Ozora Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Ozora Roadside Station, formally called Fairy Tale Hill Memanbetsu Roadside Station (道の駅 メルヘンの丘めまんべつ), is one of the 128 roadside stations in Hokkaido. It is located at 96-1 Memanbetsushowa in the town of Ozora in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.  

Ozora Roadside Station / Fairy Tale Hill Memanbetsu Roadside Station

Ozora Roadside Station details

Ozora Roadside Station, located on Marchen Hill along National Route 39, is a popular destination in eastern Hokkaido, connecting the cities of Kitami and Abashiri. Situated near Lake Abashiri, the station offers stunning views of the surrounding hilly areas, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of the horizon up close. This makes it a favorite spot for both amateur and professional photographers who capture breathtaking images of the sunset and ever-changing seasonal scenery. Ozora Roadside Station was registered as a roadside station last August 8, 2003, and was given the registration number 79. 

Ozora Roadside Station - Ozora town, Hokkaido Prefecture

One of the main attractions at Ozora Roadside Station is the Fairy Tale Culture Center, which opened in April 2001. This center features a training room for processing locally produced agricultural and livestock products. It also houses an indoor multipurpose plaza that is frequently utilized by many people. Additionally, visitors can explore the antenna shop located at the center, which not only sells local specialties but also serves as a restaurant and provides information to tourists. For those seeking relaxation outdoors, Ozora Roadside Station offers a spacious lawn, beautifully adorned flower beds showcasing predominantly roses, and a tranquil garden.

Ozora Roadside Station facade

Welcome to Ozora featuring Soralucky (そらっき)

Limited edition Soralucky (そらっき) pin

Food enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with the variety of restaurants at Ozora Roadside Station. The Meal and coffee shop "Gogo" is a perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal and a cup of coffee. For ramen lovers, the Shijimi Ramen Shop Winds (しじみラーメンの店 ウインズ) is a must-visit, serving mouthwatering bowls of shijimi (freshwater clam) ramen. Kitchen Honoka is another great option, offering a diverse menu to satisfy different cravings. And for those who enjoy dairy products, Milky Farm is the place to go for fresh milk and cheese.

Fairy Tale Pit (メルヘンピット)

Shijimi Ramen Shop Winds (しじみラーメンの店 ウインズ) and Kitchen Honoka (キッチンほのか)

Furthermore, the station features a Farmers Market where visitors can purchase reasonably priced produce sourced directly from the local farms in Ozora. This provides an opportunity for tourists to taste the region's finest fruits and vegetables while supporting the local farmers.

道の駅 メルヘンの丘めまんべつ

Souvenirs to buy in Ozora Roadside Station

Finally, if you are looking to bring back souvenirs, do not miss the "Honoka" Antenna Shop. This shop highlights and promotes special products made from the bountiful earth of Ozora Town, making them available to people all over the country. From specialty miso and tomato juice known as "Onitaiji," to boiled bean sets and dairy products such as milk and cheese, you will find a wide range of culinary delights at this shop. Additionally, the store offers freshly harvested seasonal vegetables, soft-serve ice cream, long yam dumplings, and various souvenir items that perfectly capture the essence of Ozora.

Ozora Roadside Station Stamp

Team Nicerio visits Ozora Roadside Station

My family and I visited Ozora Roadside Station for the first time last September 19, 2022, which was the last day of our September 17-19 Road Trip. It was my 322nd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. We visited it as my daughter and I collected roadside station stamps for the Hokkaido Stamp Rally. There were a lot of souvenirs to choose from but I only availed of the Ozora Pokemon Manhole cover sticker. 

Ozora Roadside Station Fees

It’s FREE to enter and explore Ozora Roadside Station. Parking is also FREE. However, I highly suggest that you bring cash in case you want to buy souvenirs, or fresh produce, or try out the different food sold in the restaurants at the roadside station.

Ozora Roadside Station Operating Hours

Ozora Roadside Station is open from 9 AM to 6 PM. If you’re collecting roadside station stamps, make sure to arrive before the closing time as the stamp is placed in the area that is closed off during closing time. 

Why visit Ozora Roadside Station?

Ozora Roadside Station is a picturesque and culturally rich destination in eastern Hokkaido. With its stunning views, diverse dining options, Farmers Market, and an impressive selection of local products, this station offers a delightful experience for tourists and locals alike. It's also a place to visit if you are collecting roadside station stamps. So, next time you find yourself traveling along National Route 39, be sure to make a stop at Ozora Roadside Station and immerse yourself in the beauty and flavors of this charming region.

Getting to Ozora Roadside Station

 

From Asahikawa Station, board the Taisetsu 1 Limited Express Abashiri of the Okhotsk-Taisetsu Line. Board down at Memambetsu Station and walk about 1.7 kilometers to Ozora Roadside Station.

Travel time: 4 hours

Fare: 8,230 yen 

Another option is to start from Memanbetsu Airport. Once there go to the Memanbetsu Airport Line bus terminal and board the Abashiri Bus. Board down at the Memambetsu High School. From there, walk for about 400 meters going to Ozora Roadside Station. 

Travel time: 16 minutes

Fare: 370 yen 

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