Natsuzora Area - Hokkaido

Natsuzora Area (なつぞらエリア) is a tourist attraction in the grounds of the Otofuke Roadside Station. It is located at Natsuzora Kita 9 Sen Nishi 2-2 in the town of Otofuke, Kato District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

なつぞらエリア
Natsuzora Area

Natsuzora Area Details

If you are a fan of the NHK morning drama series Natsuzora or simply love exploring unique stops in Tokachi, Hokkaido, the Natsuzora Area at Otofuke Roadside Station is a must-visit. This area brings the drama to life with buildings and sets that recreate iconic locations from the series, making it feel like you’ve stepped straight into the story.

Natsuzora Area - Otofuke town, Hokkaido Prefecture
Natsuzora Area - Otofuke town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Explore Four Iconic Buildings

The Natsuzora Area features four main buildings that fans of the drama will instantly recognize:

Shibata Family Main House (柴田家 母屋)

柴田家 母屋
Shibata Family Main House

Inside Shibata Family Main House
Inside Shibata Family Main House

Walking into the Shibata family’s main house is like stepping back in time. The recreated living space captures the atmosphere of the heroine’s childhood in Tokachi. Best of all, the entrance is free, so you can explore at your own pace.

Shibata Family Cowshed (柴田家 牛舎)

柴田家 牛舎
Shibata Family Cowshed

Displays inside Shibata Family Cowshed

Displays inside Shibata Family Cowshed

Displays inside Shibata Family Cowshed

Displays inside Shibata Family Cowshed

The cowshed is packed with details for drama fans and history enthusiasts alike. Props used in the show are on display, along with vintage tractors that were once used in Otofuke Town. There’s also a photo spot featuring panels of characters from the opening animation, making it perfect for memorable shots.

Shibata Family Silo

Shibata Family Silo
Shibata Family Silo

The silo completes the farm setting and blends perfectly with the main house and cowshed. Outside, a lush pasture with cow sculptures welcomes visitors and adds to the charm of this authentic farm atmosphere.

Setsugetsu Confectionery Shop

Setsugetsu Confectionery Shop
Setsugetsu Confectionery Shop

Inside Setsugetsu Confectionery Shop

Inside Setsugetsu Confectionery Shop

Inside Setsugetsu Confectionery Shop

This shop from the drama has been recreated down to the smallest detail. Inside, you can see the interior as it appeared on screen, and nearby, the Otofuke Town Products Association sells sweets and local specialties, letting you bring a taste of Tokachi home.

Photos around Natsuzora Area

Photos around Natsuzora Area

Photos around Natsuzora Area

Photos around Natsuzora Area

Photos around Natsuzora Area

Photos around Natsuzora Area

Welcome to Otofuke
Welcome to Otofuke

A Family-Friendly Experience

The Natsuzora Area isn’t just for drama fans. The interactive spaces, photo spots, and carefully recreated settings make it a fun stop for families traveling through Tokachi. Kids and adults alike can explore the area, learn about local agriculture, and enjoy the farm-like scenery.

Team Nicerio Visits Natsuzora Area

Team Nicerio Visits Natsuzora Area

Team Nicerio Visits Natsuzora Area

Team Nicerio Visits Natsuzora Area

Team Nicerio Visits Natsuzora Area

Team Nicerio Visits Natsuzora Area

Team Nicerio Visits Natsuzora Area

My family and I visited the Natsuzora Area for the first time on November 3, 2023, as part of our trip to Otofuke Roadside Station during the first day of our three-day Culture Day Road Trip. The visit was extra special for me because it also marked my 732nd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme.

In fact, we ended up spending more time exploring the Natsuzora Area than the roadside station itself. We enjoyed wandering through the buildings, admiring the exhibits, and, of course, taking plenty of photos of their beautiful architecture.

Natsuzora Area Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter and explore the Natsuzora Area and its facilities.

Natsuzora Area Operating Hours

Natsuzora Area grounds are open 24/7, but the buildings are open from 9 AM to 7 PM.

Why Visit the Natsuzora Area?

Fans of the NHK drama Natsuzora, travelers exploring Tokachi, and families looking for a fun stop along the Doto Expressway will all find something to enjoy at the Natsuzora Area in Otofuke Roadside Station. From the Shibata family farm to the charming Setsugetsu confectionery shop, every corner tells a story. It is a place to relax, explore, and take home a little piece of Hokkaido.


Getting to Natsuzora Area

 

The best way to reach Otofuke Roadside Station is by private or rental car. If you prefer to use public transportation, here’s the route I’m familiar with:

From Obihiro Station, go to Platform 4 and take bus #33 Ryokuyo-dai/Komaba Line (Otofuke Koko-mae, Komaba via Kino Nokyo, Ryokudai, Otofuke Yakuba) operated by the Taku Bus Company.

Get off at Ryokudai Kita-ku bus stop, then walk about 1–3 minutes west to reach Natsuzora Area.

