Station Kuromatsunai

Discover the Heart of Hokkaido’s Natural Bounty

Kuromatsunai roadside station, nestled along National Route 5 in the serene town of Kuromatsunai, stands as a vibrant gateway to Hokkaido’s untouched wilderness and rich agricultural heritage. Located at the heart of the northernmost beech forest in Japan, this station celebrates the region’s pristine environment and local craftsmanship. With its signature "Green Roof" bakery and warm, inviting atmosphere, it offers travelers more than just a pit stop—it’s a place to connect with nature, taste authentic regional flavors, and experience the rhythm of rural life.

At the core of the experience is the beloved bakery, where 50 to 60 varieties of artisanal bread are baked daily using 100% Hokkaido wheat and pure local water. The on-site café serves up hearty creations like the signature Twa-Veille sausage hot dog and homemade soups, all crafted with local ingredients. Visitors can also explore a curated selection of regional specialties—from handcrafted cheeses and smoked meats to wooden crafts and local wines—making Kuromatsunai a true celebration of place.

Kuromatsunai roadside station stands out as the only destination in Hokkaido where you can savor freshly baked artisanal bread made entirely from local Hokkaido wheat and water from the region’s pristine "Mizusai no Mori" spring. Its signature offering, the handmade Twa-Veille sausage, is used in unique menu items like the grilled sausage hot dog and beef and ham burger, available only here. Visitors can also taste the only black pine tree ice cream in the area, crafted with local dairy and inspired by the nearby Songcai beech forest—the northernmost naturally occurring beech forest in Japan.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit by 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the bakery counter before the daily batch of 50–60 types of handmade bread sells out, as popular items like the milk bread and rye loaf are often gone by midday.

• Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to find the limited daily batch of freshly made Toa Verre sausages, which are used in the bakery’s signature hot dogs and burgers and are only available in small quantities.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, arrive by 11:30 AM to purchase the seasonal blackcurrant jam and apple pie from the special seasonal display, which is restocked only once per week and often sells out by 2:00 PM.

• Pricing Tip: Use cash or card at the produce stand to get a 10% discount on any purchase of two or more items from the local blackcurrant jam, honey, or dried mushrooms—this discount is only available at the counter, not on self-service shelves.

• Beverage Hack: Order a hot drink at the café between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM to receive a free slice of the day’s leftover cake, which is always available during this time and includes the popular chocolate-rice cake.

• Parking Strategy: Park in the ordinary vehicle section (76 spots) rather than the large vehicle section (9 spots) to avoid being blocked by tour buses that frequently use the large vehicle area and can obstruct access to the main entrance.

• Stamp Collection Tip: Visit the stamp desk between 9:00 AM and 9:15 AM on weekdays to get the first stamp of the day, as the stamp pad is refilled at 9:00 AM and the first visitors often get the most complete stamp impression before it wears down.

Spring (March–May): Canola flowers bloom in late April, and fresh bamboo shoots appear at the market.

Summer (June–August): Fresh berries and seasonal vegetables are available from local farms.

Autumn (September–November): Harvest season brings apples and root vegetables to the roadside station.

Winter (December–February): Cozy seasonal treats like hot chocolate and warm pastries are served.