Sarabetsu Roadside Station PiPOPA (道の駅さらべつ
PiPOPA) is one of the roadside stations of Hokkaido. It is located at 464-1
Kowa in the village of Sarabetsu, Kasai District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Sarabetsu Roadside Station PiPOPA |
Sarabetsu Roadside Station PiPOPA Details
Sarabetsu Roadside Station PiPOPA is a must-visit
stop for travelers exploring the Tokachi region. Registered as a roadside
station on August 27, 1999 and was given Registration No. 64, PiPOPA combines local
culture, fresh produce, and unique culinary experiences, making it a favorite
destination for families, foodies, and road-trippers.
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| Sarabetsu Roadside Station PiPOPA - Sarabetsu Village, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Convenient Location
Sarabetsu Roadside Station is easily accessible, about a 15-minute
drive from Tokachi Obihiro Airport or the Sarabetsu Interchange on
the expressway. Situated at the intersection of the Sarabetsu-Makubetsu Line
and the Oda Toyokoro Line, the station also marks the entrance to Tokachi
Speedway, making it an ideal pit stop for travelers passing through.
Sarabetsu Roadside Station PiPOPA facade
The PiPOPA Facility
The main facility, named “PiPOPA” after the playful
sound of a telephone (“Pi-Po-Pa”), is a tourism and product center
offering a variety of local specialties. Visitors can browse shops filled with Sarabetsu-grown
produce, artisanal products, and regional souvenirs, or enjoy a meal at the
on-site restaurant. During summer, the roadside station hosts a fresh
vegetable market, where local farmers sell produce picked that very
morning.
Inside Sarabetsu Roadside Station PiPOPA
Specialty Products and Local Delights
Sarabetsu Roadside Station showcases the best of local
agriculture and craftsmanship. Seasonal vegetables such as potatoes, green
asparagus, and leafy greens are abundant, alongside beans like red
kidney beans, Otebo, and adzuki beans. Sarabetsu is the largest producer of
red kidney beans in Japan. Processed products include Sarabetsusan Udon,
made with locally grown wheat, potato starch, and artisanal cheese.
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| Sarabetsu specialty products |
The station also celebrates Sarabetsu’s famous plums from
the “Plum Village”, offering products such as plum drinking yogurt,
plum liqueur, plum jam, and local cider. A nationwide favorite, Donguri
no Mura Potato Chips, is another must-buy item for travelers.
Dining at Restaurant “Potato”
The on-site restaurant, Potato, offers a menu
highlighting local ingredients. Recommended dishes include the Oyapa Set
(pork bowl and ramen) and Tokachi Koufukugyo Beef Curry, which uses
Sarabetsu’s specialty beef. The restaurant also serves Sarabetsu San Udon,
made from locally grown wheat, and the Plum Soft Serve Ice Cream, a
treat enjoyed by visitors year-round.
Specialty Products Sales Corner
The sales corner offers a wide selection of Sarabetsu
specialties, from award-winning Tokachi Koufukugyo Beef Curry to Tsubu
Tsubu Starch, made using traditional methods. In addition to plum-based
products and potato chips, shoppers can find a variety of agricultural and
livestock products from southern Tokachi, making it an excellent place to bring
home local flavors.
Sarabetsu Roadside Station Grounds
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| Sarabetsu Roadside Station grounds map |
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| Can you spot the map of Hokkaido? |
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| Don-chan - Sarabetsu's mascot |
Sarabetsusan Udon
Made with 100% locally grown “Kita Honami” wheat,
Sarabetsusan Udon has a rich aroma, deep flavor, and slightly darker color,
reflecting its high-quality domestic wheat. The noodles are glossy, chewy, and
smooth, offering a uniquely fresh udon experience. These fresh noodles are also
available for purchase in the specialty products corner.
Sarabetsu Roadside Station PiPOPA Stamp
Weekend Fresh Vegetable Market
Open on Saturdays and Sundays (9:00–16:00) from early
June to early November, the market sells vegetables harvested that morning
directly from local farms. In addition to staples like potatoes and leafy
greens, visitors can find unique items such as bitter melon and yacon,
attracting shoppers from across Tokachi and beyond. The market is closed on
public holidays, except when a Saturday falls on a holiday.
Team Nicerio visits Sarabetsu Roadside Station PiPOPA
My family and I visited Sarabetsu Roadside Station PiPOPA
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. Although we didn’t
purchase anything, my wife and I enjoyed checking out the locally produced
products on sale inside the roadside station. Of course, I didn’t miss
collecting the roadside station stamp for my collection.
Sarabetsu Roadside Station PiPOPA Admission Fee
It’s FREE to enter and explore the Sarabetsu Roadside
Station PiPOPA grounds. However, it is highly recommended that you bring cash
just in case you want to avail of locally produced products as souvenirs.
Sarabetsu Roadside Station PiPOPA Operating Hours
Roadside Station: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Restaurant: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Why visit Sarabetsu Roadside Station PiPOPA?
Sarabetsu Roadside Station PiPOPA is worth visiting for its fresh
local produce, unique specialty foods, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Travelers can enjoy seasonal vegetables, locally made udon and cheese, and
plum-based treats, all while exploring a convenient stop near Tokachi Speedway
and the expressway. The on-site restaurant offers delicious meals featuring
local ingredients, making it a perfect spot for a taste of Sarabetsu’s
culinary culture. With its combination of shopping, dining, and local experiences,
PiPOPA is an ideal destination for food lovers, families, and anyone exploring
Hokkaido’s Tokachi region.
Getting to Sarabetsu Roadside Station PiPOPA
There are no buses or trains that go directly to Sarabetsu Roadside Station. The most convenient way to reach it is by rental car or taxi.
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.jpg "Team Nicerio visits Sarabetsu Roadside Station PiPOPA")
.jpg "Team Nicerio visits Sarabetsu Roadside Station PiPOPA")
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