Station Minatomare Suttsu

Where Sea and History Meet

Minatomare Suttsu, nestled along the rugged coastline of Suttsu Town in Hokkaido, offers a unique blend of maritime heritage and natural beauty. Located directly adjacent to Suttsu Port, this roadside station provides panoramic views of fishing boats, seabirds, and the distant Izu Peninsula, creating a truly immersive coastal experience.

More than just a rest stop, Minatomare Suttsu serves as a cultural gateway to the region. Visitors can savor local specialties like fresh hokke prepared as kome hokke or traditional shirasu dengaku, enjoy handcrafted coffee, and indulge in salt caramel soft serve made with Suttsu’s own sea salt. The information center features interactive maps and historical footage, while the waterfront counter invites guests to relax with a view of the bustling harbor. With seasonal events like the Sea Festival and themed markets, it’s a dynamic hub where nature, tradition, and flavor come together.

Perched directly beside Suttsu Fishing Port, Minatomare Suttsu offers a rare chance to savor the region’s most authentic seafood specialties, including the only locally made shirasu tsukudani using freshly caught anchovies and the exclusive kunahokke—fermented herring preserved in rice bran, available only here. With views of fishing boats gliding past, enjoy a warm cup of their signature blend coffee or a scoop of salted caramel soft serve made with Suttsu’s own sea salt.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays in winter (October–March) to secure a seat at the kutsurogi counter, as it fills up quickly before 10:30 AM due to its prime view of the fishing port.

• Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the winter-only "Hokke no meshi-jukuse," a traditional Hokkaido-style rice dish made with salted herring, available only from December through February.

• Weekend Special: On weekends in April and May, visit the "Michi-no-Eki GW Seafood Stalls" event (April 29–May 5) to try fresh seafood bento boxes made with ingredients from the nearby Suttsu Fishing Port, including rock laver and local shirasu.

• Best Photo Spot: Stand at the western edge of the kutsurogi counter during late afternoon (after 4:00 PM) to capture the full view of the Suttsu Fishing Port with fishing boats returning and the distant Shikotsu Mountain range in the background.

• Souvenir Tip: Purchase the "Suttsu Sea Salt Caramel Soft Serve" before 5:00 PM on weekdays to ensure it’s still available—this item sells out by 5:30 PM during peak season.

• Information Hack: Use the touch panel system in the information corner to search for “Suttsu Bay Autumn Sea Festival” or “Suttsu Spring Sea Festival” to access exclusive event maps and schedules not posted on the main bulletin board.

• Local Food Alert: Order the “Ship Harbor Bento” during the summer months (April–September) to enjoy rock laver and fresh local shirasu simmered in traditional Suttsu-style broth—this menu item is only available when the fishing season is active and may be discontinued after September 30.

Spring (March–May): Spring brings the annual "Suttsu Bay Spring Sea Festival & Light Truck Market" in late May, featuring fresh local seafood and seasonal produce.

Summer (June–August): The "Suttsu Bay Summer Sea Festival" runs throughout July and August, with fresh seafood stalls and the popular "GW Seafood Yatai" in April.

Autumn (September–November): The "Suttsu Bay Autumn Sea Festival" is held on October 10, offering seasonal seafood and local specialties.

Winter (December–February): Winter features the "Halloween Event" on October 18 and seasonal items like dried herring and "Hokke Rice Dumplings" available year-round.