Station Kaori no Sato Takinoue (Fragrance Village Takinoue)

Discover the Scent of Hokkaido’s Heartland

Nestled along National Route 273 in the serene village of Takinoue, Kaori no Sato Takinoue (Fragrance Village Takinoue) is a whimsical roadside station that feels plucked from a fairy tale. With its vibrant orange and cream façade and bold red roof, this charming hub invites travelers into a world where nature, craftsmanship, and local flavor intertwine. Located just steps from the famed Shizakura Takinoue Park and the expansive Fragrance Village Herb Garden, it’s a gateway to the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The station shines as a celebration of Hokkaido’s artisan spirit, offering over 800 local specialties—ranging from handcrafted wooden goods and aromatic herbal products to rich, locally made cheeses. Don’t miss the signature mint-scented restroom, a delightful surprise that underscores the station’s commitment to sensory delight. With a cozy café corner, seasonal markets, and a well-equipped visitor center, Kaori no Sato Takinoue is more than a pit stop—it’s a destination in itself.

Visit Kaori no Sato Takinoue (Fragrance Village Takinoue) for its rare, on-site production of artisanal cheese and handcrafted herbal products made exclusively from locally grown Hokkaido herbs, including mint and yarrow. The roadside station’s standout feature is its signature mint-scented restroom—uniquely fragrant and meticulously maintained—offering an experience you won’t find anywhere else. Nearby, the nationally recognized Kinsenkyo Gorge offers easy access to scenic walking trails along the Shokotsu River, where wildflowers bloom in spring and autumn foliage paints the cliffs in vivid hues.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure the limited batch of fresh-baked milk bread from the bakery, which sells out by 11:00 AM and is not restocked during the day
• Hidden Gems: At the deli counter on the first floor, look for the seasonal "Hokkaido potato and pumpkin special" item, available only during the autumn "Umai Mon Matsuri" event in September
• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, check the second-floor tourism office between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM for free local pamphlets on the "Kinsenkyo Gorge" walking trail, distributed only during these hours
• Must-Try Product: Purchase the "Mint-Infused Cheese" at the first-floor specialty shop—this unique product is exclusive to Kaori no Sato Takinoue and only available during the summer months
• Best Toilet Experience: Visit the restroom on the first floor during daylight hours to enjoy the full effect of the mint-scented ventilation system, which is most effective when the building is fully open and the air is circulating
• Parking Tip: Use the roofed parking spot marked "Omoi-yari" (considerate parking) for easy access to the entrance, as this spot is closest to the main door and avoids the need to walk through the covered walkway during rainy weather
• Stamp Challenge: Complete the roadside station stamp at the first-floor information desk between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to avoid crowds and receive a free sample of dried herbs from the seasonal harvest display

Spring (March–May): Visit for the peak of the芝ざくら (Hakusakura) bloom in early May, with pink blossoms carpeting the芝ざくら滝上公園.

Summer (June–August): Explore the fragrant香りの里ハーブガーデン and enjoy the 渓谷公園’s scenic trails along the渚滑川.

Autumn (September–November): Experience the 秋のたきのうえマルシェ and sample local harvests like pumpkins and root vegetables.

Winter (December–February): Enjoy the あったか冬物語イベント and warm seasonal treats during the cold months.