Discover the Heart of Rural Fukushima at Sakura no Sato
Nestled along National Route 349 in the scenic town of Futaba, Sakura no Sato is a roadside station where nature, tradition, and local craftsmanship come together. Located just minutes from iconic sights like the famous Heshijō Weeping Cherry Tree and the towering Sugi-zawa cedar, it’s a perfect stop for travelers exploring the cultural and natural treasures of northern Fukushima.
More than a rest stop, Sakura no Sato celebrates authentic regional flavors and artisanal pride. Guests can savor handmade soba and udon crafted with locally grown buckwheat and wheat, or enjoy wood-fired pizza baked in a traditional stone oven. The station also features hands-on workshops, a community market, and a curated selection of local specialties—making it a true cultural gateway to the region’s heritage.
Why Visit
Nestled near the iconic Hekikōjō Weeping Cherry Tree and the towering Sugisawa Cedar, Sakura no Sato stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering hand-pulled soba and udon made from locally grown Iwashiro Highlands buckwheat and wheat. Its signature stone-fired pizza, crafted with regional ingredients, delivers a taste you won’t find anywhere else. Visitors can also experience authentic artisan workshops on-site, making it a rare destination for hands-on cultural immersion.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Sakura no Sato roadside station.
Sakura no Sato Handmade Noodles & Pizza Restaurant
手打ちそば・うどん・石窯ピザ
Specialty
Handmade soba, udon, and stone oven pizza using local ingredients
A cozy dining spot offering traditional Japanese noodles and wood-fired pizzas, crafted with locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and rustic, perfect for enjoying authentic regional flavors.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique crafts and regional treasures at Sakura no Sato.
Local Produce Market
地元産物販売所
A market offering fresh, locally grown produce from the surrounding region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Iwasure Highlands Buckwheat Flour
Handcrafted Goods Store
工房・手仕事体験
A shop featuring handmade crafts and artisanal goods made by local artisans.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handcrafted Wooden Spoon Set
Soba Flour Specialty Shop
そば粉専門店
A dedicated shop selling high-quality buckwheat flour and related products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Iwasure Highlands Soba Flour
Featured Products
Taste signature specialties made with locally grown ingredients.
Iwasure Highlands Buckwheat Flour
いわしろ高原そば粉
Premium buckwheat flour made from locally grown buckwheat in Iwasure Highlands, ideal for making authentic handmade soba.
Handcrafted Wooden Spoon Set
手作り木のスプーンセット
A set of hand-carved wooden spoons made by local artisans using sustainable wood.
Stone Oven Pizza Mix
石窯ピザミックス
Pre-mixed dough blend for making authentic stone oven-style pizza at home.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities and comfortable rest stops at Sakura no Sato.
Information Center
The roadside station provides information and assistance to visitors, including details about local attractions, events, and services.
Main entrance area
Parking
Parking facilities are available for visitors arriving by car, located near the main entrance of the roadside station.
Near the main entrance
Restroom
Public restrooms are available for visitors, including accessible facilities for people with disabilities.
Inside the main building
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station for visitors' convenience.
Throughout the premises
Food Court
The food court offers locally made dishes such as handmade soba, udon, and stone oven pizza using ingredients from Iwashiro Highland.
Inside the main building
Souvenir Shop
A shop selling local products and souvenirs, including regional specialties and handmade crafts.
Inside the main building
Play Area
A designated play area for children, located near the outdoor space of the roadside station.
Outdoor area near the main building
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors using electric cars.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitors to withdraw cash.
Near the entrance
Nursing Room
A private nursing room is available for mothers with infants, located inside the main building.
Inside the main building
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around local events for the best regional charm.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the bakery counter before the hand-pulled soba noodles and fresh-baked milk bread sell out by 11:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: Visit the stone oven pizza counter between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to sample the limited-edition seasonal pizza made with locally grown heirloom tomatoes from the on-site garden
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the deli counter offers a free sample of homemade miso soup with any purchase of the hand-stirred soba noodle set
- Best Food Experience: Order the “Soba & Pizza Combo” at the lunch counter between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to get a full meal with a complimentary cup of locally brewed barley tea
- Local Product Tip: Pick up the “Iwashiro Highlands Soba Flour” at the gift shop before 3:00 PM, as it is only restocked once daily and often sells out by mid-afternoon
- Photography Spot: Take photos at the south-facing glass wall near the entrance between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM when sunlight highlights the display of handmade pottery from local artisans
- Accessibility Tip: Use the ramp entrance on the west side of the building, which leads directly to the bakery and gift shop, as it is the most accessible path from the parking lot during peak hours
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Cherry blossoms bloom at nearby Shimbashi Sakura and Tsuru no Sato in early April, coinciding with fresh bamboo shoots and hand-cut soba noodles made from local buckwheat.
Summer (June–August): Enjoy stone oven pizzas and seasonal produce at the roadside station during warm months, with local markets featuring summer vegetables.
Autumn (September–November): Visit during the Tama River Mountain Fun Experience and the Tama City New Soba Festival in late October, celebrating fresh autumn soba.
Winter (December–February): Experience the quiet beauty of the area, with limited activities but cozy food and warm hospitality in the seasonal setting.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a children's play area and interactive handcraft workshops. Kid-friendly meals like handmade soba and pizza are available. The site is stroller-accessible with ample parking and safe, family-oriented facilities.
Food Lover Review
Features a variety of high-quality local dishes including handmade soba, udon, and stone oven pizza using regional ingredients. Fresh produce and local specialties are prominently displayed, enhancing the authentic culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides clean restrooms and vending machines, suitable for short stops. The area is relatively quiet during daytime hours. Overnight parking is not explicitly permitted, limiting extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near famous cherry blossoms and large cedar trees, offering scenic views of natural landscapes. Seasonal beauty is evident, with well-maintained pathways and picturesque viewpoints ideal for photography.