| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 - 17:30 Bench Time Cafe 11:00 - 20:30 Yakiton Hidaka (Yakitori Restaurant) 11:00 - 21:00 Restaurant Yamasho (Chinese Restaurant) |
| Closed | Thursdays - Restaurant Yamasho Tuesdays - Bench Time Cafe |
| Contact | 011-4647-3650 Bench Time Cafe 011-4647-2989 Yakiton Hidaka 011-4647-3369 Restaurant Yamasho |
| Notes | Rest area, photography spot, land mark, parking available, 3 restaurants under mural |
| Location / Getting There | On the south eastern coast of Hokkaido. The rest stop is a 15-minute walk from Seppu Station on the JR Hidaka Main Line, under the mural of a horse along National Route 235. It's a 6 minute drive from central Niikappu. 292 1 Seppucho, Niikappu, Niikappu District, Hokkaido 059-2412 |
Niikappu is a town and sub prefecture on the south coast of Hokkaido. The area is known mainly for its production of racehorses. You can find statues and symbols of horses all across the town. On the border of the town of Niikappu and along the ocean drive there you can see the Niikappu mural. It is easy to see and it’s also the mark for where the rest stop is. This area is home to three restaurants that are open for lunch and dinner. Travelers have the option of a coffee shop, Chinese, or BBQ.
The mural itself raises high on the cliff face and depicts three race horses charging along. This area is also a nice spot to take a break as it faces the ocean. The coffee shop ‘Bench Time’ has a western menu with curries and some ice-cream to enjoy. There is a bench out the front to sit and enjoy the sun. ‘Yakiton Hidaka’ is right next door and they have set meals which include a meat dish served with rice. They are open for dinner for those on a long drive. Lastly, Restaurant Yamasho is a Chinese restaurant that serves excellent meals. Enjoy a lunch or dinner and watch the sunset! The Niikappu Mural is handy spot to relax and grab a bite for those on driving down the coastal road.
