There's a one-of-a-kind roadside station that's an absolute paradise for kids and train enthusiasts: Michi-no-Eki Abira D51 (Degoichi) Station (hereafter Michi-no-Eki Abira). Opened in 2019, this new roadside station is located along National Route 234 and bustles with people even on weekdays.

The main attraction here is, without a doubt, the real train cars on display that you can see up close! The first thing that catches your eye upon arrival is the "Kiha 183 series" express train displayed outdoors. Its boxy body and retro two-tone color scheme are incredibly charming.

The other is the "D51 320" steam locomotive, which gives the roadside station its name. Its majestic, gleaming black form is breathtakingly beautiful. It's usually displayed indoors, but on Sundays, it is sometimes moved outdoors, so be sure to check the schedule on the official website.

The space where the D51 is exhibited is designed to resemble the Oiwake Station building. It serves as a railway museum where you can view various railway-related items and materials, making it a great place to trace the history of this area, which once flourished as a railway town.

Incidentally, the two types of trains have been turned into characters named "Kiha-kun" and "Degoichi-senpai," and a variety of merchandise is available. Among them, the "Kiha-kun Cookies" and "Degoichi-senpai Cookies" (700 yen each, tax included) are highly recommended as souvenirs. They're so cute you'll want to buy them as a set.

While it's easy to get lost in admiring the trains, this is still a roadside station. Inside the spacious building, besides the area selling souvenirs and merchandise, there are also cafes and a bakery shop.

There are many things to catch your eye, but the food is what really piques one's interest! You can savor various dishes made with Abira Town's specialty products.

Photo courtesy of Abira Tourism Association

First up is the "Butadon" (pork bowl) (820 yen, tax included), made with the local brand "Kenboro Pork." Kenboro pork has a clean, lean flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory butadon sauce! The fat is not heavy, and even those with smaller appetites will find themselves finishing every last bite.

Photo courtesy of Abira Tourism Association

Also using Kenboro pork are the "Jumbo Niku Shumai" (jumbo meat dumplings) (900 yen for a box of 6, tax included). These large dumplings are packed with the savory flavor and texture of the meat, making them very satisfying. You'll be tempted to buy multiple boxes—one for a souvenir and one for yourself.

Photo courtesy of Abira Tourism Association

When you're feeling a bit peckish, the "Nanohana Croquette" (canola flower croquette) (180 yen, tax included) is a perfect choice. Canola flower fields are a well-known symbol of spring in Abira Town. Enjoy the taste of Abira's nature with the subtle aroma of canola flowers.

And of course, you can't talk about a roadside station without mentioning soft-serve ice cream! At Michi-no-Eki Abira, you can enjoy various flavors of soft-serve that change with the seasons. At the time of this visit (late May 2022), they were selling "Premium Soy Milk Soft-Serve" (450 yen for a cone, 300 yen for a cup, tax included), made with locally grown "Yuki-homare" soybeans. Look forward to discovering what flavor awaits you on your visit.

Michi-no-Eki Abira also has a direct-sales market for agricultural products called "Vege-Ste," which seems to attract many people looking for fresh, seasonal vegetables. Michi-no-Eki Abira is filled with unique fun and discoveries. Why not make it your main destination, rather than just a stop along the way?

Michi-no-Eki Abira D51 Station

■Location: 49-1 Oiwake Kashiwagaoka, Abira-cho, Yufutsu-gun, Hokkaido
■Contact: 0145-29-7751
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