Discover the Heart of Hida’s Natural Beauty and Tradition
Sakura no Sato Shokawa is a charming roadside station nestled along the scenic route between the historic village of Shirakawa-go and the mountain town of Takayama in Gifu Prefecture. Named in honor of the legendary Shokawa Cherry Blossoms—saved from being submerged by a dam through community determination—this station stands as a tribute to local resilience and natural heritage. Located just off the Hokuriku Expressway’s Shokawa Interchange, it serves as a welcoming oasis for travelers exploring the serene landscapes of the Hida region.
What sets Sakura no Sato Shokawa apart is its seamless blend of nature, culture, and wellness. Visitors can unwind in the nearby natural hot spring bath, Sakura Kō no Yu, known for its self-flowing, high-temperature waters. The station also celebrates Shokawa’s famed soba noodles, offering fresh, locally made treats at its on-site market. With a scenic overlook, a children’s playground, and a cozy information center, it’s a perfect stop for families and solo travelers alike seeking an authentic taste of rural Japan.
Why Visit
Sakura no Sato Shokawa stands out for its rare access to natural hot springs within a roadside station, where the Sakura Kyo Onsen offers self-sustaining, high-temperature mineral baths sourced directly from the mountain. Visitors can also taste the region’s only authentic soba noodles made from locally grown, stone-ground buckwheat, served fresh at the on-site restaurant—crafted only here using traditional methods passed down through generations.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic regional flavors at Sakura no Sato Shokawa, where local soba and seasonal dishes await.
Soba Restaurant
そばの里
Specialty
Traditional soba noodles made from local ingredients
A cozy restaurant specializing in handmade soba noodles, offering a rustic dining experience with a focus on authentic regional flavors and natural ingredients.
Local Specialty Food Stall
地元名産販売所
Specialty
Freshly prepared local snacks and seasonal delicacies
A small food stall offering a variety of seasonal and locally made snacks, perfect for a quick bite while exploring the roadside station.
Café with Local Flavors
カフェ・マチナカ
Specialty
Cozy café serving regional pastries and drinks
A welcoming café offering a relaxed atmosphere with a focus on local ingredients, perfect for a quiet break with a warm drink or sweet treat.
Shopping Highlights
Discover handcrafted goods and farm-fresh produce at this charming roadside station.
Farmers Market
農産物直売所
A market selling fresh seasonal produce and locally grown vegetables from the surrounding farms.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly harvested carrots
Bakery
パン屋
A small bakery specializing in handmade bread and pastries using local ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Soba Bread
Craft Shop
工芸品店
A shop offering handmade crafts and traditional souvenirs from the region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hand-carved wooden spoon
Soba Specialty Store
そば専門店
A dedicated store selling various types of soba products, including flour, noodles, and ready-to-cook kits.
Products
Must-Try Item
Premium Soba Flour
Souvenir Shop
お土産屋
A shop offering a variety of local souvenirs and gifts, including traditional crafts and food items.
Products
Must-Try Item
Soba-themed gift set
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like pristine mountain-grown soba and locally sourced natural products.
Soba Flour
そば粉
High-quality buckwheat flour made from locally grown grains, ideal for making authentic soba noodles.
Dried Soba Noodles
乾燥そば
Premium dried soba noodles made from 100% local buckwheat, ready to cook in minutes.
Soba Bread
そばパン
Soft, nutty bread made with buckwheat flour, perfect for breakfast or snacks.
Soba Mochi
そば餅
Traditional Japanese mochi made with buckwheat flour and sweet red bean paste, a regional specialty.
Soba-themed Gift Set
そばギフトセット
A curated gift set featuring local soba products, including flour, noodles, and a recipe card.
Hand-carved Wooden Spoon
木製スプーン
A beautifully hand-carved wooden spoon made from local wood, ideal as a functional gift or keepsake.
Soba Latte Mix
そばラテミックス
A ready-to-mix drink blend combining buckwheat and milk powder for a unique, nutty flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy comfortable amenities including restrooms, parking, free Wi-Fi, and a relaxing hot spring bath.
Parking Area
Provides parking for 156 regular cars and 5 large vehicles.
At the roadside station
Restrooms
Features 19 male toilets and 16 female toilets, with 3 toilets equipped with ramps for accessibility.
At the roadside station
Free Wi-Fi
Available for visitors at the roadside station.
At the roadside station
Information Center
Offers an information corner where visitors can get local information and travel guidance.
At the roadside station
Children's Playground
Includes a children's playground and dog park (not available during winter).
At the roadside station
Sakka no Yu Hot Spring
A naturally hot spring facility with self-flowing hot water, located adjacent to the roadside station. It is a popular relaxation spot for travelers along the highway.
Adjacent to the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Equipped with an electric vehicle charging facility for visitors.
At the roadside station
ATM
An automated teller machine is available for visitors' convenience.
At the roadside station
Dog Park
A designated area for dogs, available except during winter months.
At the roadside station
Insider Tips
Visit early to avoid crowds and bring cash for small vendors and local markets.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the soba counter before the morning rush, as the freshly ground soba noodles are served starting at 9:00 AM and often sell out by 11:00 AM.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to find the limited-edition seasonal soba tempura, which is only available during the spring and summer months and sells out quickly.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the roadside station hosts a live cooking demonstration at 11:00 AM at the restaurant counter, where staff prepare traditional Hida-style soba dishes using locally grown ingredients.
- Best Time to Visit the Onsen: Go between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy the bathhouse’s full range of facilities, including the outdoor soaking area with views of the surrounding mountains.
- Unique Product to Buy: Purchase the "Sakura no Sato Shokawa" branded soba flour at the market counter before 1:00 PM, as it is only restocked once daily and frequently sells out by early afternoon.
- Parking Tip: Use the designated parking spots near the restaurant entrance if you plan to eat on-site, as the general parking area fills up quickly during lunch hours, especially on weekends.
- EV Charging Priority: Plug in your vehicle at the EV charging station located near the information desk between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM to ensure availability, as the three charging spots are often occupied by 9:30 AM during peak travel times.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Late March to April features peak canola flower viewing and fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.
Summer (June–August): July brings the popular "Soba Festival" and fresh buckwheat noodles enjoyed at the roadside station.
Autumn (September–November): October offers maple leaf viewing near the station and seasonal chestnuts at local stalls.
Winter (December–February): December features illuminated "Sakura" trees and warm hospitality at the onsen, perfect for cold-weather visits.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a children's playground, stroller-friendly paths, and a dog run. Features kid-friendly meals and interactive elements like the nearby Sakura Cherry Blossom site. Safe and accessible with ample parking and restrooms.
Food Lover Review
Features a dedicated soba restaurant and local market with fresh regional produce. Offers high-quality, locally sourced foods and artisanal products. The on-site restaurant provides an authentic taste of Shokawa specialty dishes.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, showers, and an EV charging station. Quiet and comfortable with a scenic view. Overnight parking is not explicitly permitted, limiting its suitability for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Offers panoramic views of the Shokawa Valley and surrounding mountains. Features a scenic lookout and photo spots near the Sakura Cherry Blossom site. Seasonal beauty is enhanced by natural landscapes and forested surroundings.