Engaru Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Engaru Roadside Station (道の駅 遠軽 森のオホーツク) is one of the 128 roadside stations spread around Hokkaido Prefecture. It is located at 150-1 Nogami, in the town of Engaru in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

道の駅 遠軽 森のオホーツク
Engaru Roadside Station

Engaru Roadside Station details

Officially called Roadside Station Engaru Mori-no-Okhotsk, Engaru Roadside Station is one of the three roadside stations in the town of Engaru. The other two are Shirataki Roadside Station and Maruseppu Roadside Station. It was built only last 2019 and is one of the newest roadside stations in Hokkaido. It was given the registration number 125.

道の駅 遠軽 森のオホーツク
Engaru Roadside Station - Engaru town, Hokkaido Prefecture

One of the highlights of the Engaru Roadside Station is the plethora of indoor and outdoor experience programs available, such as tree trekking, bungee trampoline, and more.

Engaru Rock Valley Ski Resort





For winter sports enthusiasts, the Engaru Rock Valley Ski Resort offers six courses to choose from, including a champion course with a maximum incline of 33°, a dynamic course over 1,000 meters in length, and a family slope perfect for beginners. You can even enjoy bobsled racing here. Ski rental and lift tickets can be purchased at the Rock Valley Lodge on the 2nd floor of the Engaru Roadside Station.

Engaru Roadside Station souvenir shop



There are also several vending machines inside the roadside station

On top of that, visitors can buy a variety of products at the souvenir shop, which offers a range of items made and grown in Engaru. From unique souvenirs to Hokkaido specialties, the shop makes sure that you don't leave empty-handed.

Engaru Terrace


Engaru Roadside Station
Check out this fried chicken vending machine

When it comes to food, the roadside station has a restaurant where you can relish the delicious Hokkaido local food made from locally sourced ingredients. Plus, you can also buy these dishes at Engaru Terrace and Sally Cafe, both located inside the roadside station. One of the must-tries in Engaru Terrace is the black sesame soft cream and as for Sally Café, you should try any of the Italian Soda.

Engaru Roadside Station's Ashiyu

Inside Engaru Roadside Station's Ashiyu

Engaru Pokemon manhole cover

In addition to the above, in the vicinity of Engaru Roadside Station, there is a free-to-use concentrated carbonated spring footbath (ashiyu) that is highly effective in relieving fatigue, making it a perfect place to relax after a day of activity. Also, if you are “collecting” Pokemon manhole covers, you can snap a photo of the Engaru Pokemon manhole cover featuring Alolan Vulpix and Froslass installed near the only entrance and exit road to the roadside station.

道の駅 遠軽 森のオホーツク


Engaru Roadside Station toilet

The toilet in this roadside station makes you feel that you are doing your thing in the cosmos field

Engaru Roadside Station Stamp

Engaru Roadside Station Stamp


Lastly, the Engaru Roadside Station has ample parking space for up to 178 small cars, 9 large cars, 10 motorcycles, and 4 disabled and pregnant women. It also has 1 electric vehicle quick charger and 84 temporary parking spaces.

Team Nicerio visits Engaru Roadside Station






My family and I visited Engaru Roadside Station on the second day of our September 17 – 19, 2022 Road Trip. It was my 321st day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Engaru Roadside Station was the first roadside station that we visited for the day. We weren’t able to try the skiing activity as we were quite early but we were able to get the roadside station stamp for the Hokkaido Stamp Rally. Aside from that, my daughter and I also got to take pictures of the Engaru Pokemon manhole cover for our collection. Hopefully, we could visit again in the future and try the different activities offered here.

Engaru Roadside Station Fees

It’s FREE to park and explore Engaru Roadside Station. However, you will need money if you want to bring home some souvenirs, try the unique food, and experience the different activities offered at the Engaru Roadside Station.

Engaru Roadside Station Operating Hours

Engaru Roadside Station is open from 9 AM to 6 PM.


Why visit Engaru Roadside Station?

Engaru Roadside Station offers an ideal respite for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and a taste of Engaru's unique allure. Whether you're in pursuit of excitement, memorable experiences, or simply wish to revel in Engaru's natural beauty, this destination has it all.

Speaking of fun-filled activities, Engaru Roadside Station stands out as the perfect spot for those eager to embark on a skiing adventure even outside of the traditional winter months. If you're an avid collector of roadside station stamps, this is an absolute must-visit destination on your journey.

Getting to Engaru Roadside Station

 

The most convenient way to access Engaru Roadside Station is by using a private vehicle. However, if you're relying on public transportation and are traveling from Asahikawa City, here's a detailed route to follow:

Begin your journey in Asahikawa City and catch the Taisetsu 1 Limited Express Abashiri train on the Okhotsk-Taisetsu Line.

Disembark at Engaru Station.

Upon arriving at Engaru Station, you will need to take a short 5-minute walk to reach the Engaru Maruseppu SenMaruseppu Eki mae bus terminal.

