Discover the Heart of Chiba’s Agricultural Charm
Taco roadside station, nestled in the serene countryside of Minamiboso, is a vibrant gateway to the flavors and culture of Chiba Prefecture. Surrounded by lush farmland and bordered by the scenic Kuriyama River, this roadside station celebrates the region’s rich agricultural heritage with a focus on seasonal harvests and local craftsmanship. At its core, Taco offers an immersive experience where visitors can savor farm-fresh produce, enjoy innovative regional cuisine, and explore rotating seasonal events—from cherry blossom festivals to summer flower blooms.
Highlights include the renowned Kitchen TAKO, where guests can indulge in unique dishes like the A5 Tanako Beef Yakiniku Donburi, crafted with premium beef from Aomori and served atop fragrant local rice. Seasonal specialties like the Yamato Potato Soba and handmade amazake desserts showcase the area’s culinary creativity. With a dedicated marketplace, rotating farmers’ markets, and a tranquil riverside setting, Taco is more than a stop—it’s a celebration of community, nature, and the simple joy of good food.
Why Visit
Taco stands out as the only roadside station where you can savor a signature dish made exclusively with A5-grade田子牛, sourced from a sister town in Aomori, served atop the region’s renowned Tako rice. This unique collaboration transforms the humble rice bowl into a rare culinary experience. Equally distinctive is the station’s seasonal access to the only known production of yamato potato soba—hand-squeezed from locally grown yamato potatoes and blended with soba flour—offering a uniquely soft, chewy texture unmatched elsewhere.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor farm-to-table flavors at Taco roadside station, where seasonal ingredients meet local pride in every dish.
Kitchen TAKO
キッチンTAKO
Specialty
Japanese cuisine with local ingredients, featuring seasonal dishes and regional specialties
A cozy restaurant located by the Kuriyama River, offering meals made with fresh, locally sourced produce from Tako Town, including their famous Tako rice. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for enjoying a relaxing meal surrounded by seasonal flowers.
Shopping Highlights
Discover fresh produce and handmade goods at Taco roadside station, a vibrant hub of regional charm and quality.
Fureai Market
ふれあい市場
A daily market offering fresh, locally grown produce from Tako Town, including seasonal vegetables and fruits.
Products
Must-Try Item
Tako Rice
Yamatoimo Soba Shop
大和芋蕎麦
A specialty shop offering handmade soba noodles made with fresh Yamatoimo root, known for their unique texture and flavor.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yamatoimo Soba
Tako Rice Store
多古米
A dedicated store for selling high-quality Tako rice, including both polished and unpolished varieties.
Products
Must-Try Item
New Harvest Tako Rice
Tako Rice & Amazake Store
多古米と甘酒
A shop specializing in Tako rice and its fermented product, amazake, offering both traditional and modern uses.
Products
Must-Try Item
Amazake
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature products like fragrant Tako rice and creamy yam soba.
Yamatoimo Soba
大和芋蕎麦
Handmade soba noodles made with fresh Yamatoimo root, offering a unique chewy texture and natural sweetness.
Tako Rice
多古米
Premium Koshihikari rice grown in Tako Town, known for its rich flavor and sticky texture.
Amazake
甘酒
A traditional fermented rice drink made from Tako rice, naturally sweet and rich in probiotics.
Tako Rice Gift Set
多古米詰め合わせセット
A curated gift set featuring Tako rice, amazake, and other local specialties, perfect for gifting.
Tako Rice & Amazake Combo
多古米と甘酒セット
A combination of Tako rice and amazake, ideal for home consumption or as a gift.
Tako Rice & Amazake Gift Box
多古米と甘酒ギフトボックス
A premium gift box containing Tako rice and amazake, designed for special occasions.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge with 24-hour restrooms, ample parking, and a welcoming information center.
Parking Area
The parking area is available 24 hours a day and includes both first and second parking lots, with temporary parking available when full.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Restroom
Restrooms are available 24 hours a day for visitors.
Throughout the roadside station premises
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the roadside station premises
Information Center
The information center provides local road, roadside station, and tourism information. It also serves as a rest area for tired travelers.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Play Area
The play area includes a children's play zone and is part of the seasonal events and activities held at the roadside station.
Near the outdoor tent area
Nursing Room
A fully enclosed private booth equipped with a changing table and baby care facilities. Features a camera and monitor at the entrance for safety and an internal lock for security.
Second floor of the restaurant
Bike Rental
Free bicycle rental service is available during the iris festival period (June 5–20), allowing visitors to explore the iris-lined paths along the Kuriyama River and nearby temples.
