Honbetsu Roadside Station, formally called
Roadside Station Stella Honbetsu (道の駅 ステラ★ほんべつ), is one of the
roadside stations of Hokkaido Prefecture. It is located at 1-1, Kita 3-chome in
the town of Honbetsu, Nakagawa District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Honbetsu Roadside Station |
Honbetsu Roadside Station Details
Honbetsu Roadside Station, officially
registered as roadside station number 107 on March 12, 2009, is a must-visit
destination for travelers exploring Hokkaido. This site holds significant
historical value as it was formerly Honbetsu Station. This key transportation hub has served the local community for nearly 100 years since the railway first
opened in Honbetsu Town in 1909.
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| Honbetsu Roadside Station - Honbetsu town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Although the Furusato Ginga Line was
discontinued in April 2006, Honbetsu Roadside Station continues to thrive as a
vibrant local center, offering a variety of services and attractions for
visitors and residents alike.
Honbetsu Roadside Station facade
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| The official name of the roadside station is Roadside Station Stella Honbetsu |
A Rich History: From Honbetsu Station to
Roadside Station
For about a century, Honbetsu Station was
an essential part of transportation in the region, connecting people and goods
across Hokkaido. When the Furusato Ginga Line was closed, the community
transformed the station into a multifunctional roadside facility to keep the
spirit of the area alive.
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| The Honbetsu Park Area map is installed in the roadside station grounds |
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| Honbetsu Roadside Station entrance from the parking area |
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| Different soft cream flavors for sale in Honbetsu Roadside Station |
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| Genki-kun welcomes you to Honbetsu Roadside Station |
Today, it functions as a hub that supports tourism,
local commerce, and community life. The station also features a post office, a
tourist information center, shops selling agricultural produce and local
specialties, as well as a restaurant and bakery, added to enhance the visitor
experience.
Photos Inside Honbetsu Roadside Station
What to See and Do at Honbetsu Roadside
Station
Tourist Information Center
The station’s tourist information center is your go-to spot for everything
related to Honbetsu. Here, visitors can access detailed guides on local
attractions such as Honbetsu Park, which showcases breathtaking natural scenery
throughout the seasons. The center also provides information on upcoming
events, gourmet recommendations, and assistance with accommodation bookings to
ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay.Honbetsu Pokémon Manhole Cover
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| It features Vulpix and Ditto |
Local Specialty Products Sales Corner
The sales corner features an impressive selection of regional products that
reflect the unique agricultural heritage of Honbetsu. One highlight is the
“Kireimame” brand, which consists of black beans processed locally from the
“Hikarikurodaizu” variety. These beans are celebrated for their exceptional
quality, safety, and flavor. In addition to bean products, the store offers
popular sweets, fresh agricultural goods, handcrafted wooden items, and a
variety of souvenirs exclusive to the roadside station.
Bread Workshop “Alico Vert”
“Alico Vert,” which means “beans” in French, is a beloved bakery within the
station. It is known for its fresh, aromatic breads that are baked daily. The
“Kumo no Takumi Bread” and the “Karikari Melon” bread, infused with real melon
juice, are especially popular and often sell out shortly after baking. These
breads make for a delightful snack or a perfect gift to take home.
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| Honbetsu bread products |
Restaurant “Shuuka”
The restaurant at Honbetsu Roadside Station primarily serves Chinese cuisine
but also incorporates local ingredients into its diverse menu. Visitors can
enjoy a variety of dishes, ranging from fulfilling lunch sets to light tea-time
snacks and authentic Chinese dinners. The use of fresh, locally sourced produce
enhances the flavor and authenticity of the meals served.
Honbetsu Roadside Station Stamp
Team Nicerio visits Honbetsu Roadside
Station
My family and I visited Honbetsu Roadside
Station for the first time on November 5, 2023, the third day of our
three-day Culture Day Road Trip. This visit also marked my 734th day in
Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. As part of our Hokkaido 179
travel goal, we make it a point to visit all the roadside stations of
Hokkaido.
During our visit, we made sure to get the roadside station stamp for
our collection. We also explored the roadside station grounds, saw and took
photos of the Honbetsu Pokémon manhole cover, which is also a part of our Hokkaido 179 travel goals.
Honbetsu Roadside Station Admission Fee
It’s FREE to park, enter, and explore
Honbetsu Roadside Station. However, it’s highly recommended that you bring cash
in case you want to try the snacks or buy souvenirs sold in the roadside
station.
Honbetsu Roadside Station Operating Hours
Honbetsu Roadside Station is open from 9:00
AM to 6:00 PM from the end of April to October, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM from
November to April, and from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on December 30th. The
restaurant’s hours are 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
The station is closed during the New Year's
holiday from December 31st to January 3rd. The restaurant is closed every
Tuesday, with some additional closures in November for maintenance, and
occasional substitute holidays or temporary closures.
Why Visit Honbetsu Roadside Station?
Honbetsu Roadside Station is an ideal stop
for travelers who appreciate history, nature, and local culture. It offers a
unique opportunity to experience authentic Hokkaido hospitality while enjoying
fresh local foods, shopping for specialty products, and learning about the
area’s rich heritage. Whether you want to relax during a long drive or explore
regional attractions, this roadside station provides a warm and inviting
atmosphere for all visitors.
Getting to Honbetsu Roadside Station
From Obihiro Station, head out and go to Platform 7 of the Obihiro eki bus terminal and board Bus #17 Obihiro Rikubetsu Line operated by the Tokachi Bus Company.
Get off at Honbetsu bus stop. It's directly in front of the roadside station.
Travel time: 1 hour and 44 minutes
Fare: 1,350 yen
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