Discover the Heart of Hida's Natural and Cultural Heritage
Hida Takane Kobo is a welcoming roadside station nestled at the gateway to Takane Town in the scenic highlands of Gifu Prefecture. Housed in a striking red-brick building, this vibrant hub sits along National Route 361, offering travelers a perfect stop between the alpine beauty of the Hida region and nearby attractions like the historic Nakasendo Trail and the scenic Nozawa Pass.
More than just a rest stop, Hida Takane Kobo celebrates local craftsmanship and agriculture. Visitors can savor authentic Hida-style soba noodles, sample sweet, locally grown corn known as "Takane Corn," and pick up unique souvenirs such as protective charms from the revered Yatsumi Shrine. With a cozy café, information center, and seasonal specialties, it’s a true cultural and culinary destination for travelers exploring the heart of the Japanese Alps.
Why Visit
Hida Takane Kobo stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering authentic fire-harvested soba made from locally grown, stone-milled buckwheat. Visitors can savor the rare, earthy-flavored Hida Takane Soba in the on-site restaurant or take home a jar of the signature Ichiban no Mori amulet, blessed at the famed Yawata Shrine. In summer, only here can you find the exceptionally sweet, 17-degree Brix Takane Corn, grown in the high-altitude fields of the Hida region.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic regional flavors at Hida Takane Kobo's cozy eatery.
Hida Takane Kobo Restaurant
飛騨たかね工房
Specialty
Local mountain cuisine with regional ingredients
A cozy dining space offering traditional Hida-style meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for travelers seeking a taste of authentic mountain life.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local treasures and seasonal goods at this charming roadside station.
Local Specialty Store
売店
A retail shop offering a variety of locally produced goods and traditional souvenirs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hida-style Soba Noodles
Firefield Soba Shop
火畑そば
A dedicated shop specializing in handmade buckwheat noodles made from locally grown flour.
Products
Must-Try Item
Firefield Soba Noodles
Takane Shrine Amulet Shop
一位の森八幡神社のお守り
A shop selling traditional protective amulets from the renowned Takane Shrine.
Products
Must-Try Item
Takane Shrine Amulet
Featured Products
Sample signature items like fire-field buckwheat and sweet Takane Corn.
Takane Corn
タカネコーン
Locally grown sweet corn known for its exceptional sweetness, with an average sugar content of 17 degrees.
Seven Peaks Hall Hot Spring Water
七峰館の湯
Natural hot spring water sourced from the mountains of Hida, bottled for on-the-go enjoyment.
Firefield Soba Noodles
火畑そば
Handmade buckwheat noodles crafted from locally grown flour, known for their rich flavor and texture.
Takane Shrine Amulet
一位の森八幡神社のお守り
A protective amulet from the famous Takane Shrine, believed to bring good fortune and health.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax with comfortable rest areas, restrooms, and free Wi-Fi.
Parking
Provides parking for 10 large vehicles and 50 regular vehicles.
Restroom
Features 7 male toilets and 4 female toilets, with a ramp available.
Free Wi-Fi
Offers wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) access.
Information Center
Includes an information corner for visitors.
Free Rest Area
Provides a free rest area for visitors.
Postal Box
Features a mailbox for postal services.
Activities & Experiences
Engage in hands-on workshops and seasonal experiences throughout the year.
Corn Harvest Experience
タカネコーン収穫体験
Participants will harvest sweet corn grown locally, known for its high sugar content of 17 degrees, during the summer season.
Duration
60 min
Soba Making Workshop
火畑そば作り体験
Participants will learn how to make traditional Hida-style soba noodles using local ingredients and traditional techniques.
Duration
90 min
Local Souvenir Crafting
一位の森八幡神社お守り作り体験
Participants will create their own traditional omamori (protective charm) inspired by the famous Ichii no Mori Hachiman Shrine in the area.
Duration
45 min
Photography Exhibition Tour
野麦峠写真展示見学
Explore a curated exhibition of photographs from the famous Nozaka Pass, capturing scenic views and cultural moments.
Duration
30 min
Insider Tips
Visit midweek for fewer crowds and enjoy local insights from staff.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s first batch of fresh-fired firefield buckwheat soba, 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 daily supply of 'Takane Corn'—sweet corn with an average sugar content of 17 degrees, available only from June to September
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, stop by the souvenir shop before 12:00 PM to purchase the exclusive 'Ichiban no Mori Hachiman Shrine Omamori' (protective charm), which sells out by noon and is only available at this roadside station
- Food Experience: Order the firefield buckwheat soba noodle set at the on-site restaurant between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to enjoy it with the seasonal 'Seven Peaks Hot Spring' mineral water, which is served only during the summer months
- Photography Tip: Head to the west-facing wall near the entrance between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM in summer to capture the best light for photos of the displayed images of Nozomigatake Pass
- Local Product Alert: Check the back shelf of the shop’s main counter between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to find unsold batches of the previous day’s firefield buckwheat soba, often discounted by 20%
- Best Time for Quiet Exploration: Visit on a weekday between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM when the information corner is staffed by a local volunteer who can provide detailed maps of the nearby hiking trails to Nozomigatake Pass
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Late March to April features peak canola flower viewing near the station, with fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.
Summer (June-August): July and August offer sweet, locally grown corn known as 'Takane Corn' with average sugar content of 17 degrees.
Autumn (September-November): Autumn brings seasonal harvests of regional vegetables and a vibrant atmosphere at the roadside station.
Winter (December-February): Winter visits offer quiet charm, with hot spring products and traditional fire-heated soba available for visitors.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a play area with child-friendly activities, stroller-accessible facilities, and safe parking. Features interactive displays and educational elements about local culture and agriculture.
Food Lover Review
Provides a variety of local specialties including fire-field buckwheat noodles and sweet 'Takane Corn.' Offers fresh produce, unique regional products, and a restaurant with authentic local cuisine.
Car Camping Review
Has restrooms, vending machines, and parking for 50 regular vehicles. Quiet surroundings and a peaceful atmosphere support overnight stays, though no explicit overnight parking policy is stated.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near the scenic Nakasendo Trail with views of mountains and forests. Offers photo opportunities at scenic viewpoints and seasonal beauty throughout the year, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.