Discover the Heart of Gifu’s Rural Heritage
Nestled along the scenic National Route 156 in the serene village of Shirotori, Seiryu no Sato Shirotori stands as a vibrant roadside station and cultural gateway to the mountainous beauty of northern Gifu Prefecture. More than a stop for weary travelers, it serves as a living showcase of local craftsmanship, sustainable agriculture, and traditional cuisine.
Visitors are drawn to its signature hand-made soba, crafted from locally grown buckwheat and served fresh at the on-site workshop, where artisans demonstrate their craft. The open-air market, known as Muyu Kan, offers a curated selection of regional treasures—premium shiitake mushrooms, juicy seasonal corn, and organically grown terrace rice, available for purchase with on-site milling. For sweet treats, the restaurant Minobanba delights with its award-winning rice flour cream puffs, made visible through glass walls for a truly immersive experience. With a blend of authentic flavors, hands-on activities, and a deep connection to the land, this roadside station offers a memorable journey into the soul of rural Japan.
Why Visit
Visit Seiryu no Sato Shirotori for its unique on-site milling and direct-to-consumer rice experience—only here can you purchase freshly harvested terraced rice and have it milled to order in a temperature-controlled facility, preserving its rich flavor. Equally distinctive is the hand-pulled soba from "Genzuke-san," where locally grown buckwheat is milled, made, and served fresh daily, with artisans demonstrating the craft through glass windows.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor freshly made soba and creamy shū cream at Seiryu no Sato Shirotori, where local flavors come alive.
Source Helper's Soba Workshop
源助さん
Specialty
Handmade soba made from locally grown buckwheat
A traditional workshop where visitors can enjoy freshly made soba using buckwheat harvested from the local area. Guests can also watch the skilled artisans at work, enhancing the dining experience.
Minobanba Restaurant
みのばんば
Specialty
Signature steamed cream puffs made with local rice flour
A cozy café offering premium desserts crafted with high-quality local ingredients, particularly renowned for its signature cream puffs. The entire production process is visible through glass windows.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local crafts and seasonal treats at this vibrant roadside station.
Open-Air Market Muyu Kan
青空市場「木遊館」
A vibrant open-air market offering a wide variety of locally produced goods, including fresh mushrooms, seasonal corn, and rice grown in terraced fields.
Products
Must-Try Item
Thick and juicy bed mushroom
Local Craft and Woodwork Shop
木工品販売
A shop featuring handcrafted wooden items made by local carpenters, showcasing traditional craftsmanship and natural materials.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handcrafted wooden bowl
Local Specialty Gift Shop
お土産売り場
A gift shop offering a wide selection of locally loved products, including famous ham, regional miso, and local sake.
Products
Must-Try Item
Meihaku Ham
Featured Products
Experience signature items like juicy shiitake mushrooms and premium rice grown in terraced fields.
Thick and Juicy Bed Mushroom
菌床しいたけ
A thick and juicy mushroom grown on cultivated beds, known for its rich flavor and tender texture.
Fresh Seasonal Corn
フルーツコーン
Sweet and juicy corn harvested in summer, suitable for eating raw or cooking.
Terraced Rice
棚田米
High-quality rice grown in traditional terraced fields, carefully managed and stored in refrigerated conditions to preserve flavor.
Meihaku Ham
明宝ハム
A long-loved local ham known for its rich taste and traditional curing process.
Local Miso
郡上味噌
Authentic regional miso made using traditional methods and local soybeans.
Local Sake
地酒
Locally brewed sake with a unique flavor profile reflecting the region's water and rice.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax with free Wi-Fi, EV charging, and accessible restrooms at this welcoming roadside station.
Parking Lot
Provides parking for 72 regular vehicles and 3 large buses.
General area
Restroom
Features 11 male toilets and 8 female toilets, with a ramp available for accessibility.
General area
Free Wi-Fi
Offers free wireless LAN access for visitors.
General area
Information Center
Includes an information corner and is co-located with the local tourism association for regional tourism guidance.
General area
Play Area
Designed to be enjoyable for children and elderly visitors, supporting long-term stays.
General area
EV Charging Station
Equipped with electric vehicle charging facilities.
General area
Nursing Room
Features facilities for infants and young children, including baby care amenities.
