Kamoenai Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Kamoenai Roadside Station (神恵内道の駅), formally called Roadside Station Osukoi! Kamoenai (道の駅 オスコイ！かもえない) is one of the roadside stations in Hokkaido Prefecture. It is located at Omori-292-1 Akaishimura in the village of  Kamoenai, Furu District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Kamoenai Roadside Station

Kamoenai Roadside Station Details

Nestled along National Route 229 with stunning views of the Sea of Japan, Kamoenai Roadside Station has been a beloved rest stop since its official registration as the 35th roadside station of Hokkaido on August 5, 1996. Surrounded by the serene beauty of mountains and ocean, this roadside station offers travelers a perfect blend of natural scenery, local culture, and fresh seafood specialties that capture the essence of Kamoenai Village.

Kamoenai Roadside Station - Kamoenai village, Hokkaido Prefecture

A Legacy Rooted in Herring Fishing and the Call of “Osukoi!”

Kamoenai Village’s history is deeply intertwined with the fishing industry, especially herring fishing, which brought prosperity from the Edo period through the Taisho period, at one point, boasting the highest herring catches in all of Hokkaido. Although herring stocks declined sharply during the Showa era, leading fishermen to diversify into pollock, Atka mackerel, squid, and other species, the legacy remains alive.

Roadside Station Osukoi! Kamoenai facility map

On the side of the roadside station, you would see the にしん街道碑 monument, which translates to...

Herring Kaidō Monument

One vivid reminder is the spirited call “Osukoi!” Originally used by fishermen to synchronize the rowing of their boats during herring fishing, this call continues to echo today during traditional shrine festivals when carrying the mikoshi (portable shrine). The shout of “Osukoi!” not only honors Kamoenai’s rich maritime heritage but also keeps the spirit of community and tradition alive.

Kamoenai Roadside Station facade

Have a photo with Dragonta, the village's mascot, at this photo standee

What to Expect at Kamoenai Roadside Station

Travelers visiting Kamoenai Roadside Station will find a bustling hub of local culture and flavors. The station is renowned for its fresh and processed seafood products, all sourced from the rich waters surrounding Kamoenai. Among these, the live scallops displayed in tanks are a standout attraction—visitors can even try their hand at catching scallops using nets, making for a fun and interactive experience.

Photos Inside Kamoenai Roadside Station

Seasonal specialties are another highlight. Depending on the time of year, you’ll find delicious local products such as:

• Spring: Dried nori seaweed and salted wakame seaweed
• Summer: Saltwater sea urchin and sweet-pickled sea urchin
• Autumn: Kelp harvested from local waters

To complement your visit, don’t miss the roadside station’s famous soft serve ice cream, featuring rotating seasonal flavors that make every visit a new treat.

Kamoenai Roadside Station Stamp

Kamoenai Roadside Station Digital Stamp

Kamoenai Roadside Station Stamp

Local Flavors and Unique Souvenirs

Inside the facility, you’ll discover an array of specialty products that showcase the best of Kamoenai Village. Besides the seafood, the station offers snacks featuring the village mascot, Dragonta, which are popular companions for road trips and make perfect souvenirs.

Team Nicerio visits Kamoenai Roadside Station

My family and I visited Kamoenai 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.

Kamoenai Roadside Station Admission Fee

It’s FREE to park at the parking area of Kamoenai Roadside Station. It’s also FREE to enter the roadside station and use its facilities. However, I highly recommend bringing cash in case you want to purchase souvenirs or snacks at the roadside station.

Kamoenai Roadside Station Operating Hours

Kamoenai Roadside Station is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. Keep in mind that you can’t press the stamp if the roadside station is closed.

Why visit Kamoenai Roadside Station?

Kamoenai Roadside Station is more than just a convenient rest stop—it’s a cultural and culinary experience that offers a genuine taste of Hokkaido’s coastal heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in the village’s rich history, symbolized by the spirited call of “Osukoi!” that connects the past herring fishing days with present-day traditions. The station’s stunning location along the Sea of Japan provides breathtaking views that perfectly complement its warm, welcoming atmosphere.

For food lovers, it’s a paradise of fresh, locally sourced seafood, from live scallops you can catch yourself to seasonal specialties like sea urchin and kelp. The interactive and family-friendly environment makes it an ideal stop for travelers of all ages. Plus, with unique local snacks featuring the charming village mascot, Dragonta, and delicious seasonal soft serve ice cream, there’s something delightful for everyone.

Getting to Kamoenai Roadside Station

 

There are no trains or buses that go to Kamoenai Roadside Station. The best way to reach it is by rental car. 

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