Station Aiai

Discover the Heart of Hokkaido’s Rural Heritage

Nestled along the scenic National Route 240 between Abashiri and Kushiro, Aiai roadside station is a serene mountain oasis where nature, history, and local craftsmanship converge. More than a mere rest stop, it’s a cultural crossroads that celebrates the spirit of Tsubetsu, a town renowned for its deep connection to forestry and traditional craftsmanship.

At Aiai, visitors can savor freshly hand-cut buckwheat noodles made from locally grown flour, sample artisanal tofu crafted from regional soybeans, and explore a restored railway station now transformed into a nostalgic café and museum. The site also features a unique guest car converted into a sleeping exhibit, a woodcraft experience workshop, and a short walk to the imaginative Shige-chan Land, a private sculpture garden hidden in the forest. With its blend of authentic flavors, hands-on activities, and scenic surroundings, Aiai offers a deeply enriching journey into Hokkaido’s rural soul.

Visit Aiai roadside station to experience the only roadside station in Hokkaido where you can savor hand-pulled soba made from 100% local Hokkaido buckwheat, served fresh at the on-site soba shop. Wander through the preserved former Kita-Mori Aioi Railway Station, where original timetables and ticketing systems are displayed in a fully restored 1920s-era station building. The station also offers rare access to the nearby Shigechan Land, a hidden art museum nestled in a forest of ancient trees, created by renowned sculptor Shigeharu Oishi—only open seasonally from May to October.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to access the full range of fresh produce at the物産館 (specialty store), as the morning harvest is displayed first and some items sell out by midday.

• Hidden Gems: Stop at the wooden craft booth near the 売店 (specialty store) to purchase hand-carved wooden spoons made from local cedar, available only during the 5月至10月 (May to October) season.

• Souvenir Tip: Purchase the 物産館特製豆腐 (specialty tofu) and oil-fried tofu together—they are made using the same batch of locally grown soybeans and are often packaged in a set that's not advertised on the website.

• Café Timing: Visit the 駅舎カフェくるみの森 (station house café) at 11:00 AM on weekdays to enjoy the first batch of freshly baked cookies, as they are made daily and sold out by 1:30 PM.

• Soba Special: Order the hand-pulled soba noodles at the そば処 (soba shop) exactly at 11:15 AM, as this is when the kitchen prepares the daily batch using freshly ground Hokkaido buckwheat flour, which is not available later in the day.

• Nearby Attraction Access: If visiting the シゲチャンランド (Shige-chan Land) art museum, arrive by 9:30 AM on a weekday to avoid the midday crowd and to get a better view of the forest installations before the afternoon fog rolls in.

• Parking Strategy: Use the large vehicle parking lot (8 spaces) only if you're arriving with a van or trailer, as the 94 standard car spots are more accessible and closer to the main entrance and the 物産館 (specialty store).

Spring (May–June): Visit for fresh local vegetables and the opening of the woodcraft museum and Grasteen Ski Field in late April.

Summer (July–August): Enjoy the Grasteen Ski Field's summer operation and the vibrant atmosphere of the roadside station during peak season.

Autumn (September–October): Experience the seasonal highlight of Shigechan Land's final opening week and the harvest of autumn produce.

Winter (November–April): Explore the woodcraft museum’s winter hours and enjoy the serene forest setting with seasonal events.