Discover the Heart of Rural Japan at Adachi: Chieko no Sato (Upbound)
Tucked along the scenic route of northern Fukushima, Adachi: Chieko no Sato (Upbound) is more than a roadside station—it’s a celebration of local heritage, craftsmanship, and seasonal abundance. Nestled in the serene landscape of Nihonmatsu City, this vibrant hub invites travelers to pause, explore, and connect with the spirit of the region.
Here, visitors can savor farm-fresh produce at the on-site market, sample regional specialties in the cozy on-ban restaurant, and browse handcrafted goods from local artisans. The station also serves as a gateway to cultural experiences, including traditional washi paper workshops and a dedicated online shop offering curated local treasures. With thoughtful amenities and a deep commitment to community, Adachi: Chieko no Sato (Upbound) offers a genuine taste of rural Japan’s enduring charm.
Why Visit
Adachi: Chieko no Sato (Upbound) stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering handmade wasabi-flavored udon made daily from locally grown wasabi and wheat flour. Visitors can also sample the exclusive "Chieko’s Milk Ice Cream," crafted from Jersey cow milk sourced from nearby farms. The station’s on-site "Nobori Dining Hall" serves seasonal dishes using produce from the adjacent organic farm, including roasted root vegetables with yuzu miso—a dish available nowhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, locally sourced meals at Adachi: Chieko no Sato (Upbound) roadside station.
Nobori Dining
のぼり食堂
Specialty
Local-style casual dining with a focus on fresh regional ingredients
A casual food stall offering hearty, home-style meals made with locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for travelers seeking a quick, satisfying meal.
Chieko's Kitchen
智恵子の里キッチン
Specialty
Traditional regional cuisine with a modern twist
A cozy restaurant serving authentic local dishes with a contemporary presentation. The ambiance is rustic yet refined, ideal for a leisurely meal.
Forest View Café
森のビュー Café
Specialty
Cozy café with panoramic views of the surrounding forest
A peaceful café nestled in the forest, offering light meals, pastries, and drinks. The serene environment makes it ideal for relaxation and quiet moments.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a variety of regional goods and handmade crafts at the roadside station's vibrant shops.
Local Produce Market
野菜直売
A fresh market selling seasonal vegetables and fruits directly from local farms
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Mountain Greens
Regional Products Store
地域物産
A specialty shop offering a curated selection of regional crafts and souvenirs
Products
Must-Try Item
Handcrafted Washi Paper Set
Adachi Bread House
安達パンハウス
A small bakery specializing in traditional and modern breads made with local flour
Products
Must-Try Item
Adachi Mountain Flour Loaf
Chieko's Craft Corner
智恵子の里クラフト
A shop dedicated to handmade crafts and traditional local art
Products
Must-Try Item
Washi Paper Lamp
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties and local treasures crafted with care in the heart of the community.
Adachi Mountain Vegetable Mix
安達山野菜セット
A premium mix of seasonal mountain vegetables, carefully selected and packaged for home cooking
Chieko's Signature Rice Cake Set
智恵子の里餅詰め合わせ
A gift set of traditional rice cakes with various fillings, made using time-honored recipes
Washi Paper Art Kit
和紙アートキット
A creative kit for making traditional Japanese paper art, including materials and instructions
Forest Brew Coffee Beans
森のブレッブコーヒー豆
Locally roasted coffee beans with a smooth, earthy flavor, perfect for home brewing
Adachi Mountain Flour Loaf
安達山粉パン
A rustic loaf made with flour milled from locally grown mountain wheat
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities and comfortable services designed for a relaxed journey.
Parking
Available for visitors and travelers.
Near the main entrance of the roadside station
Restroom
Clean and accessible restrooms for visitors.
Inside the main building
Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary wireless internet access available throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
Staffed desk providing local information, maps, and assistance to visitors.
Main entrance area
Play Area
Children's play area with safe equipment for young visitors.
Near the outdoor seating area
Onsen (Hot Spring)
Traditional Japanese hot spring bath facility available for relaxation.
Adjacent to the main building
Bike Rental
Bicycles available for rent to explore the surrounding area.
Near the entrance
Nursing Room
Private room equipped for breastfeeding and baby care.
Inside the restroom building
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging points available for visitors.
Parking area near the entrance
ATM
Cash machine available for banking services.
Near the entrance
Pet Area
Designated space for pets with water and waste disposal facilities.
Outdoor area near the parking lot
Insider Tips
Gain useful insights and local knowledge to make the most of your visit to the roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure the day’s fresh batch of milk bread from the on-site bakery, which sells out by 11:00 AM and is not restocked
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to find the limited-time seasonal vegetable rice balls made with produce from the adjacent vegetable stand
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the on-site restaurant “Nobori Dining” offers a special lunch set featuring local chicken curry and pickled vegetables—available only from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
- Best Souvenir Purchase: Buy the “Adachi: Chieko no Sato Local Delights Box” from the online store (road04adachi.thebase.in) to receive a curated selection of regional products, including dried mountain vegetables and handmade rice crackers
- Special Event Tip: Check the notice board near the entrance every first Sunday of the month for announcements about the “Nihonmatsu Washi Paper Heritage Hall” workshops, which are held in the adjacent building and require pre-registration
- Convenience Access: Use the convenience store at the roadside station to purchase bottled water and snacks during the lunchtime rush, as the restaurant’s seating fills up quickly between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM
- Timing for Local Produce: Visit the vegetable stand just after 9:00 AM on weekdays to get the freshest selection of seasonal vegetables, as they are delivered daily and often sell out by 11:00 AM
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Late March to April brings peak canola flower viewing and bamboo shoot harvesting, with fresh shoots available at the roadside station market.
Summer (June–August): July and August feature seasonal vegetables and cooling drinks at the on-site restaurant and market.
Autumn (September–November): September sees the start of autumn harvests, including pumpkins and sweet potatoes, with local events at the paper museum.
Winter (December–February): Limited seasonal offerings; the roadside station remains open year-round with preserved goods and winter craft workshops.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a children's play area, stroller-friendly paths, and family-friendly dining. Features interactive local craft activities and safe, accessible facilities with clear signage and ample parking.
Food Lover Review
Provides diverse local cuisine including regional specialties and fresh farm produce. Features high-quality artisan foods, a well-stocked market, and a dedicated restaurant with seasonal offerings.
Car Camping Review
Has functional restrooms, vending machines, and designated parking. While quiet during off-peak hours, it lacks dedicated overnight camping zones and specific camping guidelines.
Scenic Beauty Review
Offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside with well-maintained pathways and seasonal landscapes. Features ideal photo spots and a peaceful, aesthetically pleasing atmosphere year-round.