Station Furubira Tarako Museum

Savor the Flavor of Hokkaido’s Coastal Treasure

Furubira Tarako Museum, a vibrant roadside station nestled along National Route 229 on the scenic Sea of Japan coast, is a celebration of one of Hokkaido’s most beloved delicacies—tarako. Opened in April 2025, this themed destination in Furubira Town offers a playful yet authentic experience, where the entire space is bathed in a signature pink hue, evoking the vibrant essence of the region’s prized salted salmon roe. Visitors are greeted by a cheerful tarako mascot and invited to explore the history and craftsmanship behind this iconic ingredient.

At the heart of the station is the “Tarako Time Machine,” a fun educational exhibit revealing the origins and cultural significance of tarako and mentaiko. Guests can enjoy bold, unforgettable meals like the signature tarako donburi—featuring an entire whole tarako atop steaming rice—or the bold tarako salt ramen. The on-site shop showcases exclusive products, including the wildly popular tarako-flavored potato chips and a gourmet tasting set of four local tarako varieties. With a cozy dog-friendly park nearby and a whimsical pink-themed shopping experience, Furubira Tarako Museum is more than a stop—it’s a flavorful journey through Hokkaido’s coastal heritage.

Visit Furubira Tarako Museum to experience the only roadside station in Japan dedicated entirely to tarako, where you can savor a whole grilled tarako served directly on a bowl of steaming rice in the signature Tarako Donburi. This unique dish, made with locally processed tarako from Futami Town, delivers an unforgettable burst of briny flavor and texture. For a truly one-of-a-kind souvenir, try the limited-edition Tarako Potato—crispy fries tossed in a creamy tarako mayonnaise sauce—available only here.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the restaurant before the popular Tarako Donburi and Tarako Salt Ramen sell out, as these items often run out by 1:00 PM.
• Hidden Gems: Head to the deli counter at the Tarako Museum to find the limited-edition Tarako Potato (Tarako Fries with Mayonnaise Dip), a fan-favorite that sells out quickly and is only available at this location.
• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, arrive by 10:30 AM to purchase the Tarako and Butter Flavor Fried Potato snack before it sells out—this product has already surpassed 10,000 units sold since opening.
• Best Purchase Time: Buy the Furubira Taro Kobo Eating Comparison Set (four types of local tarako) before 11:30 AM, as it is frequently sold out by midday and is only available at this roadside station.
• Unique Experience: Visit the Tarako Time Machine exhibit located inside the roadside station between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to explore the history of tarako and the origins of mentaiko, with interactive displays that explain the fishing traditions of Futabira.
• Foodie Tip: Order the Tarako Salt Ramen with the "Final Sip Set" to enjoy the last drop of broth—this is only available when ordered at the counter and not included in the standard menu.
• Smart Shopping: Use the pink-colored reusable cooler bag available at the shop counter to store perishable items like the Tarako Miso Canned Goods and Tarako Flakes, which are sold in limited quantities and are ideal for travel.

Spring (March-May): Opened in April 2025; ideal for experiencing the new roadside station and seasonal pinched salmon roe products.

Summer (June-August): Peak season for fresh salmon roe dishes and outdoor dining at the adjacent 150-year park.

Autumn (September-November): Limited seasonal offerings; best for visiting the roadside station and exploring nearby coastal scenery.

Winter (December-February): Closed during New Year’s; visit the roadside station before or after holidays for indoor shopping and warm meals.