Station Kita Okhotsk Hamatonbetsu

Discover the Wild Beauty and Local Flavors of Hokkaido’s Northern Frontier

Kita Okhotsk Hamatonbetsu is a vibrant roadside station nestled along National Route 275 in the remote yet breathtaking town of Hamatonbetsu, located in Hokkaido’s northern reaches. Surrounded by sweeping tundra, pristine lakes, and the vast expanse of the Okhotsk Sea, this station serves as a welcoming gateway to one of Japan’s most untouched natural landscapes. More than a pit stop, it’s a cultural crossroads where travelers connect with local heritage, seasonal rhythms, and the spirit of the north.

At Kita Okhotsk Hamatonbetsu, visitors can savor regional delicacies like the famous melon bread from Konkari-dou, creamy milk ice cream from Ikeda Ranch, and hearty soba noodles grown in the windswept fields. Explore nearby wonders including the expansive Ku-cha-ro Lake, home to thousands of migrating swans, the vibrant Beniya Natural Flower Garden, and the historic Usotanai Gold Panning Park. With its charming mascot Swatton, self-service vending machine “Do-ree-mon,” and year-round stamp collection, every visit feels like a unique journey into the heart of northern Hokkaido.

Visit Kita Okhotsk Hamatonbetsu roadside station to taste the region’s only artisanal milk ice cream made from Jersey cow milk at Ikeda Ranch, a creamy, refreshing treat available in four unique flavors including buckwheat seed. Only here can you also try the famous Brioché Melon Pan, a golden, honey-sweet bread created by the on-site bakery Konkari-dou, a local favorite since the station’s opening. These are not just snacks—they’re signature experiences found nowhere else.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on weekdays to ensure availability of the limited-edition Briouche Melon Pan from Konkari-dou, which is often sold out by midday.

• Hidden Gems: Stop by the deli counter at the Cafe & Shop area between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM to find freshly prepared Chikara Soba (Hamanabetsu Soba) with a limited daily batch that is not always restocked.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, arrive by 11:00 AM to participate in the Sand Gold Mining Experience at the Uso Tanai Gold Mining Park, which starts at 11:30 AM and requires early arrival for equipment setup.

• Best Ice Cream Time: Order the Iceman Ice Cream at the Ikeda Ranch counter between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM when the staff are actively serving the Soba No Mi flavor, which is only available during this window and not listed on the menu.

• Unique Souvenir Tip: Purchase the Swaruton Wooden Craft items only from the Michi-no-Eki Goods Shop during the 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM slot, as these are handcrafted and restocked only once daily.

• Cashless Convenience: Use cashless payment at the Soba Goods Counter between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM when the staff are most likely to accept QR code payments, as card machines are occasionally offline during peak hours.

• Free Parking Tip: Park in the covered lot near the main entrance if you plan to visit the Uso Tanai Gold Mining Park on weekends, as the main parking area fills up quickly by 10:30 AM and is often restricted during events.

Spring (March–May): Wildflowers bloom in the Beniya Original Flower Garden by late April, and fresh bamboo shoots appear at the roadside station market in April.

Summer (June–August): The Brioche Melon Pan and seasonal ice cream are at their peak, with the lake and flower gardens ideal for summer visits.

Autumn (September–November): White cranes arrive at Kutchalaro Lake in September, and the Beniya Flower Garden displays vibrant fall colors.

Winter (December–February): The roadside station offers heated indoor access, and the ice cream remains available despite cold weather.