Nemuro Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Nemuro Roadside Station (根室道の駅), formally called Roadside Station Swan 44 Nemuro (道の駅 スワン44ねむろ), is one of the roadside stations around Hokkaido Prefecture. It is located along National Route 44 at 1 Rakuyo, Nemuro City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Nemuro Roadside Station

Nemuro Roadside Station Details

Located along National Route 44—the eastern gateway to Nemuro City—Nemuro Roadside Station has been welcoming travelers since its official registration on August 27, 1999, as Hokkaido's 59th roadside station. Located in a place that preserves the charm of untouched nature, this roadside stop offers more than just a break from the road—it provides an immersive introduction to Nemuro’s wild beauty and rich seafood culture.

Nemuro Roadside Station - Nemuro City, Hokkaido Prefecture

One of the station’s standout features is its panoramic glassed-in viewing area, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Furen and Shunkunitai, two of Japan’s top birdwatching spots. 

Nemuro Roadside Station infoboard

Nemuro City's Tourist Map

These wetlands are home to rare and majestic bird species such as the red-crowned crane and whooper swan, making it a haven for nature lovers and photographers. Binoculars and a TV-type telescope are available for public use, enhancing the birdwatching experience.

Inside Nemuro Roadside Station

Welcome to Nemuro Roadside Station

Nemuro Roadside Station men's toilet area

Highlights of Nemuro Roadside Station:

• Tourist Information Corner: Equipped with a telescope and free-to-use binoculars, this area invites guests to take in the awe-inspiring views of the surrounding wetlands. It’s the perfect introduction to Nemuro’s natural treasures.
• Restaurant “Birdpal”: With 100 seats overlooking the serene Lake Furen, Birdpal serves up a menu that proudly highlights the local seafood Nemuro is known for. From freshly caught fish to seasonal delicacies, it’s an ideal place to savor authentic flavors while enjoying a scenic meal.
• Shop “Birdpal” – Specialty Products Corner: Browse a wide variety of locally made goods, including regional sweets, seasonal produce, and original Nemuro souvenirs that you won’t find anywhere else.
• Fresh Fish Sales Corner – “Toko Roadside Station Store”: Seafood lovers can explore a selection of the day’s freshest catch, including Hanasaki crab, one of Nemuro’s most famous specialties. It’s also a great place to discover Nemuro brand products and regional seafood not commonly available in supermarkets.

Lake Furen Observation Area

The Lake Furen Observation Area is just behind the roadside station

Lake Furen

Nemuro Roadside Station Stamp

Nemuro Roadside Station digital stamp

Nemuro Roadside Station stamp

Team Nicerio visits Nemuro 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 Nemuro 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 memorable 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. Aside from that, we were also able to admire the beauty of Lake Furen from the viewing area outside the roadside station.

Nemuro Roadside Station Admission Fee

It’s FREE to park, enter, and use some of the roadside station facilities like the toilet and the WIFI. However, it’s recommended that you bring cash just in case you want to buy a souvenir from Shop Birdpal or try any seafood dish at Restaurant Birdpal.

Nemuro Roadside Station Operating Hours

Nemuro Roadside Station

9:00-17:00 (April-October)
10:00-16:00 (November-March)

Restaurant Birdpal

11:00-15:30 (Last orders 15:00) (April-October)
11:00-14:30 (Last orders 14:00) (November-March)

Nemuro Roadside Station is closed every Monday and during the New Year’s holiday (December 29^th to January 5^th.

Why visit Nemuro Roadside Station?

Nemuro Roadside Station offers great views of Lake Furen and Shunkunitai, perfect for birdwatching. You can enjoy fresh local seafood like Hanasaki crab at the restaurant and shop for local products you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a relaxing and scenic stop for anyone traveling through eastern Hokkaido.

Aside from that, if you collect roadside station stamps, then this place is a must-visit.

Getting to Nemuro Roadside Station

 

From Attoko Station of the Nemuro Line, board the Nakashibetsu Airport Line - Ariiso eigyousho (Toubai)「Nemuro Sta.」bus operated by the Nemuro Kotsu Bus Company. Board down at Michi no Eki Swan Yonjuuyon Nemuro Bus Stop.

Travel time: 19 minutes

Fare: 840 yen

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