Roadside Station Aputa: Scallop Lunch Above Uchiura Bay near Lake Toya

By Chaporo, a Sapporo local Published
Roadside Station Aputa: Scallop Lunch Above Uchiura Bay near Lake Toya

Quick answers

  • On a rise above Uchiura Bay, also called Funka Bay ("Volcano Bay")
  • Scallop dishes in the cafeteria, such as the Hotatekko-don (10 a day, 1,550 yen in February 2024)
  • A Lake Hill Farm gelato counter and a farm stand for local produce
  • Cafeteria 11:00–14:30 (last order 14:00); about 2.5 hours from Sapporo

Roadside Station Aputa stands on a low rise looking over Uchiura Bay, also called Funka Bay ("Volcano Bay"), just south of Lake Toya. The bay is known for farmed scallops, and you can eat them here; the building is styled on a traditional fishermen's lodge (banya).

Scallops over the bay

Right below is Abuta fishing port, where the seafood comes in, and from the cafeteria you eat it looking out over the bay.

Abuta fishing port and Uchiura Bay seen from the cafeteria at Roadside Station Aputa in winter
The cafeteria menu board at Roadside Station Aputa

Scallop dishes such as scallop curry are the favorites, along with sea urchin bowls. I went in February, when scallops are in season, and had the Hotatekko-don (10 a day, 1,550 yen in February 2024; check the board, as the menu changes): like oyakodon but made with scallops, both grilled and fried, with egg on rice. The light saltiness of the scallops goes perfectly with the egg and rice, and the scallop miso soup tastes of the sea.

Hotatekko-don, a scallop and egg rice bowl, with scallop miso soup at Roadside Station Aputa

Gelato and the farm stand

After lunch, the Lake Hill Farm counter serves gelato made with the farm's milk and Toyako ingredients. The main shop is on the west side of Lake Toya, near the Silo Observatory.

The Lake Hill Farm ice cream counter at Roadside Station Aputa

There is also a farm stand with vegetables from local farmers and Toyako products such as scallops.

Local vegetables at the farm stand in Roadside Station Aputa

Uchiura Bay

Uchiura Bay spreads west of Lake Toya and Mt. Usu, and its many volcanoes, starting with Mt. Usu, gave it the name "Volcano Bay". On a clear day you can see Mt. Komagatake and other mountains across it.

Uchiura Bay and the far shore seen from Roadside Station Aputa
Uchiura Bay seen from Usuzan SA on the expressway

Hours and parking

WhatDetails
Roadside station9:00–18:00 (April to September); 9:00–17:00 (October to March)
Cafeteria11:00–14:30 (last order 14:00); 60 seats
ClosedDecember 30 to January 5, and Tuesdays in January and February
ParkingFree, 51 cars

See the official site (in Japanese) for details.

How to get there

From Sapporo: about two and a half hours including breaks. Take the Do-o Expressway toward Tomakomai and Muroran and leave at Abuta-Toyako IC for the lake (Date IC, one exit before, for Mt. Usu and Aputa). Tarumae SA and Usuzan SA both have viewpoints worth a break.

From New Chitose Airport: about an hour and three quarters on the same expressway. From Date IC, follow Route 37 along the coast to the roadside station.

Near Roadside Station Aputa

Lake Toya Day Trip from Sapporo by Car: A Local's Route, Viewpoints and OnsenA local's day trip from Sapporo to Lake Toya by car: Mt. Usu, a lakeside lunch, an onsen with a lake view and the quiet viewpoints on the north shore, with tolls, parking and winter tips. Lake Hill Farm: Gelato with a View of Mt. Yotei Near Lake ToyaA local's guide to Lake Hill Farm near Lake Toya: homemade gelato from the farm's own milk, eaten with a view of Mt. Yotei across the meadow, opening hours, parking and how to get there.

FAQ about Roadside Station Aputa

Q1. What should I eat at Aputa?

Scallops: the Hotatekko-don (10 a day) or scallop curry.

Q2. When is the cafeteria open?

11:00 to 14:30 (last order 14:00).

Q3. Is it near Lake Toya?

Yes, on the coast just south of the lake, near Abuta-Toyako and Date ICs.