Discover the Heart of Chiba’s Rural Bounty
Tucked along the scenic Chiba Prefecture countryside in the agricultural haven of Shibayama Town, Fuwa-ri Shibayama is a roadside station where nature, tradition, and local craftsmanship come together. More than a pit stop, it’s a vibrant celebration of regional identity, offering visitors a true taste of rural Japan through its expansive selection of fresh, locally grown produce and artisanal goods.
Home to over 300 local farmers and producers, the station showcases around 2,000 varieties of seasonal vegetables, fruits, and regional specialties—many sourced directly from nearby farms with no middlemen. Highlights include the beloved ancient black rice baumkuchen, made with locally grown heirloom rice and 100% rice flour, and a rotating lineup of seasonal treats like roasted sweet potatoes and miso yudofu. With a cozy café serving rich, house-made soft serve and hand-written menus, and a spacious grassy plaza perfect for relaxation, Fuwa-ri Shibayama offers a refreshing escape for travelers seeking authentic, farm-to-table experiences.
Why Visit
Visit Fuwa-ri Shibayama for its one-of-a-kind ancient black rice baumkuchen, crafted exclusively from locally grown heirloom rice and Chiba prefecture’s Koshihikari rice flour—resulting in a uniquely soft, chewy texture and a striking deep color. Equally distinctive is the seasonal soft-serve cream, where the second flavor changes monthly, offering a rotating taste of the region’s freshest harvests, such as the limited-time "shaved strawberry" from the nearby Oki Strawberry Farm.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, locally grown flavors at Fuwa-ri Shibayama roadside station.
Café & Light Meal Corner
喫茶・軽食コーナー
Specialty
Freshly made soft serve ice cream and seasonal treats
A cozy café and light meal area offering premium soft serve ice cream with rich, creamy milk flavor, available in a classic vanilla and a seasonal flavor. The space also provides a relaxing atmosphere for travelers to enjoy coffee, snacks, and seasonal specialties like roasted sweet potatoes and miso grilling during winter.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a vibrant selection of regional goods and seasonal treasures.
Farmers Market
農産物直売所
A wide selection of fresh, locally grown produce from over 300 local farmers in Shibayama Town, including vegetables, fruits, fresh seafood, and prepared meals.
Products
Must-Try Item
Locally grown fresh vegetables
Local Rice & Alcohol Store
地元芝山町産のお米・近隣の酒蔵の地酒
A dedicated section featuring locally grown rice from Shibayama Town and regional sake from nearby breweries.
Products
Must-Try Item
Shibayama Town-grown black rice (ancient rice)
Featured Products
Experience signature items like ancient rice baukugheen and seasonal harvests.
Ancient Rice Baumkuchen
古代米バウムクーヘン
A unique, original product made with 100% rice flour from Shibayama Town's black rice (ancient rice) and Chiba Prefecture's Koshihikari rice. The cake has a soft, chewy texture and a distinctive black color due to the use of black rice.
Fresh Vegetable Set
野菜セット
A daily-delivered selection of fresh, locally grown vegetables hand-picked from Shibayama Town farmers. Perfect for home cooking and seasonal meals.
Seasonal Specials Collection
季節の特産品
A rotating collection of seasonal specialties featuring local produce and traditional items, available in spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax in cozy spaces with free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and scenic picnic areas.
Tourism Information & Rest Area
Adjacent to the café area, this information corner provides tourism information for the Narita, Shibayama, and Yamabu regions. It is a place for relaxation after shopping and offers a welcoming space for visitors.
Next to the café area
Grass Field & Multi-Purpose Area
A spacious grass field and multi-purpose area with large benches and tables, ideal for socializing, resting, and enjoying leisure time.
Near the café area
Parking Area
A parking area is available for visitors, though specific details about size or capacity are not provided.
On-site
Restroom
Restrooms are available for visitors, though specific details about accessibility or facilities are not provided.
On-site
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi access is available for visitors, though specific details about connection or coverage are not provided.
On-site
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging facilities are available, though specific details about number or type are not provided.
On-site
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors, though specific details about the provider or location are not provided.
On-site
Insider Tips
Visit mid-week for fewer crowds and enjoy fresh daily deliveries.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure the day’s fresh batch of the limited-edition Ancient Rice Baumkuchen, which is baked daily and often sells out by midday
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to find the seasonal shaved strawberry collaboration product with Oki Strawberry Farm, available only during spring and summer months
- Seasonal Special: Purchase the Fall Harvest Vegetable Set from the vegetable counter every Friday and Saturday, as it features freshly harvested root vegetables and seasonal produce that are only available during the autumn months
- Must-Try Treat: Order the Kombu-Flavored Tofu Balls at the café counter during winter months, as they are made with locally sourced kombu and are only served from December to February
- Best Time for Fresh Produce: Visit the vegetable counter on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM, when new shipments of farm-fresh vegetables arrive directly from local producers in the morning
- Weekend Special: Check the event blog on Saturdays to see if the Seasonal Cooking Demo is scheduled—these live demos, often featuring local chefs, include free tastings of dishes made with the station’s produce
- Insider Shopping Tip: Pick up the Local Rice & Sake Gift Pack at the counter near the entrance—this bundle includes a small bag of Chiba-grown rice and a bottle of sake from a nearby brewery, available exclusively at the roadside station and not sold online
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Late March to April features peak canola flower viewing and fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.
Summer (June-August): July brings the popular "削りいちご" (shaved strawberry) collaboration with Oki Ichigo Farm.
Autumn (September-November): October hosts seasonal events and autumn produce like sweet potatoes and local fruits.
Winter (December-February): December to February offers warm treats such as roasted sweet potatoes and homemade amazake.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
A spacious grassy field with benches and tables offers ample room for families to relax. While no dedicated play area is mentioned, the variety of kid-friendly snacks like seasonal soft serve and unique treats enhances the experience.
Food Lover Review
Features over 2,000 varieties of fresh local produce and seasonal specialties, including a unique ancient rice Bavarian cake. High-quality local ingredients and rotating seasonal items elevate the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Offers restrooms and vending machines, and the grassy area allows for quiet rest. Overnight parking is not explicitly permitted, but the site is accessible and suitable for short stays during day trips.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by lush farmland and seasonal landscapes, the roadside station features scenic views and well-maintained green spaces. The natural setting enhances the peaceful, rustic atmosphere.