Where Nature, History, and Taste Converge in Hokkaido’s Wild North
Odaito, a roadside station nestled along National Route 244 in Abashiri District, stands as a gateway to one of Hokkaido’s most untouched landscapes. Located adjacent to the White Stork Field—a seasonal haven for hundreds of migrating white birds—this destination offers more than just a pit stop. It is a place where profound history, breathtaking natural beauty, and local culinary pride unite.
At the heart of Odaito lies the iconic "Shouting Statue," a powerful monument symbolizing the enduring call for the return of the Northern Territories. Nearby, the Northern Observation Tower provides panoramic views of the wild Shiretoko Peninsula and distant Kunashir Island, while its upper floors house moving exhibits on the region’s history and culture. Visitors can savor the region’s bounty in the on-site restaurant, where signature dishes like giant Abashiri scallop fritters and Hokkaido-inspired beef curry highlight the area’s rich seafood and dairy heritage.
Why Visit
Visit Odaito roadside station to experience the only place in Japan where you can enjoy fresh, locally sourced milk from a region with the nation’s highest milk production, served in a signature soft cream that’s refreshingly light and uniquely creamy. Savor the rare, oversized wild-caught scallops—fished daily from the nutrient-rich waters of the Nemuro Strait—served as a golden-fried delicacy or in a bold, regional twist on soup curry. And don’t miss the striking “Shouting Statue,” a powerful monument to the return of the Northern Territories, standing beneath a 15-meter pole that marks the exact distance to Kunashiri Island.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh seafood and local flavors at Odaito roadside station, where the menu highlights giant scallops and regional specialties.
Northern View Tower Restaurant
北方展望塔レストラン
Specialty
Local seafood dishes featuring giant scallops from Otsu Bay
A restaurant located on the first floor of the Northern View Tower, offering dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients including large, plump scallops from the Otsu Bay area. The atmosphere is serene and scenic, with views of the surrounding natural landscape.
Betsukai Milk Shop
べつかいの牛乳屋さん
Specialty
Fresh milk and dairy-based treats from Betsukai
A casual café offering a variety of dairy products made from fresh milk sourced directly from Betsukai, known for its high-quality dairy farming. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, perfect for enjoying a refreshing treat with a view of the surrounding nature.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local treasures at Odaito, from artisanal dairy to handcrafted souvenirs made with pride.
Betsukai Seafood Market
別海の海産物
A market specializing in fresh seafood from Betsukai, including scallops, autumn salmon, ikura, hokki, and clams. All products are sourced locally from the front beach of Betsukai.
Products
Must-Try Item
Scallops
Betsukai Dairy & Cheese Shop
生乳生産量日本一！別海の乳製品
A shop offering a variety of dairy products made from fresh milk from Betsukai, including butter, cheese, and yogurt. The products are crafted using traditional methods and local ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Betsukai Cheese
Betsukai Ice Cream Shop
アイスクリーム各種
A shop offering a wide variety of ice creams made from fresh milk from Betsukai. The ice creams come in various flavors and are crafted with care to highlight the natural taste of the milk.
Products
Must-Try Item
Milk Soft Serve
Betsukai Flormage
べつかいふろまーじゅ
A collaborative product between a long-standing local confectionery and a regional cheese workshop. This unique treat combines the saltiness of cheese with the sweetness of flormage.
Products
Must-Try Item
Betsukai Flormage
Betsukai Shimaebi Soy Sauce
しまえび醤油
A light soy sauce made with Hokkaido shrimp from Otsu Bay. The sauce is rich in umami and ideal for rice dishes.
Products
Must-Try Item
Shimaebi Soy Sauce
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature items like Hokkaido’s only triangular milk and bold seafood delicacies.
Triangle Milk
日本で唯一！三角牛乳
A unique triangular milk bottle containing fresh milk from Betsukai, the top milk-producing town in Japan. The packaging is iconic and makes it a popular souvenir.
Scallop Fritters
ホタテフライ
Crispy fritters made from large, whole scallops harvested from Otsu Bay. Perfect for snacking or as a gift.
Scallop Fritter Donburi
ホタテフライ丼
A ready-to-eat donburi bowl with large scallop fritters, ideal for a quick meal or as a gift. Includes rice and fritters.
Betsukai Beef Curry
べつかいビーフカレー
A ready-to-eat beef curry made with locally raised Betsukai beef. The dish is served with rice shaped like Hokkaido and potato fries representing the Northern Islands.
Fresh Milk
日本で唯一！三角牛乳
A unique triangular milk bottle containing fresh milk from Betsukai, the top milk-producing town in Japan. The packaging is iconic and makes it a popular souvenir.
Betsukai Flormage
べつかいふろまーじゅ
A collaborative product between a long-standing local confectionery and a regional cheese workshop. This unique treat combines the saltiness of cheese with the sweetness of flormage.
