Otofuke Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Otofuke Roadside Station (道の駅おとふけ), formally called Otofuke Natsuzora No Furusato Rest Area (道の駅おとふけ なつぞらのふる里), is one of the roadside stations of Hokkaido. It is located at 2 Natsuzora in the town of Otofuke, Kato District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Otofuke Roadside Station

Otofuke Roadside Station Details

Otofuke Roadside Station, also known as Natsuzora no Furusato, is one of the most remarkable roadside stations in Hokkaido. Originally registered on April 16, 1996, with registration number 31, this beloved stop was rebuilt and moved to a different location on April 15, 2022. The new facility is now conveniently located on the south side of the Otofuke Obihiro Interchange along the Doto Expressway, just east of the popular Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden. This roadside station was ranked no. 1 in 2025 by a survey conducted by Hokkaido Jalan.

Otofuke Roadside Station - Otofuke town, Hokkaido Prefecture

More than just a rest stop, Otofuke Roadside Station is a vibrant hub of food, culture, shopping, and entertainment. With nine restaurants offering menus that highlight local Tokachi ingredients, a store selling fresh agricultural and livestock products, and an area inspired by the famous NHK drama Natsuzora, this roadside station has become a destination in itself.

Otofuke Roadside Station facade

Highlights of Otofuke Roadside Station

Otofuke Roadside Station's grounds map

Welcome to Otofuke

Natsuzora Dining

This dining zone is home to a collection of restaurants serving unique dishes that celebrate Tokachi’s agricultural abundance. In the center, you’ll find displays introducing the history and culture of Otofuke Town, including a tribute to Akira Ifukube, the renowned Japanese composer known for creating the Godzilla theme. 

Visitors can also marvel at a two-meter-tall Godzilla figurine with an impressive three-meter tail. Adding to the charm, the station features a grand piano, nicknamed the “Roadside Station Piano,” which visitors are welcome to play during designated hours.

Multipurpose Room

Perfect for events, gatherings, or group dining, this room can accommodate around 60 people. It is often used for exhibitions, training sessions, and other community activities. With a movable partition, the space can easily be divided into two smaller areas.

Kids’ Corners

Families traveling with children will find the kids’ play areas particularly inviting. The section for children under three offers wooden toys and picture books in a safe, separate environment. For older children (ages 3 and up), there is larger play equipment called “Moi Moi,” complete with projection mapping and magnetic play on the walls, ensuring hours of fun.

Inside Otofuke Roadside Station

Akira Ifukube (伊福部 昭, 1914–2006) was a Japanese composer best known for creating the iconic music of the Godzilla films and for his significant contributions to 20th-century Japanese classical music.

Information Dissemination Corner

This area provides useful tourist information about Tokachi, including brochures, a roadside station stamp, and photo-worthy displays. One highlight is the wall featuring large photographs of wheat fields just before harvest, which makes a stunning backdrop for memorable snapshots.

Otofuke Roadside Station Stamp

Otofuke Roadside Station digital stamp

Otofuke Roadside Station stamp

Natsuzora Area

Fans of the NHK drama Natsuzora will love this section, designed to recreate iconic sets from the show. Visitors can step into spaces modeled after the Shibata family’s farmhouse, cowshed, silo, and the famous confectionery shop “Setsuzuki.” 

Shibata's family farmhouse and the Setsuzuki

Inside, you’ll find authentic props from the drama, vintage tractors, and exhibitions that bring the story to life. The Otofuke Town Products Association also sells local sweets and specialty goods, making it the perfect spot to pick up souvenirs.

Team Nicerio visits Otofuke Roadside Station

My family and I visited Otofuke Roadside Station for the first time on November 3, 2023, during the first day of our three-day Culture Day Road Trip. The visit was extra special for me as it also marked my 732nd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. As part of our ongoing Hokkaido 179 challenge, we make it a point to stop at every roadside station we encounter, collect their unique stamps, and sample local specialties.

During our visit to Otofuke Roadside Station, we made sure not only to get the roadside station stamp, but we also explored its grounds. We particularly enjoyed the Natsuzora Area, which was modeled after the Shinata family’s farmhouse. Next time, we’d love to try out its restaurant.

Otofuke Roadside Station Admission Fee

It’s FREE to park, enter, and explore the Otofuke Roadside Station grounds. However, it is highly recommended that you bring cash just in case you want to dine at its restaurant or buy souvenirs from its souvenir shop.

Otofuke Roadside Station Operating Hours

Otofuke Roadside Station is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Do note that individual shops and restaurants inside may follow different operating hours. The best part is that the roadside station stamp can be collected anytime—available 24/7, even when the main facilities are closed.

Why visit Otofuke Roadside Station?

Otofuke Roadside Station is more than just a quick stop along the Doto Expressway. It is a destination that brings together local culture, food, and entertainment in one convenient location. Travelers can enjoy Tokachi’s farm-to-table cuisine, shop for fresh produce and specialty goods, and step into the world of the NHK drama Natsuzora. Families will love the dedicated kids’ play areas, while culture enthusiasts can explore exhibits that highlight Otofuke’s heritage and the works of Akira Ifukube, the composer of the Godzilla theme.

Getting to Otofuke Roadside Station

 

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 Otofuke Roadside Station.

Travel time: 40 minutes

Fare: 320 yen

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