Hokkaido Wanderlust Part 7 - Makari Village Unlike other famous bread shops, Makari Village does not offer fancy or elaborate pastries. They focus on simple bread that allows you to taste the pure flavor of wheat. The interior of the shop does not allow photography, with each guest entering one at a time. Approximately 15 types of bread are displayed in glass cases. Croissant - around ¥200 Chocolate Croissant - around ¥250 Mini bread - ¥70 Mini loaf - around ¥250 They also have fruit-infused hard bread that caught my interest, but I decided to stick with the above for this visit. Luckily, I didn't have to wait long to enter the shop, as cars kept arriving one after another in this area surrounded by fields. The majority of passing vehicles seem to be heading to this shop, attracted by the golden wheat fields and harvested wheat rolls that characterize the Hokkaido landscape. The croissant was not just fluffy but had a solid texture, with a subtle sweetness coming from the wheat and a modest amount of butter. The chocolate croissant was also delicious, with plenty of chocolate filling. The mini bread and mini loaf were simple yet satisfying. Overall, Makari Village offers a chance to savor the true taste of wheat. This experience has been added to my list of great bread shops.

There was an impression that this shop often ran out of stock even on business days and had to close, making it difficult to buy. Today, I visited right after opening to buy breakfast. The selection was perfect. Only one group is allowed in the store at a time. I bought croissants, including cranberry and chocolate, honey, and other seasonal limited edition bread. The croissants were delicious as always. The price of 200 yen still gives a sense of a good deal. PS Around 12:30 in the afternoon, on the way to Niseko, my daughter mentioned that it was her first time at this shop, so we stopped by again. Surprisingly, the selection was the same as in the morning, and I bought more bread.

This is a review of Boulangerie Jin in Makari Village. I bought walnut bread and country bread, which were heavy and had a lot of volume. The walnut bread was delicious with plenty of walnuts.

I arrived after 12 o'clock and saw a sign saying "sold out". The next day, when I arrived around 8:30, 30 minutes before opening, there were already about 7 groups lined up. I purchased croissants, walnut bread, and honey bread that were highly recommended in reviews. The bread was still slightly warm and emitted a nice aroma from the paper bag. I couldn't resist and ate the croissant outside. It was crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, with a rich buttery flavor, very delicious! The walnut bread I ate at home was packed with walnuts, and the taste of wheat lingered in my mouth with each bite. Although it's far and hard to visit often, I would definitely like to go again if I have the chance.

I bought some bread for my wife, her favorite. I didn't buy a birthday cake, so I decided to buy her favorite bread on the way back from a date with my daughters... I was worried it might be sold out because it was a weekday... Thankfully... they had it. I bought two country-style breads and one focaccia-like bread. After dinner, I couldn't resist trying some... It was delicious. Thank you for the delicious meal.

I went around 10:30 in the morning. Last time I went at the same time, there were only croissants left, but this time there were many different kinds, which was nice. The berry and chocolate bread today was delicious! It's nice to take it home and have it for breakfast the next day, but eating it fresh on the spot is the best!

I heard they were sold out by 10 am, so I hurried to line up and purchase before that time. I bought a large quantity of items such as chocolate croissants, croissants, and tea bread. The freshly baked croissants were delicious, I definitely want to try again. The chocolate croissants were especially recommended, with the chocolate being extremely tasty.

I heard rumors that it sells out quickly, so I arrived 40 minutes before opening. I barely managed to find a parking spot. The small and stylish shop looks like a fashionable log house. There were already about 3 groups waiting outside. More people lined up behind me. It's May but the mornings are cold, and I regretted not bringing a jacket. However, about 30 minutes before opening, the shop opened and we didn't have to wait outside for long! A friendly lady welcomed us and gave us a brief explanation. I bought a few croissants, which are famous for takeout, and some other seasonal breads. When I got home, I immediately tried the croissant, and it was the most delicious croissant I've had in a long time. The taste is really amazing. I highly recommend it to everyone. Since they opened a bit earlier, I think even if you come on time, it may depend on the situation whether they run out of items. If you plan to go, go early and don't forget your jacket!