General area
Activities & Experiences
Join hands-on workshops and seasonal events that celebrate local culture and craftsmanship.
Handmade Soba Making Experience
手打ちそば体験
Participants can watch and learn how local artisans make handmade soba noodles using freshly harvested local buckwheat, and may even try their hand at making soba themselves.
Duration
60 min
Soba Noodle Making Demonstration
手打ちそば工房「源助さん」
Visitors can observe professional craftsmen making soba noodles in real time at the on-site workshop, where fresh buckwheat from the region is used.
Duration
30 min
Fresh Soba Tasting
手打ちそば
Enjoy freshly made soba noodles served hot, prepared with locally grown buckwheat and served in the traditional way.
Duration
30 min
Soy Milk and Tofu Making Workshop
豆腐作り体験
Learn the traditional process of making soy milk and tofu using locally sourced soybeans, including curdling, pressing, and packaging.
Duration
90 min
Local Mushroom and Corn Harvesting Experience
菌床しいたけ・フルーツコーン収穫体験
Participate in seasonal harvesting of locally grown, meaty shiitake mushrooms and sweet, juicy fruit corn during summer months.
Duration
60 min
Best experienced on sunny days; avoid heavy rain
Rice Milling Experience
精米体験
Bring your purchased unpolished rice and experience the process of milling it to your preferred level of polish on-site.
Duration
20 min
Local Craftsmanship Tour
木工品製作見学
Explore the workshop where local carpenters create handmade wooden crafts, and learn about traditional woodworking techniques used in the region.
Duration
45 min
Sweets Making Demonstration
米粉シュークリーム製造見学
Observe the process of making high-quality cream puffs using locally produced rice flour, with the entire production visible through glass windows.
Duration
30 min
Local Food Tasting Tour
地元グルメ試食ツアー
Sample a variety of regional specialties including local ham, miso, sake, and seasonal produce at the on-site market and food stalls.
Duration
60 min
Insider Tips
Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds and enjoy on-site milling of fresh rice.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the source of the hand-made soba shop "Genzuke-san" before the lunch rush, as fresh soba is prepared and served only between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the "Miyu Kan" open-air market between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to find the day’s fresh batch of shiitake mushrooms grown on local logs, which are sold only during this window and often sell out by noon.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, stop by the "Minobanba" café between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM to witness the live production of the top-rated millet flour cream puffs, which are baked fresh and available only for purchase during this time.
- Unique Service: Use the on-site rice polishing service located near the information counter between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to have freshly purchased rice milled to order, as the facility operates only during these hours and is available to all visitors.
- Local Craft Tip: Purchase handcrafted wooden items made by local carpenters at the "Miyu Kan" market before 1:00 PM, as the artisans finish their daily work and close the display area at that time.
- Best Snack Time: Grab the seasonal fresh corn from the open-air market between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM during summer months, as it is only available in limited quantities and is sold directly from the field, often disappearing by early afternoon.
- Avoid the Line: Order the signature soba meal at "Genzuke-san" before 10:00 AM or after 3:00 PM on weekends to skip the long line that forms between 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM, when the shop is busiest.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available in early spring; peak season for visiting the nearby Fujio Cherry Blossoms in late March to early April.
Summer (June–August): Fresh fruit corn available from mid-July through August; ideal for enjoying local produce and cool mountain air.
Autumn (September–November): Harvest season for shiitake mushrooms and mountain vegetables; excellent time to sample regional specialties and visit nearby farms.
Winter (December–February): Quiet season with snow-covered surroundings; perfect for experiencing local culture and enjoying handmade soba and warm snacks.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers stroller access, restrooms with baby facilities, and a relaxed atmosphere suitable for all ages. While no dedicated play area is mentioned, the engaging food experiences and open spaces enhance family appeal.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse local specialties like handmade soba, fresh shiitake mushrooms, and rice with on-site milling. The presence of a glass-view kitchen and unique artisanal products elevates the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides basic facilities including restrooms, vending machines, and EV charging. However, it lacks designated overnight parking and quiet surroundings, limiting its suitability for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near the clear Nagara River with scenic views and seasonal landscapes. The surrounding natural beauty and well-maintained grounds create a pleasant, tranquil atmosphere ideal for relaxation.