Koshimizu Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Koshimizu Roadside Station (道の駅小清水), formally called Roadside Station "Hanayaka-Koshimizu” (道の駅 葉菜野花(はなやか)小清水), is one of the roadside stations found in Hokkaido. It is located at 474-7 Hamakoshimizu in the town of Koshimizu, Shari District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Koshimizu Roadside Station

Koshimizu Roadside Station Details

Located along the scenic Okhotsk National Route 244, Koshimizu Roadside Station offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty, culinary experiences, and hands-on activities. Officially registered as a roadside station on August 18, 2000, with registration number 70, it has become a popular destination for travelers exploring Hokkaido’s picturesque landscapes.

Koshimizu Roadside Station - Koshimizu town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Perfectly Situated for Exploration

Conveniently connected to Hamakoshimizu Station on the JR Senmo Main Line, Koshimizu Roadside Station is adjacent to the Koshimizu Primeval Flower Garden in Abashiri Quasi-National Park. It serves as an ideal stopover for visitors heading toward Shiretoko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The formal name of the roadside station is Roadside Station "Hanayaka-Koshimizu.”

Koshimizu Roadside Station ground map

One of the stores in the roadside station grounds - クレープハウスCOCO

Ramen Taroyama

Hitsuji Biyori

Furetoi tenbōdai observation deck and the tracks of the Hama-Koshimizu Station

Immersive Experiences

Koshimizu Roadside Station goes beyond the usual roadside offerings, providing visitors with a chance to participate in agricultural and livestock product processing. From bread and tofu to butter, ice cream, and sausages, travelers can learn to make these products using locally sourced ingredients. Reservations are required and can be made 3 months to 7 days in advance, with expert guidance provided during the sessions.

Inside Koshimizu Roadside Station

The Montbell bear is displayed at the entrance of the roadside station

Stunning Views from the Observation Terrace

The rooftop observation terrace offers breathtaking views of the Sea of Okhotsk and the Shiretoko mountain range. During February, visitors are treated to a spectacular panorama of drift ice, a rare and unforgettable sight.

Koshimizu Roadside Station Stamp

JR Hama-Koshimizu Stamp

Relax Amidst Nature

Surrounded by the Sea of Okhotsk, Lake Tofutsu, and the vibrant Koshimizu Primeval Flower Garden, the roadside station is a haven for nature lovers. It’s an excellent spot to unwind with family, enjoy fresh mountain and sea delicacies, and soak in the serene beauty of Hokkaido.

Team Nicerio visits Koshimizu Roadside Station

Visiting all the roadside stations is one of the secondary goals of our ambitious Hokkaido 179 journey, which aims to explore all 179 municipalities in the prefecture. My family and I stopped at Koshimizu Roadside Station for the first time on September 17, 2023, during the second day of our “3-Day Respect for the Aged Road Trip.” This memorable visit also marked my 685th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Not only did we get the roadside station stamp, but my daughter and I also got the Hama-Koshimizu Station stamp.

Had we gotten more time, we would have visited the Furetoi tenbōdai observation deck. However, we have several municipalities in our itinerary for today, so we had to cut short our exploration of Koshimizu and head to the next town.

Koshimizu Roadside Station Admission Fee

It’s FREE to park, enter, and use some of the facilities of Koshimizu Roadside Station. However, it’s better if you bring cash just in case you want to buy some refreshments or souvenirs that are being sold at the roadside station.

Koshimizu Roadside Station Operating Hours

Roadside Station Hours:

9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (April to October)
9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (November to March)

Restaurant Hours:

10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last order at 4:30 PM) (April to October)
10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Last order at 4:00 PM) (November to March)

 

Why visit Koshimozu Roadside Station?

Koshimizu Roadside Station is a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Hokkaido’s stunning landscapes. Its prime location, adjacent to the Koshimizu Primeval Flower Garden and near the Sea of Okhotsk and Lake Tofutsu, makes it a perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature. The observation terrace offers breathtaking views of the Shiretoko mountain range, with the spectacle of drift ice in February being a highlight.

Visitors can also enjoy unique hands-on experiences, such as making bread, tofu, butter, and other local products, using fresh ingredients sourced from the area. Combined with delicious local delicacies and a family-friendly environment, this roadside station provides a harmonious mix of relaxation, education, and adventure. It’s not just a stopover—it’s a destination in itself.

Getting to Koshimizu Roadside Station

 

There are two ways to reach Koshimizu Roadside Station from Abashiri City.

First is by bus. From Abashiri Station, ride the Koshimizu Line - Koshimizu operated by the Abashiri Bus Company.  Board down at Hamakoshimizu Station. 

Travel time: 41 minutes

Fare: 890 yen

The second way is by train. From Abashiri Station, board the Semmo Line (Local Shiretokoshari) and get off at Hama-Koshimizu Station. 

Travel time: 25 minutes

Fare: 580 yen

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