Urausu Roadside Station, also called Roadside Station “Tsurunuma” (道の駅 つるぬま) is one of the 128 roadside stations in Hokkaido. It is located at 188 Kinausunai in the town of Urausu in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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Urausu Roadside Station / Roadside Station “Tsurunuma” |
Urausu Roadside Station details
Urausu Roadside Station is situated along the Route 275 of the Hokkaido Expressway and provides a convenient stop for travelers driving through the area. The roadside station is officially called Roadside Station “Tsurunuma” as it is situated near Tsurunuma Park.
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Urausu Roadside Station - Urausu town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Urausu Roadside Station was built sometime in 1996. It was established as part of the "Michi-no-Eki" (Roadside Station) program in Japan, which aims to provide convenient rest stops for travelers on highways and expressways. It was officially registered as a roadside station on August 27, 1999, and given the registration number 60.
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The sign at the old roadside station location |
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The former Urausu Roadside Station location |
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Urausu Onsen now doubles as the new roadside station facility |
As of September 1, 2020, Urausu Roadside Station was moved to a new location which is the Urausu Onsen facility on the opposite side of the expressway. The old roadside station building would continue to sell locally produced products, particularly vegetables, and fruits grown in the town. The roadside station stamp and other facilities are now in the Urausu Onsen facility. |
Urausu Onsen signage |
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Tsurunuma Park as seen from Urausu Onsen |
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Monument of Public Virtue (公徳碑) |
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Bathing (1992) |
At present, the facility offers a wide range of services and amenities, including restrooms, parking lots, restaurants, and souvenir shops. The station's restaurant serves a variety of local Hokkaido cuisines, such as seafood, ramen, and ice cream, made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The station also has a shop that sells regional products, such as dairy products, fruits, and vegetables.
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Onsen entrance |
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Cafe & Restaurant Tsurunuma |
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Tourist information center |
One of the unique features of Urausu Roadside Station is its hot spring facility, which is called "Urausu Onsen." Visitors can soak in the hot spring and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The hot spring also has a sauna and a cold-water bath.
Team Nicerio visits Urausu Roadside Station
My family and I made a quick visit to Urausu Roadside Station last August 22, 2022, which was the 4th day of our “From Osaka with Love” road trip with our Japanese family. Sadly, most of the facilities were already closed when we visited but luckily, we were still able to get the roadside station stamp for our stamp collection and also for the Hokkaido Stamp Rally.
Urausu Roadside Station Stamp
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Urausu Roadside Station stamp |
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Urausu Roadside Station stamp for the Hokkaido Stamp Rally |
Urausu Roadside Station Fees
It’s FREE to park and use the toilet in the Urausu Roadside Station. However, you would need to pay 450 yen to use the onsen facility. There is also a restaurant and souvenir store inside the roadside station so it is better to bring money.
Urausu Roadside Station Operating Hours
Urausu Roadside Station is open from 10 AM – 6 PM (Late April-September 30) and 10 AM-5 PM (October 1-Late April).
Why visit Urausu Roadside Station?
Urausu Roadside Station is a great place to stop and rest, especially for those who are driving long distances. It is also a popular tourist spot for those who want to experience Hokkaido's local cuisine and hot springs.
Getting to Urausu Roadside Station
The best way to reach Urausu Roadside Station is by private vehicle.
From Sapporo
Drive northwards along Route 275. It's about 1hr and 15 minutes.
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