Travel time: 40 minutes

Fare: 320 yen

Ratings

Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall rating


Location: Japan, 〒080-0346 Hokkaido, Kato District, Otofuke, Natsuzora, Kita 9 Sennishi−2−２ なつぞら

Comments

Post a Comment

Please Follow my Official FB Page

The Backpack Adventures

Book your hotel thru KLOOK

Klook.com
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Popular posts from this blog

Bicol Road Trip 2021: Day 1

Image
Bicol Road Trip 2021: Day 1 Intro After 3 years, my family and I got the opportunity to travel back to Albay - my father's hometown. What's special about this trip was that it was my first time to drive solo to Albay which is an 11-12 hour trip. My dad and mom were already at Casa Nicerio , our home/farm in Barangay Bariw in Camalig.  Although my siblings will be joining us on our trip, we still decided to bring only one vehicle instead of going on a convoy. Aside from that, we will also bring our pet ducks, Maya and Chick-Chick to their new home. Luckily, all our luggage and ducks fit at the back of the pickup.  As part of the travel requirements to enter Bicol Region, we had an antigen test a day before our trip.  Day 1: July 17,2021 Off to Albay As planned, we left at around 3:30AM to avoid traffic and also to reach our destination early. According to Google Maps, our 445-kilometer journey would take around 11+ hours.  Zigzag Road Stopover at Atimonan Zigzag Par...
Keep reading

Aguinaldo Shrine - Cavite

Image
Located in Kawit in the province of Cavite, Aguinaldo Shrine is the ancestral home of General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippines. It is famously known as the house where the Filipino flag was formally unfurled to the public after the declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898. Aguinaldo Shrine Aguinaldo Shrine history Constructed in 1845, the house became a silent witness to the shaping of the Filipino nation. It all began on March 22, 1869, when Emilio Aguinaldo was born in one of its rooms. Years later, the house became a meeting place for revolutionaries. It was here that many of the most important revolutionary plans were made.  Aguinaldo Shrine - Kawit, Cavite Contrary to popular belief this balcony was not there when the flag was first shown to the Filipinos. Lastly, the house became a symbol of freedom when the flag a hoisted and shown to the public during the declaration of independence from Spain. This event is known today as the Araw ng ...
Keep reading

Wakayama Marina City - Wakayama

Image
Wakayama Marina City ( 和歌山マリーナシティ ) is an artificial island in Wakayama Prefecture that is popular with tourists due to its fish market and theme park. It is located at 1527 Kemi, Wakayama City in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan . Wakayama Marina City Wakayama Marina City Details Construction of the artificial island began in April 1989. The island was finally completed and opened to the public in 1994. The island was originally developed by Matsushita Kosan (Matsushita Investment and Development Company Ltd.) and Wakayama Prefecture to coincide with the World Resort Expo of 1994.  Welcome to Wakayama Marina City Wakayama Marina City - Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture Wakayama Marina City has a total land area of 49 hectares. Today, the island is known for its theme park (Porto Europa), hot spring (Kishu Kuroshio Onsen), hotel (Wakayama Marina City Hotel), and market (Kurushio Market). Entering Porto Europa Wakayama Porto Europa Map It is currently one of the most popular sightsee...
Keep reading

10 Things to Do in Hokuto City

Image
10 Things to Do in Hokuto City Hokuto ( 北斗市 ) is a city located in the Oshima Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan , established on February 1, 2006, through the merger of Kamiiso Town and Ono Town. The name " Hokuto " was chosen following a public suggestion process, with six proposals considered by the merger council. The final name, symbolizing a cluster of stars coming together, was selected to reflect the hope that the merging towns, Kamiiso and Ono, would unite to form a bright, unique city with individuality and potential for future growth. For those planning to visit this city to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Hokuto City : Hokuto City's manhole cover 1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Hokuto City . So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole cover, which is common around the town. The colored version of it is displayed inside Shin Hakodate-Hokuto Station .  Itomihi Shrine 2. Visit the Itomihi Shrine ( 意冨比神社 ).  It is one of the main s...
Keep reading

Shikaribetsu Lakebed Railway - Hokkaido

Image
Shikaribetsu Lakebed Railway ( 然別湖湖底線路 ) is a modest boat ramp that has gained attention for its resemblance to the submerged railway scene in Studio Ghibli’s famous film Spirited Away. Located near Hakuunbashi (Hakuunzan Trailhead) in Kita-Urimaku, Shikaoi Town, Kato District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Shikaribetsu Lakebed Railway Lake Shikaribetsu Lakebed Railway Details Lake Shikaribetsu is often called the “ Lake in the Sky ” because it sits at the highest altitude of any lake in Hokkaido. This natural alpine lake is celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and mystical scenery, offering visitors a chance to experience the untouched beauty of Hokkaido’s wilderness. Surrounded by lush forests and majestic mountains, Lake Shikaribetsu is a destination that captivates travelers throughout the year. Shikaribetsu Lakebed Railway - Shikaoi town, Hokkaido Prefecture The Mystical Underwater Railway Tracks One of the most intriguing sights at Lake Shikaribetsu is the Underwater Railw...
Keep reading

