Station Makkari Flower Center

Bloom Amid the Mountains: A Floral Escape in Hokkaido’s Heart

Nestled along the scenic route between Niseko and Rusutsu, Makkari Flower Center stands as a vibrant roadside station where nature, culture, and community converge. Surrounded by the majestic presence of Mount Yōtei and sprawling across four hectares of lush greenery, this inviting destination offers more than a pit stop—it’s a sanctuary of color and calm. With its glasshouse brimming with seasonal blooms, a charming 100-yen shop, and a dedicated dog park, it welcomes travelers of all ages.

At the heart of the experience are the village’s cherished specialties: delicate lily root delicacies and fresh local produce. Savor a rich lily root tempura bowl or indulge in signature sweets like lily root mochi and flaky lily root pastries—each a tribute to the region’s agricultural pride. Families will delight in the children’s playground and adventure park, while visitors can stroll through flower-lined paths or relax at the nearby riverside park honoring beloved local singer Takashi Hosokawa. With ample parking, modern facilities, and year-round charm, Makkari Flower Center is a must-visit for anyone exploring Hokkaido’s scenic heartland.

Makkari Flower Center stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering an immersive experience centered around the aromatic and culinary heritage of yuri root. Visitors can savor the unique yuri root tempura bowl—a local specialty made with freshly harvested, tender yuri root from the surrounding fields—available exclusively at the on-site restaurant. For sweet treats, the yuri root manju and yuri root pie mochi, both crafted with locally sourced yuri root and sold only here, are beloved regional favorites. The station’s floral gardens, framed by the majestic peak of Mount Yotei, provide a serene backdrop that complements the authentic taste of the area’s most cherished ingredient.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM in winter (November to April) to access the 100 yen shop and the flower sales area before the snow accumulation affects the path to the circular house and kids' park, as the area is cleared only once daily.

• Hidden Gems: Check the flower sales area (glasshouse) in May and June for rare flower bed seedlings and vegetable seedlings, including unique varieties not available elsewhere in the region.

• Weekend Special: On weekends during the summer season (April 28 to October 31), visit the roadside station's main building by 11:00 AM to secure a seat at the restaurant “Yamabiko,” where the yuri root tempura bowl is served until 3:00 PM and often sells out by early afternoon.

• Off-Peak Shopping: Visit the 100 yen shop on weekdays during winter (November to April) to avoid crowds, as it is often closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, making it more accessible on other days.

• Dining Tip: Order the yuri root tempura bowl at “Yamabiko” restaurant by 12:30 PM to ensure it is prepared fresh, as the kitchen closes at 2:00 PM and does not reheat leftovers.

• Unique Souvenir: Purchase the yuri root pie manju at the gift shop during the summer season (April 28 to October 31), as this item is only available during that period and is not restocked after October.

• Family Activity: Use the circular house (children’s playground and rest area) on weekdays between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM during winter (November to April), as it is the only time when the snow-clearing schedule allows full access to the kids’ park and the adjacent playground.

Spring (April–May): Visit for fresh asparagus and wild garlic harvests, with flower beds blooming in late April.

Summer (June–August): Enjoy the peak season for edible lily roots and outdoor activities at the dog park and playground.

Autumn (September–October): Experience the autumn harvest of lily root and seasonal produce, with the flower center still open through October.

Winter (November–March): Limited access; the site closes for winter, reopening in late April.