My family and I first visited Kitami Roadside Station (道の駅 おんねゆ温泉)
on September 19, 2022, the final day of our September 17-19 Road Trip. At the
time, I was marking my 322nd day in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher(ALT) under the JET Programme. A year later, on September 16, 2023, we found
ourselves back at Kitami Roadside Station, now on my 684th day in Japan.
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| Kitami Roadside Station Revisited 2023 |
While the roadside station itself hadn't changed much, our
return was memorable for one major highlight: the newly installed KitamiPokémon manhole cover (PokéLids). This addition was a key part of our Hokkaido179 travel goals—an effort to visit all 179 municipalities in Hokkaido. It
was the 27th out of 42 PokéLids we've encountered so far in Hokkaido, making
the visit especially meaningful.
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| Kitami Roadside Station - Kitami City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
For those unfamiliar with Kitami Roadside Station, here’s
why it should be on your travel itinerary:
Location and Significance
Kitami Roadside Station, formally known as Roadside
Station “Onneyu-Onsen” (道の駅 おんねゆ温泉),
is located at 1-4 Matsuyama, Rubeshibe-cho, Kitami City, along National Route
39 in Hokkaido Prefecture. It is one of 128 roadside stations in Hokkaido and
serves as a vital hub connecting the Taisetsu area to the Akan, Abashiri, and
Shiretoko tourist regions.
Kitami Roadside Station facade
Located in the tranquil Onneyu Onsen hot spring town,
this roadside station offers a mix of unique attractions and practical
amenities for travelers.
Attractions at Kitami Roadside Station
1. Kamurin Tower (Karakuri Cuckoo Clock Tower
"Kamurin")
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| Kamurin Tower / Karakuri Cuckoo Clock Tower "Kamurin" |
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| Inside the Kamurin Tower |
Standing at an impressive 20 meters tall, Kamurin Tower
is the iconic symbol of the station. Known as one of the world’s largest cuckoo
clocks, it comes alive every hour from 8:00 to 18:00. As the time signal plays,
whimsical forest fairies appear, playing musical instruments, while a massive
pigeon named Poppo-chan, with wings spanning around 2 meters, makes a
delightful entrance.
2. Clean Plaza Onneyu
This rest area provides a comfortable space with seating and
tables, as well as real-time road updates for travelers navigating the Sekihoku
Pass. Its multi-screen system, managed by the Hokkaido Regional Development
Bureau, ensures safe and informed travel.
Souvenir and Market Area of Kitami Roadside Station
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| These two bears will welcome you to one of the souvenir shops |
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| During our visit, we were able to buy a sack of onions for only 300 yen |
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| I'm not sure if this is a pumpkin or a gourd... |
3. Kamurin no Yakata
- Kamurin
Shop: A treasure trove of local specialties, crafted wooden furniture,
and folk art.
- Kamurin
World: A family-friendly space featuring wood-themed play equipment
and opportunities for woodworking activities.
- Stamp
Spot: Don’t forget to collect the Kitami Roadside Station stamp, a
favorite for road trip enthusiasts.
Inside Kamurin no Yakata
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| Kamurin no Yakata's souvenir shop |
New Pokémon Manhole Cover (PokéFuta)
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| We would revisit Kitami Roadside Station again after a year, and the Kitami Pokémon manhole cover was installed near the back entrance of the roadside station |
The latest addition to the station is the Kitami Pokémonmanhole cover, a vibrant piece of public art that showcases Vulpix and Alolan Vulpix, which celebrates the charm of Kitami City. It’s part of the larger
PokéFuta project, a collaboration that enhances local tourism by integrating
Pokémon-themed landmarks across Japan.
Team Nicerio revisits Kitami Roadside Station
Kitami Roadside Station Fees
It’s FREE to enter and explore Kitami
Roadside Station. Parking is also FREE. However, I highly suggest
that you bring cash in case you want to buy souvenirs, fresh produce, or try out the different food sold at the roadside restaurants.
Kitami Roadside Station Operating Hours
Kitami Roadside Station is open from 8:30 AM to 5 PM
(April-October) and 9 AM to 4:30 PM (November-March). If
you’re collecting roadside station stamps, make sure to arrive before the
closing time, as the stamp is placed in the area that is closed off during
closing time.
Why visit Kitami Roadside Station?
Kitami Roadside Station is an ideal destination for
families with kids or anyone young at heart. With a variety of activities to
enjoy and unique items to purchase, it promises an engaging experience for
visitors of all ages. For avid collectors of roadside station stamps, this stop
is an absolute must-visit!
Getting to Kitami Roadside Station
The best way to reach Kitami Roadside Station is by rental
or private car, as you wouldn’t need to worry about bus schedules. Regardless,
if you can only use public transportation, then this is what I’m familiar with.
From Asahikawa Station, walk towards the bus terminal. Board
the Asahikawa-Kitami bus of the Dohoku Bus heading to Kitami Bus Terminal.
Board down at Onneyu bus stop. It’s a few meters away from the roadside station
building.
Travel time: 2 hours and 44 minutes
Fare: 3200 yen
Ratings
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