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Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Hokkaido

Michi-no-Eki Thoroughbred Road Niikappu

道の駅 サラブレッドロード新冠

Discover green-pepper soft serve, a town of horses, and record culture in one stop. On a Hidaka drive along National Route 235, this roadside station turns a quick break into a distinctly Niikappu detour.

Updated Michi-no-Eki JournalRead in Japanese

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Location
Niikappu Town, Niikappu District
Road
National Route 235
Hours
10:00–18:00
Typical regular-season hours. During Golden Week and July–September: 9:00–18:00; November–February: 10:00–17:00. Check official notices for seasonal changes, Monday closures, and the New Year holiday period.
Parking
Cars: 116 / Large vehicles: 2
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How to enjoy

Choose how to enjoy your visit

Eat, shop, play, take in the view or rest. Choose from the station’s strengths to suit your day.

Start with the essentials
Make a quick round of parking, toilets, then the shop

Parking for approximately 116 standard cars. The layout makes it easy to combine a break with shopping while traveling on National Route 235.

If you want to eat
Check the pepper soft serve and light meals first

Pepper soft serve draws attention, but sales may be suspended or the product may sell out.

If you want to shop
Pepper products, bafun manju, Record Kuchen, and horse goods

Choose a sweet, a conversation-piece souvenir, and a small item from horse country for a Niikappu-flavored selection.

On a rainy day
Focus on the roadside station and Record Hall indoors

Skip trying to fit in ranch views or the forest park, and focus on music culture and shopping for an easier day.

When the weather is clear
Head to Thoroughbred Ginza Parking Park or Niikappu Onsen

Choose between scenery with horses and a finish with sunset views and a hot spring bath.

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph
Kashiwagi's detour notes

This is a station worth more than a toilet break.

On Hidaka's National Route 235, the distance to the next destination can feel long. Here, park and use the toilet first, choose a pepper soft serve or pepper souvenir, then, if there is time, visit the neighboring Record Hall or the onsen. For the scenery of horse country, head to Thoroughbred Ginza Parking Park; when children want to move, try Hangan-kan Forest Park. Niikappu makes it easy to turn a short break into a half-day detour.

Highlights

Michi-no-Eki Thoroughbred Road Niikappu is a rest stop on National Route 235 with toilets, a local-products shop, a restaurant, a flower shop, and rapid EV charging in one place. Pick up soft serve made with Niikappu green peppers, pepper miso, bafun manju sweets, and horse-themed goods; explore music culture at the neighboring Record Hall; and, if time allows, continue to Niikappu Onsen, Thoroughbred Ginza Parking Park, or Horoshiri Riding Club. Summer events in town and the seasonal offerings at Hangan-kan Forest Park can make this Hidaka stop more than a drive-through visit.

  • #Pepper soft serve
  • #Thoroughbreds
  • #Record Hall
  • #National Route 235
  • #Niikappu Onsen
  • #Hidaka drive
Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

01

Take Niikappu peppers home as soft serve and souvenirs

Green peppers are strongly associated with Niikappu. Choose from pepper soft serve, pepper yokan (a firm Japanese sweet jelly), pepper chips, and pepper miso, so even a short break without a sit-down meal can feel local. Some items may be suspended or sell out; if you have a particular one in mind, check official notices before setting out.

02

An easy starting point for the town of horses

The local-products shop stocks horse-related goods, horseshoes, and souvenirs reflecting Niikappu's thoroughbred heritage. Continue beyond the roadside station to Thoroughbred Ginza Parking Park or Horoshiri Riding Club to remember Niikappu through its scenery as well as its name.

03

Walk next door to the Record Hall for a change of pace

The neighboring Record Hall is marked by Yushun Tower and offers a tour course, listening booths, and an observation tower. On rainy or windy days, the shop and indoor facility make it easy to enjoy a short visit.

04

Shift to an onsen and a coastal sunset

Niikappu Onsen Hotel Hills, a few minutes' drive from the roadside station, offers long daytime bathing hours and views of the Pacific Ocean. On a long drive, an evening visit to the onsen, a Japanese hot spring bath, adds a restful finish after food and shopping.

Route idea

Ways to plan your stop

Spend your time at the station or add somewhere nearby. These ideas help you plan around your companions and the weather.

