Omu Roadside Station (道の駅 おうむ)
is one of the roadside stations scattered around Hokkaido. It is located along
National Route 238 in 1885-14 Omu in the town of Omu, Monbetsu District in
Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Omu Roadside Station |
Omu Roadside Station Details
Registered as an official roadside station on April 17,
1998, with Registration Number 53, Omu Roadside Station has become a beloved
landmark in Omu Town. Situated along National Route 238, it’s more than just a
place to pause—it’s a hub of activity and a symbol of the town’s charm.
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| Omu Roadside Station - Omu town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Visitors are drawn to its stunning panoramic views of the
Sea of Okhotsk, making it a top spot to catch the mesmerizing sunrise or admire
the drift ice during winter. With its welcoming atmosphere and a cozy corner
for sharing travel tips, it serves as a perfect oasis for drivers and riders
alike. Whether for the scenery or the community vibe, Omu Roadside Station
offers an experience worth stopping for.
Outside Omu Roadside Station
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| Omu Roadside Station facade |
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| The worn-down information board of Omu Roadside Station |
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| Check out this unique meat and "small restaurant" vending machines |
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| The monument of the former Omu Station on the Kohin Minami Line, which was closed in 1985. |
Inside Omu Roadside Station
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| Welcome to Omu Roadside Station |
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| Local sales shop inside the Omu Roadside Station |
Sky Cabin: A Must-Visit Observatory
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| Sky Cabin |
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| Rainy day view from the Sky Cabin |
A highlight of Omu Roadside Station is the Sky Cabin,
an observatory that provides stunning views of Omu Town and the Sea of Okhotsk.
This unique feature has become an iconic symbol of Omu, drawing visitors who
seek to experience the town’s scenic beauty from above.
Local Delights and Unique Souvenirs
The station is also home to Ippukuya, a charming shop
offering Omu Town’s specialty products. Treat yourself to delicious soba
noodles or indulge in their creamy soft-serve ice cream. For collectors, the
roadside station offers exclusive keepsakes like the roadside station stamp
and the rare manhole cover card featuring Omu’s distinctive design.
Visitors can also view the colorful Omu manhole cover—truly one-of-a-kind in
the town!
Omu Roadside Station Stamp
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| Digital Omu Roadside Station Stamp |
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| Omu Roadside Station Stamp |
Team Nicerio visits Omu Roadside Station
.jpg "Ella with Omu's mascot - Ikurasujiko (いくらすじ子)") |
| Ella with Omu's mascot - Ikurasujiko (いくらすじ子) |
.JPG "Ella enjoyed the view from the Sky Cabin") |
| Ella enjoyed the view from the Sky Cabin |
On July 16, 2023, my daughter and I visited Omu Roadside
Station for the first time during the second day of our Father and Daughter
Road Trip #5. This visit happens to be during 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. Aside from that, we also got the manhole cover
card for our collection.
Omu Roadside Station Admission Fee
It’s FREE to enter and use Omu Roadside Station facilities
like the Sky Cabin. It’s also FREE to get the Omu manhole cover card at the
Tourist Information Center. However, it is highly recommended that you bring
cash just in case you want to try the local products for sale inside this
roadside station.
Omu Roadside Station Operating Hours
Omu Roadside station is open from:
- May
to October: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- November
to April: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Shop hours:
- Mid-April
to late November: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Why visit Omu Roadside Station?
Whether you’re stopping by for the views, the local flavors,
or the unique souvenirs, Omu Roadside Station offers an experience that goes
beyond a typical rest stop. It’s a perfect blend of relaxation, cultural
discovery, and scenic beauty, making it a must-visit destination on your
journey through Hokkaido.
Getting to Omu Roadside Station
From Monbetsu City, board the (Monbetsu - Okoppe - Omu) Hokumon Bus. Board down at the Omu Town National Health Insurance Hospital bus stop. Once there, walk to Omu Roadside Station.
You can see the bus schedule by clicking this LINK. Ratings
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.jpg "Ella with Omu's mascot - Ikurasujiko (いくらすじ子)")
.JPG "Ella enjoyed the view from the Sky Cabin")
.jpg "Team Nicerio visits Omu Roadside Station")
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