When visiting Shiretoko Utoro, beyond soaking in the stunning natural beauty of this World Heritage Site, what kind of local food can you look forward to? While planning my trip to Shiretoko, I made a point to research local food spots and came across a restaurant highly recommended by Japanese locals—a unique eatery that revolves entirely around potatoes: Bon’s Home .
This restaurant specializes in dishes made with Shiretoko-grown potatoes—even their desserts contain no added sugar, relying solely on the natural sweetness of the potatoes. That immediately caught my attention, and without hesitation, I added it to my must-visit list for the trip!
So today, Tsubaki is excited to introduce Bon’s Home, a standout spot in Utoro, along with some personal (and non-professional!) food commentary.
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About Bon’s Home
Bon’s Home (ボンズホーム) is one of the few restaurants in the Utoro Onsen area. What makes it special is its exclusive use of potatoes as the core ingredient in every dish. From rich, creamy potato gratin to unique potato curry, and even desserts made entirely from potatoes—this place is truly one of a kind.
But these aren’t just any potatoes. The restaurant uses locally grown Shiretoko potatoes that are stored in low temperatures for six months, allowing the starches to naturally convert into sugar. This results in a sweeter, more flavorful potato. As a result, none of the desserts here use added sugar—all the sweetness comes from the potatoes themselves, making the treats both refined and healthier.
On top of that, Bon’s Home isn’t just a restaurant—it also operates as an affordable guesthouse offering meal-inclusive accommodation. If you want to immerse yourself deeper in the Shiretoko experience, consider spending a night here. Not only will you enjoy the pride of the chef’s potato-based creations, but you’ll also be able to soak in the peaceful atmosphere of Utoro.
Where is Bon’s Home?
Bon’s Home is very conveniently located, just a 3-minute walk from the Utoro Bus Terminal. Whether you’ve just arrived in Utoro, are waiting to check in to your hotel, or have time before your bus departs, this spot is perfect for a relaxed meal.
Personally, I dropped by on my first day in Utoro after finishing lunch at Maruko Suisan. I still had some time before hotel check-in, so I popped into Bon’s Home for a quick afternoon treat—and immediately became a fan. The next day, after finishing a snowshoeing tour to Furepe Waterfall, I returned for a hearty lunch packed with potato goodness.
✔️ Bon’s Home（ボンズホーム）
Access 3-minute walk from Utoro Bus Terminal
Adress 217 Utorohigashi, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido 099-4355 （Google Maps）
Open hours 11:30–16:00
Others Cash only
Bon’s Home（ボンズホーム） Google Maps
Parking Info
Bon’s Home doesn’t have a dedicated parking lot. If you’re driving, I recommend parking at the public lot next to the Utoro Bus Terminal. It’s only a short walk to the restaurant from there.
So if you’re road-tripping through Shiretoko, plan ahead, find a spot near the terminal, and enjoy a slow stroll to Bon’s Home for a delicious potato-filled meal.
Atmosphere & Seating
When I visited on the first day for dessert, I happened to arrive before the lunch rush and easily got a table seat. The interior has that classic kissaten (Japanese café) vibe, with warm yellow lighting creating a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.
If you’re staying overnight at Bon’s Home, I imagine returning here in the evening would feel just like coming home—peaceful and comforting.
The wooden-style counter seats face directly into the kitchen, giving you a full view of the busy kitchen crew at work.
On my second day, between a morning snowshoeing tour and an afternoon wildlife tour, I returned here for lunch. Since it was right during peak lunch hour, I was seated at the counter. Soon after I sat down, more customers started coming in, and the entire place quickly filled with lively chatter.
Bon’s Home Menu
The main menu centers on potato gratin dishes, and most items can be ordered in smaller portions or upgraded to a set with drinks. The two options on the far left—the regular（グラタン） and deluxe gratins（よくばりグラタン）—can even be ordered half-and-half with rice for a more varied texture.
One of the most highly recommended dishes is their curry, which is simmered for seven days until the flavor is deeply infused into the potatoes. I noticed many Japanese customers were ordering this!
You can also add a potato scone (じゃが芋入りスコーン) to your meal for an extra ¥350, though unfortunately they were sold out during my visit.
Their dessert menu is just as creative—everything is made with potatoes. From potato puddings to scones, each item is crafted with minimal added sugar.
There are also coffee and other drinks available, making it a perfect spot for afternoon tea or a sweet end to your meal.
Shiretoko Potato Pudding
On my first day in Utoro, while waiting to check into my hotel, I visited Bon’s Home for an afternoon sweet treat.
I ordered the Shiretoko Potato Pudding (知床栗じゃがいも芋のプリン) and a milk coffee (latte) as a set for just ¥950. This pudding is made with Shiretoko potatoes that have been stored in cold temperatures for six months, bringing out their natural sweetness. Very little to no sugar is added.
Unlike regular puddings that are silky smooth, this one had a bit of texture—likely from the potato base—which gave it a unique mouthfeel and charm.
After I finished, I overheard the guests at the next table raving about the gratin. Their enthusiasm was contagious—I knew I had to come back the next day for a full meal 😆
Deluxe Potato Gratin
On my second day in Utoro, after completing the morning snowshoe hike to Furepe Falls, I returned to Bon’s Home for lunch. This time, I chose the Deluxe Potato Gratin for ¥1,050.
I was torn between the curry and gratin, but ultimately, the rich aroma of baked cheese won me over. This gratin is packed with onions, bacon, and cheese, and you can opt for half rice, half gratin（半分ご飯）. I went for the all-potato version.
The only downside of solo travel is not being able to order multiple dishes to share… 🙁
The potatoes were naturally sweet and paired perfectly with the savory melted cheese. I seriously considered ordering another one—but my stomach was already at full capacity (cry).
Sweet Potato Treat
After finishing the gratin, I thought about ordering the potato pudding again—but decided to try something new and went with the Sweet Potato Treat (スイーツポテト) instead. It’s ¥580 a la carte or ¥450 as an add-on to your meal.
Unlike the long, narrow sweet potatoes you often see, this one was wide and flat, with a beautifully caramelized top.
As I scooped into it, the texture looked super soft—and it absolutely delivered. Every bite was fluffy, creamy, and lightly sweet with a hint of that caramelized crust. It was incredibly delicious, although personally, I still slightly prefer the pudding 😛
For food lovers
and travelers seeking authentic local flavors, Bon’s Home is a must-visit when in Shiretoko Utoro. Its potato-focused menu is not only memorable but also heartwarming. It’s a place that will definitely leave a lasting impression on your tastebuds.
✔️ Bon’s Home（ボンズホーム）
Access 3-minute walk from Utoro Bus Terminal
Adress 217 Utorohigashi, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido 099-4355 （Google Maps）
Open hours 11:30–16:00
Others Cash only
Bon’s Home（ボンズホーム） Google Maps
Hope this post from Tsubaki helps you plan your trip to Shiretoko! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or reach out on Instagram.
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