Discover the Heart of Rural Japan at Yachiyo Roadside Station
Nestled in the serene countryside of Yachiyo City, Chiba Prefecture, Yachiyo Roadside Station is more than a pit stop—it’s a vibrant cultural and agricultural hub where nature, community, and tradition converge. Located at the gateway to the region’s lush farmlands and forested trails, the station offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the land and local life.
At the core of Yachiyo’s charm is its emphasis on learning, play, and hands-on experience. Guests can participate in seasonal farming activities like sweet potato harvesting, join cooking classes from scratch—such as making apple crumble or seasonal rice dishes—or enjoy a family-friendly barbecue in the open grassy area. The on-site agricultural exchange center also hosts workshops in gardening, jam-making, and even dairy farming, fostering deep connections between urban visitors and rural producers.
Why Visit
Yachiyo roadside station stands out as the only place in the region where you can harvest and cook with its signature sweet potatoes—grown in local fields and featured in hands-on harvest experiences and seasonal recipe contests. Visitors can also join exclusive cooking classes, like making apple crumble with freshly picked fruit, or try artisanal dairy treats from the on-site ice cream maker, all within a vibrant agricultural hub dedicated to fostering direct connections between farmers and the community.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, locally sourced meals at Yachiyo roadside station, where seasonal ingredients meet creative culinary traditions.
Yachiyo Michinoeki Dining Hall
やちよ道の駅食堂
Specialty
Local cuisine with seasonal ingredients
A cozy dining hall offering traditional local dishes made with fresh, seasonal produce from the region. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for a relaxing meal after exploring the surrounding countryside.
Puchi Chantilly
農事組合法人アイス工房プチシャンテリー
Specialty
Artisanal ice cream and frozen desserts
A charming ice cream shop specializing in handcrafted frozen treats made with locally sourced ingredients. The shop offers a relaxed, inviting atmosphere ideal for a sweet break during your visit.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated selection of regional goods and handmade crafts at Yachiyo roadside station’s vibrant market stalls.
Farmers' Market
農産物直売所
A fresh produce market offering seasonal fruits, vegetables, and locally grown agricultural products directly from regional farmers.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly harvested sweet potatoes
Featured Products
Explore signature local specialties like freshly harvested sweet potatoes and artisanal jams, crafted with care from regional produce.
Sweet Potato Jam
さつまいもジャム
A rich, naturally sweet jam made from locally grown sweet potatoes, perfect for spreading on bread or using in desserts.
Homemade Dried Sweet Potatoes
さつまいも乾燥食品
Naturally dried sweet potatoes with a chewy texture and sweet flavor, ideal as a healthy snack or ingredient in cooking.
Local Rice (New Harvest)
新米
Freshly harvested premium rice from local farms, known for its soft texture and rich flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, picnic areas, and event spaces designed for comfort and community gatherings.
Parking Area
The roadside station has a parking area available for visitors. A temporary parking lot is also available as indicated in the announcements.
Near the roadside station entrance
Restroom
Restrooms are available at the roadside station. The facility is currently undergoing renovation and is closed.
Inside the roadside station
Information Center
The roadside station features an information center that provides details about local attractions, events, and facilities. It is currently closed due to renovation.
Inside the roadside station
Play Area
A grassy area is available for barbecues and outdoor play. Play equipment is also available for rent.
Near the grassy area at the roadside station
Bike Rental
Bicycles are available for rent through the shared cycling program.
Near the roadside station entrance
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available at the roadside station.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors' convenience.
Near the roadside station entrance
Activities & Experiences
Engage in hands-on experiences from farming and harvests to cooking classes and seasonal workshops at Yachiyo roadside station.
Baking Class: Scones and Apple Crumble
お菓子作り講座～スコーンとアップルクランブル
Participants will learn to make scones and apple crumble in a hands-on baking class.
Duration
90 min
Gardening Class: Preparing Spring Flower Beds
ガーデニング講座＊11月～春花壇の準備
Participants will learn how to prepare flower beds for spring planting through a gardening workshop.
Duration
120 min
Christmas Garland Making
「クリスマスガーランド」作り
Participants will create festive Christmas garlands using natural materials and craft supplies.
Duration
60 min
Family Cooking Class: Autumn Vegetable Paella and Sweet Potato Muffins
親子料理教室～秋野菜のパエリアとさつまいものマフィン
Families will cook autumn vegetable paella and sweet potato muffins together in a fun, interactive cooking class.
