Station Shinshinotsu

Discover the Heart of Hokkaido’s Rural Charm

Nestled along the scenic route between Ishikari and Sapporo, Shinshinotsu roadside station is a vibrant gateway to the natural beauty and agricultural heritage of Shinshinotsu Village. More than just a rest stop, it seamlessly blends nature, culture, and cuisine, offering travelers a true taste of Hokkaido’s countryside. Surrounded by lush farmland and the serene Shinshinotsu Lake, the station sits at the crossroads of regional travel, making it a convenient and welcoming hub.

At the heart of the experience is the restaurant "Daichi no Terrace Enishi," where guests can savor local delicacies like Hokkaido miso ramen and house-made tofu dishes. The station also features a bustling direct market showcasing fresh, daily-harvested produce, a shop with regional specialties like Yume Piriha rice and pure rice soda, and the relaxing "Tappu no Yu" hot spring, where views of the lake enhance the sense of tranquility. Whether enjoying a meal, shopping for local gifts, or unwinding in the bath, Shinshinotsu offers a complete, authentic rural escape.

Visit Shinshinotsu roadside station to experience the only place in Hokkaido where you can enjoy a breakfast buffet featuring fresh, locally sourced roast beef and a signature "sukki-don" — a Hokkaido-style rice bowl with unlimited sashimi — all served in a charming, rustic setting. The station’s unique selling point is its exclusive "Yume Pirika" rice, grown in the village and used to craft a refreshing, slightly sweet rice soda, available nowhere else.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 7:00 and 8:30 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the breakfast buffet, as the roast beef and sashimi bar are served fresh from the kitchen and often sell out by 9:00 AM.

• Hidden Gems: Stop at the Shinshinotsu Produce Market between 8:00 and 9:30 AM on weekdays when the farmers arrive with the day’s harvest; this is when the freshest vegetables, including heirloom tomatoes and seasonal greens, are displayed and often offered at discounted prices during the morning rush.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the Shinshinotsu Produce Market around 10:00 AM to catch the daily "Farmers’ Special" event, where local growers offer free samples of new harvests like pickled cucumbers and seasonal root vegetables.

• Must-Try Food: Order the Edo-style Miso Ramen at the main restaurant and ask for the extra portion of Edo Miso on the side—this is the same traditional miso used in the historical offering to the Tokugawa family and adds a rich depth to the broth.

• Best Value Purchase: Buy the Yumepirika Rice in the shop during the last hour of operation (20:00–21:00) when the store offers a 10% discount on bulk purchases of 5 kg or more, available only during the 4th quarter of the year.

• Local Experience: Use the Shinshinotsu Lake Fishing area in winter by booking a fishing spot through the roadside station’s information desk—reservations are required and must be made at least 24 hours in advance, especially during peak season (December–February).

• Unique Souvenir: Purchase the Shinshinotsu Rice Soda in a 500ml bottle from the shop and take it home as a unique gift—this is the only roadside station in Hokkaido that sells rice-based soda made with local Yumepirika rice, and it’s only available in limited seasonal batches.

Spring (April–May): Visit the shinosu market (late April–early May) for fresh farm vegetables and early seasonal produce.

Summer (June–August): Enjoy the shinosu lake for summer fishing and visit the shinosu park during July’s irises bloom.

Autumn (September–October): Experience the shinosu market’s final season and enjoy the scenic views from the park’s lookout.

Winter (November–March): Try winter fishing at shinosu lake and relax in the onsen with lake views.