Nakagawa Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Nakagawa Roadside Station (道の駅 なかがわ) is one of the roadside stations scattered around Hokkaido Prefecture. It is located at 498-1 Homare in the town of Nakagawa, Nakagawa District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Nakagawa Roadside Station

Nakagawa Roadside Station Details

Nakagawa Roadside Station stands as a testament to the beauty and warmth of Hokkaido’s countryside. Officially registered as a roadside station on August 13, 2002, with Registration Number 72, it has since become a favorite stop for travelers exploring northern Japan.

Nakagawa Roadside Station - Nakagawa town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Prime Location with Scenic Access

Nakagawa Roadside Station is conveniently situated:

• 3 hours from Asahikawa
• 2 hours from Doshibetsu Kenbuchi IC
• 1 hour and 30 minutes from Wakkanai, Japan's northernmost point

Nakagawa Roadside Station facade

This strategic location, along with recent bypass improvements on National Route 40, makes Nakagawa more accessible each year. Positioned approximately 90 km south of Wakkanai City, the station sits in the heart of a vast plain near the Teshiogawa River, the fourth-longest river in Japan and a designated Hokkaido Heritage Site.

Cozy Ambiance and Seasonal Charm

Step into Nakagawa Roadside Station and be greeted by the warmth of a fireplace with an iron hood, a centerpiece that welcomes visitors during Hokkaido’s long winters. In summer, it transforms into an elegant piece of art, creating a relaxing atmosphere for all seasons. Families will love the kids’ corner, complete with wooden puzzles and picture books, while adults can enjoy massage machines and browse a local information hub.

Inside Nakagawa Roadside Station

An ammonite fossil can be found inside the Nakagawa Roadside Station

Nakagawa town map

The mini-shrine inside the roadside station

You can buy a 100 yen cabbage here.

There are also ammonite fossils for sale here.

Culinary Delights at Takumisha Restaurant

At Takumisha Restaurant, visitors can savor the rich culinary heritage of Nakagawa. The menu features signature dishes such as pork cutlet rice bowls, set meals, and curry, all made with premium pork sourced from the Nakagawamachi Processing Center. 

Nakagawa Roadside Station Restaurant

These are the recommended dishes in the roadside station restaurant

The restaurant is self-service, so it's very convenient. 

Nakagawa Roadside Station soft cream selection

Homemade haskap soft cream

Stamina Hormone Ramen

Stamina Baked Katsu Curry

Another highlight is the ramen, prepared with specially made pork fillets that embody the authentic flavors of the region. For quick bites, the take-out corner offers unique treats like the haskap soft serve ice cream, a refreshing dessert made from locally grown sweet and tangy berries, and the mountain wasabi soft serve ice cream, which perfectly balances spiciness and sweetness. The hand-roasted cone adds a savory twist to these frozen delights, while the filling frankfurters remain a crowd favorite. 

Before leaving, don’t miss the Local Products Corner, where you can find an assortment of regional specialties such as wild garlic sausage (230 yen), haskap jam, bottled bamboo shoots, retort corn, charcoal products, and even handcrafted pottery.

Nakagawa Roadside Station Stamp

Nakagawa Roadside Station stamp (digital stamp design)

Nakagawa Roadside Station stamp

Team Nicerio visits Nakagawa Roadside Station

My daughter and I visited Nakagawa Roadside Station last July 17, 2023, during our Father and Daughter Road Trip #5, coinciding with my 623rd day in Japan as an ALT with the JET Programme. Including roadside stations in our itinerary is a key part of our Hokkaido 179 travel goals, and we also enjoy collecting stamps for the Hokkaido Stamp Rally. While there, we had lunch at the restaurant—Ella opted for the Stamina Katsu Curry, while I enjoyed the miso hormone ramen. To top it off, we treated ourselves to the unique haskap soft cream. It was a delightful and memorable stop on our road trip.

 

Nakagawa Roadside Station Entrance Fee

Parking, entry, and restroom use at Nakagawa Roadside Station are completely FREE. However, it’s a good idea to bring cash if you plan to purchase souvenirs, local products, or enjoy the delicious offerings at the on-site restaurant.

Nakagawa Roadside Station Operating Hours

Nakagawa Roadside Station is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Takumisha Restaurant is open from 11 AM to 1:30 AM.

Nakagawa Roadside Station is closed during the New Year's holiday (12/30 - 1/4)

Why visit Nakagawa Roadside Station?

Nakagawa Roadside Station is the ideal stop for both long journeys and short detours, offering a seamless blend of culture, cuisine, and comfort. Its convenient location, warm ambiance, and unique attractions capture the essence of Hokkaido’s charm.

Getting to Nakagawa Roadside Station

 

From Nayoro Station, ride the Soya-Sarobetsu Sarobetsu 3 Limited Express Wakkanai train operated by the Hokkaido Railway Company. Board down at Teshio - Nakagawa Station. 

Once there, walk for about 1.7 kilometers to the Nakagawa Roadside Station. 

Travel time: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Fare: 3,920 yen

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