Discover the Heart of Chiba’s Rural Bounty
Nestled in the scenic countryside of Togane City, Minori no Sato Tōgane is more than a roadside station—it’s a vibrant celebration of local agriculture, craftsmanship, and community spirit. Located in the lush landscapes of southern Chiba Prefecture, this welcoming hub connects travelers with the region’s finest seasonal produce, artisanal goods, and authentic experiences.
At the heart of the station lies the bustling Togane Market, where farmers showcase fresh, locally grown vegetables, seasonal fruits like golden kiwi and crisp apples, and unique finds like the famed Tochi plum craft beer. The Green Flower and Plant Market offers an array of vibrant blooms and hardy garden plants perfect for autumn landscaping, while the Toccino Café & Restaurant delights visitors with seasonal Italian-inspired dishes, from ocean-fresh pasta to winter-exclusive roasted sweet potato treats. With rotating festivals, hands-on gardening events, and local specialties like the beloved “Tocchi-ya” snack, Minori no Sato Tōgane invites every guest to savor the rhythm of rural life.
Why Visit
Visit Minori no Sato Tōgane to experience the region’s only roadside station offering a dedicated craft beer brewed from locally grown East Kinu plums—Touri, a bold, fruity ale developed in collaboration with JIU观光学部. Equally unique is the seasonal "Tocchi-ya" grilled skewer, a signature dish made with fresh, locally sourced vegetables and meats, available only during the autumn harvest festival. These one-of-a-kind offerings, combined with hands-on gardening events and the largest selection of flower seedlings in the area, make this roadside station a destination unlike any other.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor seasonal flavors at Minori no Sato Tōgane, where local ingredients meet creative flair in every dish.
Cafe & Restaurant Toccino
カフェ＆リストランテ とっチーノ
Specialty
Italian cuisine with local ingredients
A cozy Italian restaurant offering a variety of pasta dishes and seasonal specialties, blending traditional recipes with fresh regional produce.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional treasures and fresh produce at this vibrant roadside station.
Togane Market
東金マルシェ
A vibrant farmers' market offering fresh seasonal produce, local fruits, and vegetables from the region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Aomori apples (limited-time harvest)
Green Flower & Tree Market
緑花木市場
A seasonal market specializing in flower seedlings, potted plants, and garden supplies for home gardening enthusiasts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Pansy and Viola seedlings (custom combinations)
Touri Craft Beer
東李 – TOURI
A locally crafted beer developed by JIU Tourism Department, featuring a unique plum flavor.
Products
Must-Try Item
Touri Plum Craft Beer
Featured Products
Explore signature items like seasonal fruits, craft beer, and locally crafted goods.
Chiba-Style Roasted Sweet Potato
焼き芋
A winter seasonal treat made from locally grown sweet potatoes, roasted to perfection for a warm, sweet flavor.
Chiba-Style Peanut Paste Shake
千葉濃厚落花生シェイク
A rich and creamy shake made with high-quality Chiba-grown peanut paste, offering a nutty and satisfying taste.
Toccino's Local Apple Picking Experience
安曇野りんご詰め放題
A fun, hands-on activity where visitors can pick and fill baskets with fresh Aomori apples from the orchard.
Hori-nishi Gacha Toy
ご当地ほりにしガチャ
A collectible gacha toy featuring local characters from Hori-nishi, perfect for fans and souvenir hunters.
Dry Garden Decor Items
ドライガーデンのアイテム
Stylish dried garden decorations made from preserved plants and natural materials, ideal for indoor decoration.
Plum Craft Beer
東金プラムのクラフトビール
A unique craft beer infused with the flavor of local Tochi plum, crafted by Matsuri Brewing.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, and relaxing lounges.
Parking Lot
The roadside station provides a parking area for visitors.
Near the main entrance
Restroom
Clean and accessible restrooms are available for visitors.
Near the main building and near the cafe
Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
A staffed information desk provides assistance with local attractions, events, and directions.
Main entrance area
Children's Play Area
A dedicated play area for children with safe equipment and space to play.
Near the green flower and plant market
Bicycle Rental
Bicycles are available for rent to explore the surrounding area.
Near the entrance
Nursing Room
A private and comfortable space for mothers to breastfeed or care for infants.
Near the restroom area
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors with electric cars.
Near the parking lot
ATM
An automated teller machine is available for cash withdrawals.
