A one-of-a-kind roadside station that is a must-see for children and train lovers, it is called "Abira Roadside Station D51 Station" (hereafter referred to as Abira Roadside Station). It is a new roadside station that opened in 2019, located along National Route 234, and is crowded with people even on weekdays.

The best thing about this place is that you can see train cars up close! When you arrive, the first thing that catches your eye is the limited express train "Kiha 183 series" on display outside. The blocky body and retro two-tone coloring are very cute.

The other is the steam locomotive "D51 320" for which the roadside station is named. Its dignified, shining black appearance is breathtakingly beautiful. It is usually exhibited indoors, but on Sundays it is sometimes brought outside, so be sure to check the schedule on the official website.

The space where the D51 is on display is designed to be a replica of the Oiwake Station building. As a railway museum, you can view a variety of railway-related items and materials, so it's also a great way to trace the history of this area, which once flourished as a railway town.

By the way, the two types of carriages are character-shaped, called "Kiha-kun" and "Degoichi-senpai," and various goods are available. Among them, the "Kiha-kun Cookies" and "Degoichi-senpai Cookies" (700 yen each, tax included) are recommended as souvenirs. They're so cute that you'll want to buy the whole set.

It's hard not to be captivated by the trains, but this is a roadside station. Inside the spacious building, there is a space selling souvenirs and other goods, as well as a cafe and bakery shop.

There are so many options to choose from, but what really catches your eye is the food! You can try a variety of delicacies made with Abira Town's specialty products.

Photo courtesy of Abira Tourism Association

First, we would like to introduce the "Pork Bowl" (820 yen including tax) made with the local brand "Kenboro Pork". Kenboro Pork has a clean, refreshing taste with no strong flavor, and goes perfectly with the sweet and spicy pork bowl sauce! The fat is not too heavy, so even women can eat it all up in no time.

Photo courtesy of Abira Tourism Association

The "Jumbo Meat Shumai" (6 pieces per box, 900 yen including tax) also uses Kenboro pork. The large pieces have a rich meaty flavor and texture, and are very satisfying to eat. You'll want to buy several as souvenirs and for home.

Photo courtesy of Abira Tourism Association

If you're feeling a little hungry, we recommend the "Nanbana Croquette" (180 yen including tax). Needless to say, rapeseed fields are a springtime feature of Abira Town. Enjoy the natural beauty of Abira Town with the subtle aroma of rapeseed flowers.

And when it comes to roadside stations, soft serve ice cream is an essential part! At the Abira Roadside Station, you can enjoy a variety of seasonal soft serve ice creams. At the time of our interview (late May 2022), they were selling "Premium Soy Milk Soft Serve" (cone 450 yen including tax, cup 300 yen including tax) made with locally grown soybeans "Yukihomare." Look forward to discovering the flavors you'll encounter.

Abira Roadside Station also has a farm produce shop called "Vegi-Ste," and many people visit to buy fresh seasonal vegetables. Abira Roadside Station is full of fun and discoveries that can only be found here. Rather than stopping off on the way to your destination, why not visit it as a destination?

Abira Roadside Station D51 Station

■Location: 49-1 Oiwake Kashiwagaoka, Abira-cho, Yufutsu-gun, Hokkaido ■Contact: 0145-29-7751 See details of "Abira D51 Station Roadside Station" on Domingo