Station Mukawa Shiki no Yakata (Mukawa Four Seasons Hall)

Discover the Heart of Hokkaido’s Natural Rhythms

Mukawa Shiki no Yakata (Mukawa Four Seasons Hall) stands along National Route 235 in the scenic town of Mukawa, nestled between the rugged mountains, fertile farmland, and the Pacific coastline. More than a roadside station, it is a vibrant cultural and wellness hub designed for travelers seeking connection with nature, local culture, and rejuvenation. Surrounded by seasonal landscapes, this destination offers a rare blend of relaxation, local flavor, and community spirit.

Guests can unwind in the therapeutic Mukawa Onsen “Shiki no Yu,” a salt-rich hot spring known for its deep-healing warmth, complete with an outdoor bath and sauna. The facility also features a wellness center with a heated pool, fitness room, and jacuzzi. For those seeking sustenance, the “Tanpopo” restaurant serves fresh seafood, with seasonal specialties like shishamo, a local delicacy. Visitors can also explore the on-site market for farm-fresh produce, handmade goods, and regional treats, all while enjoying a quiet moment in the peaceful reading room or connecting via free Wi-Fi.

Mukawa Shiki no Yakata stands out as the only roadside station in the region where visitors can savor authentic shishamo dishes—grilled or simmered in soy—using fish caught fresh from the nearby Nemuro Strait, a seasonal specialty only available here. Complementing this, the station’s strong saline hot spring, "Shiki no Yu," offers a rare opportunity to soak in a mineral-rich, therapeutic bath with views of the surrounding landscape, a unique wellness experience found nowhere else along the route.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to purchase fresh produce at the "Poponta Market" located at Mukaawa Town Matsukaze 3-1, where local farmers deliver morning harvests daily and stock is refreshed each day.

• Hidden Gems: Check the "Tantopo" restaurant’s seasonal menu for the locally famous "shishamo" fish dishes, available only during specific months and often sold out by early afternoon.

• Maximize Facility Access: Use the 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM window to access the "Shiki no Yu" hot spring before the afternoon crowd arrives, especially if you want to use the sauna or outdoor bath without waiting.

• Cashless Convenience: Pay at the roadside station’s shop and restaurant using cashless payment options (excluding credit cards), which are available at all service points including the deli counter and food stalls.

• Free Wellness Access: Enter the sports plaza’s warm water pool and fitness gym by paying the hot spring entrance fee—this allows free access to the pool and gym during your visit, even if you don’t use the bath.

• Internet & Study Tip: Use the library corner’s internet access (available for a fee) between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM when the space is least crowded and ideal for focused work or online research.

• Avoid Peak Parking: Park in the large vehicle section (3 spots) if you’re arriving before 9:00 AM or after 5:00 PM, as the standard parking lot fills quickly during midday and early evening hours.

Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market in early spring; seasonal "shishamo" fish dishes appear in restaurants by late April.

Summer (June–August): Peak season for fresh seafood and local produce; summer events and outdoor activities at the sports plaza draw visitors.

Autumn (September–November): Autumn harvest offerings include regional vegetables and mountain ingredients; ideal for enjoying the changing foliage.

Winter (December–February): Best for soaking in the hot spring baths; seasonal shishamo dishes and winter warmth at the roadside station.