Are you driving from New Chitose Airport to Niseko or vice versa and looking for the perfect rest stop? Your journey will be even more enjoyable with these fantastic stops along the way. You can stop at one of these places to relax and explore the unique local delicacies and products of Hokkaido. From fresh food stalls to appealing souvenir shops, each stop offers rich culinary and cultural experiences that are sure to delight you. Let’s explore these 6 rest stops together!
1. Make Kinoko Okoku Otaki one of your favorite rest stops on your journey
Kinoko Okoku Otaki is the ideal place for you to rest and recharge! Located just 60 minutes from the airport, it not only helps you relax but also provides a unique culinary experience with fresh Hokkaido mushrooms.
Situated at 637-1 Sangaitakicho Otaki-ku, Date, Hokkaido, Kinoko Okoku Otaki is famous for its dishes made from local mushrooms, such as mushroom miso soup, mushroom ramen, mushroom curry, and crispy mushroom tempura. Prepared from the freshest ingredients from the Otaki area, each dish is a culinary delight that anyone would love.
Additionally, the shop offers various Hokkaido specialties that can’t be found elsewhere, such as Mentai Name-take (salmon roe with mushrooms). Shopping and payment are also incredibly easy with an automatic meal ticket machine and various flexible payment methods like LINE Pay, PayPay, WeChat Pay, and credit cards.
Let Kinoko Okoku Otaki be one of your ideal rest stops along the way. Stop by, savor delicious dishes made from fresh mushrooms, and explore unique Hokkaido products – a memorable experience amidst an exciting drive!
• Address: 637-1 Sangaitakicho Otaki-ku, Date, Hokkaido.
• Opening hours: 9 AM – 6 PM.
• Directions: Kinoko Okoku Otaki
2. Kinoko Kingdom Niki
(Photo: Kinoko Kingdom Niki)
Kinoko Kingdom Niki is another fantastic destination in the Kinoko Okoku chain, located in Niki Town, Hokkaido. Just a 60-minute drive from New Chitose Airport, this location is conveniently situated between the cities of Otaru, Niseko, and Kutchan, making it an ideal rest stop for travelers.
Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the rich world of mushrooms and enjoy exquisite dishes made from fresh ingredients. If you’re passing by, be sure to visit Kinoko Kingdom Niki!
• Address: Oe 1-chome, 930 Niki, Youichi-gun, Hokkaido.
• Opening hours: 9 AM – 6 PM.
• Directions: Kinoko Kingdom Niki
3. Michi-no-Eki Date Rekishi no Mori: A Historical Gem Among Rest Stops
(Photo: Gnome)
Michi-no-Eki Date Rekishi no Mori is another rest stop for those looking to relax and enjoy local cuisine. Located along National Route 37, this stop not only offers convenience but also introduces visitors to the unique culture and history of the Date area, creating a memorable stop on your journey.
(Photo: Gnome)
Here, you will find a variety of local products, including fresh vegetables from nearby farms, ready-to-eat foods, and delicious snacks. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a souvenir, Michi-no-Eki Date Rekishi no Mori provides a rich experience of Hokkaido’s local flavor.
• Address: 34-1 Matsugaecho, Date
• Opening hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
• Directions: Michi-no-Eki Date Rekishi no Mori
4. Michi-no-Eki Boyo Nakayama
(Photo: Gnome)
Michi-no-Eki “Boyo Nakayama” is located at the foot of Nakayama, along Route 230, which connects Sapporo and Donan. This is an ideal stop for travelers looking to enjoy the open space and admire the majestic Mt. Yotei on sunny days.
(Photo: Gnome)
The highlight of this rest stop is the baked potato, a must-try dish when visiting here. With its delicious flavor and fresh ingredients from Hokkaido, this potato dish has become a favorite among many travelers.
• Address: 345 Kawakami, Kimobetsu-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
• Opening hours:
√ Shop / Fast food: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
√ Restaurant: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Directions: Michi-no-Eki Boyo Nakayama
5. Sato-no-Eki “Kimobetsu”
(Photo: Gnome)
Conveniently located, Sato-no-Eki “Kimobetsu” is a stop for those who love exploring the beauty of local agricultural products and learning about exciting travel information. It is not just a rest stop but also a place that connects people with nature, where you can enjoy the fresh flavors of quality agricultural products.
(Photo: Gnome)
At Sato-no-Eki “Kimobetsu,” you can admire a variety of vegetables and fruits harvested directly from local farms, bringing freshness and wonderful natural flavors. This is an ideal place to look for local specialties to take back for friends and family.
• Address: 306-3 Kimobetsu, Kimobetsu-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
• Opening hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
• Directions: Sato-no-Eki “Kimobetsu”
6. Michi-no-Eki Niseko View Plaza
Located at the junction of National Route 5 and Iwanai-Toya Prefectural Road 66, Michi-no-Eki Niseko View Plaza is a rest stop for those wanting to explore and experience the unique culture of the Niseko region. As one of the famous Michi-no-Eki in Japan, this location is divided into three areas: the Information Area, the Free Space, and restrooms.
The Information Area serves as a tourist information center and souvenir shop, where you can find a variety of local products, from dairy items like candy and cheese to freshly baked bagels, stone-baked bread, sake, and wine.
The Free Space is where takeout shops and farmers’ markets are held, offering fresh agricultural products sold directly from Niseko farmers. With the motto “safe, guaranteed, and affordable,” the farmers’ market provides seasonal vegetables harvested in the morning and sold at reasonable prices.
• Address: 77-10 Motomachi, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 048-1544
• Opening hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
• Directions: Michi-no-Eki Niseko View Plaza
With these 6 attractive rest stops on your journey from New Chitose Airport to Niseko, you not only have the chance to rest but also to enjoy local specialties and explore the unique culture of Hokkaido. Each location offers interesting and memorable experiences, enriching your trip. Enjoy every moment of this journey, and wish you a fun and memorable trip to Niseko!
Read more: Niseko: Embark on a Journey with Diverse Transportation Options