A day when you are coming from the Hidaka Expressway onto National Route 235 and need to keep moving

A 15-minute break that feels like Niikappu

Park and use the toilet first, then browse the pepper products and horse goods in the shop. If there is time to eat, try pepper soft serve; if not, taking away pepper chips or Record Kuchen still makes this more than an ordinary rest stop.

Parking → toilets → local-products shop → soft serve or souvenirs → departure.

Winter hours, Monday closures, and product suspensions may apply, so check official notices if you are coming for a specific item.

Days when outdoor play or ranch views are difficult

Link the roadside station and Record Hall indoors on a rainy day

After browsing pepper souvenirs and horse-themed small goods in the local-products shop, walk next door to the Record Hall. Combining its tour course and listening booths gives children and adults alike a memory of Niikappu as a town of music too.

Roadside station → Record Hall tour → Cloud9 cafe or back to the shop.

Use of the Record Hall can change when the hall has restrictions or events.

Adults interested in racing or horse breeding, and days for photography

A short detour to see horse country in the landscape

After getting information and shopping at the roadside station, head to Thoroughbred Ginza Parking Park. Enjoy the view from the designated parking park without entering ranch grounds, and take in the atmosphere of this horse town with ease.

Roadside station → Thoroughbred Ginza Parking Park → Niikappu Onsen or your next destination.

Ranches are places where people live and work. Take photos and stop your vehicle only in designated places such as the park.

Days when toddlers or elementary-school children need a change of pace

Head to the forest park when children need room to move

Use the roadside station for food, shopping, and toilets, then go to Hangan-kan Forest Park for time to run and walk. Spring flowers, walking paths, open areas, and wooden play equipment give families more room than an extended stop inside the station.

Roadside station → Hangan-kan Forest Park → onsen in the evening or the trip home.

The campground operates seasonally; the stated 2026 season is approximately April 18–October 30. A closure was announced for August 28–30, so check current park information.

Days when you want to ease the fatigue of a long drive

Finish the day with an onsen and a view of the Hidaka coast

After a light meal and shopping at the roadside station, head to Niikappu Onsen Hotel Hills. Day bathing has separate early-morning and later time slots, and you can enjoy Pacific Ocean views from the open-air bath and the building. With enough time for the evening drive, this makes a satisfying final stop.

Roadside station → Niikappu Onsen Hotel Hills → back to National Route 235.

Follow official information for bathing hours, fees, the bath schedule, and private baths. Plan to bring towels or buy or rent them there.

Hours

Opening hours

Local-products shop, information desk, and fast food
Golden Week and July–September 9:00–18:00 / regular season 10:00–18:00 / November–February 10:00–17:00

Pepper soft serve and other seasonal products may be suspended and later return.

Closed days
April–October: no regular closed days / November–March: Mondays

If Monday is a public holiday, the closure moves to the following day. Closure from December 30 to January 3 is also the general guide.

Rapid EV charging
Generally available 24 hours

Continuous charging is limited to 30 minutes. Outages may be announced, so check the latest information before a charging-focused visit.

Record Hall tour course
10:00〜17:00

This facility is next door. Hall-use restrictions or event days may change which areas can be toured.

Family

Visiting with children

Stars show the editorial recommendation for each age group on a five-point scale. Read the reasons alongside each rating.

Age 1 and under
★★★☆☆

Convenient for toilets, the diaper-changing table, and a brief shop visit.

Keep the roadside-station break short; for a longer visit, check facilities at the Record Hall or onsen before planning the day.

Ages 2–3
★★★☆☆

Soft serve and horse motifs can make for an easy change of pace.

There is limited room for active play inside the station. On a clear day, the open area and play equipment at Hangan-kan Forest Park can help.

Ages 4–6
★★★★☆

Short linked stops for shopping, the Record Hall, and the forest park help keep children engaged.

Choose the Record Hall in rain, the forest park in clear weather, or the onsen in the evening to suit the conditions.

Elementary-school children
★★★★☆

Horses, music, peppers, and the onsen make easy themes to talk about.

Look at ranch scenery from Thoroughbred Ginza Parking Park and listen to music at the Record Hall to get a sense of the area.

After arrival

Plan the route for a break before buying food so children spend less time waiting.

On a rainy day

Skip outdoor viewpoints and the park if conditions do not suit them, and choose an indoor activity.

On a clear day

Instead of staying at the station for a long time, make a separate stop for a walk outdoors.

