Rikubetsu Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Rikubetsu Roadside Station (陸別町道の駅), officially known as Roadside Station "Aurora Town 93 Rikubetsu” (道の駅 オーロラタウン９３りくべつ), is one of Hokkaido's many roadside stations. It is situated along National Route 242 in Odori, Rikubetsu Town, Ashoro District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Rikubetsu Roadside Station

Rikubetsu Roadside Station Details

Rikubetsu Roadside Station, officially known as "Aurora Town 93 Rikubetsu,” is a must-visit destination in Hokkaido for travelers seeking a mix of history, culture, and outdoor fun. It was registered as a roadside station on August 18, 2000, and was given the Registration Number 69.

Rikubetsu Roadside Station - Rikubetsu town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Once a dual-purpose road and railway station on the historic Furusato Ginga Line, this roadside station has been thoughtfully transformed into a vibrant hub that preserves its railway heritage while offering modern attractions.

Explore Railway History

Galaxy Express 999

Visitors can step back in time with the preserved tracks and carriages of the old Furusato Ginga Line. Train enthusiasts will love the chance to drive Japan’s longest-distance train from late April to late October. Don't miss the iconic Maetel-wrapped train, adorned with the signature of Galaxy Express 999 creator Reiji Matsumoto, a nostalgic highlight for anime fans.

Rikubetsu Roadside Station facade

Rikubetsu Roadside Station details

Discover Local Culture and Products

• Tourist Product Hall: Stock up on Rikubetsu’s specialties, including venison products, locally harvested wild vegetables, and goods from the six towns along the old railway line.
• Kansai Seki Museum: Dive into the life of Kansai Seki, a pioneering figure of Rikubetsu, with exhibits that bring his story to life.

Inside Rikubetsu Roadside Station

Rikubetsu Roadside Station souvenir shop

Rikubetsu mascot pins

Stained glass window with a thermometer design

Rikubetsu Roadside Station toilet area

Seki Kansai Museum

Relax and Recharge

• Multipurpose Square: Unwind in the lush 4,000-square-meter grassy park, a perfect spot to relax after a day of driving and exploring.
• Aurora House: For those staying overnight, the second-floor lodging facility offers cozy accommodations. Enjoy a night’s stay with two meals for just ¥6,700, with a small additional heating fee in winter (November to March).

Things to see outside Rikubetsu Roadside Station

Seki Kansai Monument

Displays in the multipurpose plaza in front of the roadside station

Rikubetsu's Citizens' Charter

The railroad behind the roadside station

Rikubetsu train station sign

Historic overpass behind the roadside station

Rikubetsu colored manhole cover installed in the park in front of the roadside station

Convenient Travel Hub

Rikubetsu Roadside Station also serves as an information center for Tokachi and Kitami Bus services, making it a practical stop for travelers navigating the region.

Trains Displayed in the Rikubetsu Roadside Station grounds

Snow plow train

Another Snow plow train

Galaxy Express 999

Rikubetsu Roadside Station Stamp

Rikubetsu Roadside Station stamp

A Pokémon Fan’s Delight

The Rikubetsu Pokémon manhole cover is installed near the entrance of the roadside station

Rikubetsu Pokémon manhole cover

As you approach Rikubetsu Roadside Station, don’t miss the Rikubetsu Pokémon manhole cover near the entrance. This special installation features Alolan Vulpix and two Bergmites gazing at a mesmerizing Aurora Borealis—a fitting tribute to the region’s icy landscapes and stunning natural beauty.

Team Nicerio visits Rikubetsu Roadside Station

My family and I visited Rikubetsu Roadside Station for the first time on September 16, 2023, during the first day of our “3-Day Respect of the Aged Road Trip,” which happens to be my 684th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. This stop was a significant milestone in our Hokkaido 179 journey, our ambitious goal to visit all 179 municipalities in the prefecture. 

My daughter and I made sure to take a photo with the Rikubetsu Pokémon manhole cover

Along the way, we made it a point to explore every roadside station in Hokkaido and collect their unique roadside station stamps. Rikubetsu Roadside Station was especially memorable as it also features a Pokémon manhole cover on its grounds, which is another highlight of our Hokkaido 179 adventure.

Rikubetsu Roadside Station Fees

It’s FREE to enter and explore Rikubetsu Roadside Station, but make sure to bring cash in case you want to avail of some locally produced products and souvenirs or enter the Kansai Seki Museum.

Rikubetsu Roadside Station Operating Hours

Rikubetsu Roadside Station is open from 8 AM to 6 PM (April-October) and 9 AM to 5 PM (November-March). Heads up, you won’t be able to get the roadside station stamp during closed days, so plan your trip well.

 

Why visit Rikubetsu Roadside Station?

Rikubetsu Roadside Station is more than just a stop—it’s an experience. Dive into railway history with preserved tracks and carriages, and even try your hand at driving Japan’s longest-distance train. Indulge in local delicacies at the product hall, where you’ll find venison, wild vegetables, and specialties from nearby towns.

Art and anime enthusiasts will love the Maetel-wrapped train, while Pokémon fans can’t miss the unique manhole cover featuring Alolan Vulpix and Bergmites under the Aurora Borealis. Relax in the spacious, grassy park or stay overnight at Aurora House for a cozy retreat.

Getting to Rikubetsu Roadside Station

 

The best way to get to Rikubetsu Roadside Station is by rental car, as you won't need to worry about bus schedules during your visit, but if you plan to use public transportation, here's what I'm familiar with:

From Kitami JR Station in Kitami City, walk to platform 5 of the bus stop outside the station. Board the Kunbetsu, Okito, Katsuyama Onsen, Rikubetsu Line Katsuyama Onsen (via Kunbetsu and Okito) operated by the Kitami bus company.

Board down at Rikubetsu bus stop. 

Travel time: 1 hour and 37 minutes

Fare: 1,580 yen  

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