Station Sarabetsu

Savor the Heart of Hokkaido’s Rural Charm

Nestled at the intersection of regional roads and just minutes from the Takachiho Airport, Sarabetsu roadside station stands as a vibrant gateway to the serene landscapes of South Hokkaido. More than a rest stop, it serves as a cultural and culinary hub, blending local tradition with modern hospitality. The station’s playful name, “Pipopa,” inspired by the familiar phone dial tone, reflects its mission as a community-driven information center.

At Sarabetsu, visitors discover the true taste of the region—from the famous Tenkai Fukurou Beef Curry to fresh, farm-to-table produce at the weekend vegetable market. Don’t miss the beloved plum soft-serve, a seasonal favorite, or the handmade soba made from local wheat, prized for its rich aroma and satisfying bite. Nearby, the expansive Sarabetsu Country Park invites travelers to unwind under open skies, while the nearby family fishing pond and hot spring spa offer relaxation in nature’s embrace.

Sarabetsu stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering fresh, farm-to-table produce from the daily soil of the Sapporo-Asahikawa area, with rare vegetables like yacón and bitter melon available at its weekend market. Its standout feature is the exclusive "Sarabetsu Plum Jam Soft Cream," made from plums grown in the village’s own plum orchard—available year-round and beloved by locals and visitors alike. For a true taste of the area, try the "Sarabetsu Sannou Udon," a handmade noodle crafted from 100% local "Kitahonami" wheat, known for its rich aroma and distinctive dark hue.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 9:30 AM on weekends to secure the freshest batch of the day’s produce at the soil-to-table vegetable market, which starts at 9:00 AM and often sells out by midday.
• Hidden Gems: Head straight to the special produce counter to find the "Yakon" (jicama) and "Goya" (bitter melon) during the seasonal vegetable market, as these are not commonly available elsewhere and are harvested daily.
• Weekend Special: On Saturday and Sunday mornings, ask the staff at the produce counter for the "Sarabetsu Farm Fresh Jam" — a limited daily batch made from fruits harvested that morning and sold only at the roadside station.
• Must-Try Menu Item: Order the "Parent Pig Set" at the restaurant "Potato" between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM, when the kitchen prepares a fresh batch of the special pork bowl with ramen, ensuring the best texture and flavor.
• Best Souvenir Purchase: Buy the "Sarabetsu Mountain Potato Chips" at the gift shop before 4:00 PM, as they are typically restocked only once a week and often sell out by late afternoon.
• Unique Local Product: Look for the "Sarabetsu Plum Yogurt" and "Sarabetsu Plum Liqueur" in the specialty section — these are made exclusively from plums grown at the Sarabetsu Plum Orchard, available year-round but especially popular in summer.
• Parking Strategy: Use the large vehicle parking lot (7 spots) only if you're driving a truck or van; the 65 regular car spots fill up quickly on weekends, so arrive early and park near the entrance to the "Pipopa" building for quicker access to the vegetable market and restaurant.

Spring (March–May): Cherry blossoms bloom in May at the Sarabetsu Plum Village, coinciding with the roadside station's gratitude festival.

Summer (June–August): Fresh vegetables from the local market are available Saturdays and Sundays from early June to late August.

Autumn (September–November): The roadside station's vegetable market runs through early November, offering seasonal harvests like potatoes and leafy greens.

Winter (December–February): The station closes from December 29 to January 3, but the plum jam soft serve is available year-round.