Toma Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Toma Roadside Station (道の駅 とうま) is one of the 128 roadside stations spread around Hokkaido. It is located at 2 Ku Uenbetsu along Route 39, in the town of Toma in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

道の駅 とうま
Toma Roadside Station 

Toma Roadside Station details

In the mid-1990s, during Japan's economic upswing, the government initiated investments in infrastructure projects aimed at stimulating growth and progress. Among these initiatives was the establishment of a network of roadside stations across the country. These stations were designed to offer travelers a place to rest and refuel during long journeys while also showcasing local products and attractions.

道の駅 とうま
Toma Roadside Station - Toma town, Hokkaido Prefecture

One of the pioneer roadside stations in Hokkaido was the Toma Roadside Station. It officially received its roadside station status on April 17, 1998, designated with the number 48. This strategically located station sits at the junction of Route 39, connecting Asahikawa City to Engaru, and Highway 1122, leading to Toma town.

昇龍の塔
Tower of Shoryu (昇龍の塔)

Toma Agricultural Products

道の駅 とうま

Toma Roadside Station facade

Products are sold near the entrance of the roadside station

Densuke watermelon

One of the station's notable features is its farmer's market, consistently stocked with a variety of fresh, locally grown produce, including seasonal fruits and vegetables, dairy items, and wine. Visitors can find everything from the renowned Densuke watermelon to other top-quality products from nearby farms.

Inside Toma Roadside Station






Toma Roadside Station 24-hour toilet

Additionally, the Toma Roadside Station boasts a sales corner dedicated to unique local products and souvenirs specific to Toma.


Ginger Ramen


Watermelon soft cream

Another highlight of this station is its dining options. At the Coffee and Curry Shop MERB, guests can savor traditional Japanese curry and coffee with a twist. For those not inclined toward curry, the Roadside Station Touma Restaurant offers affordable, high-quality soba and ramen dishes.

Team Nicerio visits Toma Roadside Station




My family and I visited Toma Roadside Station for the first time last September 17, 2022, the first day of our 3-day Respect for the Aged Day road trip which is also my 46th weekend as an ALT under the JET Programme. I included it in our itinerary as my daughter and I are collecting roadside station stamps. Sadly, the Densuke Watermelon was out of stock when we visited. I read about it while researching Toma and was looking forward to trying it. Regardless, that only means that we have a reason to revisit Toma Roadside Station in the future.

Toma Roadside Station Stamp


Toma Roadside Station stamp

Toma Roadside Station Fees

It’s FREE to park and use the facilities of Toma Roadside Station. However, I highly recommend that you bring cash in case you need something to eat or drink while resting. You might also want to bring home a Densuke Watermelon.

Toma Roadside Station operating hours

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

Why visit Toma Roadside Station?

Toma Roadside Station is a place to stop by and rest if you are driving in central Hokkaido. Its location is perfectly situated before entering the mountainous area of Kamikawa District. This roadside station has clean toilets and plenty of food choices in case you are hungry or thirsty. It's also a must-visit if you're collecting roadside station stamps. 

Getting to Toma Roadside Station

 

Toma Roadside Station is best visited by private vehicle as you can come and go anytime. However, if you plan to use public transportation, then board bus # 70-Toma line of the Dohoku bus line at 1-Jo 8-Chome bus stop. Board down at Toma 20-Chome bus stop and walk for about a minute to reach the roadside station.


Travel time: 50 minutes
Fare: 530 yen

Ratings

Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall rating


Location: 2 Ku Uenbetsu, Toma, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 078-1332, Japan

Comments

  1. AnonymousJune 17, 2024 at 9:38 AM

    I want to try the Densuke watermelon!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJuly 11, 2024 at 6:01 AM

      Me too! However, since I came from the Philippines where watermelons are generally cheap, I don't want to spend that much on one watermelon.

      Delete

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