Kamishihoro Roadside Station (道の駅 かみしほろ) is
one of the many roadside stations found in Hokkaido. It is located at Higashi 3
Sen-227-1 in the town of Kamishihoro, Kato District in Hokkaido Prefecture,
Japan.
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| Kamishihoro Roadside Station |
Kamishihoro Roadside Station Details
Registered as an official roadside
station on March 13, 2020, Kamishihoro Roadside Station holds Registration
No. 127, making it the 127th roadside station in Hokkaido. This
relatively new facility perfectly captures the charm of Kamishihoro Town,
blending relaxation, adventure, and community spirit in one scenic location.
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| Kamishihoro Roadside Station - Kamishihoro town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
A Modern Stop
with Local Flavor
Operated by Karch Co., Ltd.,
the same company behind the popular Naitai Terrace at Naitai Plateau
Ranch, Kamishihoro Roadside Station offers a wide range of amenities for
travelers. Inside, visitors will find a cozy restaurant, a takeout
shop, and a bakery serving freshly baked bread and local
specialties. Whether you’re stopping for a meal, a quick snack, or souvenirs,
this station provides a warm and inviting atmosphere that reflects the town’s
hospitality.
Kamishihoro Roadside Station facade
Delicious Dining
and Local Treats
Inside the roadside station, you’ll
find four unique food establishments that highlight the flavors of Kamishihoro
and the wider Tokachi area:
🍽️ Restaurant / La table de KAMISHIHORO
A cozy restaurant where visitors can
enjoy meals prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu features
a mix of Western and Japanese-style dishes, offering hearty meals perfect for
travelers and families.
🥖 Bakery / Tokatoka
The onsite bakery fills the air with
the aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries. Tokatoka uses local flour and
dairy products, creating soft, flavorful bread that perfectly represents the
taste of Tokachi.
🍰 Sweets / THE SANDO
Sweet lovers shouldn’t miss THE
SANDO, a specialty sweets shop known for its beautifully crafted desserts
and signature sandwich-style treats. It’s a great spot for picking up gifts or
enjoying a light indulgence with coffee.
🍔 Food / UC STAND
For something quick and casual, UC
STAND serves local comfort food and snacks ideal for takeout or a light
meal on the go. It’s a popular choice among road trippers looking for a
delicious yet convenient stop.
Inside Kamishihoro Roadside Station
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| Kamishihoro Roadside Station Floor Map |
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| 道の駅 かみしほろ |
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| Hokkaido Balloon Festival brochures |
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| Bread & Special of Tokachi |
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| La Table de Kamishihoro |
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| Kazoku Statue |
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| Kamishihoro Roadside Station Information Corner |
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| Kamishihoro Roadside Station commemorative pin gatchapon |
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| Kamishihoro Roadside Station toilet area |
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| Must-try Kamishihoro Milk Cheese Tart |
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| Must-try Hotate Chips and Pork Jerky |
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| Must-try Kamishihoro Soychips |
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| Must-try: The Sando's Soft Cream and Basque Chees Cake |
Outdoor Fun and
Hot Air Balloon Experience
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| Kamishihoro Roadside Station's lawn |
One of the highlights of Kamishihoro
Roadside Station is its spacious lawn area and dog run, making it
a great stop for families and pet owners. On certain days, depending on the
weather, visitors can even enjoy a hot air balloon ride—an unforgettable
experience that offers a breathtaking view of Kamishihoro’s natural landscapes.
This unique activity inspired the station’s catchphrase: “The Hometown of
Shikifuro Balloons.”
From Vision to
Reality
- 2015 (Heisei 27): Selected as a candidate for a priority
roadside station by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport,
and Tourism.
- 2018 (Heisei 30): The tourism company Karch Co., Ltd.
was established as the official operating entity, alongside the Naitai
Plateau Ranch Rest House “Naitai Terrace.”
- 2019 (Reiwa 1): The station’s slogan, “The Hometown
of Shikifuro Balloons,” was officially adopted.
- 2020 (Reiwa 2): The station was formally registered as a
roadside station. Although its opening was postponed due to the COVID-19
state of emergency, it has since become a beloved travel destination in
Hokkaido.
Kamishihoro Roadside Station stamp
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| Kamishihoro Roadside Station digital stamp |
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| Kamishihoro Roadside Station stamp |
A Hub for
Community and Safety
Beyond being a rest stop, Kamishihoro
Roadside Station serves as an important disaster prevention base,
equipped with an uninterruptible power supply for emergencies. It also
functions as a community exchange hub, offering one-stop services for hometown
tax donations (furusato nozei), relocation support, and job
placement—making it both a travel destination and a center for local
development.
Team Nicerio visits Kamishihoro
Roadside Station
My family and
I visited Kamishihoro 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. This was the last roadside station
in our itinerary.
Kamishihoro Roadside Station Admission Fee
It’s FREE to
park, enter, and explore Kamishihoro Roadside Station. However, it’s highly
recommended that you bring cash in case you want to avail of the special
products sold here or dine at its restaurant.
Kamishihoro
Roadside Station Operating Hours
Kamishihoro
Roadside Station is open from
- Late April to Early October: 9:00 AM –
6:00 PM
- Mid-October to Mid-April: 9:00 AM – 5:00
PM
Restaurant (La table de KAMISHIHORO):
- Breakfast: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM (Last order
9:30 AM)
- Lunch: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Last order
3:30 PM)
Lunch hours may change in winter.
Takeout (Tokatoka):
- Please contact the roadside station for
current opening hours.
Note: You cannot get the roadside station stamp on closed days.
Why Visit
Kamishihoro Roadside Station
Kamishihoro Roadside Station is more
than a simple pit stop. It is a place to immerse yourself in local culture and
cuisine, enjoy the beauty of nature, and experience the warmth of the
community. Guests can take a scenic break, savor regional delicacies, or float
above the town in a hot air balloon, making every visit a true reflection of
Kamishihoro’s charm and creativity.
Getting to Kamishihoro Roadside Station
From Obihiro Station, head out to Platform 6 of Obihiro-eki Bus Terminal and board Bus #61 Kamishihoro Line (Via Kino, Otofuke Yakuba, Shihoro) operated by Taku Bus.
Get off at the Michi-no Eki Kamishihoro bus stop.
Travel time: 1 hour and 14 minutes
Fare: 970 yen
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