Discover the Heart of Chiba’s Rural Charm
Azunosatoichihara is a vibrant roadside station nestled in the serene foothills of the city of Ichihara, where nature, agriculture, and community life harmoniously converge. Located just minutes from the high-speed highway, it serves as both a welcoming retreat for travelers and a cultural gateway to the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Surrounded by lush greenery and adjacent to the expansive Ichihara Agricultural Center, the station offers a seamless blend of relaxation, education, and local flavor.
Visitors can savor seasonal delicacies like fresh fig gelato and rice flour noodles crafted from locally grown produce, while exploring interactive exhibits at the Water and Sculpture Hill or enjoying panoramic views from the nearby highland lookout. With picnic areas, children’s play zones, and seasonal events like the Rainbow Carnival and garden festival, Azunosatoichihara invites guests to engage with the rhythms of the seasons—offering a truly immersive experience in rural Japan.
Why Visit
Visit Azunosatoichihara to experience the region’s only edible garden featuring a living display of heirloom vegetables and medicinal herbs, tended by local farmers. Here, you can taste freshly made ichigo jam and fruit-filled gelato made from berries harvested just steps away at the nearby Anato Strawberry Farm. The site’s unique integration with the adjacent Agricultural Center offers hands-on farming workshops and seasonal harvest events impossible to find elsewhere.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor seasonal flavors at Azunosatoichihara roadside station, where local ingredients shine in hearty meals and sweet treats.
Light Meal Corner
軽食コーナー
Specialty
Local ingredients used in sandwiches and soups
A casual food stall offering light meals with a focus on local agricultural products, providing a simple and refreshing dining experience.
Rice Flour Udon
米粉うどん
Specialty
Delicious rice flour noodles made with local ingredients
A specialty dish featuring handmade rice flour udon, highlighting the region's agricultural excellence and traditional craftsmanship.
Fig Gelato
いちじくジェラート
Specialty
Gelato made with local figs, offering a balanced sweetness
A refreshing dessert featuring locally grown figs, known for its delicate sweetness and smooth texture.
Shopping Highlights
Discover authentic regional goods and farm-fresh produce at the roadside station's vibrant market stalls.
Local Specialty Store
物産販売所等
Sells a variety of local specialty products and regional goods
Products
Must-Try Item
Fig Gelato
Farmers Market
農産物直売施設
Direct sales of fresh local vegetables and seasonal produce
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Local Vegetables
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature specialties like fig gelato and rice flour noodles made from local harvests.
Fig Gelato
いちじくジェラート
Creamy gelato made with locally grown figs, known for its balanced sweetness and smooth texture
Rice Flour Udon
米粉うどん
Handmade udon noodles made from locally sourced rice flour, offering a unique texture and flavor
Fresh Local Vegetables
地元産の新鮮野菜
Freshly harvested vegetables from local farms, ensuring peak quality and flavor
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge with clean restrooms, picnic areas, and helpful information services at the roadside station.
Parking Lot
Provides parking for 102 regular vehicles, 9 large vehicles, and 3 disabled-accessible vehicles.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Restroom
Includes 5 female toilets, 5 male toilets (2 large, 5 small), and 1 disabled-accessible toilet.
Within the roadside station
Information Center
Operates from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Offers road information, nearby roadside station details, local tourism information, and facility guides.
Inside the roadside station
Children's Play Area
Features a playground and recreational space for children. Located near the water and sculpture hill.
Near Water and Sculpture Hill
EV Charging Station
Available for electric vehicles. Located within the roadside station premises.
Inside the roadside station
Free Wi-Fi
Provides free wireless internet access for visitors.
Throughout the roadside station
Nursing Room
A private space for mothers to breastfeed or care for infants.
Inside the roadside station
ATM
An automated teller machine available for cash withdrawal.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Pet Area
Designated space for pets, allowing visitors to bring their animals safely.
Outside the main building, near the parking area
Insider Tips
Visit early to enjoy quiet mornings, and check seasonal events for unique local experiences.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the light food counter before the morning rush, as the locally made rice flour udon is served fresh daily and often sells out by 11:30 AM.
- Hidden Gems: Ask at the information desk about the seasonal produce display in the agricultural center adjacent to the roadside station; during summer, you can view and purchase fresh figs harvested from the on-site orchard used in the popular fig gelato.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the adjacent Agricultural Center’s flower garden between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to see the special seasonal flower arrangements, which are only displayed during weekend mornings and change with the season.
- Best Product Purchase: Buy the local rice flour udon from the produce sales stand before 11:00 AM, as it is only available during the first half of the day and is replenished only once daily.
- Experience Access: Use the roadside station’s information desk to obtain a free map of the 10-kilometer walking trail in the City of Citizens’ Forest, which is only available in the on-site information center and includes details on the best viewpoints and nature observation spots.
- Nearby Activity Tip: Visit the Anato Strawberry Farm, located just 4 minutes on foot from the roadside station, during the strawberry season (December to March) and ask for the "early harvest" pick-your-own option, which is reserved for visitors who arrive before 10:00 AM.
- Event Planning: Check the roadside station’s information desk for the monthly event schedule, particularly the Rainbow Carnival & Horticulture Festival held at the adjacent Agricultural Center, which features live demonstrations on plant propagation and includes a limited-time sale of rare native plants.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Visit for the Rainbow Carnival & Garden Festival at the adjacent agricultural center, featuring seasonal blooms and fresh spring vegetables.
Summer (June–August): Enjoy the city's firework festival at Takataki Lake and summer produce like fresh figs and rice flour noodles.
Autumn (September–November): Experience the Farmers' & Forestry Festival in November and enjoy autumn harvests at local farms.
Winter (December–February): Discover quiet seasonal beauty and warm local treats, including seasonal fruit desserts.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Features a dedicated children's playground, interactive exhibits, and nearby attractions like the children's park and zoo. Offers kid-friendly food and stroller-accessible facilities. Educational activities and seasonal events enhance family appeal.
Food Lover Review
Offers diverse local cuisine including fresh produce, rice flour soba, and fig gelato. Features a well-stocked farmers market and regional specialties. High-quality ingredients and unique local dishes elevate the dining experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, vending machines, and a quiet environment near nature. No explicit overnight parking policy noted. Suitable for short stops, but lacks dedicated camping facilities and extended stay amenities.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by lush greenery and seasonal landscapes. Offers scenic views from the water and sculpture hill. Well-maintained natural surroundings and photo-worthy spots enhance visual appeal and atmosphere.