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Michi-no-Eki JournalMap
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Hokkaido

Michi-no-Eki Higashikawa Michikusa-kan

道の駅 ひがしかわ「道草館」

A small stop to discover Higashikawa's rice, water and crafts and plan your next detour before heading to Mount Asahidake.

Updated Michi-no-Eki JournalRead in Japanese

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Location
Higashikawa Town, Kamikawa District
Road
Hokkaido Prefectural Road 1160 | Asahikawa–Asahidake Onsen Route
Hours
9:00–18:00
Open 9:00–18:00 April–September and 9:00–17:00 October–March. The soft serve counter is generally open 9:00–16:00, until 17:00 only in July–August. Hours may be shortened.
Parking
Cars: 51 / 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.

First things on arrival
Check where to park and find the toilets

The parking area is not large. When busy, choose a place that is easy to enter and leave rather than trying to park immediately beside the building.

For shopping
Higashikawa rice, vegetables, sake and local sweets

The selection includes everyday foods, so you can pick up both a travel souvenir and a snack for the car.

For something sweet
Soft serve counter

The counter generally closes earlier than the main building. Outside July and August, plan around a 16:00 closing time rather than relying on an evening visit.

If heading to Asahidake
Check the weather and get drinks here

Conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Use this as a preparation stop before checking the Asahidake Visitor Center and ropeway information.

For a town walk
Visit Montbell, the Cultural Gallery and Sentopyua

Photography culture and outdoor gear are within walking distance, offering a taste of Higashikawa even on a short visit.

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph
Highlights

Michi-no-Eki Higashikawa Michikusa-kan is a handy stop on the drive from central Asahikawa or Asahikawa Airport toward Mount Asahidake. This roadside station is not a large destination for an extended stay. Its strength is the chance to browse Higashikawa rice, fresh vegetables, sake, wine, bread, sweets and soft serve ice cream, then gather town walking and Asahidake information at the tourist desk. The parking area is modest; around midday or on event days, a short visit with a clear purpose may be more comfortable.

  • #Hokkaido
  • #Higashikawa Town
  • #Mount Asahidake
  • #Higashikawa rice
  • #Daisetsu Asahidake spring water
  • #Soft serve ice cream
  • #Crafts
  • #Town of photography
  • #24 hour toilets
  • #Near Asahikawa Airport
Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

01

Higashikawa's character shows in its rice, water and small purchases

Start at Michikusa-kan with rice grown in Higashikawa, fresh vegetables, sake and wine, and bread and sweets from the town. Knowing that the town is sustained by water flowing beneath the Daisetsuzan mountains gives these purchases a sense of local everyday life as well as a souvenir to take home.

02

A useful information stop before Asahidake

This town center stop lies on Prefectural Road 1160 toward Asahidake Onsen and Tenninkyo Gorge. Before heading straight into the mountains, check the weather and events, explore town food options, and sort out a toilet break and drinks for a more relaxed mountain drive.

03

A modest parking area works best with a plan

Compared with Hokkaido's large roadside stations, the parking area can feel compact. Around lunchtime or events, choose whether soft serve, rice and vegetables, tourist information or a toilet break is your priority; even a short stop can then feel worthwhile.

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.

On days when you travel from Asahikawa Airport or central Asahikawa toward Asahidake Onsen

A 10 minute break before climbing toward Asahidake

Before continuing along Prefectural Road 1160, the most practical stop is for the toilet, drinks, a snack and mountain information. Looking for a Higashikawa rice ball, bread or something sweet at Michikusa-kan can make the onward drive more pleasant.

Asahikawa area → Michikusa-kan → Daisetsu Asahidake spring water / Asahidake Visitor Center / Asahidake Ropeway area.

Around Asahidake, poor visibility and cold are possible even in summer. Prioritize current local information before hiking or walking.

For people who prefer locally distinctive gifts over showy souvenirs

A quick shop for Higashikawa food and crafts

Michikusa-kan lets you browse a little of Higashikawa's rice, vegetables, sake, sweets and local crafts. Rather than a station with a large dining hall for a long stay, it works well for choosing something that recalls Higashikawa once you are home.

Michikusa-kan shop → snack for the car → nearby Montbell store or a town center cafe if you wish.

Popular bread and sweets may run low depending on the time of day, so avoid counting solely on an evening stop.

For an adult town walk, a rainy day or a short cultural detour

A starting point for walking through the town of photography

Walk toward Higashikawa Cultural Gallery and Sentopyua to encounter the town's photography culture beyond Michikusa-kan's shopping. When clouds hide Asahidake, Higashikawa's town center offers another way to spend the day.

Michikusa-kan → Higashikawa Cultural Gallery → Sentopyua area.