Near the Kuriyama River
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors to use.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Pet Area
A designated area for pets is available for visitors to use.
Near the outdoor tent area
Activities & Experiences
Join seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and scenic river cruises at Taco roadside station.
Morning Coffee and Tea
モーニングカフェ
Enjoy a morning coffee or tea while taking in the scenic views of the surrounding natural landscape.
Duration
60 min
Evening Cool-down Café
夕涼みカフェ
Relax and enjoy a peaceful evening with drinks and light snacks while overlooking the Kuriyama River.
Duration
180 min
Weather-dependent; may be canceled in case of rain or poor weather.
Sappa Boat Tour
さっぱ船
Take a scenic boat ride along the Kuriyama River to enjoy the beautiful seasonal flowers and natural scenery.
Duration
30 min
Weather-dependent; may be canceled in case of rain or poor weather.
Seasonal Flower Viewing
四季の花
Admire the changing seasonal flowers throughout the year, including azaleas, cherry blossoms, and autumn foliage.
Duration
120 min
Local Produce Market
軽トラ朝市
Participate in a morning market featuring fresh local produce, handmade goods, and seasonal items from local farmers and artisans.
Duration
180 min
Weather-dependent; may be canceled in case of rain or poor weather.
Sakura Viewing Week
さくらウィーク
Celebrate cherry blossom season with special events, food, and photo opportunities in the scenic cherry blossom groves.
Duration
120 min
Weather-dependent; may be shortened if blossoms fall early due to rain.
Azalea Festival
あじさい祭り
Experience the beauty of blooming azaleas with guided walks, themed events, and seasonal food offerings.
Duration
150 min
Weather-dependent; may be canceled in case of rain or poor weather.
Farm-to-Table Cooking Experience
多古米を使った料理体験
Learn how to prepare traditional dishes using locally grown rice and seasonal vegetables in a hands-on cooking session.
Duration
90 min
Free Bicycle Rental
無料レンタサイクル
Rent a bicycle to explore the scenic paths around the Kuriyama River and nearby flower gardens.
Duration
120 min
Weather-dependent; may be limited during rainy or stormy conditions.
Local Food Tasting
地場野菜を使ったお食事
Taste a variety of local dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients from the surrounding region.
Duration
60 min
Insider Tips
Visit early to avoid crowds, check seasonal offerings, and enjoy free bike rentals for local exploration.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the deli counter before the fresh-baked milk bread sells out by 11:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the daily fresh-baked milk bread, which is released at 9:00 AM and typically sells out by 11:00 AM
- Weekend Special: On weekends, arrive by 10:00 AM to enjoy the limited-time "田子牛焼き肉丼" (Takko Beef Yakiniku Don) at Kitchen TAKO, available only until 3:00 PM
- Best Time for New Rice: Purchase 2025 new rice starting August 26, but arrive by 10:00 AM to ensure availability, as the initial batch sells out quickly
- Specialty Product: Try the exclusive "大和芋蕎麦" (Yamato-imo Soba) made from locally grown yamato-imo, available in the deli counter and sold out frequently
- Seasonal Experience: Visit during the "あじさいWEEK" (Hydrangea Week) from June 5 to 20 to ride the "さっぱ船" (Sappa Ship) for a scenic view of the hydrangeas along the Kuriyama River
- Off-Peak Dining: Order lunch at Kitchen TAKO by 1:00 PM on weekdays to avoid the peak lunch rush and ensure seating during the 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM service window
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms peak in late March to early April, coinciding with the Sakura Week festival featuring outdoor markets and boat tours.
Summer (June-August): Hydrangea bloom from early June through mid-July, with guided tours and special "Sappa Boat" rides on the Kusayama River.
Autumn (September-November): Autumn harvest festival runs from late October to early November, showcasing fresh produce and seasonal events.
Winter (December-February): Limited seasonal offerings; focus on year-round products like mulberry and dried vegetables.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a dedicated children's play area, stroller-friendly paths, and a private nursing room. Features family-friendly food options, seasonal events like the cherry blossom festival, and interactive displays on local agriculture.
Food Lover Review
Features a diverse menu with local specialties like Tako beef yakiniku bowl and yamato potato soba. Offers fresh produce daily, premium regional products, and unique seasonal dishes such as sakura-themed meals.
Car Camping Review
Provides clean restrooms and vending machines available 24/7. Offers quiet areas near the river, though no designated overnight parking is mentioned. Suitable for short stops but not ideal for extended camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
Boasts scenic views of the Kuriyama River and seasonal flowers, especially during the iris festival. Features photo-worthy viewpoints and well-maintained gardens with seasonal variety, creating a peaceful, picturesque atmosphere.