Discover the Heart of the Kiso River Valley
Kirira Sakashita is a vibrant roadside station nestled along the right bank of the Kiso River in Nakatsugawa, Gifu Prefecture, where lush mountains and seasonal landscapes converge. More than just a rest stop, it serves as a gateway to the cultural and natural treasures of the Kiso region, offering visitors an authentic rural experience.
At Kirira Sakashita, guests can savor handmade soba noodles made from locally harvested buckwheat, prepared using the traditional “three tate” method—grinding, kneading, and boiling—highlighting the station’s dedication to local craftsmanship. The on-site restaurant, seasonal market, and interactive soba-making workshops invite travelers to engage with regional heritage. With its inviting atmosphere and scenic surroundings, it’s a perfect stop for those seeking connection, flavor, and tranquility.
Why Visit
Kirira Sakashita stands out as the only roadside station in the region where visitors can experience the full "three-stage" process of soba—from grinding fresh kernels into flour, hand-pulling the noodles, to cooking them on-site. The signature dish, a bowl of handmade soba made entirely from locally grown, stone-ground buckwheat, is available only here. Visitors can also explore the seasonal riverbank views of the Nagara River, framed by lush cedar forests and autumn maple groves, making it a rare destination where culinary tradition meets pristine natural beauty.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Kirira Sakashita roadside station, where freshly made soba is crafted from farm-to-table ingredients.
Soba Experience Restaurant
そば打ち体験レストラン
Specialty
Traditional soba made from locally harvested buckwheat, prepared using the 'three techniques' method
A cozy restaurant offering authentic local soba made from buckwheat harvested in the region, prepared using the traditional 'three techniques' method—grinding the flour, hand-pulling the noodles, and boiling them to perfection. The atmosphere blends rustic charm with a welcoming, homely feel.
Soba & Tea House
そばと茶屋
Specialty
Local soba paired with traditional Japanese tea
A relaxed tea house offering a peaceful retreat with a focus on local soba and seasonal Japanese teas. The ambiance is calm and traditional, perfect for a quiet break amidst nature.
Local Soba Specialty Stall
地元そば専門店
Specialty
Quick-service local soba made from freshly harvested buckwheat
A casual food stall offering fast, authentic soba made from locally grown buckwheat. Ideal for a quick bite with a view of the surrounding natural scenery.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional treasures and handcrafted goods at Kirira Sakashita roadside station’s specialty store.
Local Produce Market
産直野菜売店
A market selling fresh, locally grown vegetables and seasonal produce directly from regional farmers.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly harvested buckwheat
Soba Specialty Store
そば特産品売店
A dedicated shop offering a variety of soba-related products, including flour, noodles, and gift sets.
Products
Must-Try Item
Premium buckwheat flour
Craft & Local Goods Shop
工芸品・地元物販売店
A shop featuring handmade crafts and local artisan products from the region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hand-carved wooden souvenirs
Bakery & Sweets Shop
パンとスイーツ売店
A bakery offering freshly baked bread, pastries, and local sweets made with regional ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Soba-flour croissant
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature soba and seasonal local specialties crafted with care.
Premium Buckwheat Flour
特選そば粉
High-quality buckwheat flour made from locally harvested buckwheat, ideal for making authentic soba at home.
Dried Soba Noodles
乾燥そば
Long-lasting, ready-to-cook soba noodles made from natural buckwheat flour.
Soba Gift Set
そばギフトセット
A curated gift set including buckwheat flour, dried noodles, and a recipe card for making traditional soba.
Hand-Carved Wooden Souvenir
木製お土産
A handcrafted wooden souvenir made by local artisans, featuring traditional regional designs.
Soba-Flour Croissant
そば粉クロワッサン
A unique croissant made with buckwheat flour, offering a nutty flavor and delicate texture.
Local Soba Tea
地元そば茶
A traditional Japanese tea made from roasted buckwheat, known for its rich, earthy flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, free Wi-Fi, and family-friendly spaces at Kirira Sakashita roadside station.
Parking Area
The roadside station has parking space for 5 large vehicles and 78 regular vehicles.
On-site
Restroom
The facility includes 5 male toilets and 4 female toilets, with a ramp available for accessibility.
On-site
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless LAN is available at the roadside station.
On-site
Information Center
An information corner is available for visitors to get local information and assistance.
On-site
Children's Playground
A children's park and play area is available for kids to enjoy.
On-site
Nursing Room
A dedicated room for nursing mothers is available for privacy and comfort.
On-site
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors with electric cars.
On-site
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors to access banking services.
On-site
Pet Area
A designated area for pets is available for visitors with animals.
On-site
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in hands-on experiences like soba-making workshops and seasonal events at Kirira Sakashita roadside station.
Soba Making Experience
そば打ち体験
Participants will learn how to make soba noodles from scratch using traditional methods, including grinding the buckwheat flour, kneading the dough, and hand-pulling the noodles.
Duration
60 min
Insider Tips
Plan your visit during daylight hours for the best views and access to seasonal offerings at Kirira Sakashita roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:00 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the soba-making experience station, as sessions fill up quickly and are only available from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM daily
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM to find the day’s limited batch of freshly made soba-flour dumplings, which are not listed on the menu but are served only during this window
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, join the 11:00 AM soba noodle demonstration at the experience hall to learn how to shape soba dough using traditional wooden tools, offered only during weekend mornings
- Best Purchase Time: Buy the seasonal soba flour blend at the specialty shop between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM when staff are restocking and offer a 10% discount on bulk purchases
- Dining Tip: Order the "Soba Three-Times" meal at the restaurant between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to enjoy the full "three-tate" process—milled flour, hand-pulled noodles, and boiled serving—before the kitchen closes for lunch prep at 1:00 PM
- Avoid Wait Time: Use the free Wi-Fi in the information corner to access the live queue status for the soba experience hall, which updates every 15 minutes and helps you time your visit to avoid the 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM rush
- Local Insight: Pick up a free map at the information counter that highlights the nearby natural park and hidden walking path leading to a small overlook of the Kiso River, accessible only via a 15-minute trail from the roadside station’s east entrance
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Canola flowers bloom in late March to April, and fresh bamboo shoots are available at the market from April.
Summer (June–August): Freshly harvested soba is available from July, with peak harvest in August.
Autumn (September–November): Soba harvest season continues, and roasted soba is sold from September.
Winter (December–February): Soba flour and dried soba are available, with the restaurant open daily for winter meals.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a children's playground, baby facilities, and interactive soba-making体验. Stroller-friendly with accessible restrooms. Educational and engaging for families, though limited play areas beyond the playground.
Food Lover Review
Features a dedicated restaurant serving locally made soba using the 'three-tate' method. Offers fresh produce, local specialties, and artisanal products. High-quality, authentic regional cuisine with strong seasonal variety.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, vending machines, and designated parking. Quiet during evening hours with minimal traffic. Overnight parking is allowed, though not explicitly promoted for camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located along the Nagara River with scenic views of mountains and seasonal landscapes. Offers picturesque viewpoints and photo opportunities. Natural surroundings enhance the overall tranquil and aesthetic appeal.