Discover the Living History of Hokkaido’s Heartland
Nestled along National Route 37 in the historic town of Date City, Date Historical Forest roadside station is a vibrant cultural gateway where nature, tradition, and local craftsmanship converge. Set within the scenic Date Historical Forest Park, this roadside station serves as both a regional hub and a celebration of Hokkaido’s rich heritage. Its centerpiece, the Date City Tourism and Products Center, showcases fresh produce from over 80 local farms, artisanal foods, handcrafted textiles, and seasonal specialties.
Visitors can explore the Date Historical Culture Museum, home to artifacts from the Jomon era, including nationally designated cultural treasures from the Kitakushiro Shell Mound. The site also features hands-on experiences at the swordsmith workshop and the large-scale indigo dyeing studio, while nearby attractions like the World Heritage-listed Kitakushiro Shell Mound Park and the historic Yuzawa Shinko-ji Temple invite deeper exploration. With farm-to-table dining, locally crafted souvenirs, and a welcoming community spirit, Date Historical Forest offers an authentic journey into Hokkaido’s past and present.
Why Visit
Visit Date Historical Forest roadside station to experience the only authentic "Ito-u tempura" in Hokkaido, a centuries-old local delicacy revived by dedicated artisans. Here, you can also savor the region’s only "Ida Samurai Bento," featuring Ida rice and fresh Nemuro Bay scallops. At the heart of the site, the historic North Golden Shell Mound—designated a National Historic Site and part of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jomon Archaeological Sites—offers rare, on-site access to a 7,000-year-old prehistoric settlement.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, seasonal flavors at Date Historical Forest roadside station, where local cuisine meets traditional craftsmanship.
Handsome Restaurant
ハンサム食堂
Specialty
Seasonal local ingredient-filled dumplings
A charming food stall offering delicious dumplings filled with seasonal local ingredients, perfect for a quick and tasty bite.
Date Tempura
だてのてんぷら
Specialty
Traditional deep-fried batter using local ingredients
A dedicated restaurant preserving the taste of the legendary local specialty, 'Ito's Tempura,' through slow food craftsmanship and community-driven efforts.
Boulangerie Ibox
boulangerie ibox
Specialty
Freshly baked bread using local ingredients
A cozy bakery offering freshly baked bread made with locally sourced ingredients and carefully selected materials.
Date Samurai Bento
伊達武者弁当
Specialty
Rice bowl with Ida Samurai rice and scallops from Uraura Bay
A specialty bento featuring Ida Samurai rice and fresh scallops from Uraura Bay, offering a rich, savory taste with a local touch.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional treasures and artisanal goods at this vibrant roadside station.
Makuya White Pudding
牧家の白いプリン
A unique milk pudding served in a balloon-shaped container, made with high-quality milk from Ida City.
Products
Must-Try Item
White Pudding in a Balloon
KinKi Izushi
キンキのいずし
A long-standing traditional sushi made with consistent high-quality ingredients and unique craftsmanship.
Products
Must-Try Item
KinKi Sushi
Farmers Market
産地直売
Direct sales of fresh seasonal vegetables and agricultural products from approximately 80 local farms in Ida City.
Products
Must-Try Item
Seasonal Vegetables
Local Food Market
加工食品
A wide variety of processed foods made from local seafood, livestock, and agricultural products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Processed Food
Craft and Artisan Shop
手芸品
A shop offering handmade crafts and traditional local artisanship.
Products
Must-Try Item
Traditional Handicrafts
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like milk-rich prunes and aged izushi, crafted with heritage and local pride.
White Pudding in a Balloon
牧家の白いプリン
A round milk pudding served in a balloon-shaped container, made with high-quality milk from Ida City, known for its creamy texture and soft consistency.
KinKi Sushi
キンキのいずし
A traditional sushi made with consistent high-quality ingredients and unique craftsmanship, known for its delicate and refined flavor.
Seasonal Vegetable Set
季節の野菜セット
A curated selection of fresh, seasonal vegetables sourced daily from approximately 80 local farms in Ida City.
Local Processed Food
加工食品
A variety of locally produced processed foods made from regional seafood, livestock, and agricultural products.
Traditional Handicrafts
手芸品
Handmade crafts and traditional artisanship from Ida City, reflecting local culture and heritage.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, Wi-Fi, parking, and accessible facilities.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking area with 10 large vehicle spaces and 107 standard car spaces.
Near the main entrance of the roadside station
Restroom
The facility includes regular restrooms, a wheelchair-accessible toilet, a bidet toilet, and a changing table for diapers.
