Where Racing Heritage Meets Coastal Beauty
Thoroughbred Road Niikappu is a vibrant roadside station nestled along National Route 235 in the scenic town of Niikappu, Hokkaido, where rolling pastures meet the Pacific Ocean. Centered around the iconic "优駿の塔" (Eijun no Tō), or "Victory Tower," this landmark stands as a proud tribute to the region’s deep-rooted horse racing legacy. More than a rest stop, it’s a cultural gateway showcasing local heritage, from equine-themed souvenirs to a world-class collection of vintage records housed in the adjacent Le Record Museum.
Visitors can savor unique local flavors like the famed "Pepper Soft Cream" and "Bafun Mochi," crafted with Niikappu’s renowned pumpkin and green peppers. The station also offers access to nearby attractions, including the scenic Horoshiri Riding Club and the breathtaking Rekōdo no Yu hot spring, where ocean views meet relaxing waters. With its blend of history, nature, and innovation—from EV charging stations to interactive exhibitions—Thoroughbred Road Niikappu delivers an unforgettable journey through Hokkaido’s heartland.
Why Visit
Thoroughbred Road Niikappu stands out as the only roadside station in Japan where you can sample the region’s famed pepper jelly and crispy pepper chips—crafted exclusively from Niikappu’s award-winning, sun-ripened green peppers. Adjacent to the iconic "Victory Tower," the station is home to the nation’s largest collection of vintage records, housed in the Le Record Museum, where visitors can listen to classic albums through a state-of-the-art sound system. This unique blend of equine heritage, local agriculture, and rare music history makes it an unforgettable destination.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at Thoroughbred Road Niikappu, where creamy milk soft-serve and unique peppermint ice cream delight every palate.
First Food Counter
案内コーナー・ファーストフードコーナー
Specialty
Soft serve ice cream and fried potatoes
A counter-style food stall offering soft serve ice cream and fried potatoes, with staff providing tourist information. Known for its smooth, creamy milk-flavored ice cream and a unique seasonal specialty.
Shopping Highlights
Discover charming souvenirs and farm-fresh treats at Thoroughbred Road Niikappu’s vibrant marketplace.
Farmers Market
物産館
A general merchandise store selling a wide range of local products, including food, crafts, and horse-themed souvenirs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Pepper Yōkan
Flower Shop
フラワーショップ
A flower shop offering fresh floral arrangements and seasonal bouquets.
Products
Must-Try Item
Seasonal floral arrangements
Featured Products
Try signature items like pepper yōkan, horse-themed sweets, and local dairy delights unique to Niikappu.
Bafun Manju
ばふん饅頭
A sweet steamed bun shaped like a horse's hoof, filled with pumpkin paste.
Pepper Yōkan
ピーマンようかん
A traditional Japanese sweet made from green peppers, known for its unique flavor and texture.
Pepper Chips
ピーマンチップス
Crispy fried green pepper chips, a popular snack made from local produce.
Record Cake
レ・コードクーヘン
A Baumkuchen made with Hokkaido wheat and butter, inspired by vintage record designs.
Sakura Salmon Toban
鮭トバ
A savory salmon snack made with smoked salmon and traditional seasoning.
Niikappu Senbei
新冠煎餅
A traditional Japanese rice cracker from Niikappu, known for its crisp texture and mild flavor.
GⅠ Horse Strap
GⅠホースストラップ
A popular souvenir strap featuring a horse racing theme, ideal for fans and collectors.
Paka Paka Badge
ぱかぱかかんばっじ
A fun and colorful badge with a playful design, popular among children and tourists.
Original T-Shirt
道の駅サラブレッドロード新冠オリジナルTシャツ
A branded T-shirt featuring the roadside station logo, available in multiple sizes.
Horse Shoe Iron
実際に競走馬が使った「蹄鉄」
A real horseshoe used by a racehorse, preserved as a unique collectible souvenir.
Horo Shiru Milk
ホロシリ牛乳
Fresh milk from local cows, known for its rich taste and high quality.
Earth's First Snow Cheese
大地の初雪
A fresh mozzarella cheese made with local milk, known for its creamy texture.
Milk Whisper Cheese
ミルクのささやき
A soft, mild cheese with a delicate flavor, perfect for snacking.
Deer Meat in Oil
鹿肉のオイル煮
Deer meat slow-cooked in oil with herbs and yuzu pepper, offering a rich, savory taste.
Pepper Miso
ピーマン味噌
A unique miso paste made with green peppers, available in mild and spicy varieties.
