Station Tsurunuma

Discover the Heart of Hokkaido’s Rural Charm

Tsurunuma, nestled along National Route 275 just 65 kilometers north of Sapporo, is a roadside station that embodies the spirit of Hokkaido’s countryside. Set against a backdrop of rolling farmland and the serene foothills of the Kashiwa Mountains, it serves as a vibrant gateway to local life, culture, and nature.

More than a rest stop, Tsurunuma offers an immersive experience with its farm-to-table offerings. Visit the Healthy Food Specialty Hall to savor locally crafted tofu, deep-fried soy snacks, and refreshing soy milk soft serve. The food hall features three specialty stalls—Botan Restaurant for rare botanical buckwheat noodles, Ami Store for regional oyaki and ramen, and the Carrot Family for carrot-based treats and juice. Nearby, Hato-numa Park invites visitors to stroll, camp, or enjoy water activities on the lake. With its blend of agriculture, flavor, and natural beauty, Tsurunuma is a must-visit for travelers seeking authentic Hokkaido.

Tsurunuma roadside station offers a rare taste of Hokkaido’s culinary heritage through its exclusive batako soba—a local variety of buckwheat known as "phantom soba"—served at the on-site restaurant Botan-Tei. This is the only place in the region where you can sample this heirloom grain in authentic dishes. Nearby, the Yutic health food hall features a signature soy milk soft cream made from locally produced beans, offering a subtly sweet, creamy treat unavailable elsewhere. Together, these unique foods and the surrounding farmland vistas make Tsurunuma a destination for genuine, place-specific experiences.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on weekdays to avoid the post-lunch rush and secure a seat at the "Yutic" healthy food shop, where the bean-based tofu and tempura are freshly prepared daily.

• Hidden Gems: Check the "Yutic" shop’s rotating seasonal special—look for the "dried vegetable bean" selection, which includes rare varieties like Morokko green beans and snap peas, available only during spring and summer months.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the "Ninjin Family" stand before 12:00 PM to buy the limited-edition carrot soft cream, which sells out by early afternoon and is made exclusively from locally grown, organic carrots.

• Must-Try Food: Order the "Botan Soba" at "Botan Tei" during the season (April to September) and request it served with a side of house-made miso dip, which enhances the earthy flavor of the rare, mountain-grown buckwheat.

• Best Time to Visit the Park: Head to the nearby Tsurunuma Park on weekday afternoons (after 2:00 PM) when the walking paths are less crowded and the seasonal flowers are in full bloom, especially during the cherry blossom period in early May.

• Parking Tip: Use the large vehicle parking area (10 spots) if you’re arriving with a trailer or oversized vehicle, as the standard parking zone is often full during peak times, especially on weekends.

• Information Desk Advantage: Ask the staff at the information desk for the current "Tsurunuma Local Produce Calendar," which lists the exact days when new harvests like fresh green beans and baby carrots are available at the direct farm stand—updated weekly and not posted online.

Spring (March-May): Late March to April brings peak canola flower viewing, with fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.

Summer (June-August): July features the best harvest of fresh vegetables and beans, ideal for visiting the roadside station.

Autumn (September-November): September offers the best time for picking local beans and enjoying seasonal produce.

Winter (December-February): Limited access due to short daylight hours, but winter visits offer quiet, scenic views of snow-covered fields.