Where History Meets Horizon at the Heart of Hokkaido
Ashoro Ginga Hall 21 stands as a vibrant roadside station at the crossroads of Hokkaido’s scenic highways, where the old railway heritage of the former Ashoro Station meets modern-day adventure. Located just five kilometers from the Ashoro Interchange on National Routes 241 and 242, it serves as a cultural and transportation hub linking the northern reaches of the island with the vast landscapes of the Tokachi and Ishikari regions.
More than a rest stop, this roadside station celebrates the spirit of the community through its unique blend of local flavor and history. Visitors can explore the restored wooden Ashoro Station building, discover the inspiring legacy of hometown singer Chihiro Matsuyama at the dedicated gallery, or savor regional specialties like the signature Lavanbuki soft serve and the hearty Ashoro Bento. With a farm-to-table shop, a bustling restaurant, and the famed Footprint Studio—where you can leave your mark on the town’s walkways—Ashoro Ginga Hall 21 offers a deeply personal journey through rural Hokkaido’s soul.
Why Visit
Visit Ashoro Ginga Hall 21 to experience the only roadside station in Hokkaido where you can sample authentic lawanbuki soft-serve made from locally produced milk, a regional specialty unique to this area. The station also houses the only footprint workshop in the region, where visitors can have their footprints taken using traditional methods and later see them embedded in the town’s sidewalks. These distinctive experiences, rooted in local heritage and craftsmanship, are found nowhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic regional flavors at Ashoro Ginga Hall 21, where hearty dishes like ramen and the famous Ashoro Bento delight every palate.
Ashoro Ginga Hall 21 Restaurant
レストランあしょろ
Specialty
Diverse cuisine including Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes
A restaurant offering a wide variety of delicious meals with a mix of Japanese, Western, and Chinese flavors. The atmosphere is welcoming and suitable for visitors seeking a diverse dining experience.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local treasures at Ashoro Ginga Hall 21, from handmade crafts to fresh dairy delights and seasonal treats.
Ashoro Shop & Bakery
ショップ＆ベーカリーあしょろ
A specialty shop featuring local products from Ashoro Town, including rawanbuki items, cheese, dairy products, and freshly baked bread.
Products
Must-Try Item
Rawanbuki products
Matsuyama Chiharu Gallery
松山千春ギャラリー
A gallery dedicated to singer Chiharu Matsuyama, showcasing her stage costumes and music history.
Products
Must-Try Item
Stage costumes
Footprint Workshop
足型工房
A facility where visitors can have their footprints taken and later installed in public areas such as sidewalks and stations.
Products
Must-Try Item
Footprint certificate
Featured Products
Explore signature products like Laowanbuki soft treats and Koro Mozzarella Cheese, crafted with pride from the region’s finest ingredients.
Rawanbuki Soft
ラワンぶきソフト
A soft, creamy dairy product made from rawanbuki, a local specialty of Ashoro Town.
Tsu Mozzarella Cheese 'Koro'
塾モッツアレラチーズ「ころ」
A unique mozzarella cheese with a soft texture and mild flavor, produced in Ashoro Town.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities at Ashoro Ginga Hall 21, including restrooms, Wi-Fi, EV charging, and family-friendly spaces.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking lot with 10 large vehicle spaces and 82 regular vehicle spaces.
Near the main entrance and throughout the station premises
Restroom
The restroom includes standard toilets, a heated toilet seat, a disabled-accessible toilet, and an ostomy-friendly toilet. The restroom is accessible 24 hours a day, even on closed days.
Near the restroom entrance, accessible 24 hours
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available at the roadside station for visitors.
Throughout the station premises
Information Center
The roadside station features an information center providing visitor assistance, maps, and local tourism information.
Main building, near the entrance
Kids Space
A designated kids' space is available for children, including a play area and family-friendly facilities.
Inside the main building, near the information center
Nursing Room
A private nursing room is available for mothers with infants, equipped with a changing table and seating.
Inside the main building, near the restroom area
EV Charging Station
An electric vehicle charging station is available for visitors using electric cars.
Near the parking lot entrance
ATM
An ATM is available for cash withdrawals, located within the station premises.
Near the main entrance
Pet Area
A designated area for pets is available, allowing visitors to walk their animals safely.
Outside the main building, near the parking lot
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in hands-on experiences like footprint creation and seasonal events at Ashoro Ginga Hall 21.
Footprint Taking Experience
足型工房
Participants will have their footprints taken at the footprint workshop, which will be later installed on sidewalks and roads in the area. A certificate will be issued and sent after the installation.
Duration
15 min
Insider Tips
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, and check the schedule for temporary closures and seasonal highlights.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on weekdays to ensure availability of the limited-edition "Lawanbuki Soft" at the shop, as it is often sold out by midday during peak months
- Hidden Gems: Head to the footprint collection area inside the reconstructed old Ashoro Station building to see the original wooden platform and signboard from the former railway station, which are preserved as historical artifacts
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the restaurant between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM to order the "Ashoro Bento" with Lawanbuki, as it is typically prepared in limited batches and often sells out by 1:00 PM
- Best Time to Visit the Footprint Workshop: Schedule your visit to the Footprint Workshop between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM on weekdays, as it operates only until 4:00 PM and closes on Mondays, winter months, and during holidays
- Cashless Payment Tip: Use the cashless payment system at the shop and restaurant, as it accepts only mobile wallets and prepaid cards—not credit cards—making it essential to bring a compatible device or prepaid card
- Souvenir Priority: Purchase the "Takako Mozzarella Cheese 'Koro'" at the shop before 3:00 PM, as it is restocked only once daily and frequently sells out by early afternoon
- Sticker Stamp Location: Collect your stamp at the 24-hour stamp station located just outside the restroom entrance, which remains accessible even on closed days including Thursdays and winter holidays
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Visit for fresh bamboo shoots and the opening of the footprint workshop in early April.
Summer (June–August): Ideal for enjoying the seasonal "Lawanbuki Soft" and exploring the vibrant Onneto Lake.
Autumn (September–November): Best for sampling seasonal cheeses and visiting the restored old station.
Winter (December–February): Limited access to footprints and facilities; not recommended for peak visits.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a dedicated kids space, stroller-friendly layout, and family activities like footprint collection. Features a baby care room and accessible facilities, enhancing comfort for families.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse dining with local specialties like lawanbuki soft and foot-variety bento. Offers fresh local produce, artisanal cheese, and a variety of regional food options.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, parking, and 24-hour access, but lacks dedicated overnight camping facilities. Quiet during off-hours, though limited comfort for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near the colorful O-neto Lake with seasonal landscape variety. Offers scenic views and photo opportunities, enhanced by the restored station building and natural surroundings.