Station Shirataki

Discover the Heart of Hokkaido’s Wild North

Shirataki roadside station is nestled along the scenic stretch of Hokkaido’s Asahikawa-Monbetsu Expressway, adjacent to the Shirataki Parking Area in Enbetsu Town. Surrounded by lush forests, clear streams, and the majestic backdrop of the Shiretoko Range, this gateway to the Okhotsk region offers travelers a refreshing escape into nature’s embrace. More than a rest stop, Shirataki serves as a cultural and culinary hub, celebrating the rich heritage of the local community.

Visitors can savor regional specialties like 100% buckwheat noodles, hearty deer meat sausages, and creamy dairy-based soft serve—all made with ingredients sourced from nearby farms. The station also features a 24-hour rest area, informative visitor kiosks, and nearby attractions including the Shirataki Geopark Center, where visitors can explore the origins of Japan’s finest obsidian, and the Buried Cultural Heritage Center, offering hands-on experiences in ancient stone tool crafting. With access from both National Route 333 and the expressway, Shirataki is the perfect destination for adventurers seeking authentic Okhotsk experiences.

Nestled along the scenic route of Hokkaido’s National Route 450, Shirataki roadside station offers a rare chance to taste the region’s only handmade sourdough bread baked with locally milled Hokkaido wheat and aged for 72 hours. Just steps away, visitors can explore the only public display of Japan’s largest black obsidian quarry at the nearby White Rapids Geopark Exchange Center, where the volcanic origins of the famed black stone are revealed through immersive film and hands-on exhibits. These unique experiences—crafted bread and geologic history—are found nowhere else in the region.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the last of the day’s fresh noriyuki soba (100% buckwheat noodles), which are made daily and often sell out by midday.

• Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the original curry with Ezo deer sausage—a signature dish only available at the restaurant during its operating season (April 25 to October 31).

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the dried flower display at the shop counter features limited-edition seasonal arrangements made from locally foraged wildflowers, available only during the summer months.

• Best Use of 24-Hour Access: Use the 24-hour rest area after dark to rest before continuing on the Hokkaido Expressway, especially if you’re traveling from the south—this is the only full-service roadside station along the route between the White Bluff PA and the next exit.

• Must-Buy Local Product: Purchase the black obsidian crafts at the shop counter, including hand-carved pendants and small sculptures, which are made exclusively by local artisans in the nearby Otohira Black Obsidian Geopark.

• Pro Tip for Families: If traveling with children, stop at the Otohira Geopark Exchange Center just across the parking area to view the Geosinema film about the formation of black obsidian—this is the only indoor exhibit at the site and is free to enter.

• Smart Snack Strategy: Buy the mountain vegetable canned goods (like wild leek and fiddlehead ferns) during the 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM window, when the shop is least crowded and staff can provide recommendations on how to prepare them.

Spring (March–May): Fresh mountain vegetables available from April; blackcurrant jam made from seasonal berries.

Summer (June–August): Peak season for blackberry picking and outdoor activities at the alpine campsite.

Autumn (September–November): Blackstone stone crafting workshops and autumn foliage viewing at the geopark.

Winter (December–February): Snowy landscapes ideal for winter hiking and nearby ski resort access.