Station Town Where the Bells Ring - Chippubetsu

Where Nature’s Bells Chime and Blooms Fill the Air

Nestled along National Route 233 between Asahikawa and Rumoi, Town Where the Bells Ring – Chippubetsu is a vibrant roadside station where tradition, nature, and community converge. At its heart stands the Centennial Memorial Tower, crowned with Japan’s largest swing bell, which resonates three times daily to mark the hours—a soothing, historic melody that echoes across the surrounding countryside.

The station thrives as a cultural and culinary destination, offering locally grown produce, including the famed green broccoli used in signature treats like Green Soft and Chippubetsu’s beloved Green Napolitan. Visitors can stroll through the expansive Rose Garden Chippubetsu, home to 3,000 blooms across 300 varieties, or unwind at Chippubetsu Onsen chi-puyu & yu, where hot springs and regional cuisine await. With family-friendly play zones, farm experiences, and seasonal events, this roadside station delivers a rich, immersive journey through Hokkaido’s rural heart.

Visit Town Where the Bells Ring – Chippubetsu to experience the nation’s largest swinging bell, which chimes four times daily to mark the hours, echoing across the countryside. Home to the only roadside station in Hokkaido featuring a 3,000-square-meter rose garden with 300 varieties of blooming roses, it offers a fragrant, scenic escape. Here, you can taste the region’s signature green noodles made with local broccoli, enjoy the unique "Green Napolitan" at the on-site restaurant, and take home the exclusive "Green Sauce" or broccoli and rice flour pasta—delicacies found nowhere else.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to experience the first daily ring of the large swing bell at the centenary tower, which chimes at 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 3:30 PM (four times in total during summer hours).

• Hidden Gems: Check the special section near the entrance of the specialty product hall for the seasonal green broccoli soft, which is made using locally grown broccoli and is only available during peak harvest months (late spring to early autumn).

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the food hall between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to try the limited-time green noodles (Broccoli Rāmen) that are only available during the spring and summer months, and are priced at 100 yen less than the regular menu.

• Best Time to Buy Local Produce: Arrive before 11:00 AM on weekdays to secure the freshest selection of locally grown vegetables, as many farmers deliver produce early in the morning and stock sells out quickly.

• Hidden Access Point: Use the parking area near the Rose Garden Chippubetsu to access the garden directly—this is the most convenient entrance and avoids the need to drive through the main road to reach the garden entrance.

• Must-Try Local Dish: Order the Chippubetsu Green Napolitan at the "Hamanasu" restaurant, which features locally grown broccoli and includes soup, salad, and dessert, available only during the summer months (May through October).

• Exclusive Shopping Tip: Purchase the Green Sauce at the specialty product hall before 3:00 PM to ensure availability, as it sells out by late afternoon and is only restocked weekly.

Spring (April–May): Blooming begins in the Rose Garden by late April, with 300 varieties of roses in full bloom.

Summer (June–August): Fresh broccoli is available at the roadside station, featuring green soft and pasta made from local produce.

Autumn (September–October): The roadside station operates until 5:00 PM, offering seasonal produce and the full range of local specialties.

Winter (November–March): The swing bell rings daily, and the nearby hot spring offers year-round relaxation despite snow.