Okoppe Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Okoppe Roadside Station (道の駅おこっぺ) is one of the roadside stations around Hokkaido. It is located at 1322-21 Okoppe in the town of Okoppe in Mombetsu District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Okoppe Roadside Station

Okoppe Roadside Station Details

Okoppe Roadside Station, officially registered as a roadside station on April 16, 1996, holds the distinction of being the 29th roadside station in Japan. This charming destination offers travelers a mix of history, leisure, and local culture, making it a must-visit spot in Okoppe Town, Hokkaido.

Okoppe Roadside Station - Okoppe town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Highlights of Okoppe Roadside Station

Joy Park

Joy Park

Steam Locomotive D51 365 Driving Wheels

A plaque with the image of how the building looked before

Former Okoppe Station Building

Okoppe Roadside Station Information Board

Okoppe Area Guide Map

Joy Park is a sprawling 11,524 m² memorial park that invites visitors to relax and enjoy its picturesque surroundings. With its iconic fountain, wheel sculptures, manicured lawns, and comfortable benches, the park serves as a hub for local events such as the Okoppe Milk Village festival and marathons.

Anew: The Okoppe Transportation Memorial Complex

Step inside Anew to explore the fascinating history of the Nayoro Main Line, a now-disused railway that once served the region. The Railway History Exhibition Corner features original rails and detailed panels showcasing the line’s legacy, providing visitors with a glimpse into Hokkaido’s transportation past.

Inside Okoppe Roadside Station

Okoppe Local Specialty Shop

Inside Okoppe's Local Specialty Shop

Okoppe Organic Milk

Okoppe Milk Soft Cream

Okoppe Transportation Memorial Museum

Okoppe Roadside Station toilet area

The Rugosa Express

Located in Joy Park, the Rugosa Express is a repurposed diesel car that now houses two facilities:

Rugosa Express

• Katarainoya: A simple rest area for travelers seeking a quiet space to relax.
• Deai no Yado: A cozy lodging facility for visitors looking for an overnight stay.
  This unique attraction takes its name from the town flower, the beach rose (Rugosa), symbolizing Okoppe’s natural beauty.

Okoppe Roadside Station Stamp

Okoppe Roadside Station Stamp

Bus Waiting Room and Terminal

Inside the Anew complex, the bus waiting room doubles as a transportation hub for locals and visitors alike. At the counter, the road station master provides up-to-date road and travel information, ensuring a smooth journey for all.

Team Nicerio visits Okoppe Roadside Station

On July 16, 2023, my daughter and I visited Okoppe Roadside Station for the first time during the second day of our Father and Daughter Road Trip #5. This special stop coincided with my 622nd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. As part of our mission to visit all 179 municipalities in Hokkaido, we made sure to include this roadside station in our itinerary. During our visit, we proudly added the station’s stamp to our Hokkaido Stamp Rally booklet and collection. To top off the experience, we indulged in the cream chocolate mix soft serve, which was absolutely delightful!

Okoppe Roadside Station Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter the Okoppe Roadside Station and use its facilities like the toilet and waiting area. However, it’s highly recommended that you bring cash when you visit, just in case you want to buy souvenirs or try the local specialties sold in the roadside station.

Okoppe Roadside Station Operating Hours

Roadside Station Hours:

• May to October: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• November to April: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Specialty Products Sales:

• Expanded Sales (Early April to Late October): 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Reduced Sales (Early November to Early April): 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Okoppe Roadside Station is closed during the New Year's holiday (December 31st to January 5th)

Why Visit Okoppe Roadside Station?

Okoppe Roadside Station offers more than just a rest stop; it’s a cultural and historical gem. From the nostalgic appeal of the Nayoro Main Line’s relics to the serene beauty of Joy Park, every corner of this destination tells a story. Whether you're exploring Hokkaido or passing through, this roadside station promises a unique experience filled with local charm.

Getting to Okoppe Roadside Station

 

From Nayoro Station, proceed to platform 3 at the Nayoro Station bus stop. There, board the Okoppe Sen bus operated by the Meishi Bus Company.

Disembark at the Okoppe bus stop, and you’ll find Okoppe Roadside Station directly in front of you.

Travel time: 1 hour and 34 minutes

Fare: 1,790 yen

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