Nakasatsunai Roadside Station (道の駅 なかさつない)
is one of the roadside stations of Hokkaido. It is located at 7 Chome-14
Odoriminami in the village of Nakasatsunai, Kasai District, Hokkaido Prefecture,
Japan.
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| Nakasatsunai Roadside Station |
Nakasatsunai Roadside Station Details
Nakasatsunai Roadside Station is
one of the most popular roadside stations in the region. It was officially
registered on August 5, 1996, with registration number 36, and has since
become a major transportation hub and tourist gateway to southern Tokachi.
Conveniently located at the junction of National Route 236 and Prefectural
Route Shimizu-Daiki Line, it is not just a rest stop but also a cultural and
culinary destination for travelers exploring the Tokachi region.
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| Nakasatsunai Roadside Station - Nakasatsunai Village, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Surrounded by seasonal flowers and greenery, Nakasatsunai
Roadside Station offers plenty to enjoy. Visitors will find local cuisine,
family-friendly attractions, and cultural experiences that reflect the charm of
Nakasatsunai Village. With seven restaurants, a popular local product store,
and a museum dedicated to beans, it is a place worth setting aside time for.
Nakasatsunai Roadside Station facade
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| Nakasatsunai Roadside Station facade |
In April 2022, the station became even more family-friendly
when a new indoor kids’ space with large play equipment was opened, making it
an excellent stop for those traveling with children.
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| Nakasatsunai Roadside Station map |
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| 道の駅 なかさつない |
Highlights and Facilities of Nakasatsunai Roadside
Station
Country Plaza
At the heart of Nakasatsunai Roadside Station is Country
Plaza, the main hub where most visitors begin their stop. Inside, you will
find a souvenir shop offering local specialties from Nakasatsunai, a restaurant
that serves dishes made with fresh seasonal ingredients, and a tourist
information center where travelers can get advice about the area. It also
serves as the official stamp rally corner, a favorite among Michi-no-Eki
enthusiasts.
Inside Nakasatsunai Roadside Station
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| Weather Cock Cafe |
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| Edamame Soft Cream |
.jpg "Pi-tan (ピータン)") |
| Pi-tan (ピータン) |
Kids’ Space
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| Kids’ Space |
For families traveling with children, the Kids’ Space
inside Country Plaza is a highlight. Opened in 2022, this indoor play area is
designed for kids up to second grade. It features trampolines, slides, blocks,
and other play structures, creating a safe and enjoyable environment where
young travelers can burn off energy during the trip.
Kasuisan Take-out Corner
If you are looking for a quick meal, Kasuisan is the
perfect stop. This take-out corner offers popular dishes such as Tokachi curry,
Nakasatsunai chicken meals, pork bowls, and refreshing gelato. Adding to its
charm is a unique egg vending machine that has become a quirky and popular
attraction in itself.
Hanamizuyama Local Product Store
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| Hanamizuyama Local Product Store |
The Hanamizuyama store showcases the agricultural
richness of Nakasatsunai. This direct-from-farm shop sells fresh vegetables,
seasonal flowers, seedlings, and handcrafted goods brought in daily by local
farmers and villagers. It is an excellent spot to find authentic souvenirs
while also supporting local producers.
Bean Museum “Beans House”
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| Bean Museum |
One of the most distinctive attractions at the roadside
station is the Bean Museum, also known as Beans House. Inspired
by the imagined home and laboratory of a fictional bean researcher named
Mamehata Takuo, the museum introduces visitors to beans from Tokachi and around
the world. Interactive exhibits and creative bean-based recipes make the
experience both educational and fun for all ages.
Pioneer Memorial Hall (Soba Hana)
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| Pioneer Memorial Hall (Soba Hana) |
For those interested in history, the Pioneer Memorial
Hall offers a glimpse into rural Hokkaido during the late Taisho period.
This restored farmhouse preserves the lifestyle of early settlers through
displays of old furniture, nostalgic magazines, and school textbooks. The
building also houses Soba Hana Restaurant, where guests can enjoy
handmade soba noodles served in a traditional and cozy atmosphere.
Nakasatsunai Roadside Station Stamp
Team Nicerio visits Nakasatsunai Roadside Station
My family and I visited Nakasatsunai
Roadside Station for the first time on November 4, 2023, which was the
second day of our three-day Culture Day Road Trip. This marked my 733rd
day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. As part of our Hokkaido 179
travel goals, we made sure to include the roadside station in our itinerary. During
our visit, my wife and I enjoyed shopping for Nakasatsunai-exclusive products.
Of course, I didn’t miss collecting the roadside station stamp for my
collection.
Nakasatsunai Roadside Station Fees
It’s FREE to park, enter, and explore Nakasatsunai Roadside
Station. However, it is highly recommended that you bring cash just in case you
want to avail of the refreshments and souvenirs.
Nakasatsunai Roadside Station Operating Hours
Nakasatsunai Roadside Station is open from 9 AM to 6 PM
(April–October), 9 AM to 5 PM (November–March)
Note: Hours and holidays may vary by store.
Why Visit Nakasatsunai Roadside Station?
Nakasatsunai Roadside Station is more than just a place to
rest. It is a destination where visitors can enjoy delicious food, explore
unique cultural attractions, and spend quality time with family. From fresh
local produce and hearty Tokachi cuisine to the quirky Bean Museum and the
nostalgic Pioneer Memorial Hall, there is something for everyone. If you’re
collecting roadside station stamps, make sure to visit during open days.
Getting to Nakasatsunai Roadside Station
From Obihiro Station, head to platform 11 of the Obihiro Station Bus Terminal and board bus #60 Hiroo Line operated by the Tokichi Bus Company. Board down at Michinoeki Nakasatsunai bus stop.
From there, cross the street to reach the roadside station.
Fare: 860 yen
Travel time: 1 hour and 2 minutes
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.jpg "Pi-tan (ピータン)")
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