Station Aputa

Discover the Heart of Hokkaido’s Coastal Heritage at Aputa

Nestled on a gentle hill overlooking the serene Inabu Bay, Aputa roadside station offers a breathtaking panorama of the sea and sky, especially during its famed sunsets. Located along National Route 37 in Toyako Town, this charming stop is more than a pit stop—it’s a celebration of local life, where the rhythms of fishing, farming, and community converge. Its nostalgic, barn-inspired design harmonizes with the surrounding natural landscape, creating a serene retreat with sweeping views of the ocean and nearby mountains.

At Aputa, visitors experience authentic regional flavors and craftsmanship. Savor the acclaimed uni bowl, made with fresh sea urchin sourced from local waters, or try the house-specialty Hokkaido scallop curry, crafted from scallops processed on-site. Don’t miss the naturally made ice cream, crafted with milk from Lake Hill Farm. With seasonal bento featuring locally caught scallops and produce, and a well-curated selection of regional goods, Aputa brings the spirit of Hokkaido’s countryside to life—one bite at a time.

Perched on a hill overlooking Naoi Bay, Aputa roadside station offers a rare experience: savoring fresh sea urchin from the very waters below, served year-round in its famed uni donburi—recognized with a gold award in 2008. The station’s true distinction lies in its on-site processing of local scallops, which are transformed into the region’s only known scallop curry, made with fishery-harvested clams and fried scallop pieces. Here, you taste the sea’s immediacy, not just its flavor.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure one of the 10 daily servings of Aputa's seasonal Hokkaido Mixture Rice Bowl (available October–May), which sells out quickly and is only available during the 9:00 AM to 16:30 PM window.

• Hidden Gems: Visit the ice cream counter between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM to see the Lake Hill Farm owner manually pour fresh milk into the ice cream machine—this is the best time to witness the process and often get a sample from the staff.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the Hokkaido Scallop Curry Bowl is served from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM only; it is not available during other hours, so plan your lunch around this window.

• Tea Time Tip: Stop by the rest area at 3:30 PM during winter months (October–March) when the staff prepares a free hot Yuzu-Infused Tea using local citrus, available while supplies last.

• Unique Product: Purchase the Hokkaido Scallop & Sea Urchin Seasoning Mix at the produce counter—it’s made from locally sourced scallops and sea urchin and is only available in the 9:00 AM to 17:00 PM window during winter.

• Best Photo Spot: Head to the western-facing overlook behind the roadside station at 5:15 PM during summer (April–September) to capture the full golden glow of the sun setting over Inubō Bay, especially when the sky is clear.

• Stamp Challenge: Complete the stamp collection at Aputa by visiting on a Tuesday in January or February, when the station is open (unusual for the usual Tuesday closure), and collect the special seasonal stamp not available during regular operating days.

Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots arrive in early spring, and the limited-run Aputa Mix Rice is available from October to May.

Summer (June-August): The roadside station offers fresh scallops and seasonal seafood, with peak harvests from late June through August.

Autumn (September-November): Scallop harvest peaks in autumn, and the Aputa Mix Rice remains available through early November.

Winter (December-February): The station serves udon and seasonal seafood, with winter udon served from December to February.