Station Higashikawa Michikusa-kan

Discover the Heart of Hokkaido’s Natural Splendor

Higashikawa Michikusa-kan sits at the gateway to Japan’s largest national park, the Daisetsuzan National Park, along the scenic route connecting Asahikawa City with the Asahidake and Tenjin-kyō hot springs. This roadside station is more than a rest stop—it’s a vibrant cultural hub where travelers connect with the spirit of eastern Hokkaido. Nestled in the pristine landscape of Higashikawa Town, it offers a welcoming space to relax, explore, and learn about the region’s unique heritage.

Visitors can enjoy informative displays on local attractions, seasonal events, and the town’s remarkable reliance on natural spring water—making it one of Hokkaido’s few communities without a public water supply. The station features locally crafted ceramics, wooden art, and specialty bread made from regional rice flour, all available for purchase. With free Wi-Fi, accessible restrooms, and a convenient location just off the main road, Higashikawa Michikusa-kan is the perfect stop for travelers seeking authenticity, comfort, and a deeper connection to the natural beauty of northern Japan.

Higashikawa Michikusa-kan stands at the gateway to Japan’s largest national park, offering travelers a rare chance to experience the pristine, snow-fed waters of Hokkaido’s only town without a public water supply. This is the only roadside station where you can sample the region’s famed "Oyama Source Water" directly from its natural spring. Just steps away, the 101-person cable car to Mount Asahi, Hokkaido’s highest peak, provides panoramic views of alpine flora and ancient forests—accessible only via this route.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM on weekdays to speak with staff at the information counter about the latest updates on the East Kawa Kids Bike Race, which is held on August 24, as details are only shared in person during morning hours.

• Hidden Gems: Ask at the information counter for a free map highlighting the location of the Ōyama Source Water, the natural spring water that supplies the entire East Kawa town, which is not connected to the public water system.

• Weekend Special: Stop by the product display counter on weekends to see limited-edition ceramic items made by local artists, which are only available during seasonal events and not sold year-round.

• Parking Strategy: Reserve one of the two large vehicle parking spots early in the day if you’re traveling with a motorhome or large vehicle, as these are often taken by tour buses and group visitors by mid-morning.

• Timing for Events: Arrive by 9:00 AM on July 8 to avoid the temporary closure of the air conditioning system that affects the entire facility during maintenance, as the station reopens at 1:00 PM but does not resume full service until 2:00 PM.

• Information Access: Use the computer terminals in the information corner between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to view the latest video guides on the Asoyama Ropeway and nearby hiking trails, as these are updated daily and not available at other times.

• Cashless Payment Tip: Pay using cashless payment methods at the shop counter to receive a 5% discount on purchases of East Kawa-made rice flour bread, as this promotion is only active during the summer months and not advertised elsewhere.

Spring (March–May): Wildflowers bloom in the alpine zones by late April, and the first fresh bamboo shoots appear in early May at local markets.

Summer (June–August): The roadside station hosts the East Kawaguchi Kids Bike Race in August and offers seasonal fruit parfaits from June to August.

Autumn (September–November): Lush mountain foliage peaks in mid-September, ideal for viewing from the Aso Peak Ropeway.

Winter (December–February): The station operates with reduced hours from October to March, offering quiet visits amid snow-covered landscapes.