The best bread I've ever eaten! Visited on March 3, 2023. I arrived by taxi from Niseko Hilton in the snow. I arrived right when the store opened. Already 3 cars waiting. We enter one group at a time, so we wait outside until then. Every time the door opens, the wonderful smell of freshly baked bread fills the air - it's irresistible. Despite it being the quiet season in Niseko in March, customers keep coming. It seems like the lady is running the business alone because there are few types and quantities of bread! If you're going, it's recommended to go early. I tried croissants, pain au chocolat, cheese bread, mini French bread, and whole wheat bread! I was curious about the walnut and grape bread, but it was too hot! The bread was freshly baked to the point of being hot! I couldn't resist and ate it in the taxi on the way back. The crust was crispy. The inside was chewy! The more you chew, the more delicious it gets. The cheese bread had an incredibly deep flavor, aroma, and taste that moved me. It's a bread that's all about the flavor. The croissants and pain au chocolat were amazing as expected. It cost me 13,000 yen for the taxi, but I want to go back and buy more.

On the 6th day of my late autumn trip to Hokkaido, after checking out "maccarina," I stopped by "Boulangerie JIN" located at the foot of Mount Yotei in Makkarimura. Despite following the same route as last time, this time the atmosphere was more Hokkaido-like with snow. The bakery is located amidst vast fields and farmland, slightly off the center of Makkarimura, making it easy to miss for first-timers as there are no prominent signs. Personally, I use the firewood stacked in front of the shop as a landmark rather than relying on a sign. It's usually a very popular shop with constant queues, and during busy times, only one group is allowed inside at a time. Since we visited on a weekday, there was no waiting line, but we did spot a car with a Sapporo license plate as we finished shopping. Around 11 am, there were about 7-8 varieties of hard bread lined up, baked in a wood-fired oven by "Boulangerie JIN," all of which were exquisite. Having just had breakfast at "maccarina," we bought some bread for souvenirs this time. The walnut bread and the hard bread with plenty of dried fruits were both fragrant and exceptional. "Boulangerie JIN" is a must-visit bakery that I would love to revisit on my next trip to Hokkaido. Thank you for the delicious treats.

A cozy bakery surrounded by vast potato fields in Hokkaido. The building is surrounded by firewood, with wood chips lining the parking lot and store approach, giving it a natural feel. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Yotei perfectly, but today it's hidden by the rain. Walnut bread 1/4 400 yen A hearty bread with a strong wheat flavor, moist and full of rustic walnuts. Despite being a quarter, it's huge! Chocolate and cranberry bread 400 yen Also had this fresh out of the oven. The melting chocolate and sweet-sour cranberries are amazing. Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside. Honey-flavored bread 320 yen The faint but distinct taste of honey hits you the moment you take a bite of this freshly baked bread. Crispy on the outside, incredibly soft and fluffy inside! Dried fruit bread 550 yen A hard bread loaded with dried fruits - berries, orange peel, raisins, walnuts. The chewy texture of the bread dough is delightful. All the breads showcased the aromatic power of wheat, with not just the aroma but also the texture being outstanding. The value for money is unbelievable. Definitely a place I would love to revisit. Note: They do not accept reservations, so you have to visit on the day. During opening hours, they only have a voicemail message to inform you of their business status.

Arrived at the store around 8:50 am before opening time. There were already two cars parked in the parking lot. The shop is located quietly at the foot of Mount Yotei, in the fields of Makari Village. The exterior wall next to the parking lot is stacked with lots of firewood. This is a bakery where bread is baked in a wood-fired oven. The chef here used to work at the "Hotel de Kaiser" at Windsor Hotel Toya. I called a few days ago for a reservation, but they do not accept reservations or hold items in advance. Since it was close to the hotel, I decided to go early in the morning! Unfortunately, they were out of croissants, but I bought four other delicious breads: Walnut bread for 400 yen, Chocolate and Cranberry bread for 400 yen, Honey-flavored bread for 320 yen, and Dry Fruit bread for 550 yen. - Walnut bread: The natural sweetness of the walnuts was delicious, and the bread itself was very tasty with a great texture. - Chocolate and Cranberry bread: The chocolate was mixed in, and it melted inside, making it very delicious. The tartness of the cranberries matched well. The texture was excellent. - Honey-flavored bread: This was delicious! Even though it was a hard bread, the inside was fluffy, slightly elastic, and had a hint of honey sweetness. The contrast between the crispy outside and the fluffy inside was amazing. It had a melt-in-your-mouth texture. - Dry Fruit bread: It had walnuts, orange peel, raisins, and more inside. Delicious... no other words needed. The dough was slightly moist and had a good texture. Is it the wood-fired baking, the delicious water, or the quality of the ingredients that make everything so delicious here? It's rare to be so impressed by everything bought, and it's amazing that even the non-hard breads are delicious. I don't know when I'll be able to go again, but if I have the chance to visit Hokkaido again, I would love to eat here again! Thank you for the meal!