Exhibition venues' opening days and displays can change; check the venue information if you have a particular exhibition in mind.

For a sunny drive or a Higashikawa visit without climbing the mountain

Add water and a bath for a half day outing

Experience Higashikawa's water at Daisetsu Asahidake spring, then combine outdoor activity at Kitoushi Forest with bathing at Kitoron. Michikusa-kan becomes the start of a half day of eating, shopping, walking a little and finishing with a bath.

Michikusa-kan → Daisetsu Asahidake spring water → Kitoushi Forest / Kitoron.

Access to the spring water park can change because of brown bear sightings or boardwalk closures. Avoid lingering there from evening into early morning.

Hours

Opening hours

Michikusa-kan
9:00–18:00 (April–September) / 9:00–17:00 (October–March)

Closed for the New Year holiday. Hours may change with the season or temporary arrangements.

Soft serve counter
9:00–16:00 / until 17:00 in July–August

Hours may be shortened. If soft serve is your goal, an earlier visit is safer.

Toilets
24 hours

Official guidance says they are available year round, including the New Year holiday. Useful for a practical break before heading toward the mountains.

Montbell Daisetsu Higashikawa Store
9:00-18:00

Beside Michikusa-kan, within walking distance if you want to look at hiking or cycling gear.

Kitoushi no Mori Kitoron
10:00–22:00 (last admission 20:30)

Closed Wednesdays. A good way to end a day with a bath after driving from Michikusa-kan.

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.

Under 1 year
★★★☆☆

The 24 hour toilets make this useful for a practical break, but there are few places within the station for extended play. Best for a short stop.

Ages 2–3
★★★☆☆

Soft serve and snacks can be fun, but watch movement in the parking area and on the road. Kitoushi Forest is a better place for outdoor play.

Ages 4–6
★★★★☆

Adding a short town walk or Kitoushi Forest to shopping and sweets may be more satisfying at this age. Plan around the wider area as well as the station.

Primary school age
★★★★☆

Combine the town of photography with Asahidake's nature and the story of water for an educational detour. Montbell and the spring water park also fit well.

Rest

Ideas for a restful stop

  1. 1
    Choose a parking space without rushing

    This town center roadside station has about 51 regular car spaces. On busy days, there is no need to insist on a space right beside the building. Check where you can get out and how easily you can leave.

  2. 2
    Count on the 24 hour toilets

    Year round 24 hour toilets are helpful before or after going toward Asahidake. Stop here to prepare when heading into the mountains.

  3. 3
    Balance heavy rice with light souvenirs

    Higashikawa rice is appealing, but consider loading it into the car and how far you have to travel when choosing an amount. Add lighter sweets or crafts to keep shopping manageable.

  4. 4
    Continue to Kitoron for a bath

    After shopping and gathering information at Michikusa-kan, drive to Kitoron to extend your break with bathing and a meal.

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

Tourist information

A place to find information on town events, food, Asahidake and Tenninkyo. During the Photography Koshien student competition or Asahidake events, Michikusa-kan makes a useful first information stop.

In front of Michikusa-kan and the town center

Michikusa-kan is in the town center; events may change nearby parking and pedestrian flows. If you are attending an event, check the route to its venue as well as to the station.

Asahidake and Lake Chubetsu area

Mountain and water events, such as SEA TO SUMMIT and guided nature activities at Asahidake, require travel beyond Michikusa-kan. Weather and road conditions shape the experience.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

Know about the compact parking area in advance

Travel reviews often describe the parking area as small for a Hokkaido roadside station. Around lunchtime, a short shopping stop or a move into town may work better than a tightly packed itinerary.

Source: Travel review and car camping account trends

Bread and sweets depend on the time of day

If you are coming for local bread, sweets or soft serve, a stop by around midday offers more flexibility than arriving only in the evening. If something has sold out, consider a town cafe or a meal at Kitoron.

Source: Travel review and tourism information trends

Temperature and weather change beyond Michikusa-kan toward Asahidake

Even if the area around Michikusa-kan is calm, visibility and temperature can differ near Asahidake. Keep the visitor center's equipment advice in mind; casual sightseeing and mountain hiking call for different preparation.

Source: Asahidake Visitor Center information

The spring water park is beautiful, but check natural conditions

Daisetsu Asahidake spring water is a stop to experience Higashikawa's water, though brown bear sightings or boardwalk closures can change access. Decide separately whether this is a day to collect water or to take a walk.

Source: Higashikawa Tourism Association notices and water 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.