Near the main entrance
Pet-Friendly Area
A designated area where pets are allowed, with space and facilities for walking and resting.
Outside near the main parking area
Activities & Experiences
Engage in hands-on workshops, seasonal harvests, and family-friendly events.
Apple Picking Experience
安曇野りんご詰め放題
Participants can freely pick and fill baskets with fresh apples from the orchard.
Duration
60 min
Flower Seedling Selection
パンジー・ビオラお好きな組み合わせ
Guests can choose their favorite combination of pansy and viola seedlings for gardening.
Duration
30 min
Autumn Gardening Festival
秋の植木まつり
Enjoy gardening consultations, traditional tree art demonstrations by master arborists, and fun activities for children.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor activities may be affected by rain; please check weather conditions before visiting.
Dry Garden Item Shopping
ドライガーデンのアイテム
Explore and purchase high-quality dry garden items perfect for autumn landscaping.
Duration
45 min
Local Craft Beer Tasting
東金プラムのクラフトビール
Taste a unique craft beer made from local Tochi plum, developed by JIU Tourism Department.
Duration
30 min
Seasonal Soft Serve Tasting
焼き芋ソフト
Enjoy a winter-exclusive soft serve made with warm roasted sweet potatoes, offering a contrast of hot and cold textures.
Duration
15 min
Peanut Paste Shake Tasting
千葉濃厚落花生シェイク
Sample a limited-time shake made with thick peanut paste from Chiba prefecture.
Duration
15 min
Local Specialty Gacha
ご当地ほりにしガチャ
Try a themed gacha machine featuring local favorites from the region.
Duration
10 min
Insider Tips
Visit during festivals for limited-edition treats and special local experiences.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 9:30 AM on weekends to secure the best selection of fresh apples from the Anazumo Apple Free-Pick event, which starts at 9:00 AM and often sells out by 11:00 AM.
- Hidden Gems: Head to the Green Flower Market between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM on weekdays to find the best selection of potted pansies and violas, especially the "your favorite combination" bundle offered during the Miri Great Thank You Festival.
- Weekend Special: On Sundays during the Miri Great Thank You Festival, visit the food truck area near the East Gold Market between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM to try the limited-time "Tocchi-Yaki" grilled skewers, available only on weekends.
- Seasonal Treats: Order the winter-exclusive "Roasted Sweet Potato Soft" at the Miri Kitchen between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to enjoy the full experience of hot and cold textures—this item is only available from November 1 through March 31.
- Local Product Tip: Purchase the East Gold Plum Craft Beer "Touri" at the East Gold Market counter between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, as it is often restocked during this window and frequently sells out by 1:00 PM.
- Dining Strategy: If visiting the restaurant Toccino for lunch, order the "Chiba Soy Sauce and East Gold Black Soybean Kinako Mitanashi Soft Serve Parfait" between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, as it is only available during the Chiba Soy Sauce Gourmet Fair (October 1 – November 15) and is often the last item sold out.
- Special Event Access: During the Miri Great Thank You Festival, visit the "Hori-nishi Fan's Local Gacha" booth at the East Gold Market between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to get the best chance of securing limited-edition gachapon prizes, as new batches are released at 10:00 AM daily.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Late March to April features the peak of canola flower season, with vibrant fields surrounding the roadside station.
Summer (June–August): August brings seasonal treats like sweet potato-based desserts and summer koi fish displays at the pond.
Autumn (September–November): October through November offers apple-picking events, seasonal vegetables, and the annual autumn plant festival.
Winter (December–February): From November to February, enjoy winter specialties such as roasted sweet potatoes and warm peanut shakes.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a children's garden, seasonal events like planting activities, and a variety of family-oriented festivals. Play areas and interactive experiences are available, though dedicated play structures are limited. Stroller-friendly paths and ample parking enhance accessibility.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse dining options including a full restaurant with seasonal menus and a dedicated food market. Offers unique local specialties like regional plum beer, chiba soy sauce desserts, and seasonal items such as roasted sweet potato soft serve.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, vending machines, and a spacious parking area suitable for overnight stays. The site is relatively quiet during weekdays, though daytime activity can be busy. Overnight parking is permitted without explicit restrictions.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by lush greenery, seasonal flower displays, and well-maintained gardens. Offers scenic viewpoints and photo opportunities, especially during flower festivals. The atmosphere is peaceful and aesthetically pleasing year-round.