Urimaku Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Urimaku Roadside Station (道の駅 うりまく) is one of the roadside stations of Hokkaido. It is located along National Route 274 at Urimaku Nishi 3-chome in the town of Shikaoi, Kato District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Urimaku Roadside Station

Urimaku Roadside Station Details

Registered as a roadside station on August 10, 2005, with registration number 92, Roadside Station Urimaku is one of Shikaoi’s most unique attractions. Located just a 20-minute drive from Lake Shikaribetsu, a mystical lake in Daisetsuzan National Park, this roadside station offers experiences you will not easily find elsewhere in Hokkaido. From horseback riding to park golf, cultural events, and local delicacies, Urimaku is the perfect stop for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Shikaoi’s nature and traditions.

Urimaku Roadside Station - Shikaoi town, Hokkaido Prefecture

A Horseback Riding Experience in Hokkaido

One of the highlights of Roadside Station Urimaku is the Shikaoi Town Riding Park. Even beginners can safely enjoy riding real horses in a lush natural setting. Surrounded by greenery, visitors can take a break from daily life and reconnect with nature while bonding with these gentle animals. 

Urimaku Roadside Station grounds map

Horseback riding is available from 9:30 to 16:30 (April to October) and from 10:30 to 15:00 (November to March). The park is closed during the New Year’s holidays, from December 30 to January 6, and reservations may be required for certain activities.

Park Golf with Mountain Views

For those who enjoy sports in nature, the park golf course at Urimaku is a refreshing experience. With a total length of 1,500 meters and the longest hole stretching 134 meters, the course is designed for both beginners and confident players. Playing while enjoying sweeping views of the Hidaka Mountains and Mount Daisetsuzan is an unforgettable experience. Children are also welcome, with kids’ clubs available for rent.

Urimaku Roadside Station facade

It was Halloween season when we visited, hence the special decoration

Photos inside Urimaku Roadside Station

The coin-operated mechanical horse inside Urimaku Roadside Station

Urimaku Roadside Station men's toilet area

Seasonal Festivals and Local Culture

Roadside Station Urimaku is also home to lively seasonal events, including the Horse Festival and Horse Racing Tournament, which showcase the region’s equestrian heritage. The Multipurpose Plaza offers covered benches, making it a comfortable resting spot surrounded by greenery, even on rainy days.

Shikaoi Horse Riding Park

Shikaoi Horse Riding Park

Local Food and Souvenirs

Inside the Urimaku Direct Sales Store, visitors can shop for souvenirs and try unique experiences. One of the highlights is a riding simulator, the same size as a real horse, available for just 200 yen per 90 seconds. The shop was renovated in April 2010 and now serves light meals. Popular dishes include soba and udon noodles made with locally grown Shikaoi buckwheat flour and savory dashi broth. For those looking for a quick snack, the Nikujagaman (steamed meat-and-potato bun) is a favorite takeaway item. Souvenir options range from Shikaoi specialties and handmade leather goods to locally crafted handicrafts that make perfect gifts.

Urimaku Roadside Station Stamp

Urimaku Roadside Station digital stamp

Urimaku Roadside Station stamp

A Gateway to Shikaoi’s Countryside

Visitors who want to stay longer can explore farm inns and rural restaurants in the area. These establishments serve fresh agricultural and livestock products from Shikaoi, offering an authentic farm-to-table experience. Staying overnight allows travelers to fully enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside while savoring the region’s rich flavors.

Team Nicerio visits Urimaku Roadside Station

My family and I visited Urimaku Roadside Station for the first time on November 3, 2023, at the start of our three-day Culture Day Road Trip. It also coincided with my 732nd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme, which made the visit even more special. As part of our ongoing Hokkaido179 challenge, we always make it a point to stop at every roadside station we come across, collect their unique stamps, and try their local specialties. 

At Urimaku Roadside Station, we were delighted to find not only fresh local produce sold at prices far lower than regular supermarkets but also fun activities that highlight the town’s equestrian heritage. My family and I even tried the horseback riding experience inside the roadside station, albeit the mechanical simulator, which turned out to be a fun and memorable part of our visit.

Urimaku Roadside Station Admission Fee

It’s FREE to park, explore, and use some of the facilities of Urimaku Roadside Station. However, it is highly recommended that you bring cash if you want to avail of some of the locally produced products and souvenirs sold in the roadside station or try the different activities in it.

Urimaku Roadside Station Operating Hours

Urimaku Roadside Station is open from:
9:00–17:00 (March–November)
9:00–16:00 (December–February)

Please note that you won’t be able to obtain the roadside station stamp on closed days.

 

Why visit the Urimaku Roadside Station?

With its rare horseback riding opportunities, exciting events, delicious local cuisine, and stunning natural setting, Roadside Station Urimaku is more than just a roadside stop. It is a destination that captures the spirit of Shikaoi, offering visitors a chance to experience the deep connection between the town, its horses, and its surrounding landscapes.

Getting to Urimaku Roadside Station

 

From Obihiro Station, head out and go to Platform 4 of the Obihiro-eki Bus Terminal. Board the Bus #51 Shikaribetsu Line (Shikaribetsu-ko via Kino, Otofuke Yakuba, Komaba, Otofuke Koko, Shikaoi), which is operated by the Taku Bus Company.

Get off at Riding Park (Michi-no Eko Urimaku). 

Travel time: 1 hour and 22 minutes

Fare: 1,250 yen

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