Station Sheep Town Samurai Shibetsu

Where Rural Charm Meets Modern Adventure

Nestled at the heart of Shibetsu City, where National Route 40 and Route 239 intersect, Sheep Town Samurai Shibetsu stands as a vibrant roadside station blending tradition, community, and innovation. Opened in 2021, this dynamic hub serves as a cultural and culinary gateway to Hokkaido’s rich rural heritage. Visitors are welcomed by warm wooden interiors, a bustling market, and a strong sense of place rooted in local identity.

At the core of the experience is the acclaimed Shibetsu Saffron Lamb, a regional specialty celebrated in both the on-site restaurant and specialty shop. Savor juicy beef burgers grilled to perfection on hot plates or sample unique treats like "Sheep and Cloud Rice Hooker," a chewy rice dish infused with local lamb and Hokkaido cheese. The station also features a collaborative café, seasonal festivals, and an information desk supporting relocation—making it more than a stop, but a destination.

Visit Sheep Town Samurai Shibetsu for two unforgettable experiences unique to this roadside station. First, savor the rare Sheep and Cloud Rice Hamburger, a locally crafted frozen dish made with 100% Shibetsu Saffolk Lamb and Hokkaido-grown rice, layered with pickled mountain wasabi and white soy sauce—available nowhere else. Second, taste the revitalized Tenkatsu Soda, brewed with water from the sacred Tenkatsu River and locally grown beet sugar, developed in collaboration with high school students and regional revitalization volunteers. This is not just a stop—it’s a taste of community and place.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM on weekdays to get the freshest batch of the Beef Juicy Burger on the Iron Plate, which is only available during lunch service (11:00–14:00) and often sells out by 1:30 PM.

• Hidden Gems: Check the challenge shop area in the roadside station, located near the information desk, to find unique local products developed by new entrepreneurs, including limited-edition items from the regional youth and local revitalization team.

• Weekend Special: On Sundays and holidays, visit the café space between 14:00 and 17:00 to enjoy the seasonal French toast, which is only available during the afternoon café hours and features locally sourced eggs and milk.

• Must-Buy Item: Purchase the Sheep and Cloud Rice Hamburger (Sheep and Cloud Rice Hamburger) in the antenashop, which contains 100% Sapporo Safflower Lamb and is only available frozen—this item is exclusive to the roadside station and cannot be found elsewhere in Hokkaido.

• Specialty Drink: Try the newly reformulated Tensho Seltzer (Tensho Seltzer), made with water from the Tensho River, a designated heritage site, and Sapporo-produced beet sugar—this drink is only available at the roadside station and is not sold in regular supermarkets.

• Timing for Events: Plan your visit on October 3, 2025, for the Autumn Festival at Sheep Town Samurai Shibetsu, when the roadside station hosts a special food and craft market featuring local producers from the surrounding towns of Washi, Kenbuchi, and Horikane.

• Best Use of Facilities: Use the 24-hour stamp station located just outside the main building—despite the roadside station being closed, the stamp is accessible at any time, including during winter months when the facility is closed from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Spring (March-May): Visit during late April to enjoy fresh local vegetables and the opening of seasonal events at Sheep Town Samurai Shibetsu roadside station.

Summer (June-August): Summer is peak season for the Sand Sugar Summer Festival in July, featuring local food and drinks.

Autumn (September-November): October hosts the Autumn Festival and Sugar Autumn Festival, showcasing seasonal harvests and regional products.

Winter (December-February): Experience winter charm with year-round roadside station access and cozy indoor activities despite cold weather.