At the bus terminal, board the Engaru Town Community Bus headed for Engaru no Mori Okhotsk bus stop.

When you reach Engaru no Mori Okhotsk bus stop, you will be just a few meters away from the entrance to Engaru Roadside Station.

By following this route, you can easily access Engaru Roadside Station via public transportation, making your trip to this destination hassle-free.

Travel time: 2 hours 56 minutes
Fare: 5,439 yen

Ratings

Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall rating


Location: 150-1 Nogami, Engaru, Mombetsu District, Hokkaido 099-0344, Japan

Comments

Post a Comment

Book your hotel thru KLOOK

Klook.com
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Popular posts from this blog

A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps

Image
Japan is undeniably a collector's paradise. As a matter of fact, there are a plethora of different things to collect here that are catered to every collector's unique taste and preference.  Anime fans have their usual toys, mangas, and memorabilia. Pokemon fans have numerous Pokemon Centers that sell an assortment of Pokemon merchandise. Kitkat collectors have more than 300 flavors of Kitkat to try out. Pilgrims have the temple stamps called goshuin which I wrote about last time. These are but some of the numerous possible things to collect in Japan . A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps However, since I'm promoting budget travel, my article today talks about something that you can collect for FREE . Yup, you read that right. All you need to have is a clean notebook or tickler and an ever-watchful eye. A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps Eki stamps , also called train station stamps, are rubber ink stamps that are typically found in most train stations in Japan. These stamps f
Keep reading

Ashibetsu Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Image
Ashibetsu Roadside Station ( 道の駅 スタープラザ芦別 ) is one of the 128 roadside stations of Hokkaido Prefecture. It is located along Route 38 and 452 in Kita 4-jo Higashi 1-1-1 in Ashibetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Ashibetsu Roadside Station Ashibetsu Roadside Station details Ashibetsu Roadside Station is formally called Roadside Station "Star Plaza Ashibetsu" . It was one of the first roadside stations in Hokkaido. It was registered on April 22, 1993, and was given Registration Number 2. This station serves as a tourist information center and a hub for travelers to explore what the town has to offer. Ashibetsu Roadside Station - Ashibetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture The Tourist Information Center inside Ashibetsu Roadside Station is a must-visit spot for travelers. Here, they will find information about the town's famous products sold on the first floor. From the Yokoichi cheese, butter, and Ashibetsu melon, to the lily root, and zenzai, visitors can purchase a variety
Keep reading

Utashinai Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Image
Utashinai Roadside Station , formally called Roadside Station Utashinai Tyrol ( 道の駅 うたしないチロルの湯 ) is one of the 128 roadside stations spread around Hokkaido. It is located at 72-2 Nakamura, Utashinai City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Utashinai Roadside Station Utashinai Roadside Station details Discover Hokkaido’s charm by stopping over at Utashinai Roadside Station , located along Route 114. This station is the perfect base for exploring Central, Northern, and Eastern Hokkaido, and houses a variety of tourism resources and facilities. Utashinai Roadside Station - Utashinai City, Hokkaido Prefecture One of the standout features of  Utashinai Roadside Station  is its accessibility for travelers with disabilities. Equipped with a covered parking lot that can be used even when it snows in winter, and a road-heating pavement, visitors can enjoy the station’s facilities with peace of mind. The Utashinai Roadside Station signage also shows the day's temperature The map of Utashinai
Keep reading

Akabira Tokugawa Castle - Hokkaido

Image
Akabira Tokugawa Castle ( 赤平徳川城 ) is a replica castle located along National Route 38 at 174 Horookacho, Akabira City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Akabira Tokugawa Castle Akabira Tokugawa Castle details Akabira Tokugawa Castle may not be a real historical site, but its story is just as fascinating. Built in 1991 by Matsuzawa Yoroi Co., Ltd, a manufacturer of festival dolls, Akabira Tokugawa Castle has served as a showroom and manufacturing factory. It boasts four floors of unique and interesting attractions, including a souvenir and doll-making demonstration area on the first floor, an impressive doll display and sales area on the second and third floors, a Hina doll display and Japanese restaurant on the fourth floor, and an armored helmet exhibit on the fifth floor. The castle also has a sixth floor, which once served as an observatory tower. Akabira Tokugawa Castle - Akabira City, Hokkaido Prefecture Although the castle is currently closed to the public, it remains a symbol of
Keep reading

National Shrine of St. Padre Pio - Batangas

Image
Located in Barangay San Pedro in Sto. Tomas in the province of Batangas, the National Shrine of St. Padre Pio is a pilgrimage site dedicated and inspired by Saint Padre Pio. National Shrine of St. Padre Pio National Shrine of St. Padre Pio History The shrine initially started out as a bamboo and nipa chapel back in 2003. Then on November 7, 2005, a 1.6-hectare agricultural land was donated to the Archdiocese of Lipa by a generous couple. A year later, another generous individual donated 200 square meters of land to provide the right of way to the site. This land would be the site of the new chapel and later on the Shrine of St. Padre Pio . The salakot like roof as seen from the bell tower Devotees hanging handkerchiefs dipped in the Well of Hope or Bukal ng Pag-asa  St. Padre Pio welcomes the pilgrims to the shrine Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry - National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio St. Padre Pio belltower St. Padre Pio painting A relic inside the Reli
Keep reading

