Roadside Station “Marine Island Okashima” (道の駅 マリーンアイランド岡島)
is one of the roadside stations scattered all over Hokkaido. It is located
along National Route 238 in 1978-13 Okashima, in the town of Esashi, Hokkaido
Prefecture, Japan.
 |
| Roadside Station “Marine Island Okashima” |
Roadside Station “Marine Island Okashima” Details
Registered as an official roadside station on April 16,
1996, with Registration Number 28, Roadside Station "Marine Island
Okajima" is a must-visit destination along National Route 238.
Designed to mimic a ship sailing through the majestic Sea of Okhotsk, this
roadside station is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Esashi Town and its
scenic coastline.
 |
| Roadside Station "Marine Island Okashima" - Esashi town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Discover Esashi’s Seafood Treasures
At the Esashi Town Specialty Products Direct Sales Shop,
visitors can indulge in the best seafood the town has to offer. Highlights
include:
- Hairy
Crabs: Esashi boasts Japan’s highest pot fishing catch of these prized
delicacies.
- Esashi
Hotate Scallops: Known as Japan’s first branded scallops, these are a
must-try.
The shop also features a selection of Esashi’s famous
sweets, perfect for gifting or enjoying on the go.
Outside Roadside Station "Marine Island Okashima"
 |
| Welcome to Esashi |
 |
| Roadside Station "Marine Island Okashima" Information Board |
 |
| The roadside station is shaped like a ship |
 |
| That's Esashi-kun (えさっしー), the town's mascot |
 |
| The parking area of the roadside station can fit 45 cars |
Seafood Dining at Its Best
The Roadside Station Restaurant is a culinary hotspot
for seafood lovers. The menu is packed with local favorites, including:
 |
| Hotate Curry |
 |
| Seafood Set Curry |
- Salmon
Oyakodon
- Seafood
Ramen
- Crab
and Egg Ramen
Unique dishes like Scallop Curry and Seafood
Champon further highlight the town’s maritime bounty, offering a true taste
of Esashi’s culinary heritage.
Inside Roadside Station "Marine Island Okashima
 |
| You can get Esashi-kun pins in the gatchapon inside the roadside station |
 |
| A souvenir shop inside the roadside station |
 |
| The rest area of the roadside station |
 |
| The toilet area of the roadside station |
Rest and Recharge in Comfort
Take a moment to relax in the free Japanese-style rest
area, where you can stretch your legs and enjoy a peaceful break after your
travels.
Roadside Station "Marine Island Okashima" Stamp
Team Nicerio visits Roadside Station “Marine Island
Okashima”
 |
| Ella with Esashi-kun |
On July 16, 2023, my daughter and I had the pleasure of
visiting Roadside Station “Marine Island Okajima” during the second day
of our Father and Daughter Road Trip #5. This visit marked a milestone
in my journey as an ALT under the JET Programme, coinciding with my 622nd day
in Japan.
 |
| Ella had the Seafood Set Curry while I tried the hotate curry |
As part of our mission to explore all 179 municipalities
in Hokkaido, this roadside station was a must-visit on our itinerary. We
proudly added its unique stamp to our Hokkaido Stamp Rally booklet, a
cherished addition to our growing collection.
To complete the experience, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at
the station. The seafood set curry and the hotate curry we
ordered were both exceptional, perfectly showcasing the flavors Esashi Town is
known for. Our visit to Marine Island Okajima was truly unforgettable—a
delightful combination of exploration, accomplishment, and culinary enjoyment.
Roadside Station "Marine Island Okajima" Admission
Fee
It’s FREE to enter and use the facilities of Roadside
Station “Marine Island Okajima”. However, it is highly recommended that you
bring cash just in case you want to eat at the restaurant or try the local
products for sale inside this roadside station.
Roadside Station “ Marine Island Okajima Operating Hours
Roadside Station “Marine Island Okajima is open from:
- Late
April–June, October: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM
- July–September:
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- November–Late
April: 9:30 AM–3:30 PM
The Roadside Station’s Restaurant is open from:
- April–October:
10:00 AM–2:00 PM
- November–March:
11:00 AM–1:30 PM
Why Visit Roadside Station "Marine Island
Okashima"?
With its iconic ship-inspired design, outstanding seafood
offerings, and a welcoming atmosphere, Roadside Station "Marine Island
Okajima" is more than just a place to rest—it’s a destination.
Getting to Roadside Station "Marine Island Okashima"
The best way to reach Roadside Station "Marine Island Okashima" is by private or rental car, as it is outside the town proper, and it is the most convenient way to do so.
If you prefer to use public transportation, this is what I'm familiar with:
From Asahikawa Station Platform 8 in Asahikawa City, board the Limited Express Esashi (Esashi - Asahikawa) of the Soya Bus Company going to Esashi Terminal. This line operates once a day.
Fare:
One way - 5,000 yen
Round Trip - 9,000 yen
Take note that a reservation is required. You may want to see the updated information on the Soya Bus Official Website by clicking this LINK.
Once you reach Esashi, you can ride the taxi going to the roadside station or walk for 8.5 kilometers.
Ratings
 |
| Crowd |
 |
| Cleanliness |
 |
| Overall rating |
Comments
Post a Comment