The one and only roadside station that is a must for children and railroad enthusiasts is the Michi no Eki Abira D51 (Degoichi) Station (hereafter referred to as "Roadside Station Abira"), a new roadside station that opened in 2019 and is located along National Route 234 and is crowded with many people even on weekdays.

The most unique feature of this station is that train cars are on display and can be seen up close! The first thing that catches the eye upon arrival is the "Kiha 183 series" express train on display outdoors. The two-tone retro coloring of the crumpled body of the train is very cute.

The other is "D51 320," the steam locomotive that gives the roadside station its name. Its imposing black figure is so beautiful that it makes one breathe a sigh of relief. It is usually displayed indoors, but on Sundays it sometimes goes outdoors, so be sure to check the schedule on the official website.

The space where the D51 is displayed is designed to look like a reproduction of the Oiwake station building. As a railroad museum, various railroad-related objects and materials can be viewed, so it is a good place to trace the history of this once prosperous railroad town.

Incidentally, the two types of rolling stock have been turned into characters named "Kiha-kun" and "Degoichi-senpai," and a variety of goods are available. Among them, "Kiha-kun cookies" and "Degoichi Senpai cookies" (700 yen each, tax included) are recommended as souvenirs. They are so cute that you will want to buy them as a set.

You may be tempted to admire the train, but this is a roadside station. Inside the spacious building, there is a space selling souvenirs and goods, as well as a café and a bakery store.

You may be tempted to browse around, but it is the gourmet food that will catch your attention! You can taste gourmet foods made from various specialties of the town of Abira.

Photo courtesy of Abira Tourist Association

The first dish we would like to introduce is the "Pork Donburi" (820 yen including tax) using "Kenboro Pork," a local brand. Kemboro pork has a refreshing lean flavor with no peculiarities, and is perfect for the sweet and spicy sauce of the pork donburi! The fatty meat is not too greasy and even women can eat it easily.

Photo courtesy of Abira Tourist Association

Jumbo Meat Shumai" (6 pieces per box, 900 yen (tax included)), also made from Kemboro pork. The large pieces give the meat a rich flavor and texture, and are very satisfying to eat. You will want to buy more than one for souvenirs and for home use.

Photo courtesy of Abira Tourist Association

If you are feeling a little hungry, we recommend the Nanohana Croquette (180 yen including tax). Rape blossom fields are a well-known spring tradition in Abira. Please enjoy the nature of Anping Town with the slightly fragrant flavor of rapeseed blossoms.

Soft ice cream is an indispensable part of the roadside station! At Michi no Eki Abira, you can enjoy a variety of soft-serve ice cream depending on the season. At the time of our visit (late May 2022), "Premium Soy Milk Soft Serve" (cone 450 yen including tax, cup 300 yen including tax) using "Yukihomare" soybeans grown in the town was on sale. Look forward to what flavors you will encounter.

Roadside Station Abira also has a "Vegiste," a direct sales shop for agricultural products, and many people visit for the fresh seasonal vegetables. Roadside Station Abira is full of fun and discoveries that can only be made here. Why not visit as a destination rather than a stopover on the way to your destination?

Roadside Station Abira D51 Station

Location: 49-1 Oiwake Kashiwa-gaoka, Abira-cho, Yufutsu-gun, Hokkaido
Inquiries: 0145-29-7751
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