Skip to content
Michi-no-Eki JournalMap
Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Hokkaido

Michi-no-Eki Swan 44 Nemuro

道の駅 スワン44ねむろ

Nemuro's gateway, with Lake Furen ahead and Hanasaki crab and birdwatching in one stop.

Updated Michi-no-Eki JournalRead in Japanese

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Location
Nemuro City
Road
National Route 44
Hours
9:00–17:00
Approximate hours for April–October. In November–March, hours are 10:00–16:00; the restaurant closes earlier depending on the season.
Parking
Cars: 70 / Large vehicles: 4
My stamp

Record this station in your journal

Records are saved in this browser. Visited stations receive a stamp and count towards your nationwide progress.

Nationwide progress
— / 1,238 stations
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.

See first
Window seats overlooking Lake Furen

Check the weather and signs of birds before choosing a meal or a walk.

If eating
Hanasaki crab kamameshi or escalope

Choose kamameshi when you have time; for a short stop, try a lighter Nemuro dish.

If shopping
Hanasaki crab, kelp, and processed Pacific saury

Look at the fresh seafood counter and shop separately to compare souvenirs and food for dinner.

With children
Toilets, windows, and binoculars

This is a place for a short observation break and a meal, rather than running around.

With extra time
Shunkunitai Nature Center

For a closer look at birds and flowers, continue from the station's lookout to the specialist center.

On a long drive
Rest before or after Cape Nosappu

On windy days or in the evening, use the toilets and finish shopping here.

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph
Kyuro's roadside stop note

This is where you reset your plans at the entrance to Nemuro.

Editor Kyuro Shinohara sees Swan 44 Nemuro as more than a place to eat. Park, use the toilets, look at the wind and lake outside the windows, then decide whether to enter the restaurant, buy Hanasaki crab, or walk at Shunkunitai. Knowing the opening hours and weather outlook first makes the long journey to Nemuro more enjoyable.

Look out over Lake Furen once, then decide whether to eat, shop, or walk. That makes this station much easier to use.
Highlights

Michi-no-Eki Swan 44 Nemuro is a roadside station on National Route 44 where you can eat, shop, use the toilets, and enjoy Lake Furen before entering central Nemuro. The glass-fronted building overlooks Lake Furen and Shunkunitai. Restaurant Bird Pal serves Hanasaki crab kamameshi (rice cooked in an individual pot) and escalope, a Nemuro-style pork cutlet dish. The shop and fresh seafood counter offer Hanasaki crab, processed Pacific saury, kelp, and Nemuro sweets. On a short stop, enjoy the lake and buy one local item; with more time, borrow binoculars to look for birds and continue to the Shunkunitai Nature Center or Cape Nosappu. It is a place to take home both Nemuro's flavors and its scenery.

  • #Lake Furen
  • #Shunkunitai
  • #Hanasaki crab
  • #Escalope
  • #Birdwatching
  • #National Route 44
  • #Gateway to Nemuro
Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

01

Nemuro seafood with a lake view takes center stage

Restaurant Bird Pal has around 100 seats. Overlooking Lake Furen, you can choose local dishes such as Hanasaki crab kamameshi (rice cooked in an individual pot), Hanasaki crab ramen, and Nemuro-style escalope. Kamameshi takes time to cook, so plan differently for a quick stop and a leisurely meal.

02

Shop for Nemuro products at the store and fresh seafood counter

Shop Bird Pal stocks Nemuro sweets, kelp, processed Pacific saury, and original products. Toko's roadside-station shop sells Hanasaki crab and processed seafood. Information on shipping to other regions and eating on site is also available, making this a useful place for souvenir shopping near the end of a trip.

03

The glass-fronted interior doubles as a Lake Furen lookout

Binoculars are available to borrow and there is a television telescope, so you can look for birds around Lake Furen and Shunkunitai even on a break without a meal. Look for whooper swans in spring and autumn, red-crowned cranes from summer into autumn, and Steller's and white-tailed eagles in winter; the seasonal highlights change.

04

A base before central Nemuro, Shunkunitai, or Cape Nosappu

On National Route 44, the station offers convenient parking, toilets, tourist information, and food in one stop. Check the weather and your time here, then decide whether to take a short walk at Shunkunitai, eat more in central Nemuro, or drive on to Cape Nosappu.

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 short break on National Route 44

A taste of Nemuro in 30 minutes

After parking, use the toilets first and look out over Lake Furen from the windows. Even without a meal, picking up some kelp, processed Pacific saury, or Nemuro sweets at the shop gives you a sense of arriving in Nemuro.

Parking → toilets → lookout windows → Shop Bird Pal → depart

In winter, during temporary closures, or near closing time, shopping and restaurant hours are limited. If arriving late, check the official information first.