In the evening

The long day-bathing time slots make it a suitable break before the trip home.

Event

Make an event part of your visit

Permanent spaces and dated events are listed separately. Events can change both the atmosphere and crowds; use the official links for details.

Checking event dates.

Spaces used for events

Official roadside-station notices

Recent notices cover pepper soft serve, pepper dorayaki (filled Japanese pancakes), the EV charger, toilets, and changes to opening hours. If you are coming for a particular product or facility, check on the morning of your visit to avoid a wasted trip.

Record Hall events

Monthly record concerts and hall events can add an indoor activity to a roadside-station visit. Hall use and crowd levels may change on event days, so check the schedule even if you only plan to tour the building.

Niikappu Furusato Festival

This large summer town event takes place around the former JR Niikappu Station plaza. Its program can include stalls, stage performances, a portable shrine procession, and activities for children; allow extra time for parking and road congestion.

Seasonal operation at Hangan-kan Forest Park

From spring through autumn, walks, open areas, and a campground offer outdoor time. The town may announce seasonal closure, temporary restrictions, or warnings about brown bears, so follow its guidance for an outdoor visit.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

Pepper soft serve is a draw, but check for suspension notices

Reviews and travel accounts often highlight the surprise of pepper soft serve, with its sweetness and green pepper aroma. Official notices also report suspensions and resumptions, so keep a souvenir alternative in mind in case it is unavailable.

Source: Official roadside-station notices and travel-review trends

Look for both horses and peppers in the shop

The local-products shop carries regional items such as pepper yokan, pepper chips, and pepper miso, alongside horseshoes and horse goods. Looking beyond sweet souvenirs to an item from horse country helps explain the station's name.

Source: Niikappu Town and JA Niikappu official information

The Record Hall offers an indoor option in rain or strong wind

Wind and weather change the feel of the Hidaka coast. With the Record Hall next door, it is easy to switch from ranch views or the forest park to music culture and an indoor tour.

Source: Niikappu Town Record Hall

With children, divide time between the station, a park, and the onsen

The roadside station works well for food, shopping, and a break; Hangan-kan Forest Park suits longer outdoor play, and Niikappu Onsen suits a restorative stop on a tiring day. Giving each family stop a purpose helps avoid being held up by crowds or waiting in the shop.

Source: Official nearby-facility information and tourist guides

View Thoroughbred Ginza from the park

For horse-country scenery, use the parking park or another designated viewpoint without approaching the ranches too closely. Ranches are working places, not just visitor attractions, so plan a short stop to enjoy the view respectfully.

Source: Hokkaido Hidaka Tourism Navi

An evening onsen can ease a long day's drive

Niikappu Onsen Hotel Hills offers long day-bathing hours and views of the Pacific Ocean. A light meal and shopping at the roadside station followed by the onsen make a gentle finish to a Hidaka drive.

Source: Niikappu Onsen Hotel Hills official information

Allow for town-center congestion during summer events

The Niikappu Furusato Festival takes place around the former JR Niikappu Station plaza, close to the roadside station. On a festival visit, plan for parking and pedestrian movement and arrive early rather than treating the station as an ordinary quick stop.

Source: Niikappu Town event information
Before your visit

Things to check before setting out

Opening and closure days, individual businesses and facilities for children or dogs can affect your plans.

  • Golden Week and summer opening generally starts at 9:00, while winter closing is generally at 17:00; adjust your arrival time by season.
  • Do not make pepper soft serve your only reason to stop; if sales are suspended, switch to pepper souvenirs or Record Kuchen.
  • Use the toilets, local-products shop, and Record Hall first to make a useful indoor visit even on a rainy day.
  • View horse-country scenery from designated places such as Thoroughbred Ginza Parking Park.
  • When children need to move, give Hangan-kan Forest Park that role.
  • If you are in Niikappu until evening, finish with a day bath at Niikappu Onsen to ease the drive.
  • The EV charger, toilets, and seasonal products can be temporarily unavailable; check recent notices if one is the purpose of your visit.
Food

Eating and shopping

Specialities, places to eat, sweets and bakeries can all give you a reason to stop. Check individual menus for current prices and availability.

