Where History Meets the Rails at Shiriuchi
Nestled just one kilometer from the entrance of the iconic Seikan Tunnel, Shiriuchi roadside station stands as a vibrant gateway to the natural and cultural heart of Hokkaido’s Dōnan region. Located along National Route 228, this charming stop offers travelers a rare blend of ancient heritage and modern charm. Discover the site of Japan’s oldest known burial mound, designated a national Important Cultural Property, and explore the history-rich landscape that has shaped the identity of Shiriuchi.
Beyond its historical significance, Shiriuchi is celebrated for its locally sourced delights. Sample fresh vegetables, smoked squid, and handmade sausages featuring the region’s famed garlic chives. Savor the warm aroma of freshly baked bread at Ashinara Bakery, where Hokkaido wheat and local rice flour come together in over 40 unique varieties. Don’t miss the New Train Viewing Tower, where you can witness the sleek Shinkansen glide past freight trains—a spectacle only possible here.
Why Visit
Shiriuchi roadside station offers a rare glimpse into Japan’s deepest prehistory, home to the nation’s oldest known burial mound, with 14 nationally designated Important Cultural Properties unearthed on-site. Just steps away, the station’s signature Genki Sausage—crafted with locally grown leeks and hand-mixed for authentic flavor—can only be found here. For a truly unique experience, visit the New Shinkansen Viewing Tower, where you can witness freight trains passing beneath as the high-speed train streaks overhead, a sight visible nowhere else in Japan.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, locally grown vegetables and seafood at Shiriuchi roadside station, where farm-to-table flavors meet cozy charm.
Sawaya Toilet
さわやかトイレ
Specialty
Public restroom facility with accessible options
A clean and well-maintained public restroom with separate facilities for men (3 large, 7 small), women (7), and people with disabilities (1). Includes features such as automatic flushing, warm water washing, and diaper changing tables.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local crafts and seasonal treats at Shiriuchi, a vibrant hub of regional pride and handmade goods.
Shiriuchi Agricultural Products Hall
物産館
A retail space offering locally produced agricultural goods from Shiriuchi Town, including fresh vegetables, seafood, and processed fish products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh local vegetables
Asunaro Bread Factory Shiriuchi
あすなろパン工房しりうち
A bakery specializing in handmade bread using Hokkaido wheat and locally sourced rice flour from Shiriuchi Town. Offers over 40 varieties of bread, including unique regional flavors.
Products
Must-Try Item
Nira bread
Featured Products
Sample signature specialties like niwa-mochi and Genki sausage, crafted from Shiriuchi’s famed garlic and fresh produce.
Breast-shaped Dumpling
おっぱい饅頭
A sweet dumpling shaped like a breast, inspired by a legendary giant cedar tree known as 'Obosugi' whose shape resembles a woman's breast. The name comes from a local legend where women who prayed at the tree were said to have improved milk production.
Kagami Sake
荒神
A traditional sake believed to bring spiritual vitality and protection. Named after a deity said to have appeared in a dream to the fourth son of the first Matsumae lord, this sake is a local specialty with historical significance.
Genki Sausage
げんきソーセージ
A flavorful sausage made with locally grown leeks from Shiriuchi Town. The leeks are mixed into the meat, creating a balanced taste with a subtle smoky aroma. The use of both long and short leeks indicates handcrafted production.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy clean restrooms, picnic areas, and convenient amenities including EV charging and Wi-Fi at Shiriuchi roadside station.
Parking Lot
Large bus parking: 2 spaces, ordinary car parking: 49 spaces (35 spaces available at the roadside station). The parking lot is located beside the road and is accessible to the beach, allowing for beach activities and fishing.
Along National Route 228
Sawaya Toilet
Men's restroom: 3 large toilets, 7 small toilets; Women's restroom: 7 toilets; Disabled restroom: 1 toilet. The facility includes warm water flushing toilets and an ostomy care station.
Inside the roadside station
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available at the roadside station for visitors.
Throughout the roadside station
Tourist Information Center
Located within the town's product hall, this center provides information about local attractions, events, and tourism services.
Inside the product hall
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging facilities are available at the roadside station.
Near the parking lot
Nursing Room
A dedicated room for nursing mothers with facilities for changing diapers and feeding.
Inside the roadside station
Ikarukai Parking Park
A gravel site adjacent to the parking lot where camping is possible. The area includes clean toilets and direct access to the beach for beach play and fishing. The nearby Ikarukai Island is visible on clear days, and the opposite coast of Honshu can be seen.
