Maruseppu Roadside Station (道の駅 まるせっぷ) is one of the 128 roadside stations scattered all around Hokkaido Prefecture. It is located at 42-2 Maruseppu Motomachi, in the town of Engaru in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Maruseppu Roadside Station |
Maruseppu Roadside Station Details
Maruseppu Roadside Station was registered as a roadside station on April 26, 1994, and given registration number 15. Inspired by the image of the red spruce, this triangular-roofed station is a true oasis for travelers on National Route 333.
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| Maruseppu Roadside Station - Engaru town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
As soon as you enter the building, you are greeted by an atrium that reaches up to the ceiling, giving the interior an excellent acoustic effect. Performances at Maruseppu Roadside Station are a must-experience, and you'll be amazed by the beautiful sounds produced by the grand piano made from Sakhalin spruce. The automatic playing piano always has classical music playing, elevating your rest-stop experience.
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| Engaru Area Guide Map |
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| The uniquely named Toilet 333 |
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| Map of Maruseppu |
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| Maruseppu Roadside Station facade |
The centerpiece of Maruseppu Roadside Station is undoubtedly its woodcraft products. These beautiful products are made using locally sourced wood and have many fans all over the country. They make for great souvenirs or gifts for loved ones, adding a touch of Japanese authenticity to your prized possessions.Inside Maruseppu Roadside Station
Maruseppu Roadside Station stamp
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| Maruseppu Roadside Station stamp |
Team Nicerio visits Maruseppu Roadside Station
My family and I visited Maruseppu Roadside Station for the first time last September 17, 2022, during our 3-day Respect for the Aged Day Road Trip. It was my 320th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. I always make it a point to include the roadside stations in our itinerary as it is not only a place for us to rest, stretch, and use the toilet, but it’s also a place where we usually get to buy locally made or grown products at a very cheap price. Aside from that, my daughter and I also collect roadside station stamps for the Hokkaido Stamp Rally. Maruseppu Roadside Station Fees
It’s FREE to park and enter Maruseppu Roadside Station.
Maruseppu Roadside Station Operating Hours:
Maruseppu Roadside Station is open from 9 AM -5 PM (6 PM during Golden Week and summer vacation).
Maruseppu Roadside Station is closed every Monday unless it is a holiday. (*If Monday is a public holiday, the roadside station will be closed the following day.
Why visit Maruseppu Roadside Station?
Maruseppu Roadside Station is a perfect stop if you are driving from E39 from Pippu to Engaru as it is in the middle. Aside from that, if you’re collecting roadside station stamps for the Hokkaido Stamp Rally then this place is a must-visit for you.
Getting to Maruseppu Roadside Station:
The best way to reach the Maruseppu Roadside Station is by private vehicle as there is no public transportation that will bring you directly there. Regardless, it can be reached on foot from Maruseppu Station.
By Train:
From Asahikawa Station, board the Sekihoku Line and get off at Maruseppu Station. From there, you need to walk 1.5 kilometers going to Maruseppu Roadside Station.
Travel time: 2 hours and 13 minutes
Fare: 2420 yen
By Bus:
From Asahikawa Station, board the Dohoku Sapporo/Asahikawa – Engaru bus service and board down at the Maruseppu bus stop. From there, you need to walk 1.3 kilometers going to Maruseppu Roadside Station.
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That's an interesting-looking roadside station. Maruseppu Roadside Station reminds me of our tepee back home.
ReplyDeleteReally? That's an interesting comparison. I hope you would include Maruseppu Roadside Station in your itinerary in the future.
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