Station Kurimoto Benizakuracho no Sato

Taste the Heart of Chiba’s Countryside

Kurimoto Benizakuracho no Sato is a vibrant roadside station nestled in the lush landscapes of Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, where rolling farmland meets serene forests. More than just a stop along the road, it’s a celebration of local agriculture, culture, and community. Visitors are welcomed by the aroma of freshly harvested sweet potatoes and the warm hospitality of a region proud of its seasonal bounty.

At the heart of the station is its renowned sweet potato farm, home to the prized ‘Benizakura’ variety, celebrated for its rich flavor and vibrant color. Guests can dig for their own tubers during seasonal harvest events, while the on-site market offers a curated selection of regional produce and nationwide gourmet specialties. Families enjoy fishing for rainbow trout and crayfish in the serene Satoyama Park, and food lovers savor authentic dishes at the local restaurant, Taste Ippuku. With rotating events, seasonal activities, and a deep connection to nature, Kurimoto Benizakuracho no Sato offers an authentic rural experience unlike any other.

Visit Kurimoto Benizakuracho no Sato to experience the only roadside station in the region offering hands-on sweet potato harvesting from the famed 'Benizakura' and 'Silk Sweet' varieties, grown exclusively on-site. Beyond the fields, enjoy the rare chance to taste authentic Jersey cow milk ice cream and sample regional specialties like roasted sweet potato jam, all made with ingredients from the station’s own farm.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a spot at the seasonal sweet potato digging activity, as the "Red East" and "Silk Sweet" varieties are only available for digging until 11:30 AM and often sell out by then
• Hidden Gems: Visit the "Local Produce Direct Sales Counter" before 10:00 AM to get the first pick of fresh-baked milk bread, which is released daily at 9:00 AM and sells out by 11:00 AM
• Weekend Special: On weekends, head to the "Kitchen Car Festival + α" event on November 22 to sample exclusive regional dishes from local food trucks, including the rare "Zaliga" fried rice made with locally caught zebra trout
• Best Purchase: Buy the "Red Little Town" sweet potatoes directly from the "Local Produce Direct Sales Counter" in the afternoon, as they are often discounted after 3:00 PM when unsold inventory is cleared
• Unique Experience: Join the "Zebra Trout Fishing" activity at the "Ryosan Park" from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, where you can catch trout using free rental rods and cook your catch at the on-site grilling area
• Seasonal Product Tip: Reserve the "Red Little Town" sweet potatoes in advance through the official website starting October 25, as they are only available for pre-order from mid-October through November and often sell out by early November
• Dining Strategy: Order your meal at "Taste Place Iipuku" by 1:30 PM on weekends to ensure you get a table during peak lunch hours, as the restaurant closes at 2:30 PM and fills up quickly after 12:30 PM

Spring (March–May): Late March to April features peak canola flower viewing, with fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.

Summer (June–August): July through August offers niwatori fishing and seasonal vegetables at the roadside station.

Autumn (September–November): October to November brings sweet potato digging with 'Benizakura' and 'Silk Sweet' varieties.

Winter (December–February): December features seasonal food festivals and warm meals at the roadside station.