A day to taste seafood from waters near Nemuro

Make the lakeside restaurant your lunch stop

If you want Hanasaki crab kamameshi, allow time for it to cook. On a rushed day, leave room to switch to escalope, the monthly lunch, or another dish that fits the service hours.

Station → Restaurant Bird Pal → fresh seafood counter → lookout windows

Monthly lunches and limited items vary in sales dates and quantities. Keep the shop or seafood counter in mind rather than relying on a single dish.

A fair-weather day with time for a short walk

Continue to Shunkunitai's birds and flowers

Borrow binoculars to view Lake Furen from inside, then visit Shunkunitai Nature Center if you want to learn more. Ask about seasonal birds, tidal flats, flowers, and the condition of the boardwalk before walking, even if your walk will be short.

Station lookout windows → Shunkunitai Nature Center → Shunkunitai walking trail

Strong wind, fog, mud, and winter cold can change how the walk feels. With young children or older companions, viewing from indoors may be enough.

A day driving to mainland Japan's easternmost point

Prepare here before Cape Nosappu

Cape Nosappu is exposed to wind and weather, so arrange a toilet stop, a light meal, drinks, and souvenirs here. If you visit the cape first, this station can also be a stop for a warm meal or shopping on your return.

Station → central Nemuro → Cape Nosappu, or Cape Nosappu → rest at the station

Opening hours end relatively early in the evening. Work back from your return time to avoid missing the shops.

Hours

Opening hours

Roadside station
April–October 9:00–17:00; November–March 10:00–16:00

Closed Mondays (or the next day if Monday is a holiday; in some weeks, the first weekday after a holiday period) and over New Year. Watch for temporary closures due to weather or other conditions.

Restaurant Bird Pal
April–October 11:00–15:30; November–March 11:00–14:30

Last orders are approximately 15:00 or 14:00 depending on the season. Monthly menu service hours are announced separately.

Roadside-station stamp
Reported available for stamping 24 hours a day

Reported available even on station closure days; check the latest guidance.

Shunkunitai Nature Center
April–September 9:00–17:00; October–March 9:00–16:30

Its closure days differ from the roadside station: Wednesdays, days following public holidays, the New Year period, and others.

Family

Visiting with children

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

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

Ages 1 and under
★★★☆☆

Useful for toilets and a short indoor break.

Keep your time at the lakeside windows and shop brief. On windy days, avoid walking outside and park where returning to the car is easy.

Ages 2–3
★★★☆☆

A short binocular or birdwatching break can provide a change of pace.

This is not a stop built around large playground equipment. Combine a meal, soft-serve ice cream, and window-side observation in short stretches, and leave when children tire.

Ages 4–6
★★★★☆

Birds, crabs, and the lake can make a break engaging.

Use Hanasaki crab or the telescope as a starting point to talk about Nemuro's sea and wetlands. For Shunkunitai, check footwear and wind protection.

Primary school age
★★★★☆

Adding Shunkunitai Nature Center deepens the learning.

Seasonal birds and the Ramsar-listed wetland can make a lasting impression. Conditions on the tidal flats and trails change with the weather, so choose a manageable walk.

Use the toilets first

Doing so before continuing to Cape Nosappu or Shunkunitai makes the drive easier.

Check the wind before walking outside

Fog and wind in Nemuro can make it feel colder. Keep a light outer layer close at hand rather than leaving it in the car.

Allow for a wait at mealtime

Kamameshi and limited lunches may take time. With children, leave the option of switching to the shop.

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

Restaurant's monthly lunch

The official site announces the monthly menu. Sales dates, service hours, and last-order times are set, so check the current notice if lunch is your reason for visiting.

Swan Sweets Day

The official site announces Swan Sweets Day for the fourth Saturday of each month (one exception moved it to August 29 in 2026). Some editions are limited in quantity or takeaway only, so check that month's notice if sweets are your aim.

Seasonal viewing at Shunkunitai and Lake Furen

The view from the station changes with the season: whooper swans in spring and autumn, rugosa roses and red-crowned cranes in summer, and eagles in winter.

Nemuro Birdland Festival

In some years, the roadside station and Shunkunitai area are venues or stops for this winter birdwatching event. Watch for each year's official announcement.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

Allow time for Hanasaki crab kamameshi

According to the official guidance, the kamameshi takes around 15–20 minutes to cook. If you are in a hurry, switch to another dish or the shop; if lunch is the main event, allow extra time.

Source: Official roadside-station website

Bird sightings change with season, tide, and weather

Swans in spring and autumn, red-crowned cranes in summer, and eagles in winter are highlights, but sightings at close range are never assured. Look for activity from the station first, then continue to the nature center if you want a closer look.