  • Fast food
    Niikappu Pepper Soft Serve Ice Cream
    Niikappu Town and JA Niikappu list ¥350. Confirm the current price at the counter.
  • Local-products shop
    Pepper yokan and pepper chips
    Take-home souvenirs made with Niikappu peppers
  • Local-products shop
    Pepper miso
    A shopping option that goes well with rice or chilled tofu
  • Local-products shop
    Bafun manju
    A conversation-piece manju sweet shaped like horse droppings and filled with pumpkin paste
  • Local-products shop
    Record Kuchen
    A cake that brings home a reminder of the town of records
  • Local specialty
    Horoshiri milk and cheese
    A shopping option reflecting the town's dairy farming
Food mood

What would you like to eat?

A meal, a sweet treat, market shopping or something to take away: choose a focus for the day instead of trying everything at once.

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph
One memorable bite

Niikappu Pepper Soft Serve Ice Cream

For a first visit when you want to eat one local item. This unusual soft serve pairs pepper aroma with sweetness and makes even a short stop memorable.

Suspension and resumption notices are issued for this product. If it is on sale, plan to eat it early in your visit.

Souvenirs easy to share in the car

Pepper chips, pepper yokan, Record Kuchen

Good for a day without a restaurant meal, or for taking a Niikappu talking point home to family and friends.

Prices and stock change; follow the signs at the shop.

Shopping from the town of horses

Horseshoes, G1 horse straps, horse-motif pin badges, and thoroughbred goods

Look for small gifts for racing fans or horse lovers. Part of the fun is choosing among famous horse names and designs.

For a local meal later

Pepper miso, Horoshiri milk, cheese, and venison preserved in oil

For food to eat at your accommodation or at home. Alongside sweet souvenirs, you can pick up something for dinner or breakfast.

Alternatives if an item is sold out or suspended

Vanilla soft serve, bafun manju, Record Kuchen, or a meal at the onsen

Alternatives to a trip planned solely around pepper soft serve. If you can travel to Niikappu Onsen, switch to a bath and a meal.

Access

Location and surroundings

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1
Roadside station
Michi-no-Eki Thoroughbred Road Niikappu

Discover green-pepper soft serve, a town of horses, and record culture in one stop. On a Hidaka drive along National Route 235, this roadside station turns a quick break into a distinctly Niikappu detour.

Open in Google Maps
2
Culture and indoor rest stop
Niikappu Town Record Hall

Next to the roadside station, this indoor destination lets you explore Niikappu's music culture even on rainy days.

Open in Google Maps
3
Horse country and views
Thoroughbred Ginza Parking Park

A parking park for a quick look at horse-country scenery without entering working ranches.

Open in Google Maps
4
Hot spring and evening views
Niikappu Onsen Hotel Hills

After eating and shopping at the roadside station, end with Pacific Ocean views and a day bath at this onsen.

Open in Google Maps
5
Horse riding and horse-country experience
Niikappu Horoshiri Riding Club

Go beyond looking at the town of horses and try a riding experience with former racehorses.

Open in Google Maps
6
Nature walks and family outings
Hangan-kan Forest Park

After food and shopping at the roadside station, continue to open areas, walking paths, and sea views in this forest park.

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Food outlets and the market on the station grounds share the station pin. Nearby places are separate destinations to combine with your visit.
Nearby

Places to visit nearby

Culture and indoor rest stop
Niikappu Town Record HallJapanese guide
Just a short walkAbout 1–2 minutes on foot

Easy to combine directly with shopping at the roadside station on a rainy day or when you want a short cultural experience.

Horse country and views
Thoroughbred Ginza Parking ParkJapanese guide
About 5 minutes by carAbout 5 minutes by car

Good for racing fans and visitors who want to add a short look at Niikappu's horse-country scenery.

Hot spring and evening views
Niikappu Onsen Hotel HillsJapanese guide
About 5 minutes by carAbout 5 minutes by car

Suitable for easing the fatigue of a long drive or for a day spent in Niikappu until evening.

Horse riding and horse-country experience
Niikappu Horoshiri Riding ClubJapanese guide
About 10 minutes by carAbout 10 minutes by car

Suitable for families or adults who want to remember Niikappu through an activity as well as horse-country scenery.

Nature walks and family outings
Hangan-kan Forest ParkJapanese guide
About 10 minutes by carAbout 10 minutes by car

Suitable for a day when children need to walk, for spring flowers or sea views, or for a shopping break before or after camping.

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Updated 2026-09-28Explore the nationwide map →