Kembuchi Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Kembuchi Roadside Station, formally called Picture Book Village Kembuchi Roadside Station (道の駅 絵本の里 けんぶち) is one of the 128 roadside stations all over Hokkaido. It is located at 2420 Higashimachi in the town of Kembuchi in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Picture Book Village Kembuchi Roadside Station (道の駅 絵本の里 けんぶち)
Kembuchi Roadside Station

Kembuchi Roadside Station details

Kembuchi Roadside Station, registered as a roadside station on August 10, 2006, is a delightful destination that offers an array of attractions and facilities for visitors to enjoy. Step through the entrance and be greeted by the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread, tantalizing your senses from the start. This charming station is home to restaurants serving delectable dishes, a direct sales shop offering abundant agricultural products from Kembuchi, and a treasure trove of souvenirs, including local specialties.

Kembuchi Roadside Station - Kembuchi town, Hokkaido Prefecture
Kembuchi Roadside Station - Kembuchi town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Families with children will find the corner filled with picture books and a wooden sandbox a popular spot, allowing little ones to play freely while parents relax nearby. Moreover, there is even a dog run close by, making Kembuchi Roadside Station an ideal locale for those wishing to bring their furry companions.

Kembuchi Roadside Station facade

Kembuchi Roadside Station facade

Kembuchi Roadside Station facade

Kembuchi Roadside Station facade

The park behind Kembuchi Roadside Station
The park behind Kembuchi Roadside Station

Within the confines of Kembuchi Roadside Station, you will find a selection of noteworthy facilities:

Agricultural products market (農産物直売所): This market exclusively sells agricultural products grown and crafted in Kembuchi. If you visit during harvest season, you'll find the vegetables here boast prices considerably lower than those found in grocery stores.

Restaurant Munya (レストラン ムーニャ): Indulge in one-of-a-kind flavors that can only be found at the roadside station's own "Ehon no Sato Kenbuchi." From delectable bento boxes made with locally sourced agricultural products to mouthwatering desserts like pumpkin pudding, this restaurant treats your taste buds to an unforgettable experience.

Bakery Munya (パン工房 ムーニャ): Treat yourself to the remarkable bread baked right in the onsite bakery. As you peruse the selection, enjoy the spectacle of bakers diligently crafting each delightful creation, accompanied by the enticing aroma that envelops the space.

Inside Kembuchi Roadside Station

Inside Kembuchi Roadside Station
Welcome to Picture Book Village Kembuchi Roadside Station (道の駅 絵本の里 けんぶち)

Inside Kembuchi Roadside Station

Inside Kembuchi Roadside Station

Inside Kembuchi Roadside Station

Inside Kembuchi Roadside Station

Inside Kembuchi Roadside Station

Inside Kembuchi Roadside Station

Kembuchi Roadside Station Stamp

Kembuchi Roadside Station Stamp

Kembuchi Roadside Station Stamp

Aside from these, if you visit in summer you may also rent a bicycle to explore the town. It is highly recommended. 

Team Nicerio visits the Kembuchi Roadside Station

Team Nicerio visits Kembuchi Roadside Station

Team Nicerio visits Kembuchi Roadside Station

Team Nicerio visits Kembuchi Roadside Station

Team Nicerio visits Kembuchi Roadside Station

My family and I visited Kembuchi Roadside Station for the first time last September 25, 2022, the last day of our September 24-25 Road Trip. It was my 328th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. We included Kembuchi Roadside Station in our itinerary as my daughter and I are collecting roadside station stamps. Aside from that, we also visit the roadside stations of the municipalities that we visit because there is always a unique product being sold in each one. For Kembuchi Roadside Station, freshly baked breads are one of the must-try products. Aside from that, they would surely enjoy the numerous picture books for sale if you have kids. Overall, Kembuchi Roadside Station is a must-visit before exploring the town.


Kembuchi Roadside Station Entrance Fee

It’s FREE to park, enter, and explore Kembuchi Roadside Station. However, it is highly recommended that you bring cash as there are a lot of must-try products inside the roadside station. 


Kembuchi Roadside Station Operating Hours:

May to September: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

October to April: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Restaurant: 11:00 am to 2:30 pm

Important Note: If you collect roadside station stamps, please ensure to visit during the specified operating hours. The stamp is located inside the roadside station and is not accessible when the station is closed.


Why visit Kembuchi Roadside Station?

Whether you're seeking savory delights fresh from the oven or wish to embark on a culinary adventure through the flavors of Kembuchi, Kembuchi Roadside Station is the perfect destination to satisfy your cravings and create lasting memories. Aside from that, if you are collecting the roadside station stamps for the Hokkaido Stamp Rally then this place is a must-visit for you. 


Getting to Kembuchi Roadside Station

 

Hop on the 2-Ordinary Nayoro Line (2-名寄線普通) operated by Dohuku Bus. Catch the bus at Platform 8 of the bus stop just outside Asahikawa Station and disembark at the Michi no Eki Kembuchi bus stop.

Once you alight, a brief stroll of several meters will lead you to Kembuchi Roadside Station.

Travel time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Fare: 960 yen

Ratings

Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall rating


Location: 2420 Higashimachi, Kembuchi, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 098-0341, Japan

Comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 27, 2024 at 9:57 AM

    What's the name of Kembuchi's alpaca mascot?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioSeptember 25, 2024 at 6:06 AM

      The mascot of Kenbuchi is Puchi-na (ぷっちーな, Putchi-na), whose full name is Ariel Petit Santa Rosa de Lima (アリエル・プチ・サンタ・ロサ・デ・リマ).

      Delete

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