Station Ugo

Discover the Heart of Rural Japan at Ugo Roadside Station

Nestled in the serene countryside of Yonezawa, Ugo Roadside Station is a vibrant cultural and culinary gateway in Akita Prefecture’s scenic northern landscape. More than a mere stopover, it’s a celebration of local heritage, where the rhythms of farming, craftsmanship, and community life come together. Surrounded by lush fields and forested hills, this roadside station offers travelers a genuine connection to the land and its people.

At Ugo, visitors can savor seasonal specialties like handmade soba noodles crafted from centuries-old recipes, premium Higashi-Go beef, and an array of fresh produce from regional farmers. The standout attraction, Ugo Gela, features handcrafted gelato made with local milk—creamy, rich, and bursting with natural flavor. With a rotating lineup of seasonal and locally inspired flavors, each bite tells a story of the region’s bounty. Whether enjoying a leisurely coffee at Bon Café, sampling farm-fresh goods at the market, or dining at the self-service Hanui Dining, every experience at Ugo is rooted in authenticity and care.

Visit Ugo roadside station to experience the region’s only dedicated gelato shop using locally sourced milk from native Jersey cows, offering seasonal flavors like chestnut and yuzu that can’t be found anywhere else. Don’t miss the annual Manjū Exhibition, where over 100 local bakers showcase handcrafted sweet and savory dumplings made with traditional recipes passed down through generations—only here in Ugo.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit the Gelato Shop Ugo Gela between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on weekdays to ensure availability of the seasonal mochi-inspired gelato, which sells out quickly and is only available during the first two hours of operation.

• Hidden Gems: Ask at the Ugo Gela counter for the daily limited-time flavor that uses local ingredients—such as the yuzu and chestnut or wild strawberry and honey—as these are not listed on the menu but are rotated weekly and often go unnoticed.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the Farm Produce Sales Counter between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM to purchase the hand-packed seasonal vegetable bundle, which includes freshly harvested root vegetables and leafy greens from local farms and is only assembled during this window.

• Best Time to Visit the Bon Café: Arrive at Bon Café by 9:15 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the counter and enjoy the first batch of the day’s freshly baked sourdough bread, which is served with local butter and sold out by 10:15 AM.

• Event Timing: Plan your visit to Ugo Gela on the first weekend of November to experience the 9th Mochu Bun Fair, where special mochu-shaped gelato is offered exclusively for two days—available only from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

• Seasonal Purchase Tip: On weekdays during winter (November 15 to April 14), visit the Ugo Gela counter before 4:00 PM to buy the winter warm-up pack—a combo of two hot gelato servings with a warm cinnamon cookie, available only during the winter season.

• Practical Facility Use: Use the coin shower room located near the entrance before 9:00 AM or after 5:00 PM to avoid the peak usage times, as it is frequently used by early morning travelers and late-day commuters.

Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market from early spring; seasonal jam made from wild strawberries in May.

Summer (June-August): Local honey and seasonal fruits featured at the roadside station; peak harvest for summer vegetables.

Autumn (September-November): "Tanzaku Bread Festival" in September; "Mantou Exhibition" in November highlights regional pastries.

Winter (December-February): Winter-themed gelato and hot drinks available; cozy atmosphere at Bon Café during cold months.