Discover the Heart of South Boso’s Agricultural Charm
Tomiura roadside station, nestled in the scenic富浦町 of Chiba’s South Boso region, is a celebrated destination and recipient of the national Michi no Eki Grand Prize. Known as the home of Japan’s finest loquat, this vibrant roadside station offers a unique blend of local flavor, seasonal experiences, and authentic rural hospitality. Visitors are greeted by blossoming rapeseed fields in spring, lush orchards in summer, and the sweet aroma of freshly picked loquats during the peak season.
Beyond its picturesque setting, Tomiura is a cultural hub where agriculture meets tourism. Enjoy a taste of the season with the popular strawberry garden, where guests can sample multiple varieties in a fun, interactive tasting experience. The loquat picking season brings visitors to harvest the fruit at its freshest, while the café terrace—complete with a relaxed open-air atmosphere—offers handcrafted loquat soft serve, curry, and coffee brewed to order. With farm-to-table dining, seasonal events, and expert local guidance, Tomiura is more than a stop—it’s a gateway to the soul of South Boso.
Why Visit
Tomiura roadside station stands out as the only roadside station in Japan where you can pick fresh, sun-ripened loquats—known as the finest in the nation—just as they are harvested for the Imperial Household. Only here can you enjoy the seasonal “biwa soft” made from locally grown fruit, or experience the unique “biwa hunting” in May and June. The site also features a multi-variety strawberry garden where visitors taste and compare five distinct types, a rare and immersive agricultural experience not found elsewhere.
Restaurants & Dining
At Tomiura roadside station, savor seasonal flavors with a focus on fresh local produce, especially the famed Japanese pear. Enjoy relaxed meals with natural sounds and scenic views.
Biwa Terrace Cafe
枇杷倶楽部
Specialty
Relaxing open-air café with seasonal flowers and views of the surrounding landscape
A cozy open-air café located in the Biwa Terrace, offering a peaceful atmosphere where visitors can enjoy the sounds of birds and flowing streams. Perfect for a relaxing break during your journey through Minamiboso.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local treasures and artisanal pear-themed goods at Tomiura roadside station. Each item reflects the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
Biwa Gift Shop
びわグッズショップ
A specialty shop offering a wide range of loquat-themed merchandise and local crafts
Products
Must-Try Item
Loquat Soft Serve Ice Cream Kit
Minamiboso Antenna Shop
南房総アンテナショップ
An online retail outlet showcasing regional products from Minamiboso
Products
Must-Try Item
Minamiboso Regional Gift Box
Featured Products
Tomiura is renowned for its premium Japanese pears, celebrated as the nation’s finest. Try seasonal specialties like fresh-picked fruit and signature pear treats.
Fresh Loquat Fruit
もぎたてびわ
Freshly harvested loquats from the renowned loquat-producing region of Tomiura, available only during the seasonal harvest
Loquat Jam
びわジャム
Artisanal jam made from locally grown loquats, perfect for toast or desserts
Loquat Tea
びわ茶
Dried loquat leaves infused into a fragrant herbal tea, known for its soothing properties
Loquat Sake
びわ酒
A unique rice wine infused with the natural sweetness of loquats, crafted using traditional methods
Loquat Honey
びわはちみつ
Natural honey blended with the essence of fresh loquats, offering a sweet and floral flavor
Facilities & Amenities
Relax in comfortable spaces featuring outdoor terraces and cozy cafes. The station offers convenient services and welcoming amenities for every traveler.
Information Center
The roadside station serves as a tourism information hub, offering guidance on local attractions, events, and travel planning for visitors to Minamiboso. It also provides assistance with bus tours and various arrangements.
Main entrance area
Café Terrace
A relaxed outdoor café area with tables and a terrace. Although currently under construction and temporarily closed, it was previously used for enjoying drinks and meals while listening to birdsong and the sound of flowing water. The café offers seasonal specialties like biwa soft serve, biwa curry, and pasta.