10 Things to Do in Utashinai City

Image
10 Things to Do in Utashinai City Utashinai ( 歌志内市 ) is a city in the Sorachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . It is the smallest city in the country in terms of population. The city got its name when the railway was established in the region. It derived its name from the sound of the river coursing through the vicinity, referred to as " Otashinai ". For those planning to visit the town of Utashinai to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Utashinai City : Utashinai manhole covers 1. Take a picture of the  manhole covers of Utashinai . So far, I have seen 2 unique manhole covers. The first one is common around town. The colored manhole cover can be found along Route 691. Utashinai Pokemon manhole cover 2. Check out the newly installed Utashinai Pokemon manhole cover at Utashinai Roadside Station. It features both Vulpix and its Alolan counterpart together with Joltik. Former Sorachi Coal Mine Club (旧空知炭鉱倶楽部) 3. Visit the  Former Sorachi Coal Mine Clu
Keep reading

10 Things to Do in Ashibetsu City

Image
10 Things to Do in Ashibetsu City Ashibetsu ( 芦別市 ) is a city in the Sorachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . It is theorized that the city got its name from the Ainu word “ as pet , " meaning “ the river that flows in a shrub ”. Aside from that, other historians also believed that it came from the Ainu word “ hasi pet ” which means “ the standing river ”. In both theories, the name refers to the Ashibetsu River, which flows through the city. For those planning to visit the city of Ashibetsu to check what it has to offer, here are the  10 Things to Do in Ashibetsu : Ashibetsu City manhole covers 1. Take a picture of the  manhole covers of Ashibetsu . So far, I have seen four unique manhole covers which are common in the central part of the city. There are colored versions of these which are installed along Route 452. There is also a special Anne of Canadian World manhole cover found only in the Canadian World Park. Hokkaido Dai Kannon 2. Take a photo of the  Hokkaido Dai Kannon
Keep reading

10 Things to Do in Sapporo City

Image
10 Things to Do in Sapporo City Sapporo City ( 札幌市 ) is the capital and also the largest city of Hokkaido Prefecture. It ranks as the fifth most populous city in Japan . Its name came from the Ainu word Satporopet which means 'Dry, Great River'. For those planning to visit Sapporo City to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Sapporo City : Sapporo manhole cover 1. Take a picture of Sapporo’s unique manhole covers . So far, I have seen 2 different manhole designs. The colored manhole cover can be found on the Sapporo Clock Tower grounds. Sapporo Station 2. Explore  Sapporo Station  and enjoy the plethora of stores and restaurants in it. Odori Park 3. Visit and spend half the day exploring  Odori Park  from end to end. The park hosts numerous festivals like the Sapporo Lilac Festival, Sapporo Snow Festival, and Sapporo Summer Festival to name a few. Sapporo TV Tower 4. Head up to  Sapporo TV Tower  and enjoy the view of the city, particularly Odori Park. D
Keep reading

Imus City Plaza - Cavite

Image
Located in the center of the Poblacion or town proper of Imus City in the province of Cavite, Imus City Plaza is one of the city's scenic and historical attractions. Imus City Plaza Imus City Plaza Details This plaza is located in front of the equally historical Imus Cathedral and Imus City Hall . Imus City Plaza is also the first place to greet you if you're heading to the cathedral via Sapinoso Street.  Imus City Plaza - Imus City, Cavite General Licerio Topacio The general guarding the flag Checking out each angle of the monument Imus City Plaza History Imus City Plaza is probably easily remembered because of the monument with two vintage artillery flanking it. The monument stands as an honor to the children of Imus who joined the fight for the independence of the country against Spain. As for the man standing on top of the monument, he is General Licerio Topacio . He is one of the most notable sons of Imus. He is famously known for honorably declining
Keep reading

Yuni Garden - Hokkaido

Image
Yuni Garden ( ゆにガーデン ) is a beautiful British-style garden popularly known for its kochia plants. It is located at 134-2 Fushimi in the town of Yuni in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Yuni Garden Yuni Garden Details Boasting vibrant seasonal displays of flowers and herbs, this picturesque garden also offers a magnificent chapel as a popular wedding venue. However, the true gem of Yuni Garden lies in its renowned Kochia Hill which features a staggering 32,000 kochia plants, making it the largest park of its kind in Hokkaido. Yuni Garden - Yuni town, Hokkaido Prefecture For those who are not familiar with kochia plants. It is known as summer cypress, the kochia plant is an exotic roundish beauty belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. Throughout their growth cycle, these plants transform from vibrant green in summer to a captivating greenish-red, culminating in a brilliant scarlet hue by October. The unique round shape and fluffy texture of the kochia bushes make them a sight to behold.
Keep reading