Station Nonky Land Higashimokoto

Discover the Heart of Hokkaido’s Natural Beauty and Local Charm

Nonky Land Higashimokoto is a vibrant roadside station nestled at the intersection of National Route 334 and Prefectural Road 102 in the serene town of Higashimokoto, just minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shiretoko. More than a mere stopover, it serves as a cultural and social hub where travelers, locals, and nature converge. This multifaceted complex combines a restaurant, gift shop, conference hall, and a comfortable hotel, all set within a landscape defined by sweeping skies and untouched wilderness.

What sets Nonky Land Higashimokoto apart is its deep connection to the region’s agricultural and dairy heritage. Visitors can explore the Higashimokoto Cheese Factory, where fresh local milk is transformed into artisanal cheeses and butter—plus, enjoy hands-on experiences like cheese-making and tasting. The seasonal soft serve, made with Camembert cheese, offers a unique treat packed with healthful peptides. Nearby, the expansive Higashimokoto Shizakura Park blooms with wildflowers in late spring, offering picnic spots, fishing ponds, and even campgrounds. Whether you're seeking a quiet retreat, a taste of authentic Hokkaido, or an immersive cultural experience, this roadside station delivers it all with ease and warmth.

Visit Nonky Land Higashimokoto for its one-of-a-kind on-site cheesemaking facility, where you can witness the crafting of fresh dairy products using milk from local East Mokoto cows. The highlight is the seasonal Camembert cheese soft serve—crafted exclusively here and rich in antioxidant peptides. Complementing this, the roadside station serves as the only access point to the vast East Mokoto Shizakura Park, a 100,000-square-meter slope blanketed in vibrant pink cherry blossoms from mid-May to early June, offering a breathtaking, rare natural spectacle.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 8:00 AM during summer (July–August) when the shop 'Aeru' opens earlier than usual, as it’s the only time the store opens at 8:00 AM instead of 9:00 AM, avoiding the midday rush.

• Hidden Gems: Visit the dairy shop at the Higashimokoto Cheese Factory during summer months (May–October) to try the original Camembert cheese soft serve, which contains antioxidant-rich peptides and is only available during those months.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, stop by the restaurant Kururinku before 11:00 AM to secure a table for lunch, as the restaurant fills up quickly and reservations are not accepted.

• Must-Try Product: Purchase the fresh lotus root from the shop 'Aeru' in July and August when it is freshly harvested and labeled as "definitely recommended" on the roadside station’s notice board.

• Best Use of Facilities: Use the multi-purpose hall at Nonky Land Higashimokoto for group meetings or events during weekdays, as it is available for booking and is often underused outside of peak tourist times.

• Parking Strategy: Reserve one of the three large vehicle parking spots early, as they are only available for large vehicles and are frequently taken by tour buses and larger RVs.

• Stamp Collection Tip: If you plan to collect the roadside station stamp, visit the shop 'Aeru' during open hours (8:00–18:00 in summer) and ask staff to stamp your card immediately upon entry, as the stamp station closes when the shop closes and does not operate during temporary closures.

Spring (May-June): Best for visiting East Mokoto Cherry Blossom Park, with peak blooms from mid-May to early June.

Summer (July-August): Ideal for camping and enjoying the long root vegetable harvest, with new harvests available in July.

Autumn (September-October): Perfect for tasting the seasonal Camembert cheese soft serve, available from May to October.

Winter (November-February): Visit during the Christmas Dinner Show event in late October and enjoy the serene, snow-covered landscape.