Station Hida Kaido Nagisa

Savor the Flavors of Hida’s High-Altitude Harvest

Nestled in the alpine embrace of Gifu Prefecture’s Kiso Valley, Hida Kaido Nagisa stands as a celebration of nature’s bounty and centuries-old tradition. Designed with inspiration from Jomon-era pit dwellings, the roadside station blends ancient heritage with modern charm, making it a cultural landmark in the heart of Kuguno Town. Surrounded by the majestic foothills of the Northern Alps, this vibrant hub offers travelers a rare glimpse into the rhythms of rural life and the seasonal richness of highland agriculture.

At Hida Kaido Nagisa, every visit is a sensory journey. Freshly harvested vegetables, orchard-fresh apples, plump peaches, and wild berries are sold daily at the on-site market. Guests can savor the irresistible aroma of hand-baked bread from the 2001 Dokidoki Workshop or enjoy a scoop of house-made gelato crafted from local fruit—sweet yet delicately balanced. With a working juice factory, a scenic restaurant serving regional specialties like Hida beef and Jomon udon, and seasonal events like apple tasting sessions, the station invites visitors to taste, explore, and connect with the land.

Hida Kaido Nagisa stands out for its rare, on-site juice factory where visitors can taste freshly pressed, unpasteurized apple and tomato juice made from the region’s high-altitude grown fruit. The station’s signature seasonal highlight is its winter-only apple pie, crafted exclusively from locally harvested varieties like Red Gold and Shinano Doru. These unique offerings, paired with the only public viewing area of a working fruit processing facility in the area, make it a must-visit destination for authentic, hyper-local flavors found nowhere else.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s first batch of fresh-baked milk bread from the 2001ドキドキ工房, which often sells out by 11:00 AM.

• Hidden Gems: Stop at the juice production area near the deli counter during late morning hours when staff are actively making fresh juice from local apples or tomatoes—this is the best time to see the process and request a sample.

• Seasonal Special: On October 30 and November 6 between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM, attend the limited-time apple tasting event hosted by the Kuguno Town Fruit Shipment Youth Group to sample and compare varieties like San Tsugaru, Shinano Doru, and Red Gold.

• Best Purchase Time: Buy the limited-edition Shouchan corn from the direct sales market between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM, when the supply is at its peak and before it runs out—this is a seasonal highlight not available elsewhere.

• Unique Product Access: Purchase the exclusive "Nagisa" brand apple pie only at the roadside station’s front entrance gift shop; it is only available during winter months and sells out quickly.

• Avoid Disruption: If you plan to use the EV charging station, avoid visiting after 3:00 PM on weekdays, as the fast charger has been reported to be out of service since November 2, 2025—use the standard charging spots instead.

• Hidden Experience: Visit the processing facility behind the deli counter between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM on weekdays to witness the production of fruit-based products like jams and juices, which are open for guided viewing during these hours.

Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots arrive in early spring, while early-season apples like 'Sun Tsugaru' begin harvesting in September.

Summer (June–August): Local peaches and corn peak from mid-July through August, with blueberries available for tasting in July.

Autumn (September–November): Apple harvest runs from September to November, featuring varieties like Tsugaru, Shinano Doru, and Red Gold, with a tasting event held in October.

Winter (December–February): Seasonal apple pie is available, with winter produce like chestnuts and persimmons arriving in November.