Source: Summary of official site and Shunkunitai Nature Center information

For families, think of a rest and observation stop

Rather than plan for a large playground or extended outdoor play, use the toilets, soft-serve ice cream, window-side birdwatching, and brief shopping for manageable breaks. If heading to Shunkunitai, check the wind and ground conditions.

Source: Facility information and editorial assessment

Plan Nemuro drives around evening closing times

If you also visit Cape Nosappu or Shunkunitai, your return time can be hard to predict. In winter, the station and restaurant both operate earlier hours, so on some days it works better to shop and eat first.

Source: Summary of official hours and driving routes
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.

  • Station and restaurant hours differ between April–October and November–March. In winter or when arriving in the evening, follow the latest official guidance.
  • Allow time for Hanasaki crab kamameshi to cook. If rushed, switching to escalope, the monthly lunch, or the shop may be easier.
  • Bird sightings at Lake Furen and Shunkunitai change with season, weather, and tide. Even without a sighting, leave room to enjoy the view.
  • For a walk at Shunkunitai, check wind, fog, mud, and footwear. With young children or older companions, concentrating on the nature center is enough.
  • If buying Hanasaki crab at the seafood counter, first consider travel time, shipping, and whether you can eat it at your lodging.
  • Before driving to Cape Nosappu, use the toilets and arrange drinks and a light meal here.
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.

  • Meal
    Hanasaki crab kamameshi (pot-cooked rice)
    Around ¥2,500; allow about 15–20 minutes for cooking
  • Nemuro specialty
    Escalope (Nemuro-style pork cutlet dish)
    ¥1,200 (butter rice, pork cutlet, salad, and soup)
  • Meal
    Hanasaki crab ramen
    Listed price: ¥1,600
  • Fresh seafood counter
    Hanasaki crab
    Varies by stock and size
  • Souvenirs
    Kelp, processed Pacific saury, and Nemuro sweets
    Check at the counter
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
A leisurely lunch

Hanasaki crab kamameshi, Hanasaki crab ramen, and seafood dishes from waters near Nemuro

For a day when you want to make a meal overlooking Lake Furen the focus of your trip.

Allow for the kamameshi cooking time; check sales dates and quantities for limited dishes.

A quick Nemuro specialty

Escalope, the monthly lunch, and lighter restaurant dishes

A way to combine a manageable meal with a break during a long drive.

Take home local food

Hanasaki crab, kelp, processed Pacific saury, and Nemuro-branded processed seafood

For enjoying Nemuro flavors at your lodging or at home. Looking at both the seafood counter and shop gives you more choices.

Sweets and a break for children

Soft-serve ice cream, Nemuro sweets, and monthly sweets

Useful for a short break by the window when you do not need a full meal.

When it is busy or sold out

An item from the shop, the fresh seafood counter, tourist information, or the Shunkunitai area

At lunchtime or after limited dishes sell out, switching to shopping and the lookout can help keep your plans on track.

Access

Location and surroundings

Driving directions from your location
Open in your map appOpen in Google Maps
Explore stations near 根室市 (Japanese guide)
Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

If the map does not load, open it in Google Maps

1
Roadside station
Michi-no-Eki Swan 44 Nemuro

Nemuro's gateway, with Lake Furen ahead and Hanasaki crab and birdwatching in one stop.

Open in Google Maps
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

Food and views
Restaurant Bird PalJapanese guide
Inside the stationA short walk

Suited to a lunch break combining Nemuro seafood with views of Lake Furen.

Shopping and fresh seafood
Shop Bird Pal and Toko roadside-station shopJapanese guide
Inside the stationA short walk

Suited to a brief stop without a meal when you still want to bring home a taste of Nemuro.

Nature observation and walking
Lake Furen and Shunkunitai lookout and boardwalkJapanese guide
Inside and around the stationA short walk

Suited to a brief glimpse of the lake and birds even if you cannot walk far.

Nature learning and birdwatching
Shunkunitai Wild Bird Park Nature CenterJapanese guide
About 5–10 minutes by carA short trip from the roadside station

Suited to a day of closer bird and wetland observation, or introducing children to the nature behind the scenery.

Cape and lookout
Cape NosappuJapanese guide
About 40–50 minutes by carA half-day drive

For a day when you also want to see the cape after reaching Nemuro. Using the station for food and toilets makes the trip easier.

Share

Send your travel companions a possible stop.

Share on XShare on LINE

Send a correction

Let us know if information on this page, such as hours or closing days, is incorrect. Our editors will review your message before updating the guide.

We use your submission only to review and improve our content and to reply about your message.

Updated 2026-10-03Explore the nationwide map →