Duration
120 min
Dairy Farming Experience
2025秋「八千代市酪農体験」参加者募集
Participants will experience dairy farming activities, including milking and learning about local dairy production.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor activities may be affected by rain or cold weather.
Sweet Potato Harvesting Experience (Group Booking)
「さつまいも収穫体験」団体・グループ予約募集のご案内
Groups can participate in harvesting sweet potatoes from the fields, learning about cultivation and harvesting techniques.
Duration
90 min
Outdoor activity; may be canceled due to heavy rain.
Sweet Potato Digging (Walk-in)
予約不要！「さつまいも当日掘り」受付中
Visitors can dig up sweet potatoes on the same day without prior reservation, enjoying a hands-on harvest experience.
Duration
60 min
Outdoor activity; may be canceled due to rain.
Harvesting Blueberries
ブルーベリー狩り
Participants can pick fresh blueberries from the fields during the seasonal harvest period.
Duration
60 min
Outdoor activity; may be canceled due to rain or extreme heat.
Herb Cooking Class
ハーブ料理講座
Participants will learn how to cook with fresh herbs, creating flavorful dishes using seasonal ingredients.
Duration
90 min
Home Cooking Class: Pita Bread
家庭料理講座～ピタパン
Participants will learn to make homemade pita bread from scratch in a practical cooking class.
Duration
90 min
Family Workshop: Rice Flour Chocolate Sponge Cake
【受付終了】親子講座～米粉のチョコレートシフォンケーキ
Families will create chocolate sponge cakes using rice flour in a fun and educational baking session.
Duration
90 min
Halloween Cooking Class
【受付終了】ハロウィン料理講座
Participants will prepare festive Halloween-themed dishes in a seasonal cooking class.
Duration
90 min
Insider Tips
Visit during harvest season for the best produce and check the schedule for limited-time workshops and special events.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit before 11:00 AM on weekdays to secure a spot at the morning "さつまいも当日掘り" (daily potato digging) experience, which begins at 10:00 AM and fills up quickly.
- Hidden Gems: Check the "クラフト" (Craft) farm produce market inside the Agricultural Exchange Center for freshly harvested seasonal vegetables and handmade jam, available only during morning hours.
- Weekend Special: Attend the "親子料理教室～秋野菜のパエリアとさつまいものマフィン" (Family Cooking Class – Autumn Vegetable Paella and Sweet Potato Muffins) on Sundays at 11:00 AM, held at the Agricultural Exchange Center, to enjoy hands-on food preparation with local ingredients.
- Seasonal Experience: Participate in the "さつまいも収穫体験" (Sweet Potato Harvest Experience) by visiting the Agricultural Exchange Center between October 3 and October 15, when the event is actively scheduled and open to walk-ins.
- Actionable Activity: Use the free "シェアサイクル" (Share Cycle) service at the Agricultural Exchange Center to explore the surrounding farmland and nearby green spaces—bikes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Best Time for Classes: Join the "ハーブ料理講座" (Herb Cooking Class) on October 15 at 1:00 PM at the Agricultural Exchange Center, as it is listed as a special event with limited participant numbers.
- Avoid Disruption: Plan your visit to the Agricultural Exchange Center on weekdays between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, as the "ふるさとステーション" (Hometown Station) is currently closed due to major renovation work and will not reopen until after 2025.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Late March to April features fresh bamboo shoots available at the market, with gardening classes beginning in November for spring flower beds.
Summer (June–August): New rice arrives in August, and the summer harvest season includes blueberry picking through early July.
Autumn (September–November): October offers satoimo harvest experiences and the satoimo recipe contest, while November features autumn cooking and dairy farm experiences.
Winter (December–February): No specific seasonal events listed, but winter activities include Christmas garland making and seasonal cooking classes.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers children's activities like play equipment, cooking classes, and seasonal farm experiences. Includes family-oriented events, safe play areas, and stroller-friendly paths. Educational programs enhance the experience for all ages.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse local food options including seasonal produce, handmade jams, and specialty items like sweet potato dishes. The agricultural center hosts cooking workshops and offers fresh, locally sourced ingredients with strong regional authenticity.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, vending machines, and a large parking area. Offers quiet spaces for overnight stays, though not specifically designed for camping. No explicit overnight parking policy is listed.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a rural setting with open fields and seasonal landscapes. Offers scenic views of farmland and greenery, with photo spots near gardens and farm areas. Seasonal beauty enhances the overall aesthetic appeal.