In Nanporo Town, there's a place that many locals have visited but is largely unknown to outsiders: the Furusato Bussankan Bureau. But it's actually a bit of a hidden gem, offering wonderful views and a taste of Nanporo's unique cuisine...

Established in April 2000, the Furusato Bussankan Bureau serves as a "hub for providing information on Nanporo's tourism and local products, aiming to promote local industries and foster regional revitalization and exchange."
...That might sound a bit formal, but with a bus waiting area on the first floor, it's a familiar and friendly facility for the town's residents.
Looking at the building's exterior, the most distinctive feature is the cylindrical section that juts out from the square structure. At the very top of this cylinder is the 5th-floor observation deck, standing at a height of about 26 meters, offering a panoramic view of the entire town. With 360-degree glass windows, it feels incredibly open and refreshing!
On a clear day, you can apparently see the ridgeline from Mount Eniwa to Mount Teine, which truly makes this a hidden gem.
Speaking of hidden gems, the Nanporo Town Tourism Association Snack Corner on the first floor is also worth checking out, as it serves a menu that highlights the region's specialties! Let's introduce a few recommended dishes.
The most popular noodle dish is this: Cabbage Kimchi Ramen (¥470, tax included). This ramen is topped with kimchi made from Nanporo's specialty cabbage, and its spicy kick is addictive. It's said that unlike napa cabbage kimchi, you can taste a subtle sweetness from the cabbage.
The most popular rice dish is the Nanporo Genghis Khan Don Set (¥570, tax included). This great value set features a rice bowl topped with Nanporo Genghis Khan from Junya, a local favorite since 1964, served with cabbage kimchi and miso soup. What's more, all rice dishes use rice grown in Nanporo—they're truly committed to local ingredients!
Additionally, the Tamogi Mushroom Curry Rice (¥500, tax included) has a loyal following. It contains "tamogi-take," a type of mushroom from the Pleurotaceae family. Originally rare, a company in Nanporo researched and developed a method for artificial cultivation, making it possible to supply them nationwide. You learn something new every day.
If you come to Nanporo and want to eat something quintessentially local, why not visit the Furusato Bussankan Bureau? And did you notice? All the menu items are incredibly reasonably priced!

Enjoying the view and having a wallet-friendly lunch—it feels like discovering another one of Nanporo's charms.

＜Furusato Bussankan Bureau＞
Location: 1-2-22 Chuo, Nanporo-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 011-378-7010 (*Snack Corner: 011-378-7020)
Official Website: https://www.town.nanporo.hokkaido.jp/facility/byuro/

＜Interview Cooperation＞
Nanporo Town Hall
Location: 3-2-1 Sakaemachi, Nanporo-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 011-398-7201
Official Website: https://www.town.nanporo.hokkaido.jp/