Station Yokozuna no Sato Fukushima

Hokkaido道の駅「横綱の里ふくしま

Yokozuna no Sato Fukushima - Image 1
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Where Sea and Sumo Meet in Northern Japan

Nestled along National Route 228 in Fukushima Town, Hokkaido, Yokozuna no Sato Fukushima is a roadside station that celebrates two legendary sumo champions—Chiyonofuji and Chiyonoyama—while showcasing the region’s abundant marine bounty. Located near the entrance to the Seikan Tunnel, this vibrant stop offers travelers a unique blend of cultural heritage and local flavor.

At the heart of the station is the Yokozuna Chiyonofuji and Chiyonoyama Memorial Hall, featuring a full-scale sumo dohyo and multimedia displays highlighting the careers of the two grand champions. Visitors can explore the authentic training grounds of the Kyushu stable and enjoy seasonal events like summer camps. Just steps away, the seafood specialty center offers Japan’s top-ranked squid products—freshly dried, salted, and packed with flavor—alongside local crafts and the famous Blue Cave Soda. The surrounding “Yokozuna Street” is lined with sumo-themed lampposts and even a giant dohyo painted on the road, making every visit a playful tribute to Japan’s national sport.

Why Visit

Visit Yokozuna no Sato Fukushima roadside station to experience the only place in Japan where you can stand on a full-scale replica of a sumo dohyo used by two legendary yokozuna,千代の山 and 千代の富士, during their training at the Koryu stable. Home to the nation’s largest production of squid, the station offers uniquely crafted dried squid and rare salted squid paste, all made from locally caught, meaty squid. The vibrant "Yokozuna Street" with its sumo-themed lampposts and a painted dohyo at its center completes this one-of-a-kind tribute to Japan’s sumo heritage.

Restaurants & Dining

Savor fresh seafood and sweet treats at this coastal roadside station.

Soft Cream

Soft Cream

ソフトクリーム

Specialty

Fresh and creamy soft serve ice cream

A simple yet delightful food stall offering soft serve ice cream, perfect for a refreshing treat while exploring the roadside station.

Outdoor seating
Seasonal flavors

Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00

Shopping Highlights

Discover local crafts and seasonal goods in a vibrant, themed marketplace.

Specialty Products Center
Souvenir Shop

Specialty Products Center

特産品センター

A dedicated center selling a wide range of local specialty products, focusing on fresh seafood and traditional processed goods.

Products

Seafood snacks
Dried squid
Salted squid
Kombu
Canned fish

Must-Try Item

Dried Squid

Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00
Yokozuna Street Market
General Store

Yokozuna Street Market

横綱街道

A themed shopping street located behind the roadside station, featuring shops and stalls inspired by sumo wrestling, with sumo ropes and flags as design motifs.

Products

Sumo-themed souvenirs
Local crafts
Seafood snacks

Must-Try Item

Sumo-themed souvenirs

Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00

Featured Products

Taste signature specialties like premium squid and regional delicacies.

Dried Squid

Dried Squid

するめ

Bestseller
Bestseller

High-quality dried squid processed locally in Fukushima Town, known for its chewy texture and rich flavor. Can be enjoyed as-is or grilled.

Blue Cave Soda

Blue Cave Soda

青の洞窟サイダー

Local Favorite
Bestseller

A refreshing carbonated drink inspired by the famous Blue Cave in the region, featuring a unique citrusy flavor with a hint of mineral freshness.

Dried Squid (One-Night Dried)

Dried Squid (One-Night Dried)

一夜干し

A traditional method of drying squid overnight, resulting in a tender yet flavorful snack with a slightly salty taste.

Salted Squid

Salted Squid

イカの塩辛

A savory fermented squid delicacy with a strong umami flavor, traditionally made using salt and aged for optimal taste.

Kombu

Kombu

昆布

Freshly sourced kombu directly from the factory, offering a rich, deep umami flavor ideal for soups and stews.

Facilities & Amenities

Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, and Wi-Fi.

Parking Lot

The roadside station has a parking lot with 32 standard vehicle spaces and 3 large vehicle spaces.

Adjacent to the roadside station on National Route 228

Toilet

Restrooms are available at the roadside station for visitor use.

Inside the roadside station facility

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available at the roadside station for visitors.

Throughout the roadside station premises

Information Center

The roadside station features an information center providing details about the area, attractions, and services.

Inside the roadside station building

Souvenir Shop

A shop offering local products including squid snacks, dried squid, salted squid, and other seafood specialties. The shop is located along National Route 228.

Along National Route 228, adjacent to the roadside station

Yutoragi Spa

A hot spring facility with various bathing options including open-air baths made of cedar and cypress wood. The spa offers a relaxing experience surrounded by nature, with views of the Yotaragi River and forested mountains.