On the way to play, I visited this bakery and arrived almost at the opening time. I bought croissants, chocolate croissants, honey bread, and nut and dried fruit bread. I heard from a friend that croissants are popular, but among the ones I bought, I really liked the honey bread. It was slightly sweet, chewy, and had a subtle honey flavor. Also, the bottom of the bread was crispy when baked, and the flavor spread out when I chewed it, which was also delicious. Next time, I want to buy walnut bread.

First visit in 2022. I encountered a delicious croissant at a small house on a large meadow at the foot of Mt. Yotei. The name of the shop is "Boulangerie JIN". I was told during a meal in Makarina that "we source our bread from JIN" and became interested, and upon further research, I found out that the owner of JIN was a graduate of Makarina. In May, JIN stands alone in a lush plain in Makkari Village. It looks like a scene from a fairy tale. The shop had a stack of firewood outside, as if it had been split with an axe, creating a picturesque atmosphere. Perhaps due to COVID-19 measures, only one group was allowed in the shop at a time. Visiting at 10 a.m., the selection was abundant with 12 varieties available. I purchased 4 items, of which I will focus on the croissant and the fruit bread. Firstly, the croissant. Holding it in my hand, it felt light. The aroma of the bread was rich, prompting me to take a deep breath to savor it fully. The delicate flaky texture when bitten was wonderful, and the balance between the butter and the dough was just perfect. I had encountered a handcrafted croissant made by a skilled artisan. The price of just ¥180 per piece was unbelievably cheap. I regretted not buying 4 croissants. Next, the fruit bread. I have tried various types of hard bread nationwide, but JIN's bread with nuts and dried fruits was exceptional in terms of taste and value. The rye, nuts, and fruits intertwined with each bite, deepening the flavor. Although it was a bit tough to chew, it was a fulfilling moment. The taste of this hard bread can rival that of La Tridu Plaisir's Pain aux Fruits Rouges in Soshigaya-Oozeki, but Plaisir's bread is expensive, making it incomparable. Additionally, JIN excels in both croissants and hard bread in terms of taste and value, a rarity. Some reviewers speculate that the deliciousness comes from being baked in a wood-fired oven or using spring water from Mt. Yotei. I personally haven't compared these factors, but one thing is certain - JIN's bread is delicious. Regardless of the reason, if it tastes good, who cares about the why. Thank you for the wonderful meal. Next time, I will definitely get 4 croissants and 1 fruit bread. The only issue is when the next visit will be, as opportunities to visit the Niseko area are rare. Oh well, I should have bought 4 croissants...---Croissant (\180), Chocolate Croissant (\220), Chocolate and Cranberry Bread (\400), Fruit Bread (\550)

Finally, the chance came and I arrived just in time for lunch. The restaurant is located in a place with very strong natural energy. There are logs stacked in front of the store, but they are small in size and thickness. The owner kindly explained everything in detail. It made me happy. I bought some bread – white bread, walnut bread, and potato bread. The car smelled amazing on the way home. Let's taste them. The breads baked in the wood-fired oven have a crispy crust all over and a soft, delicious inside. The walnut bread had perfect air bubbles. The potato bread had a mix of mashed and finely chopped potatoes, giving a subtle potato aroma. The white bread had a crispy surface, well-cooked edges, and a fluffy inside. It had a slight buttery aroma and tasted nostalgic. I need to go back to work as soon as I can drive the car again. It's raining and sunny on the way. I passed under a vivid rainbow. It was magical.

It's been a while since my last visit. The entrance has changed and it looks really nice. I wanted to avoid the crowds and the fallen leaves, so I visited on a weekday morning. They don't take reservations or hold items, it's a popular place! Each group enters one by one, and I arrived just as the previous group was leaving, perfect timing. When I left after making my purchase, there was a line of cars causing traffic on the road. Maybe because it was early on a weekday, there were so many people! I was so happy but overwhelmed by the variety of items that I couldn't decide what to buy! I ended up buying the usual country bread, croissant, chestnut Danish, honey bread, cheese bread, fruit bread, seasonal cranberry and chocolate bread. Even though I bought so much, it didn't cost as much as I expected. I ate the croissant and Danish right away and they were delicious as always. The flavors seemed gentler than before, maybe reflecting the kind personality of the baker. I thought I bought too much, but when I got home and prepared for winter (sliced and froze the bread), I realized I didn't buy enough. I forgot to buy my favorite pandemi bread and regret not going back when I realized it right after leaving the store.

