Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station (道の駅 阿寒丹頂の里) is one of the roadside stations of Hokkaido. It is located at 23 Sen-36-1 Akancho Kamiakan, Kushiro City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

道の駅 阿寒丹頂の里
Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station

Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station  Details

If you're planning a scenic drive through Eastern Hokkaido, make sure to stop by Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station — one of the region’s best travel hubs along National Route 240, also known as the Marimo National Highway

Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station - Kushiro City, Hokkaido Prefecture
Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station - Kushiro City, Hokkaido Prefecture

Registered as a roadside station on April 16, 1996 (Registration No. 30), it serves as a strategic gateway between Akan National Park to the north and Kushiro-shitsugen National Park to the east, making it the ideal base for nature and wildlife explorers.

Welcome to Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station
Welcome to Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station

Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station grounds map
Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station grounds map

Discover Crane’s Terrace: A Blend of Nature and Architecture

In November 2016, the Information Center "Tancho no Sato (Crane’s Terrace)" opened its doors to the public. This beautifully designed building, crafted with local larch wood, offers a warm and inviting space for visitors. Inside, you’ll find a Tourist Concierge Desk where knowledgeable staff provide expert travel advice and information about Kushiro, Akan, and the Tancho no Sato area.

Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station facade

Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station facade

道の駅 阿寒丹頂の里
道の駅 阿寒丹頂の里

Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station
A giant origami crane is displayed outside the roadside station

Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station facade

Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station facade

Akan crane villa Circle House Red Beret
Akan Crane Villa Circle House Red Beret

Local Flavors and Souvenirs: A Taste of Kushiro

The Specialty Products Sales Corner is a must-visit for anyone seeking to experience the region's unique tastes and flavors. From locally sourced meats and fresh vegetables to unique sweets and handcrafted goods, there’s plenty to take home or enjoy on the go. Don’t miss the Ezo deer burger or a refreshing soft-serve ice cream, perfect for a quick snack on your road trip.

Inside Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station

Inside Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station

Inside Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station



Inside Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station

Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station's men's toilet area
Men's toilet area

Relax and Recharge at Red Beret Hot Spring

Extend your stay with a visit to Red Beret, a natural hot spring inn located within the roadside station complex. Here, you can soak in 100% natural onsen water that flows directly from the source, known for its skin-smoothing and body-warming properties. After your bath, dine at Restaurant Tsuru, where you can savor local dishes such as Ezo deer steaks, prepared with seasonal Hokkaido ingredients.

A Surprise for Pokémon Fans

The Kushiro City Pokemon manhole cover is installed here
The Kushiro City Pokémon manhole cover is installed here

The Kushiro Pokémon manhole cover features Alolan Vulpix and Decidueye
The Kushiro Pokémon manhole cover features Alolan Vulpix and Decidueye

For those traveling with kids — or Pokémon fans of all ages — the Kushiro Pokémon manhole cover is a charming surprise. Installed on the station grounds, this exclusive design features Alolan Vulpix and Decidueye, making it a fun photo spot and a unique part of your Hokkaido Pokémon manhole hunt.

Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station Stamp

Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station Digital Stamp
Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station Digital Stamp

Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station Stamp
Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station Stamp

Team Nicerio visits Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station

Team Nicerio visits Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station

Team Nicerio visits Akan Tancho no Sato 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 Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station for the first time on September 18, 2023, during the third day of our “3-Day Respect for the Aged Road Trip.” This visit also marked my 686th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. My daughter and I didn’t miss the roadside station stamp for our collection. This roadside station was the last in our itinerary. Aside from the roadside stamp, we also made sure to have a photo taken with the Kushiro Pokémon manhole cover that was installed in the roadside station grounds.

 

Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station Fees

It’s FREE to park, enter, and use some of the facilities of the roadside station. However, it is highly recommended that you bring cash in case you want to buy souvenirs or refreshments sold in the roadside station.

Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station Operating Hours

Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM between May and September, and from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM between October and April. The restaurant operates daily from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM, with last orders taken at 8:00 PM.


Why visit Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station?

Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station offers something for every traveler — from relaxing natural hot springs and delicious local delicacies to expert travel guidance and fun discoveries like the Pokémon manhole cover. Its prime location between two national parks, along with its warm hospitality and regional charm, makes it an essential stop on any Eastern Hokkaido road trip.

Getting to Akan Tancho no Sato Roadside Station

 

From Kushiro Station, head out and go to the Kushiro Station Bus Terminal. Once there, board the Akan Line (Summer) [30] Lake Akan Bus Center (via Tottori Boulevard, Orakumo Station, Kushiro Airport, Akan Town, and Tancho Village) bus operated by the Akan Bus Company.

Board down at Tancho-No-Sato bus stop.

Travel time: 1 hour and 16 minutes

Fare: 1,480

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