Beside the parking lot, near the coast
Activities & Experiences
Explore seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and scenic views from the Shiriuchi new train lookout and nearby trails.
Sawaya Toilet
さわやかトイレ
Access to clean restroom facilities including large and small toilets for men, toilets for women, and a disabled-accessible toilet.
0New Shinkansen View Tower
新幹線展望塔
Observe the rare sight of Shinkansen trains passing through while freight trains temporarily retreat, especially during winter when illuminated by seasonal lights.
Duration
30 min
Best viewed on clear days with good visibility.
Yagoshi Cruising Tour
矢越クルーズ
Take a small boat tour to explore the scenic and secluded coastal area known as the 'secret gem of the Dōnan region,' accessible only by boat.
Duration
60 min
Tours may be canceled or postponed in case of strong winds or heavy rain.
Ikarukai Parking Park Camping
イカリカイ駐車公園
Set up camp at a gravel site beside the parking area. Enjoy coastal activities such as rock fishing and beach exploration, with views of Ikarukai Island and, on clear days, the mainland of Honshu.
Duration
120 min
Camping not recommended during heavy rain or typhoon conditions.
Shirichi Park and Observation Deck
重内展望台
Climb 200 steps to reach a panoramic viewpoint offering sweeping views of the Shiriuchi Plain, Tsugaru Strait, and cherry blossoms in full bloom along a 3-kilometer straight road in spring.
Duration
45 min
Best enjoyed on clear, sunny days for optimal visibility.
Historical Monument of Japan's Oldest Tomb
日本最古の墓モニュメント
Visit the monument commemorating the discovery of a prehistoric burial site from the Paleolithic era, with 14 artifacts designated as National Important Cultural Properties.
Duration
20 min
Asunaro Bread Bakery
あすなろパン工房しりうち
Participate in hands-on bread-making using locally sourced Hokkaido wheat and Shirichi-produced rice flour, including unique local flavors like leek-infused bread.
Duration
90 min
Indoor activity; weather does not affect participation.
Insider Tips
Visit early to avoid crowds, and don’t miss the seasonal harvest displays and local festival highlights.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 10:00 AM on weekdays to ensure availability of fresh niira-filled bread from あすなろパン工房しりうち, which sells out quickly after 11:00 AM.
- Hidden Gems: At the 物産館, look for the limited-edition げんきソーセージ made with locally grown niira—only available during the summer months and sold in small batches.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the 新幹線展望塔 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to witness the rare sight of a freight train passing through the tunnel while a Shinkansen train speeds past on the adjacent track.
- Unique Souvenir: Purchase the おっぱい饅頭 at the 物産館 counter located near the entrance—these are shaped like a large cedar tree’s breast-like knot and are only sold in packs of 4.
- Best Photo Spot: Climb the 200 steps to the 重内展望台 by 3:00 PM on clear spring days to capture the full view of the 3-kilometer cherry blossom avenue in full bloom along the straight road.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Activity: Use the イカリカイ駐車公園’s gravel camping site for a quiet seaside experience—access the rocky shore directly from the parking area and fish or collect shells near the island of イカリカイ.
- Cultural Insight: Visit the 日本最古の墓モニュメント at the roadside station’s central plaza and read the plaque detailing the discovery of 14 national Important Cultural Properties, including stone beads and blades, unearthed in 1983 from the Yonosato 4 ruins.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms peak in late April at the Jūnai Observation Deck, while fresh bamboo shoots are available at the market.
Summer (June-August): The train viewing tower offers prime views of Shinkansen passing through in summer, and the coastal area is ideal for fishing.
Autumn (September-November): The area around the Jūnai Observation Deck displays vibrant fall foliage from late September to early November.
Winter (December-February): The train viewing tower features seasonal illuminations from December through February.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station features a spacious playground, multiple restrooms including family and disabled facilities, and stroller-friendly paths. Interactive exhibits on local history engage children, while kid-friendly food options like the unique niura bread and local snacks are available.
Food Lover Review
The station offers diverse local cuisine including fresh produce from the farm market, artisanal niura-based sausages, and handmade bread. Unique regional specialties like the breast-shaped manju and local sake enhance the culinary experience with authentic flavors.
Car Camping Review
The station provides clean restrooms, vending machines, and a designated camping area near the beach. While not ideal for extended stays, it offers basic overnight access with scenic views and quiet surroundings during off-peak hours.
Scenic Beauty Review
Overlooking the Tsugaru Strait and featuring panoramic views from the lookout tower, the station offers stunning natural scenery. Seasonal beauty, especially cherry blossoms and winter illuminations, enhances the visual appeal and atmosphere.