Discover the Wild Beauty of Hokkaido’s Northern Frontier
Pinneshiri, nestled at the foot of Mount Pinneshiri in Nakatonbetsu Town, is a roadside station where adventure meets tranquility. Surrounded by vast forests and open landscapes, it serves as a gateway to outdoor exploration with its well-equipped campsite, cozy cottages, and access to the summit of Hokkaido’s northernmost accessible peak.
Beyond camping, visitors enjoy local flavors like Nakatonbetsu milk, honey, and seasonal treats such as golden financier and local pudding. With a full range of facilities including a 24-hour coin laundry, family-friendly amenities, and nearby natural attractions like the Pechyan River gold panning site and Hiiji’s Hill, Pinneshiri offers a truly immersive journey into Hokkaido’s pristine wilderness.
Why Visit
Visit Pinneshiri roadside station to experience the only roadside station in Hokkaido with direct access to the trailhead of Pinneshiri Mountain, the highest peak accessible on the mainland of Hokkaido. Here, you can savor the region’s only artisanal honey, "Aoi Kumo," and sample the unique "Sandy Gold Ramen," made with gold dust from the nearby Pechyan River, a rare sand gold mining site.
Featured Products
Explore signature products like honey, dairy treats, and gold-infused pastries—true tastes of Pinneshiri’s rich natural heritage.
Golden Financier
黄金のフィナンシェ
A delicate, golden-colored financier made with high-quality ingredients, known for its rich flavor and soft texture.
Nakatombetsu Pudding
なかとんプリン
A smooth and creamy pudding made with locally sourced milk, offering a sweet and nostalgic taste.
Nakatombetsu Milk
なかとん牛乳
Fresh, locally produced milk from Mid-Tonbetsu, known for its rich taste and high quality.
Colorful North Dew Honey
はちみつ「彩北の滴」
A premium honey harvested from the natural flora of the region, known for its vibrant color and delicate floral flavor.
Sandy Gold Cup Ramen
砂金カップラーメン
A unique instant ramen inspired by the famous gold panning site in the area, featuring a rich broth and savory flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax with modern comforts at Pinneshiri roadside station, offering restrooms, Wi-Fi, coin laundry, and accessible amenities.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking area with 10 regular cars and 6 large vehicles.
Adjacent to the main facility
Toilet
There are 6 male toilets and 3 female toilets, including one accessible toilet for people with disabilities. The accessible toilet is available 24 hours a day.
Inside the roadside station building
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
The roadside station serves as an information center for local tourism, offering details about nearby attractions, events, and services.
Main building
Play Area
The station features a play area for children, including playground equipment and a children's rest area.
Near the main entrance
Pinnesiri Hot Spring
A natural hot spring located nearby, effective for neuralgia, digestive issues, and gynecological conditions. The facility includes a sauna.
Hotel Mōgakusō, adjacent to the roadside station
Bike Rental
Bike rental services are available at the roadside station for visitors exploring the surrounding area.
Near the entrance
Nursing Room & Changing Table
A dedicated space for nursing mothers with a changing table for infants.
Inside the main building
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available at the roadside station.
Parking area
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitors' convenience.
Near the entrance
Pet Area
A designated area for pets, including a dog run (dog park) for dogs to play and exercise.
Outside the main building
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in nature with guided tours, sand gold panning, and seasonal adventures from hiking to skiing.
Gold Panning Experience
ペーチャン川砂金掘体験場
Participants will dig for gold in the Peachan River, known as one of Japan's premier gold panning locations, and learn about the region's mining history.
Duration
120 min
Best conducted during dry weather; avoid after heavy rainfall.
Hiking to Pinne Shiriri Mountain
ピンネシリ岳（敏音知岳）
Hike up to the summit of Pinne Shiriri Mountain (703m), the northernmost peak accessible on the main island of Hokkaido, enjoying panoramic views and natural scenery.
Duration
180 min
Check weather conditions before hiking; avoid during storms or heavy snow.
Traditional Life Experience at Furusato Living Experience Hall
ふるさと生活体験館
Stay overnight in a traditional-style cabin equipped with a bathhouse (goemon-yu), hand pump, and other historical household features to experience old rural life.
Duration
240 min
Indoor facility; weather does not affect experience.
Nature Experience Tour
自然体験ツアー
Join guided outdoor tours exploring local ecosystems, seasonal flora and fauna, and natural landmarks in the surrounding area.
Duration
180 min
Tours may be canceled due to extreme weather; check in advance.
Camping Experience
オートキャンプ場カーサイト
Rent a campsite with electricity, or stay in a cabin or camping box (trailer house) in a peaceful, green environment suitable for families.
Duration
1440 min
Camping may be restricted during heavy rain or snow.
Hiking on Kizome Pass
知駒峠
Walk along the Kizome Pass, a mountain pass that separates the Japan Sea side from the Okhotsk Sea side, offering scenic views and a sense of natural grandeur.
Duration
90 min
Avoid during snowstorms or high winds.
Park Golf and Playground at Suikō Park
寿公園
Enjoy park golf, tennis, children's playgrounds, go-karts, and a mini farm in a spacious park setting perfect for family outings.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor activities may be canceled during rain or strong winds.
Skiing at Suikō Ski Resort
寿スキー場
Ski or snowboard on a ski resort designed for the heavy snowfall conditions of Nakatombetsu, offering thrilling winter sports in a pristine alpine environment.
Duration
240 min
Skiing is only possible during snow-covered conditions; check snow reports before visiting.
Insider Tips
Visit during off-peak hours for quiet exploration, and bring warm layers—Pinneshiri’s highland climate changes quickly.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM to secure the last available spot at the picnic area near the Pinne Shiriyama trailhead, which often fills up by midday on weekends
- Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the entrance for the limited daily batch of fresh "Nakaton Milk Bread," which is baked in the on-site bakery and sells out by 11:00 AM
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the "Sand Gold Digging Experience" site at the Pe-cha-an River between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM to participate in the official guided sand gold panning activity hosted by the local tourism office
- Local Product Tip: Purchase the "Honey 'Aizaki no Shizuku'" (Aizaki's Drop) from the souvenir shop before 4:00 PM, as it is only available in limited quantities and is often sold out by late afternoon
- Camping Access: Reserve a campsite at the Pinne Shiriyama Campground through the official booking system at least 72 hours in advance, especially for the electric hook-up sites, which are in high demand during summer weekends
- Best Photo Spot: Take a short 10-minute walk from the roadside station to the "Hayaji's Hill" viewpoint just before 6:00 PM on clear days to capture the best panoramic sunset view of the surrounding tundra and distant mountains
- Cashless Convenience: Use the roadside station’s QR code-based cashless payment system at the souvenir shop and snack counter, which offers a 5% discount on all purchases made with mobile wallets like PayPay or LINE Pay
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Late March to April features peak canola bloom, ideal for photography and walking trails near the roadside station.
Summer (June-August): July and August offer sand gold panning at Peachan River and hiking on Pinne Shiriri Mountain.
Autumn (September-November): October showcases honey "Aizaki no Shizuku" and autumn foliage along scenic routes.
Winter (December-February): December to February provides snow-based recreation at Shu Ski Resort and hot spring access.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers play areas, children's activities, and a family-friendly camping setup with educational elements like hiking and nature体验.
Food Lover Review
Features local specialties like Nakaton milk, honey, and unique treats such as golden financier and Nakaton pudding.
Car Camping Review
Provides electric hookups, clean restrooms, and quiet surroundings, though overnight parking policy is not clearly stated.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by lush natural landscapes with panoramic views, seasonal beauty, and excellent photo opportunities.