  • Open 9:00–18:00 April–September and 9:00–17:00 October–March. The soft serve counter generally has shorter hours than the main building.
  • Closed for the New Year holiday, December 31–January 4. Toilets are available 24 hours a day year round.
  • Kita no Michi no Eki lists two large vehicle spaces and 51 regular car spaces. A shorter visit is easier to plan here than a long stay at a large station.
  • On days heading toward Asahidake, use Michikusa-kan to check the weather and sort out drinks, toilets and a snack without overloading the stop with shopping.
  • At Daisetsu Asahidake Spring Water Park and around Asahidake, brown bears, boardwalk closures, lingering snow and poor visibility can affect access and safety.
  • During Photography Koshien or other town events, pedestrian flows and parking can differ from normal; check local event information too.
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.

  • Rice and local specialty
    Higashikawa rice
    Varies by product
  • Farm produce
    Fresh vegetables
    Varies by season and stock
  • Alcohol and souvenirs
    Sake and wine
    Varies by product
  • Light meals
    Bread, sweets and bento boxed meals
    Varies by stock and seller
  • Sweet treat
    Kirari soft serve
    See the counter menu
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
Take Higashikawa home

Higashikawa rice / fresh vegetables / sake / wine

Shopping that best expresses Higashikawa as a town of rice and water. Choose something for your table at home as well as a travel souvenir.

Vegetables and processed foods vary with the season and time of day. Go earlier if you have a particular item in mind.

Eat in the car

Bread / bento boxed meals / sweets / coffee

Good light meal options before driving toward Asahidake or returning to the airport, including for hungry travel companions.

Popular items may run low by morning's end. Having an alternative in mind makes an afternoon stop easier.

Take a breather

Kirari soft serve / soft serve with seasonal sauces

A sweet treat that can make even a short break memorable. Easy to fit in after a summer visit to Asahidake or around a town walk.

The counter's hours are shorter than the main building's. Check its expected hours in winter or late in the day.

Explore the town

Town cafes / bakeries / craft shops

Collect information at Michikusa-kan before heading into town to find places closer to Higashikawa's food and daily life.

Individual shops may close seasonally or shorten hours; follow their information for the day.

Access

Location and surroundings

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1
Roadside station
Michi-no-Eki Higashikawa Michikusa-kan

A small stop to discover Higashikawa's rice, water and crafts and plan your next detour before heading to Mount Asahidake.

Open in Google Maps
2
Outdoor equipment
Montbell Daisetsu Higashikawa Store

A nearby outdoor gear stop to check your equipment and prepare for Asahidake.

Open in Google Maps
3
Photography and culture
Higashikawa Cultural Gallery

A quiet cultural detour to experience Higashikawa, the town of photography, even when Asahidake is hidden.

Open in Google Maps
4
Park and outdoor play
Kitoushi Forest

Add outdoor play in Higashikawa's forest by car after a stop at Michikusa-kan.

Open in Google Maps
5
Bathing and dining
Kitoushi no Mori Kitoron

Finish a Michikusa-kan shopping stop with a leisurely bath and restaurant meal.

Open in Google Maps
6
Water and nature
Daisetsu Asahidake Spring Water Park

A detour to experience the Daisetsuzan water behind Higashikawa's rice and food.

Open in Google Maps
7
Mountain information and nature learning
Asahidake Visitor Center

A place to update your mountain plans before heading onto Asahidake.

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

Outdoor equipment
Montbell Daisetsu Higashikawa StoreJapanese guide
A short walk from Michikusa-kanAbout 1 minute on foot

For a quick look at rain gear, warm layers or small items before heading toward Asahidake.

Higashikawa Cultural Gallery
Photography and culture
Higashikawa Cultural GalleryJapanese guide
About 300 m from Michikusa-kanAbout 4 minutes on foot

Good for a rainy day, poor Asahidake views or a short adults only town walk.

Park and outdoor play
Kitoushi ForestJapanese guide
About 10 minutes by car from Michikusa-kanAbout 10 minutes by car

For a day when children need outdoor play or when you want nature after shopping at Michikusa-kan.

Kitoushi no Mori Kitoron
Bathing and dining
Kitoushi no Mori KitoronJapanese guide
About 10 minutes by car from Michikusa-kanAbout 10 minutes by car

After shopping at Michikusa-kan and time at Kitoushi or Asahidake, finish with a bath and meal.

Water and nature
Daisetsu Asahidake Spring Water ParkJapanese guide
About 25 minutes by car from Michikusa-kanAbout 25 minutes by car

For a short nature detour on the way toward Asahidake and a sense of how Higashikawa's rice and water connect.

Mountain information and nature learning
Asahidake Visitor CenterJapanese guide
About 45 minutes by car from Michikusa-kanAbout 45 minutes by car

Check weather, equipment and lingering snow before the Asahidake Ropeway, Sugatami walk or mountain hike.

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Updated 2026-09-28Explore the nationwide map →