Hiking Mt. Gulugod Baboy

Image
Our adventure today takes us to a mountain south of Metro Manila. Mt. Gulugod Baboy  (other variations Mt. Gulugod-Baboy ) is located in Anilao, Mabini in the province of Batangas. Gulugod-baboy is a Filipino phrase that means "pig's spine." The mountain got its name from the contours of the peaks which resemble a pig's back as seen from Janao Bay. Mt. Gulugod Baboy Mt. Gulugod Baboy details Mt. Gulugod Baboy - Mabini, Batangas Mt. Gulugod Baboy , despite being called a mountain, may also be referred to as a hill. This is because of the fact that the distinction between a hill and a mountain remains subjective and unclear. (As you may know, the maximum height of a hill is still being contested.) I'm taking a picture of my friend Raine doing a Teletubby jump Mt. Gulugod Baboy fun moments Other Teletubby moments... So what's the big deal? Mt. Gulugod Baboy stands 525 meters above sea level. Typically, landforms reaching 500 feet (152 ...
Keep reading

Sirena ng Atimonan - Quezon

Image
Located along the Pan-Philippine Highway, a few kilometers outside the town proper of Atimonan in the province of Quezon, the Sirena is a mermaid statue that is probably one of the most famous landmarks of the province. The statue is called by some the Sirena ng Atimonan , while others call it Sirena ng Quezon, but to most, it is referred to only as the Sirena . Sirena ng Atimonan Sirena ng Atimonan Details Sitting on top of a huge boulder on the side of the Pan-Philippine Highway, the Sirena seems to be locked in an eternal gaze searching among the passing motorists for the man that would hopefully release her from her current petrified state. Sirena ng Atimonan - Atimonan, Quezon Can you spot the mermaid? Being partly Atimonanin (thanks to my mom's bloodline), I spent most of my summer vacations visiting my cousins living in the said province. Because Atimonan is a coastal town, the beach was always our favorite destination. It was on one of those trips that I fir...
Keep reading

Pokemon Center Kyoto - Kyoto

Image
Pokemon Center Kyoto  ( ポケモンセンターキョウト ) is a specialty store that sells awesome Pokemon merchandise. It is l ocated on the second floor of the SUINA Muromachi Shopping Mall in Shimogyo Ward, Kankobokocho, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan . Pokemon Center Kyoto Pokemon Center Kyoto History Opened in 2017 and originally located on the fifth floor of Takashimaya Department Store Kyoto, Pokemon Center Kyoto moved to its current location last March 2019. The current store measures 381 square meters which are way larger than the old store.  Pokemon Center Kyoto - Kyoto City Welcome to Pokemon Center Kyoto Pokemon Center Kyoto's Mascot - Maiko Pikachu Pokemon Center Kyoto Exclusive Merchandise Pokemon Center Kyoto is a must-visit if you adore anything Pokemon. The store has tons of Pokemon merchandise including Kyoto exclusive merch. Like the Maiko Pikachu plush toy which also serves as the store's mascot.  Pokemon Center Kyoto Exclusive Merchandise: Maiko Pikachu Okug...
Keep reading

Kamui no Mori Park - Hokkaido

Image
Kamui no Mori Park or Kamui Forest Park ( カムイの杜公園 ) is an expansive park that features a playground, a campsite, tennis courts, and a cross-country ski course. It is located at Tomisawa Kamuicho in Asahikawa City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Kamui no Mori Park Kamui no Mori Park Details In 1991, Kamui no Mori Park earned its place as one of 15 parks in Japan designated by the Ministry of Construction (now the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism) under the " Heisei Memorial Children's Forest Park Development Project ." This initiative aimed to create spaces where children, the future leaders of tomorrow, could grow up healthy in lush, green environments. Kamui no Mori Park - Asahikawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture Designed with Kids in Mind The park’s design was inspired by insights shared during the " Kamui no Mori Park Children's Conference " held in 1992, where local elementary students voiced their ideas. One of their key sug...
Keep reading

10 Things to Do in Kuriyama

Image
10 Things to Do in Kuriyama Kuriyama ( 栗山町 ) is a picturesque town located in the Sorachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . Originally known as " Kadota Village " during the pioneering era, the town was officially renamed in 1890 (Meiji 23). In April 1949 (Showa 24), it was officially established as Kuriyama Town. The village’s original name, Kakuta, was derived from the Kakuta clan's homeland, as the area was developed by samurai from the Sendai domain. In 1949, the village was renamed Kuriyama , a name it still holds today. The name " Kuriyama " comes from the Ainu word " yam-ni-ushi ," which means "a place where chestnut trees grow abundantly." For those planning to visit this picturesque town to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Kuriyama :   Manhole covers of Kuriyama 1. Take a picture of the manhole covers of Kuriyama . So far, I have seen 2 unique manhole covers in the town. They are both commonly fo...
Keep reading