Roadside Station Pier 21 Shihoro - Hokkaido

Roadside Station Pier 21 Shihoro, also referred to as Roadside Station PIA 21 Shihoro (道の駅 ピア21しほろ), is one of the roadside stations of Hokkaido. It is located at Nishi 2 Sen-134 in the town of Shihoro, Kato District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Roadside Station Pier 21 Shihoro

Roadside Station Pier 21 Shihoro Details

Roadside Station Pier 21 Shihoro was officially registered on April 11, 1997, with registration number 44. Designed to bring people closer to the fields and rural life, this roadside station showcases the best of Shihoro Town. It has become a place where tourists can enjoy local flavors and experiences, and where locals love to stop by every day. From Shihoro beef dishes and specialty potatoes to handmade goods and soft serve ice cream, the station offers something for every visitor.

Roadside Station Pier 21 Shihoro - Shihoro town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Cafe Kanichi – A Taste of History

CAFE Kanichi is named after Shihoro Town’s legendary president, Kanichi Ota, who founded the largest potato complex in the Orient and Yotsuba Dairy, and later became chairman of the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations. 

The cafe carries on its vision of a “Rural Utopia” while offering visitors a chance to taste local specialties. Here, you can enjoy 100% Shihoro beef hamburgers, Shihoro-style French fries, and expertly brewed coffee. The fries, made from Hokkaido-grown Hokkai Gold potatoes, are fluffy, sweet, and a must-try for any visitor.

Roadside Station Pier 21 Shihoro facade

It was almost Halloween when we visited, so there were numerous decorations outside the roadside station

Rainbow Restaurant – Shihoro Beef at Its Finest

The Rainbow Restaurant (にじいろ食堂) takes its name from National Route 241, which connects eastern Hokkaido, symbolizing a gateway to the region. Selected from 81 applicants, the restaurant serves luxurious dishes made from an entire Shihoro beef cow, including sword-tip steak, hamburger steak, beef bowls, and Shihoro beef curry. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a taste of Tokachi’s premium beef while exploring Shihoro.

道の駅 ピア21しほろ

The vending machines outside the roadside station feature scenes and places in Shihoro

There is also a special vending machine that sells Tokachi Special Products

PIA21 Shop – Bring Shihoro Home

The PIA21 Shop offers a wide range of products, letting visitors take a piece of Shihoro home. From JA Shihoro Town specialty products to handmade items like Sakura Kobo Yogurt and Kikuya Ryokan Smoked Turkey, the shop showcases the best local flavors and crafts.

Photos inside Roadside Station Pier 21 Shihoro

Roadside Station Pier 21 Shihoro men's toilet area

Kanichi French Fries – A Potato Lover’s Dream

The Kanichi French Fries were developed to create the most delicious fries in Japan using Shihoro’s specialty potatoes. Revamped in 2022, they are made from Hokkaido-grown Hokkai Gold potatoes, offering a soft, fluffy texture and naturally sweet flavor. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they are a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Roadside Station Pier 21 Shihoro Stamp

Roadside Station Pier 21 Shihoro digital stamp

Roadside Station Pier 21 Shihoro stamp

Family Space – Relax and Play

Families will appreciate the dedicated Family Space, designed for both relaxation and play. Children can enjoy the “A-I-U-E-O Outing Chart”, a friendly illustration of Shihoro’s best spots, while parents unwind. The space also includes a nursing room, making it convenient for families with young children.

Team Nicerio visits Roadside Station Pier 21 Shihoro

My family and I visited Roadside Station Pier 21 Shihoro for the first time on November 3, 2023, marking the beginning of our three-day Culture Day Road Trip. It also happened to be my 732nd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme, which made the visit even more special. As part of our ongoing Hokkaido 179 challenge, we make it a point to stop at every roadside station across Hokkaido, collect their unique stamps, and try local specialties. 

At Roadside Station Pier 21 Shihoro, we sampled some of the town’s signature products and purchased fresh produce from the market, discovering high-quality ingredients at prices much lower than typical grocery stores. It was a rewarding experience that gave us an authentic taste of Shihoro’s local flavors.

Roadside Station Pier 21 Shihoro Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter, park, explore, and use the toilet of Roadside Station Pier 21 Shihoro. However, it is highly recommended that you bring cash in case you want to buy some souvenirs or products from the roadside station.

Roadside Station Pier 21 Shihoro Operating Hours

Roadside Station Pier 21 Shihoro is open from 9:00 to 17:00, with extended hours from 9:00 to 18:00 during Golden Week and Obon holidays.

Nijiro Shokudo serves meals from 11:00 to 15:00, while Cafe Kanichi welcomes visitors from 9:00 to 17:00, with last orders taken at 16:30.

Why Visit Roadside Station Pier 21 Shihoro

From gourmet local cuisine and premium Shihoro beef to fresh potatoes, handmade goods, and family-friendly facilities, Roadside Station Pier 21 Shihoro is more than just a roadside stop. It’s a place to experience the charm, flavors, and spirit of Shihoro Town, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Tokachi in Hokkaido.

 

Getting to Roadside Station Pier 21 Shihoro

By Car:

From Obihiro, take Route 241 north for approximately 50 minutes. From Sapporo, it's about a 3.5-hour drive via the Doto Expressway and Route 241. Parking is available on-site.

By Bus:

While there isn't a direct highway bus to Pier 21 Shihoro, you can take a highway bus to Obihiro or Shintoku and then transfer to a local bus or taxi to reach the station.

By Train:

The nearest JR station is Shintoku Station, approximately 30 minutes away by car. From Shintoku, you can take a taxi or a local bus to the station.

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