Station Stella Honbetsu

Discover the Heart of Hokkaido’s Dairy and Farming Heritage

Stella Honbetsu, nestled along National Route 242 in the serene town of Honbetsu, stands as a living tribute to the region’s rich agricultural legacy. Housed in the historic former Honbetsu Railway Station—once a vital link in the area’s transportation network since 1909—this roadside station seamlessly blends nostalgia with modern charm. It now serves as a vibrant cultural and culinary hub, where travelers can explore local history, savor regional flavors, and connect with the spirit of rural Hokkaido.

What sets Stella Honbetsu apart is its deep commitment to local products and craftsmanship. Visitors can sample the famed Kirei Mame black bean snacks, enjoy freshly baked bread from the artisanal Alicoveur bakery, or dine on regional specialties at the Shu-ka restaurant. The station also hosts a vintage railway bridge and preserved tracks, offering a poignant reminder of the area’s past. With its farm-fresh produce, handmade goods, and warm hospitality, Stella Honbetsu is more than a stop—it’s a journey into the soul of Hokkaido’s countryside.

Visit Stella Honbetsu to experience the only roadside station in Hokkaido built atop the preserved remains of the historic Furusato Galaxy Line, where rusting tracks and a vintage crossing bridge evoke the town’s railway heritage. Here, taste the region’s only handmade black bean soft serve—crafted with locally grown "Koukuro Soybeans" and layered with traditional sweet red bean paste from the local "Kaname Mame" cooperative—available nowhere else in the region.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM on weekdays to ensure availability of the fresh-baked "食パン小麦の匠" (Wheat Master Bread) from the Pantry "Alicover" before it sells out by 11:00 AM.

• Hidden Gems: Ask at the deli counter for the "まめ×まめソフト" (Bean × Bean Soft) made with sweet red bean syrup from Okonotou's and crunchy black bean sweet bean from Honbetsu Kurii Bean Friends Association—only available during spring and summer months.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the "銀河線本別駅内簡易郵便局" (Hokkaido Galaxy Line Honbetsu Station Simplified Post Office) between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM to mail postcards with a unique "Honbetsu" stamp that is only available at this location during the spring and fall seasons.

• Best Purchase Time: Buy the "黒豆サブレ" (Black Bean Sablé) from the Honbetsu-based confectionery "Kane Mori" between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the bakery reopens after lunch, as fresh batches are baked daily and restocked only once per day.

• Avoid Disruption: Check the official website or call ahead before visiting on or around the 10th of each month, as the roadside station is often closed for maintenance or temporary closure—such as the announced closure on November 10, 2025.

• EV Charging Tip: If arriving by electric vehicle, use the EV charging station only between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, as the charging point is scheduled for replacement work from September 26, 2025, and may be unavailable during construction periods.

• Stamps and Timing: To collect the official roadside station stamp, visit the information desk during open hours—specifically between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM on December 30, when the station is open until 1:00 PM, as this is the only day in the year when the stamp is available after noon.

Spring (April–May): Enjoy blooming Ezo-murasaki azaleas and Ezo-yamazakura at Honbetsu Park, with fresh mountain vegetables available at the roadside station by late April.

Summer (June–August): Visit during peak harvest season for local produce, with the restaurant and market offering seasonal vegetables and fresh beans.

Autumn (September–October): Experience the vibrant fall colors and enjoy freshly harvested black beans and seasonal specialties at the roadside station.

Winter (November–March): Discover cozy indoor charm with hot local treats and seasonal goods, ideal for quiet visits during snow-covered months.