Iwanai Roadside Station (道の駅いわない) is one of the roadside stations found across
Hokkaido. It is located at 47-4 Mandai in the town of Iwanai, Iwanai District,
Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Iwanai Roadside Station |
Iwanai Roadside Station Details
If you’re exploring the Shakotan Peninsula and looking for a
perfect pit stop, Iwanai Roadside Station (Michi-no-Eki Iwanai) is a
must-visit destination. Officially registered as a roadside station on April
22, 1993, with Registration No. 14, this facility offers more than
just a place to rest—it’s a gateway to local culture, flavors, and attractions.
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| Iwanai Roadside Station - Iwanai town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Prime Location with a Unique Design
Iwanai Roadside Station sits at the junction of National
Highways 229 and 276, making it an ideal stop for travelers heading to or
from Niseko, Otaru, or Shakotan. The highlight of the facility is the Taramarukan
Guide Center, a building designed to look like a yacht, symbolizing
Iwanai’s deep connection to the sea.
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| Iwanai Roadside Station facade |
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| The roadside station is designed to look like a yacht |
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| Taramaru - Iwanai's mascot is displayed outside the roadside station |
Local Specialties and Gourmet Finds
Inside the station, visitors will find a product stand
stocked with a wide variety of Iwanai town specialties, including freshly
processed seafood, handmade sweets, and premium sake brewed from Iwanai-grown
rice. For beer enthusiasts, don’t miss the locally crafted beer, a
perfect souvenir or treat after a day of sightseeing. The shop also offers Taramaru
goods, as well as seasonal agricultural products that showcase the flavors
of the region.
Photos inside the Iwanai Roadside Station
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| A pair of Tamaru plushies guard the fridge |
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| Checking out the super flattened squid for sale and wondering how to cook it |
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| Tamaru pins |
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| Welcome to Iwanai! Have a wonderful day! |
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| Tamaru riding a sea turtle |
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| "Kazanoko Wine Shoyu" (Herring Roe Wine Soy Sauce) |
Tourist Information and Nearby Attractions
Need travel tips? Stop by the Tourist Information Corner,
where brochures and flyers from local businesses are available. Friendly staff
members are happy to provide recommendations on what to see and do in the area.
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| Kida Kinjiro Museum of Art |
Directly across from the roadside station is the Kida
Kinjiro Museum of Art, dedicated to one of Hokkaido’s most influential
Western-style painters. The museum displays Kida Kinjiro’s dynamic works and
regularly hosts special exhibitions and concerts, making it a cultural
gem for art lovers.
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| Marine Park |
For those who want a scenic stroll, the Marine Park
is also located across the street, offering free parking and public
restrooms, plus a relaxing coastal view. If you have extra time, take a
short walk to the nearby Iwanai Port and enjoy the fresh sea breeze
while watching fishing boats come and go—a perfect way to experience the charm
of this seaside town.
Iwanai Roadside Station Stamps
Team Nicerio visits Iwanai Roadside Station
My family and I visited Iwanai Roadside Station on October 8, 2023, the second day of our 3-day “Sports Day 2023” road trip. It
also happened to be my 706th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. As part of our ongoing adventure to visit all 179 municipalities in Hokkaido, we’ve also made it a mission to stop by every roadside station
in the prefecture and collect their unique roadside station stamps.
Iwanai Roadside Station Admission Fee
Parking, restrooms, and entry to Iwanai Roadside Station are
completely FREE. However, it’s a good idea to bring cash in case you’d like to
purchase local products or souvenirs from Iwanai.
Iwanai Roadside Station Operating Hours
- Spring
to Autumn (April–October): 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Winter
(November–March): 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed Days:
- Closed
on Mondays from November to late April (if Monday is a holiday, it closes
the following day)
- Closed
for New Year’s holidays (December 31 to January 3)
Why Visit Iwanai Roadside Station?
If you love collecting roadside station stamps, browsing local goodies, discovering Hokkaido art, or just soaking up gorgeous ocean views, Iwanai Roadside Station is the perfect spot for you. It’s more than a pit stop—it’s a cultural and foodie experience you won’t want to miss on your Hokkaido trip!
Getting to Iwanai Roadside Station
From Kutchan Station, head to JR Kutchan Eki bus stop and
board the Kozawa Line – To Iwanai Terminal bus operated by the Niseko bus
company.
Board down at Iwanai Bus Terminal and walk for about 120
meters to reach the roadside station.
Travel time: 46 minutes
Fare: 940 yen
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.jpg "Team Nicerio visits Iwanai Roadside Station")
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.jpg "Team Nicerio visits Iwanai Roadside Station")
.jpg "Team Nicerio visits Iwanai Roadside Station")
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