Located in the countryside of Makubetsu Village at the foot of Mount Yotei, there is a bakery called "Gin." Highly recommended, definitely worth trying at least once. Approximately two months after the first visit that left a strong impression, I had the opportunity to visit again. Just like last time, there were no other customers when I arrived, but soon after, cars started arriving one after another. Items purchased: Croissant x2, Walnut bread Impressions: I immediately tasted the croissant. When I held it in my hand and smelled it, a sweet buttery aroma filled the air. "Ah," I couldn't help but sigh with a smile. The croissant had a beautiful diamond shape, resembling the silhouette of Mount Yotei in the distance. As I started eating from the edge, the layers of the flaky pastry fell apart with a satisfying crunch. Even as I reached the center, the dense layers provided a wonderful texture. "Delicious!" I couldn't help but exclaim truthfully, wanting to eat more even after finishing it. It felt like I could get stuck in an endless loop of wanting more. The walnut bread I had for dinner was also excellent. Packed with plenty of walnuts, the rustic bread had a chewy texture and a rich aroma of wheat. Eating it made me feel happy. I would definitely want to eat it again soon. Thank you for the delicious meal. Thank you very much.

Country bread, half loaf for 600 yen, is chewy and has a nice aroma. It's not too dense and has a nice weight to it. This is delicious!! The croissant is moist inside and tasty, but the crispy part on the surface is a bit too much. Despite being in a place with nothing else around but a bakery, this popular shop is always bustling with customers.

Day6, I found a bakery in an unexpected place. Next to the shop were two French cars, giving off a vibe of someone with great taste. The bread inside the shop had a very authentic smell. The interior design was simple yet elegant. The croissants were carefully made and very affordable, starting at just 100 yen. The bread with lots of dried fruits was also delicious.

Popular Shop: In a vast field and at the end of a long road that exudes the essence of Hokkaido, this shop was located. Cars kept coming one after another. Items Purchased: Croissant x2 - 180 yen, Small Butter Bread x2 - 70 yen, Cheese Bread x1 - 300 yen, Dry Fruit Bread x1 - 550 yen. Impressions: Croissant. In French, it means crescent moon. It took me over 40 years to realize the charm of this pastry, and I suddenly encountered the pinnacle. The croissants here are exquisite! The crispy texture along with the fragrant butter is not light, but rather intense. However, it's not something you get tired of. The perfect amount of sweetness is noticeable, and before you know it, you're on to the next one, the second bite, the third bite, and it's gone in no time. It's as if it melted. The other bread was also delicious, but this one is really good! The dry fruit bread is also quite tasty. If you ever find yourself heading towards Makari, I'm confident I'll definitely stop by again! It's the croissant again. Thank you for the meal. Thank you very much. Address: 45-8 Sakuragawa, Makari Village, Abuta District.

I planned to climb Mount Annupuri from early Saturday morning, but had to give up because the middle to the summit was covered in clouds... So, I decided to stop by here before heading to lunch in Lake Toya area. It was about a 30-minute drive from my accommodation in Niseko. According to Google search, it's a 17-minute drive from the nearest "Niseko Station". Approaching on Prefectural Road 230, the surrounding area is mostly farms and ostrich ranches, with no regular houses for about 3-5km before and after... I visited "Eg Viv" in Otaru the day before, which was also in a remote location, but there were houses around, so this place feels even more remote. By the way, in my experience, the most remote bakery in Japan (rated 5 stars) is the "Yokote Summit Hut" in Shiga Kogen. You can only reach it by taking a lift... I arrived at 10:45. No other customers. Since there are no buildings around the shop, it's easy to spot. In front of the store is, of course, a field. Exterior: Wood chips are spread around the building, and stacked firewood in front... The atmosphere, even in such a remote location, is one of the best in Japan. Interior: It has an antique style, compact like "Eg Viv". This place also seems to have a wood-fired oven. The remote location and the overall setting may be unique to Hokkaido. I bought: ① Croissant ② Kugelhopf ③ Seasonal bread: Chocolate + Cranberry * I forgot the prices... Below are my impressions after tasting. ① Perhaps because it was cold, the butter flavor was weak. It's unavoidable for tourists who can't reheat it... [Pending] ② The dough is like a brioche, with raisins + orange peel kneaded in. Almonds are scattered around the top like the outer ring of a volcano, and it looks like Mount Yotei... Quite to my liking as a Kugelhopf [3.6] ③ At the time of purchase, I only remembered "seasonal bread". The slight sweetness of chocolate kneaded into the baguette + the sweet and sour taste of cranberries is quite well done and to my liking [3.7] Average [3.65≒3.7] My excitement for coming to Makari Village has increased by one more... Also, the bread from this shop is said to be served for breakfast at the French Michelin-starred restaurant "Makkalina" (which seems to be a 5-6 minute drive away). If it's too difficult to go and buy, staying at the inn might be a good idea...