Station Romance Road Shosanbetsu

Discover the Stars, Sea, and Soul of Hokkaido’s Wild Coast

Romance Road Shosanbetsu is a vibrant roadside station nestled along National Route 232, where sweeping ocean views meet the rugged beauty of Hokkaido’s northern frontier. Located in the heart of Shosanbetsu Village, this multifaceted destination seamlessly blends natural wonder, cultural charm, and regional flavor. At its core lies the iconic Cape Park, home to a planetarium, a hot spring bath, and panoramic vistas of the Sea of Japan—perfect for stargazers and sunset seekers alike.

What sets this station apart is its rich tapestry of experiences: savor local delicacies like fresh sea urchin bento and fugu broth ramen, explore the Cosmos Center with its interactive star-naming system, or unwind at the on-site hot spring. Families can enjoy go-karting, park golf, or a peaceful evening at the campsite, where the silhouette of Rishiri and Rebun Islands emerges at dusk. With seasonal festivals, year-round access to unique souvenirs, and a warm, inviting atmosphere, Romance Road Shosanbetsu is more than a stop—it’s a journey into the soul of northern Hokkaido.

Romance Road Shosanbetsu stands out as the only roadside station in the region where visitors can experience a genuine star-mapping ceremony at its on-site observatory, where you can name a star after yourself. This unique feature is central to the annual Star Festival in August, when the sky above the Japan Sea comes alive with fireworks and celestial celebrations. Equally distinctive is the station’s limited daily sale of the Fugu Tako Bento—a handcrafted meal featuring fresh fugu from Shosanbetsu waters, tender boiled octopus, and local rice, available only 20 to 40 times per day from April to September.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM on weekdays to purchase the limited daily batch of fugu takko bento, which sells out quickly and is only available from April to September (excluding closure days).

• Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the fugu peelings sold as a local specialty; these are available during the same period as the fugu takko bento and are a unique regional treat.

• Weekend Special: On the first Saturday and Sunday of August, attend the Cape Festival, where the firework display takes place on Saturday evening and a karaoke show is held on Sunday afternoon at the Cape Center Cosmic Inn.

• Star Observation Tip: Visit the observatory during the Star Festival in late June or early July to participate in the "My Star" naming system, where you can register a star's name and view constellations through the telescope.

• Best Time to Visit the Hot Spring: Go to the Cape Onsen "Misaki no Yu" in the late afternoon, especially on weekends, to enjoy the view of the sunset over the Sea of Japan, which changes color dramatically as the sun sets.

• Camping Tip: If visiting in July or August, arrive early in the day to secure a campsite near the southern edge of the campsite, which offers the best views of Rishiri Mountain and the sunset over the sea.

• Unique Local Experience: Visit the Koshigaya Apple Orchard, located just a short walk from the roadside station, to pick apples from rare apple trees—this hidden gem is open for apple picking during the season and offers a more authentic, less crowded experience than the main station.

Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market; peak season for canola flower picking (late March–April).

Summer (June–August): Star Festival held late June to early July; Cape Festival on the first weekend of August features fireworks and song shows.

Autumn (September–November): Limited fugu takoyaki bento sales (4–9 monthly); coastal views of Rishiri and Teshio mountains at sunset.

Winter (December–February): Open-air camping unavailable; enjoy warm springs and seasonal seafood dishes at the onsen.