Discover Serenity and Adventure in the Heart of Nature
Forest Kimita is a vibrant roadside station nestled in the lush landscapes of Minamiboso, where ancient forests meet rolling farmland and community spirit thrives. More than a simple rest stop, it’s a gateway to immersive experiences rooted in local culture, natural beauty, and sustainable living. Reimagined in 2024 as a modern hub of relaxation and connection, Forest Kimita blends traditional charm with contemporary amenities.
Visitors can unwind in the famed carbonic hydrogen-salt hot springs, savor farm-fresh meals featuring local barley udon and artisanal bread, or explore the scenic RV park and dedicated dog run. With seasonal events, a vibrant farmers’ market, and art exhibitions at the HARAMICHI Art Museum, every visit offers something new. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat, a family adventure, or a taste of authentic rural Japan, Forest Kimita invites you to rest, recharge, and reconnect.
Why Visit
Forest Kimita stands out as the only roadside station in the region featuring a fully integrated art and nature experience, home to the unique HARAMICHI Art Museum housed in a repurposed train station. Visitors can savor freshly baked, wood-fired sourdough bread made with locally milled koji wheat at the on-site Forest Bakery, a specialty unavailable elsewhere. The station also hosts seasonal "Morning Market" events where farmers sell heirloom vegetables and wild herbs harvested before dawn—offering a rare, hyper-local taste of the Kimita valley.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, local flavors at Forest Kimita roadside station, where handmade udon and artisanal bread meet seasonal ingredients.
Mori no Udon
森のうどん
Specialty
Fresh handmade soba noodles made with local millet
A cozy dining spot specializing in traditional Japanese soba noodles made with locally grown millet. The atmosphere is warm and rustic, perfect for a relaxing meal in a natural setting.
Mori no Bakery
森のベーカリー
Specialty
Freshly baked bread and pastries using local ingredients
A charming bakery offering a variety of freshly baked breads and pastries made with locally sourced ingredients. The cozy, rustic interior creates a welcoming atmosphere for morning coffee or afternoon tea.
Mori no Cafe
森のカフェ
Specialty
Local coffee and light refreshments
A peaceful café offering locally roasted coffee and light snacks in a serene forest setting. Ideal for relaxing with a book or enjoying a quiet moment with friends.
Mori no Izumi Food Stall
森の泉フードスタンド
Specialty
Quick bites and local snacks
A casual food stall offering quick, delicious snacks and light meals made with fresh, local ingredients. Perfect for a quick bite while exploring the area.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local treasures and farm-fresh produce at Forest Kimita’s vibrant market stalls and specialty shops.
Morning Market
おはよう市
A daily market featuring fresh, locally grown vegetables and fruits harvested in the morning
Products
Must-Try Item
Morning-harvested vegetables
Mori no Craft Shop
森のクラフトショップ
A specialty shop offering handmade crafts and artisanal goods made by local artisans
Products
Must-Try Item
Handmade ceramic bowl
Mori no Souvenir Shop
森のおみやげ屋
A gift shop offering unique souvenirs and local specialties from the region
Products
Must-Try Item
Millet-based snack pack
Mori no Alcohol Shop
森のアルコールショップ
A shop specializing in local alcoholic beverages including sake and craft beer
Products
Must-Try Item
Millet-based sake
Featured Products
Explore signature goods like koji-fermented foods and regional fruits, crafted with pride from the heart of the countryside.
Millet-Based Snack Pack
もち麦スナックパック
A pack of healthy, locally made snacks featuring millet as the main ingredient
Local Honey
地元ハチミツ
Pure, raw honey harvested from local wildflowers
Millet Bread
もち麦パン
Soft, nutritious bread made with locally grown millet
Forest Berry Jam
森のベリージャム
Homemade jam made from wild berries gathered in the surrounding forest
Millet Soba Noodles (Packaged)
もち麦うどん（パック）
Dried soba noodles made with millet, ready to cook at home
Millet-Based Sake
もち麦焼酎
Traditional sake brewed using locally grown millet
Handmade Ceramic Bowl
手作り陶器ボウル
Artisan ceramic bowl made by local craftsmen
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including free parking, accessible restrooms, EV charging, and pet-friendly spaces at Forest Kimita.
Parking Lot
Free parking for 54 vehicles, with an additional 14 RV parking spaces available (suitable for overnight stays).
Near the main entrance
Toilet
Separate male and female toilets available.
Near the main facility area
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging available within the RV park.
Inside the RV park
Dog Park
Dedicated dog run facility for pets.
Near the RV park and outdoor activities area
Hot Spring
Carbonate hydrogen-salt hot spring with sauna facilities available.
Main building and adjacent area
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi available in the hot spring area and lodging facilities.
Throughout the hot spring and lodging areas
Information Center
Visitor information and assistance available at the main facility.
Main building
Insider Tips
Plan your visit during weekdays for quieter experiences and access local events not listed in regular guides.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure a spot at the morning market, where fresh local produce and handmade goods from the "Ohayou Market" are sold first-come, first-served—items often sell out by 11:30 AM.
- Hidden Gems: Stop by the "Haramichi Art Museum" during daylight hours to view rotating exhibitions of regional contemporary art, including works by local artists featured in the seasonal "Dream Street Renaissance Photo Contest" displays.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, head to the "Forest Bakery" between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM to purchase the limited-edition "Mochi Wheat Bread" made with locally grown barley, available only during the first hour of opening and sold out by 10:00 AM.
- Dining Tip: Order the "Mochi Wheat Udon" at the on-site restaurant between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to enjoy the daily special, which includes fresh, seasonal vegetables and is prepared using ingredients harvested that morning.
- Pet-Friendly Activity: Bring your dog to the dedicated "Dog Run" area between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM on weekdays, when staff are present to supervise and provide water stations and waste disposal bins.
- Event Alert: Attend the "Rescue Tent Village" event on September 13 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, held at the RV park, where visitors can explore emergency preparedness exhibits and participate in hands-on safety demonstrations.
- Best Value Offer: Book the "Hot Spring and Dinner Combo Plan" on a weekday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, as this exclusive time-slot menu includes a full meal with local ingredients and access to the hot spring at a 20% discount.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market in early spring; peak season for local produce at the morning market.
Summer (June-August): Summer vacation events and extended operating hours; ideal for family visits and outdoor activities.
Autumn (September-November): Autumn harvest festivals and seasonal produce at the morning market; vibrant foliage enhances the scenic beauty.
Winter (December-February): Cozy winter retreats with hot spring bathing; special holiday events and quiet, serene visits.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a dedicated RV park, dog run, and ample space for children to play. Features family-friendly food options and stroller-accessible paths. Includes accessible facilities and educational elements like local art and nature exhibits.
Food Lover Review
Provides diverse dining choices including local barley udon, fresh baked bread, and coffee. Features a morning market with farm-fresh produce and regional specialties. High-quality ingredients and a strong emphasis on local cuisine enhance the food experience.
Car Camping Review
Offers 54 free parking spaces and a dedicated RV park with 14 spots, including EV charging. Restrooms and vending machines are available. While suitable for overnight stays, it lacks explicit overnight parking rules and can be noisy during events.
Scenic Beauty Review
Set in a lush forested area with scenic natural surroundings. Features multiple photo spots including the mountain view and flower fields. Offers seasonal beauty with varied landscapes and a serene, aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.