Tunnel Wine
トンネルワイン
A premium wine aged in a deep underground tunnel beneath the scenic Hokkaido mountain range.
Saraburedo Road Cookie
駿風のサラブレッド街道（クッキー）
A cookie inspired by the famous horse racing route, with a rich, buttery flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, EV charging, Wi-Fi, and family-friendly facilities at Thoroughbred Road Niikappu.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking lot with 116 standard cars and 2 large vehicles.
Near the main entrance, along National Route 235
Toilet
The station features restrooms with warm water flushing toilets, disabled-accessible toilets, and an ostomy-friendly toilet.
Inside the roadside station building
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available in the first-floor food counter area and throughout the facility.
First-floor food counter and general facility areas
Information Center
The station includes an information desk where staff provide tourist guidance and assistance.
First-floor food counter area
EV Charging Station
An electric vehicle rapid charging station is available, operating 24 hours a day. It supports NCS cards and other charging cards. Maximum continuous charging time is 30 minutes.
Next to the Le Code Museum, along National Route 235
Activities & Experiences
Ride a horse at Holosiri Riding Club or soak in scenic views at Re-Kodō Onsen, nestled by the Pacific.
Horseback Riding at Nikiapu Horoshiri Riding Club
にいかっぷホロシリ乗馬クラブ
Ride a Thoroughbred horse on a scenic hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Suitable for beginners, offering a peaceful walk through the forest to create lasting travel memories.
Duration
60 min
Record Museum Visit
レ・コード館
Explore a museum housing approximately 900,000 records collected nationwide, featuring rare audio equipment and vintage records. Enjoy high-quality sound through a large speaker system and experience the nostalgic world of music.
Duration
90 min
Hot Spring Bath at Rekōdo no Yu
新冠温泉レ・コードの湯
Relax in a mountain-style log cabin hot spring with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Hakkan Cape. Enjoy seasonal scenery including fishing lights at night and sunsets over the cape.
Duration
60 min
Insider Tips
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and bring your NCS card for quick EV charging at Thoroughbred Road Niikappu.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00–10:00 AM on weekdays to access the full range of fresh baked goods at the bakery counter, as the milk bread and specialty items are only available in limited quantities and often sell out by midday.
- Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the seasonal "Pumpkin Miso" and "Peanut Butter Miso" — unique fermented condiments made from locally grown ingredients and only available at this roadside station.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the food truck located near the parking lot between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where the exclusive "Peanut Butter Soft Cream" is served — a limited-time treat only available during weekend events.
- Must-Try Snack: Purchase the "Peanut Butter Prawn Chips" (sold in a 400 yen package) — a locally made, crunchy snack made with dried shrimp and peanut butter, available only at the roadside station’s snack counter.
- Unique Souvenir: Buy the "Horse Hoof Iron" (560 yen) — an authentic piece of metal from an actual racehorse’s hoof, available only at the roadside station’s merchandise section.
- Best Photo Spot: Take a photo at the "Horse Tower" (officially known as the "Yushun no Tō") located directly beside the roadside station — the iconic landmark is visible from the main parking area and offers panoramic views of the surrounding farmland.
- EV Charging Tip: Use the electric vehicle rapid charger (located near the entrance) between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, as it is only fully operational during these hours and requires an NCS card for access.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots appear in early spring, and the nearby horse breeding grounds begin their seasonal activities.
Summer (June–August): The roadside station hosts summer events and offers seasonal soft-serve with unique flavors like green pepper.
Autumn (September–November): The area is ideal for visiting during the harvest season, with pickled green peppers and other local produce available.
Winter (December–February): The site is closed on Mondays and during winter months, but the surrounding snowscapes offer scenic views.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station features a children's play area, kid-friendly food like unique soft cream and themed snacks, stroller-friendly paths, and interactive elements such as the record museum and nearby horseback riding club, making it highly suitable for families.
Food Lover Review
It offers diverse local specialties including horse-themed snacks, unique products like pepper yōkan and pepper chips, fresh regional ingredients, and a variety of restaurants and food stands with strong local appeal.
Car Camping Review
It provides restrooms, vending machines, and ample parking, though it lacks designated overnight camping zones and has no clear policy on extended stays, limiting its suitability for car camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
The station offers scenic views of mountains and the Pacific Ocean, with photo opportunities at the landmark tower and surrounding natural landscapes, enhanced by seasonal changes and a peaceful, rural atmosphere.