Shimaebi Soy Sauce
しまえび醤油
A light soy sauce made with Hokkaido shrimp from Otsu Bay. The sauce is rich in umami and ideal for rice dishes.
Scallop Soup Curry
ホタテのスープカレー
A ready-to-eat soup curry made with scallop broth and ingredients from Otsu Bay. The dish is served with rice shaped like Hokkaido and potato fries representing the Northern Islands.
Betsukai Cheese
別海のチーズ
A high-quality cheese made from fresh milk from Betsukai. Available in two varieties: Sake-er Cheese and Gouda Cheese.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, Wi-Fi, parking, and accessible facilities at Odaito roadside station.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking area with 7 large vehicle spots and 47 standard car spots, including 2 designated for people with disabilities.
Near the main entrance, adjacent to the roadside station building
Restroom
Toilets are available, including a warm water washlet toilet and a disabled toilet. Note that the warm water washlet is located in an outdoor restroom; the indoor restroom does not have a washlet.
Throughout the facility, including indoor and outdoor locations
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available at the roadside station for visitors.
Throughout the facility, including the main building and outdoor areas
Information Center
The roadside station features an information center providing details about local attractions, events, and nearby points of interest such as the White Crane Terrace, Northern Territories Memorial Statue, and the Northern Viewing Tower.
Main building, near the entrance
Play Area
The facility includes a play area for children, located within the grounds of the roadside station.
Inside the station grounds, near the main building
Nursing Room
A private nursing room is available for mothers with infants, equipped with a changing table and seating.
Inside the main building, near the restroom area
EV Charging Station
An electric vehicle charging station is available at the roadside station. Note that there was a recent replacement construction work reported in May 2025.
Near the parking area, adjacent to the main building
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitors' convenience.
Near the entrance of the main building
Pet Area
The roadside station provides a designated pet-friendly area where visitors can walk their pets, located within the station grounds.
Outside the main building, in the station's outdoor area
Insider Tips
Visit during summer to enjoy soft cream with views of the sea and distant islands, and check seasonal events for special treats.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the Northern View Tower Restaurant before the lunch rush begins, as the restaurant serves only limited seating and fills quickly during peak hours.
- Hidden Gems: Purchase the limited-time Hokkaido-style Soup Curry at the Northern View Tower Restaurant between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM from June through September, as it is only available during this seasonal window and sells out daily.
- Exclusive Product Tip: Buy the "Hokkaido" rice-shaped portion of the Hokkaido-style Soup Curry at the Northern View Tower Restaurant, which is designed to represent Hokkaido’s shape and is included in the full meal with four potato fries symbolizing the Northern Territories.
- Must-Try Treat: Order the "Milk Flavor" Soft Cream at the outdoor terrace between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM during summer months, as it is only available when the outdoor seating area is open and offers the best view of the nearby Nemuro Strait and distant Kunashiri Island.
- Best Purchase Time: Visit the shop counter between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM on weekdays to purchase the "Shimaebi Shoyu" (Hokkaido Sand Shrimp Soy Sauce), as it is restocked early in the morning and often sells out by midday.
- Specialty Item: Pick up the "Beppu Butter Cheese" and "Beppu Floamaji" (a cheese and sweet confection) at the shop counter during the same hours, as these are local specialty items made with fresh milk from Beppu and are only available in limited quantities each day.
- Unique Experience: Use the telescope on the 3rd floor of the Northern View Tower to view Kunashiri Island between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM on clear days, as the best visibility occurs during morning and early afternoon hours when light conditions are optimal.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Visit during spring to see white birds migrating to the Shiritori Plain, with the call of the "Shouting Statue" honoring the Northern Territories.
Summer (June-August): Enjoy limited-time Hokkaido scallop soup curry and fresh scallop fry at the roadside station, open daily from June through September.
Autumn (September-November): Experience the autumn scallop festival and harvest season, with seasonal seafood like dried salmon and ikura available at the shop.
Winter (December-February): Walk on the frozen sea ice during the winter ice plain walk, with stunning views of the distant Kunashiri Island.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a play-friendly environment with stroller access, a dedicated children's area, and kid-friendly food options like soft cream and small-sized meals. Educational elements include the Northern Territories exhibit and interactive telescope viewing, enhancing family engagement.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse, high-quality local dishes including large-scale scallop fry, unique scallop soup curry, and regional specialties like fresh milk and cheese. The restaurant highlights local ingredients with seasonal and collaborative menus, elevating the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides ample parking and basic facilities including restrooms and Wi-Fi. However, no overnight parking policy is stated, and the site lacks quiet zones or designated camping areas, limiting suitability for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Situated near the White Crane Plateau with sweeping views of the Nemuro Strait and Kunashiri Island. Offers scenic viewpoints from the Northern Observation Tower, seasonal beauty in winter and spring, and striking natural landscapes like dunes and wetlands.