Inside the roadside station building
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
The roadside station serves as an information hub for local tourism and regional products, including a community FM studio for public information dissemination.
Inside the roadside station building
Play Area
The roadside station is located within the historical park 'Date History Forest,' which includes recreational spaces and cultural sites suitable for family visits.
Within the Date History Forest Park
EV Charging Station
The roadside station provides electric vehicle charging facilities for visitors.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitor convenience.
Near the main entrance
Nursing Room
A private room equipped for breastfeeding and baby care, located within the facility.
Inside the roadside station building
Activities & Experiences
Immerse in hands-on experiences from traditional dyeing to sword forging, all tied to local heritage.
Traditional Sword Forging Workshop
刀鍛冶工房
Participants will experience the traditional process of forging Japanese swords, from iron smelting to shaping and tempering, under the guidance of master swordsmith Watanabe Tadahira.
Duration
120 min
Indigo Dyeing Experience
藍工房
Participants will learn and practice traditional indigo dyeing techniques using natural indigo, creating fabric or textiles with authentic patterns and colors.
Duration
90 min
Historical Site Tour: North Golden Shell Mound Park
史跡北黄金貝塚公園
Guided tour of the Jomon period archaeological site, featuring five shell mounds, burial sites, and ancient human remains, with insights into life over 7,000 years ago.
Duration
60 min
Best visited in dry weather; paths may be muddy after rain
Ancient History Museum Visit
だて歴史文化ミュージアム
Explore exhibits showcasing the history of the region from the Jomon period to modern times, including ancient weapons, armor, and cultural artifacts from the Oshu Moshiri ruins.
Duration
45 min
Sacred Temple Tour: Yuzo Zensho-ji Temple
有珠善光寺
Guided visit to a historically significant temple from the Edo period, featuring preserved original architecture and important cultural treasures displayed in the local museum.
Duration
50 min
Three-Stage Waterfall Nature Walk
三階滝公園
Enjoy a scenic walk to a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, with enhanced beauty during autumn when leaves turn and water flow stabilizes.
Duration
40 min
Best experienced in clear, dry weather; slippery rocks after rain
Insider Tips
Visit during off-peak hours for a quieter experience and check seasonal events for special treats.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM on weekdays to secure the freshest seasonal vegetable sets, which are restocked daily and often sell out by midday
- Hidden Gems: Stop by the boulangerie ibox counter before 11:00 AM to get the day’s first batch of milk bread made with Iwamurata farm butter and Iwamurata-sourced milk
- Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the knife forge workshop between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM when the master smith, Watanabe Tadahisa, demonstrates traditional sword forging using iron from local mines
- Best Purchase Time: Buy the "Kinki’s Izushi" at the gift shop before 3:00 PM on weekdays to ensure availability, as the daily production limit is 80 pieces and it often sells out by late afternoon
- Exclusive Experience: Join the indigo dyeing workshop at the Blue Dyeing Studio between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, when the staff conducts a free introductory session using natural indigo from Hokkaido-grown plants
- Local Insight: Order the "Izumo Warrior Bento" at the Hanseimura cafeteria only on Tuesdays and Fridays, as it is prepared exclusively with fresh sailfish from Naoetsu Bay that arrives by 7:00 AM each of those days
- Smart Visit Tip: Use the on-site Wi-Fi to access the real-time inventory feed for the "Makuya White Pudding" in the gift shop—this product is restocked every Monday morning at 8:00 AM and is often sold out by noon
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots appear in early spring, and the roadside station features seasonal produce from local farms.
Summer (June–August): Blue indigo dyeing experiences peak in summer, with the largest workshop in Hokkaido open for visitors.
Autumn (September–November): Best time for viewing maple leaves at San-kai Falls, where waterfalls sparkle in autumn light.
Winter (December–February): Enjoy seasonal treats like milk pudding and traditional izushi during the cold months.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers play areas, interactive cultural experiences like the sword forge and indigo workshop, stroller-friendly paths, and kid-friendly food options. Educational elements include history museums and archaeological sites.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse local cuisine including seasonal specialties, regional snacks, and artisanal products. High-quality fresh produce and unique items like Iwato tempura and Idai warrior bento enhance the dining experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides ample parking, clean restrooms with warm water and accessibility features, and quiet surroundings. Overnight parking is allowed, though no formal camping facilities or designated overnight stay zones are advertised.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a historic park with natural beauty, including the UNESCO-listed North Golden Shell Mound and San-kai Falls. Offers seasonal views, scenic viewpoints, and a peaceful, aesthetically rich atmosphere.