Hokuryu Roadside Station (道の駅 サンフラワー北竜) is among the 128 roadside stations scattered throughout Hokkaido, situated at 163-2 Itaya in the town of Hokuryu within Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Hokuryu Roadside Station Revisited (WINTER) |
Our first visit to Hokuryu Roadside Station took place on August 6, 2022, marking the first time my family and I explored a roadside station since acquiring our car. During our visit, we opted not to experience the onsen, as our primary destination was the Hokuryu Sunflower Festival. Consequently, we returned to the station last December 11, 2022, which was my 405th day as an ALT under the JET Programme. On this occasion, amidst the winter chill, my family and I relished the onsen experience.
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| Hokuryu Roadside Station - Hokuryu town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Hokuryu Roadside Station details
WINTER
Disclaimer: The pictures in this article are mostly about the Sunflower Park Hokuryu Hot Spring.
For those who may have missed my article on Hokuryu Roadside Station, here's a recap of the key points. Officially named Roadside Station "Sunflower Hokuryu" (道の駅 サンフラワー北竜), this roadside station stands out as a captivating sight for drivers traveling along Route 275. Upon approaching, visitors are greeted by two imposing dragons standing guard at the station's entrance, creating a welcoming spectacle for those intending to explore Hokuryu Roadside Station.
Hokuryu Roadside Station facade
The dragons are not the sole attractions vying for attention at this location; the station itself boasts a remarkable Dutch-inspired architecture set against the backdrop of expansive fields and picturesque hills. Within its premises, Hokuryu Roadside Station accommodates a hot spring recreation center, a shop offering local products and souvenirs, and a facility for accommodation training.
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| Rest area |
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| There are also some coin-operated massage chairs in the rest area. |
For those planning a visit in early August, the Hokuryu Sunflower Festival at the nearby Hokuryu Sunflower Village provides an added attraction. From Hokuryu Roadside Station, one can witness the surrounding fields and hills transforming into a sea of yellow as millions of sunflowers burst into full bloom.
Established on January 30, 1995, Hokuryu Roadside Station holds the prestigious registration number 17. Presently, the station provides a range of amenities, including:
1. Special Product Sales Corner: Enthusiasts of sunflowers can indulge in a paradise of themed goods, spanning from food to clothing.
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| Sunflower Park Hokuryu Hot Spring |
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| One of the indoor onsen of Sunflower Park Hokuryu Hot Spring |
2. Sunflower Park Hokuryu Hot Spring: Visitors can enjoy a day-trip dip at the Sunflower Park Hokuryu Hot Spring, conveniently located within the roadside station building.
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| Sunflower seed soft cream |
3. Kazeguruma Restaurant: Delight your taste buds with unique offerings such as soba with sunflower seeds or soft cream with sunflower stalk extract at this restaurant.
4. Hokuryu Roadside Station Outdoor Playground: A sunflower-themed outdoor playground equipped with play structures ensures a joyful experience for children.
5. Hokuryumon: Beyond the playground, the area known as Sunflower Park features an arch adorned with twin dragons, a pond with a bench, and a gazebo—creating a tranquil spot for relaxation.
Team Nicerio revisits Hokuryu Roadside Station
Hokuryu Roadside Station Stamp
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| Hokuryu Roadside Station Stamp |
Hokuryu Roadside Station Onsen Rates
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| Hokuryu Roadside Station onsen ticketing machine |
It’s FREE to park and use the toilet of the roadside station.
However, you need to pay 500 yen per adult and 250 yen per child to use the onsen.
Hokuryu Roadside Station Operating Hours
The special product sales corner is open from 8AM to 9PM.
The open-air bath is open from 9:30 to 10PM.
The restaurant is open from 11AM to 8PM.
Why visit the Hokuryu Roadside Station?
As mentioned, the Hokuryu Roadside Station has amenities that might suit the needs of motorists. It has a 24/7 toilet, a souvenir shop, a restaurant, and even an open-air bath. It is also a must-visit if you are participating in the Hokkaido Roadside Station Stamp Rally.
Getting to Hokuryu Roadside Station
Hokuryu Roadside Station is best visited by car. However, if you’re coming from Rumoi City, you can ride the Dohoku Bus bound for Asahikawa and board down at the Furusaka bus stop. However, from there, the roadside station is still 2.7 kilometers away which means that you have to walk for about 30-40 minutes to reach the roadside station.
Bus fare: 890 yen
Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
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