Front of Biwa Club
Fruit Picking Garden
A fruit-picking experience where visitors can taste and pick various types of strawberries and fresh persimmons (biwa). The strawberry garden allows guests to compare different varieties, while the biwa picking season runs from May to June.
Near the entrance
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless internet access is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Parking Area
A parking area is available for visitors arriving by car.
Front and side of the facility
Restrooms
Public restrooms are available for visitors.
Inside the main building
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging facilities are available for visitors using electric cars.
Near the parking area
ATM
An automated teller machine (ATM) is available on-site for visitor convenience.
Near the entrance
Rental Car Service
A rental car service is available at the roadside station, allowing visitors to rent vehicles for exploring the surrounding area.
Near the parking area
Activities & Experiences
Participate in hands-on experiences like fruit picking and seasonal workshops. Enjoy guided tours and immersive nature activities throughout the year.
Strawberry Picking
いちご狩り
Pick and taste multiple varieties of strawberries, enjoying a fun and interactive fruit-picking experience.
Duration
60 min
Loquat Picking
びわ狩り
Harvest fresh, ripe loquats directly from the trees during the peak season, enjoying the unique taste of freshly picked fruit.
Duration
60 min
Flower Picking
花摘み
Enjoy seasonal flower picking throughout the year, experiencing the beauty and fragrance of blooming flowers.
Duration
60 min
Fruit Picking Experience
フルーツ狩り
Participate in seasonal fruit picking activities, enjoying fresh produce directly from local farms.
Duration
60 min
Loquat-themed Workshop
びわワークショップ
Learn about loquats through hands-on activities, including preparation and crafting with fresh loquat ingredients.
Duration
90 min
Loquat Soft Serve Tasting
びわソフト
Enjoy a refreshing loquat soft serve, made with fresh loquats, at the roadside station's café terrace.
Duration
30 min
Loquat-themed Café Experience
びわカフェ体験
Relax and enjoy a peaceful café experience with loquat-themed drinks and snacks, surrounded by nature.
Duration
90 min
Insider Tips
Visit during peak seasons for fresh harvests and special events. Plan ahead for reservations to make the most of your visit.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the Biwa terrace, as it opens at 9:15 AM and fills quickly due to its popular open-air seating with views of the plum blossom field.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter during the 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM window to find the day’s limited batch of freshly baked milk bread, which sells out fast and is only available during this time.
- Seasonal Experience: Book the strawberry tasting garden in advance starting December 1st, as it offers five different varieties for taste comparison and is only available from January to May.
- Unique Menu Item: Order the biwa curry at the café between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM, when the kitchen prepares a fresh batch using the season’s first harvested loquat fruit.
- Outdoor Viewing Spot: Walk past the main entrance to the east side of the facility where the plum blossom field is located—this area is ideal for photos and quiet reflection, especially during the early spring bloom.
- Transportation Tip: Reserve a rental car through the on-site rental service before noon, as the limited number of vehicles are often fully booked by midday, especially on weekends.
- Event Timing: Check the event calendar for the “Loquat Harvest Festival” in early June, when the staff offers guided picking sessions and free samples of freshly picked loquats, available only during the first two hours of the event.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Peak season for canola flower viewing in late March to April and fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.
Summer (June-August): No specific seasonal activities mentioned in the content.
Autumn (September-November): No specific seasonal activities mentioned in the content.
Winter (December-February): Strawberry picking season runs from January to May, with reservations starting December 1.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Family-friendly with a dedicated strawberry garden for tasting and play, kid-friendly food options, and stroller-accessible paths. Educational fruit-picking experiences enhance engagement.
Food Lover Review
Features a variety of high-quality local specialties, including fresh figs, unique yuzu-based dishes, and artisanal枇杷-themed products with seasonal menus.
Car Camping Review
Offers basic facilities like restrooms and vending machines, with a quiet, scenic setting. Overnight parking is permitted, though no formal camping zones are designated.
Scenic Beauty Review
Boasts stunning views of blooming rapeseed fields and seasonal landscapes. The open-air terrace provides excellent photo opportunities with natural beauty and serene atmosphere.