Near the roadside station, accessible via the 'Yokozuna Street' area

Activities & Experiences

Explore interactive exhibits and seasonal events inspired by sumo heritage.

Sumo Ring Experience

九重部屋の土俵

Easy
Year-round

Participants can walk on a full-sized sumo ring replica that replicates the training ground of the legendary Ryogoku stable. The experience includes viewing training scenes and watching recorded footage of the two grand champions, Chiyonofuji and Chiyonoyama, on a multi-screen display.

Duration

30 min

Sumo Memorabilia Tour

横綱千代の山千代の富士記念館

Easy
Year-round

Guided tour of the memorial museum dedicated to the two grand champions, Chiyonofuji and Chiyonoyama. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing their records, personal items, and historical footage of their careers.

Duration

45 min

Squid Processing Workshop

特産品センター

Seasonal
Moderate
Summer (July-August)

Hands-on workshop where participants learn how to process fresh squid into traditional dried squid (surume), using local methods and techniques from the region known for its top national squid production.

Duration

60 min

Best experienced during dry, cool summer weather

Squid and Kombu Tasting Experience

自慢のスルメ&昆布

Easy
Year-round

Tasting session featuring locally processed squid and kombu, including fresh, dried, and salted varieties, with explanations of their preparation and regional significance.

Duration

30 min

Squid Ice Cream Sampling

ソフトクリーム

Seasonal
Easy
Summer (June-September)

Taste unique squid-flavored soft serve ice cream, a local specialty that combines the region's famous seafood with sweet treats.

Duration

15 min

Best enjoyed on warm summer days

Blue Cave Soda Tasting

青の洞窟サイダー

Easy
Year-round

Sample a locally crafted soda inspired by the famous Blue Cave, featuring a refreshing, slightly briny flavor that reflects the region's coastal heritage.

Duration

20 min

Insider Tips

Plan visits around opening hours and check for temporary closures in advance.

  • Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a spot at the bakery counter where fresh-baked milk bread is sold daily and often sells out by 11:00 AM
  • Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter at the Special Products Center between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to find the day’s limited batch of smoked squid with a hint of citrus, which is not listed on the menu but available only during this window
  • Weekend Special: On Saturdays, look for the temporary "Sulme & Kombu" snack bar near the entrance, open from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, where you can sample free samples of freshly roasted squid and taste-test homemade kombu chips
  • Photography Tip: Position yourself at the center of the "Yokozuna Street" path between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM on weekdays to capture the long afternoon shadows stretching across the full-scale sumo ring painted on the road, which creates dramatic lighting for photos
  • Stamp Collection: Visit the information desk immediately upon arrival during opening hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to get your stamp, as the stamp station closes at the same time as the facility and is not accessible on holidays
  • Best Snack Purchase: Buy the "Blue Cave Soda" in the souvenir shop before 1:00 PM, as the drink is only available in limited quantities and is often sold out by 2:30 PM due to high demand
  • Nearby Experience: After visiting the Yokozuna Memorial Museum, walk the 5-minute path to the Yotaragi Bathhouse (Yotaragi Spa) and use the free shuttle bus service from the roadside station’s parking lot, which departs every 45 minutes between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May): Late March to April features peak canola flower viewing near the roadside station, with fresh sea urchin available in early spring.

Summer (June–August): July hosts the nine-sumo stable's summer training sessions at the memorial hall, while fresh squid and seafood are at their peak.

Autumn (September–November): September brings the first harvest of dried squid and seasonal sea urchin, with clear autumn skies ideal for visiting.

Winter (December–February): December to January offers quiet visits during the annual closure, with the surrounding landscape especially scenic in snow.

Ratings

Family-Friendly Review

The roadside station features a recreated sumo ring and interactive museum with multimedia displays, ideal for children. While no dedicated play area exists, the educational sumo exhibits and nearby scenic walking paths enhance family appeal.

Food Lover Review

Offers a wide selection of high-quality local seafood, especially squid products like dried squid and salted squid. Freshly prepared soft serve and unique local beverages like Blue Cave Soda add to the culinary experience.

Car Camping Review

Provides basic facilities including restrooms and vending machines. The parking area is limited, with only 32 regular spots, and no official overnight parking policy is stated, though quiet hours allow for short stays.

Scenic Beauty Review

Located near the Seikan Tunnel and surrounded by natural landscapes, the station offers scenic views of mountains and the sea. The themed 'Yokozuna Street' with large sumo-themed decorations enhances visual appeal.

Essential Information

Address
143-1 Fukushima, Fukushima-cho, Matsumae-gun, Hokkaido
Operating Hours
9:00-17:00 (Closed for New Year holidays: December 30 - January 4)
Parking
32
Regular
3
Large vehicles
0
Accessible
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