-hole park golf course, ideal for a leisurely round while taking in the beautiful scenery.

Nishiokoppe Roadside Station facade

Flower Park Map

The Soothing Sounds of Otogibayashi: A Unique Musical Experience

Otogibayashi

A truly special attraction at Nishiokoppe is the mechanical organ, "Otogibayashi," created by Motoki Tanime, one of only two street organ craftsmen in Japan. The whimsical sounds of the organ are accompanied by the gentle movement of dolls, creating a soothing and calming atmosphere that welcomes all visitors. This mechanical organ is part of the station’s Forest Orchestra, "Fairy Tale Bayashi," a musical masterpiece that features dozens of wooden flutes and is powered by wind, making it a unique experience for music lovers and anyone in search of relaxation.

Inside Nishiokoppe Roadside Station

Some of the products sold inside the roadside station

Nishiokoppe Roadside Station's greenhouse

Nishiokoppe Roadside Station toilet area

A photo with Setoshi-kun, Nishiokoppe's mascot

Creamy chocolate mix soft cream

Explore Local Specialties at the Specialty Product Corner

Inside the roadside station, the Specialty Product Corner offers a chance to learn about and purchase some of Hokkaido’s finest local products. From Matsutake shochu and canned venison to Donaldson rainbow trout and handcrafted woodwork, visitors will find a wide array of artisanal products. The corner also features beautiful vegetable-dyed fabrics and intricate cloisonne enamel items, making it a perfect spot to take home a unique piece of Hokkaido’s craftsmanship.

Nishiokoppe Roadside Station's Stamp

Hands-On Fun at the Experience Workshop

For those interested in hands-on experiences, the Experience Workshop at Nishiokoppe Roadside Station offers a variety of creative activities. Visitors can try their hand at flower crafting in the flower studio, where they can make dried or pressed flower creations. The dye studio provides an opportunity to experiment with plant-based dyes, while the food studio lets visitors create their own delicious treats, including ice cream. These workshops, frequented by locals, provide a genuine taste of Hokkaido’s culture and craftsmanship.

Team Nicerio visits Nishiokoppe Roadside Station

On July 15, 2023, my daughter and I visited Nishiokoppe Roadside Station for the first time during our Father and Daughter Road Trip #5. It was also my 621st day in Japan as an ALT with the JET Programme. This roadside station was the third one we visited that day. As part of our Hokkaido 179 goal, my family and I are aiming to visit all the roadside stations across Hokkaido and collect stamps for the Hokkaido Stamp Rally. What I love most about this station is its fairy tale-like atmosphere and, of course, its creamy soft serve ice cream.

Nishiokoppe Roadside Station Admission Fee

It’s FREE to park, enter, and use the toilet of Nishiokoppe Roadside Station. However, it is highly recommended that you bring cash just in case you want to buy souvenirs or refreshments.

Nishikoppe Roadside Station Operating Hours

Nishiokoppe Roadside Station is open from
9 AM to 5 PM (April-November)
9 AM to 4 PM (December-March)

The roadside Station is closed every Tuesday unless it’s a public holiday; then, it would be closed the next day.

Why visit Nishiokoppe Roadside Station?

Nishiokoppe Roadside Station is a must-visit destination in Hokkaido, offering a blend of natural beauty and unique cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy a stunning 6-hectare flower park, a relaxing 18-hole park golf course, and the soothing sounds of the Otogibayashi mechanical organ, crafted by a rare Japanese artisan. The station also features a Specialty Product Corner, where you can find local delicacies like Matsutake shochu and Donaldson rainbow trout, as well as artisan goods. For a hands-on experience, the Experience Workshop offers activities like flower crafting, plant dyeing, and ice cream making. With its fairy-tale-like atmosphere, Nishiokoppe is a charming stop for anyone exploring Hokkaido.

Getting to Nishiokoppe Roadside Station

 

From Nayoro Station, head to the Nayoro Station bus stop and board the Okoppe Sen bus bound for Okoppe, operated by the Meishi Bus Company. 

Board down at Koei Farm mae bus stop. From there, walk for about 400 meters to Nishiokoppe Roadside Station.

Travel time: 59 minutes

Fare: 1,010 yen

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