Abira Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Abira Roadside Station formally called Abira D51 Roadside Station (道の駅 あびらD51ステーション) is one of the 128 roadside stations of Hokkaido. It is located at 49-1 Oiwakekashiwagaoka in the town of Abira in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. 

Abira Roadside Station or Abira D51 Roadside Station (道の駅 あびらD51ステーション)
Abira Roadside Station / Abira D51 Roadside Station

Abira Roadside Station details

Abira Roadside Station earned its designation as a registered roadside station on March 19, 2019, with the official registration number 124. Opening its doors to the public on April 19, 2019, as the "Roadside Station Abira D51 Station," this facility is situated in Abira, just a 30-minute drive from New Chitose Airport and less than an hour from Sapporo.

Abira Roadside Station - Abira town, Hokkaido Prefecture
Abira Roadside Station - Abira town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Within the station's premises, visitors are welcomed by a diverse array of offerings. A local produce stand, a takeout corner featuring health-conscious and regional delicacies, a specialty products/bakery corner adorned with freshly baked bread using local ingredients, and a captivating railway museum that delves into the town's rail history await exploration. The museum showcases various trains, including steam locomotives, providing a fascinating glimpse into Abira's rich heritage.

Abira Roadside Station facade
Abira Roadside Station facade

Welcome to Abira Roadside Station
Welcome to Abira Roadside Station

Abira, known for its abundance of specialty products such as cheese and Asahi melons, boasts a tapestry of attractions. From sprawling rape blossom fields on the hills and summer-blooming lotus flowers to a snowman post office, steam locomotives, and picturesque golf courses, the town offers a myriad of experiences for visitors.

Inside Abira Roadside Station

Inside Abira Roadside Station

Inside Abira Roadside Station

Abira Roadside Station Facility Map
Abira Roadside Station Facility Map

Here's a breakdown of the amenities available at Abira Roadside Station:


Takeout Corner
Takeout Corner

1. Takeout Corner: Indulge in regionally limited takeout products at this corner, specializing in health-conscious and locally inspired treats, including soft-serve ice cream.


Specialty Products / Bakery Corner
Specialty Products / Bakery Corner

Specialty Products / Bakery Corner

2. Specialty Products / Bakery Corner: Savor original freshly baked bread adorned with local and specialty ingredients at this corner, where culinary delights blend seamlessly with regional flavors.

Legacy Gallery
Legacy Gallery

3. Legacy Gallery: Immerse yourself in the rich railway culture at this corner, where digitized photos and videos showcase the town's developmental journey supported by its rail history.


Agricultural Products Direct Sales Corner
Agricultural Products Direct Sales Corner

4. Agricultural Products Direct Sales Corner: Explore the bounty of Abira with this corner offering a range of agricultural products, including vegetables, rice, eggs, and processed goods sourced directly from local producers.

Abira D51 Railway Museum
Abira D51 Railway Museum

Abira D51 Railway Museum

D51 320
D51 320

Kiha 183 series
Kiha 183 series

JNR Freight Car
JNR Freight Car

5. Abira D51 Railway Museum: Marvel at the well-preserved steam locomotive "D51 320," a pride of Japan's static preservation. Outside, catch a glimpse of the Hokkaido-spec limited express train "Kiha 183 series," which once graced the tracks as part of the "Limited Express Ozora" and other trains. The museum serves as a captivating tribute to the town's rail heritage.

Abira Roadside Station Stamp

Abira Roadside Station Stamp
Abira Roadside Station Stamp

Abira Roadside Station Stamp

Team Nicerio visits Abira Roadside Station

Team Nicerio visits Abira Roadside Station

Team Nicerio visits Abira Roadside Station

My family and I first visited Abira Roadside Station last October 8, 2022, during our “October 8-10” Road Trip. It was my 341st day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. I included the Abira Roadside Station in our itinerary as my daughter and I collect roadside station stamps. Aside from that, my wife and I are also a big fan of locally harvested produce. We usually buy vegetables and fruits from roadside stations as they are way cheaper than the market.


Abira Roadside Station Fees

It’s FREE to enter and explore Abira Roadside Station. However, it is highly advised that you bring cash if you want to buy snacks and refreshments. You might also want to bring home some souvenirs or fresh produce from Bejisute (ベジステ). 


Abira Roadside Station Operating Hours

Abira Roadside Station is open from 9 AM to 6 PM (April-October) / 9 AM to 5 PM (November-March)

Takeout Corner is open from 10 AM to 5:30 PM (April-October) / 10 AM to 4: 30 PM (November to March)

The agricultural products market is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.


Why visit Abira Roadside Station?

Abira Roadside Station offers more than just being a rest stop to those driving along Route 234 it also offers a dining and shopping experience. Aside from that, Abira Roadside Station also houses the Abira D51 Railway Museum. The preserved D51 320 is a must-see. If you collect roadside station stamps, then this place should also be on your itinerary.


Getting to Abira Roadside Station

 

From Sapporo Station, board the Ozora 7 Limited Express Kushiro train. Board down at Oiwake Station. 

From there, walk for about 850 meters going to Abira Roadside Station.

Travel time: 55 minutes

Fare: 3,170 yen

Ratings

Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall rating


Location: 49-1 Oiwakekashiwagaoka, Abira, Yufutsu District, Hokkaido 059-1921, Japan

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