Discover the Heart of Rural Japan at Kawaba Denoen Plaza
Nestled in the serene mountains of Gunma Prefecture, Kawaba Denoen Plaza is a vibrant roadside station where nature, culture, and local flavors come together. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling farmland, this destination offers fresh, regionally sourced food, handmade crafts, and immersive experiences—from farm-to-table dining to hands-on food workshops. With scenic walking trails, a suspension bridge spanning the clear Tachibana River, and a renowned on-site brewery, it’s a perfect retreat for travelers seeking authenticity, relaxation, and unforgettable tastes of the countryside.
Why Visit
Kawaba Denoen Plaza stands out for its on-site brewery, where visitors can enjoy freshly crafted川場ビール brewed with water from the region’s pristine streams. The highlight is the hands-on experience at the farm-to-table kitchen, where guests can savor dishes made with locally raised mochi pork and seasonal produce, all prepared using traditional methods in the restaurant武尊.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor the essence of nature at Kawaba Denoen Plaza, where farm-fresh ingredients meet local tradition in every bite.
Beer Restaurant Buson
川場ビール レストラン武尊
Specialty
Authentic cuisine featuring locally brewed beer and fresh ingredients from Kawaba
A full-service restaurant located within the brewery, offering gourmet dishes prepared by top chefs using fresh, locally sourced ingredients such as vegetables from Kawaba and 'mochi pork' from Gunma Prefecture. Guests can enjoy the restaurant's own brewed beer on-site.
Soba Shop Kokuzo
そば処 虚空蔵(コクゾウ)
Specialty
Handmade soba using local flour and natural spring water
A traditional soba shop where local artisans prepare handmade soba using flour grown in Kawaba and pure spring water. The focus is on authentic, handcrafted soba with a rich, natural flavor.
Aka Kura Dining
食事処 あかくら
Specialty
Local cuisine with seasonal dishes and outdoor BBQ options
A casual dining spot offering regional specialties such as Ushu Okirikomi and pork bowl, with outdoor terrace seating ideal for summer barbecues. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly.
Café du Comptoir
カフェ・ド・カンパーニュ
Specialty
French-style bakery and coffee
A charming café offering a selection of freshly baked pastries, bread, and coffee in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The focus is on quality ingredients and artisanal baking.
Kawabanchi Rice Ball Shop
おにぎり かわばんち
Specialty
Freshly made rice balls with local ingredients
A small stall offering a variety of rice balls made with fresh, local ingredients. The focus is on simple, delicious, and convenient snacks.
Pizzeria La Corde
ピッツェリア ラコルト
Specialty
Italian-style pizza with fresh ingredients
A pizzeria serving authentic Italian-style pizzas made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a casual meal.
Gasho Kaya Sweet Shop
甘味処 菓匠迦葉
Specialty
Traditional Japanese sweets and tea
A traditional sweet shop offering a variety of Japanese desserts and tea in a serene, peaceful setting. The focus is on seasonal and handcrafted sweets.
Shopping Highlights
Discover regional treasures and handcrafted goods at Kawaba Denoen Plaza’s vibrant market stalls.
Farmers Market
ファーマーズマーケット
A market selling fresh, locally grown produce such as vegetables, fruits, rice, and agricultural products from Kawaba.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly harvested produce from Kawaba
Bakery
パン工房
A bakery producing a variety of breads using domestically sourced wheat flour.
Products
Must-Try Item
Apple pie made with local apples
Beer Brewery
ビール工房
A brewery producing Kawaba Beer using pure spring water from the region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kawaba Beer (Wheat beer style)
Milk Factory
ミルク工房
A dairy factory producing fresh milk, yogurt, and ice cream using milk from cows raised in Kawaba.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh milk from Kawaba cows
Meat Factory
ミート工房
A factory producing handmade ham and sausages from premium pork raised in Gunma Prefecture.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handmade ham from Gunma pork
Blueberry Hall
ブルーベリー館
A shop selling local products including regional sake and processed foods made from local ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Blueberry jam
Featured Products
Explore signature delights like Snow Hotaka rice and handmade local crafts, crafted with care from the heart of the region.
Snow Hotaka Rice
雪ほたか
A premium rice variety from Kawaba, recognized with five consecutive gold awards in the national rice taste analysis contest.
Apple Pie
アップルパイ
A delicious apple pie made with locally grown apples from Kawaba.
Blueberry Jam
ブルーベリージャム
A rich and flavorful jam made from fresh blueberries harvested in Kawaba.
Kawaba Beer
川場ビール
A refreshing wheat beer brewed using pure spring water from Kawaba, with a taste tailored to Japanese palates.
Rice Flour Bread
米粉パン
A soft and delicate bread made with rice flour from Kawaba, known for its unique texture and flavor.
Black Sesame Bread
黒ゴマたっぷり加え田舎風の優しい味に仕上げた「おばあちゃん焼き」
A traditional-style bread with abundant black sesame, offering a rich, comforting flavor.
Fresh Milk
低温殺菌牛乳
Fresh milk from cows raised in Kawaba, pasteurized at low temperature to preserve natural flavor.
Yogurt
飲むヨーグルト
A smooth and creamy yogurt made from fresh milk, ideal for a healthy snack.
Ice Cream
アイスクリーム
Creamy ice cream made with fresh milk from Kawaba, available in various seasonal flavors.
Ham
ハム
Handmade ham crafted from premium pork raised in Gunma Prefecture.
Sausage
ソーセージ
Artisanal sausages made from locally raised pork, with a rich and savory flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, and scenic viewpoints at Kawaba Denoen Plaza.
Parking Lot
The parking lot has space for 422 standard cars, 8 large vehicles, 10 motorcycle spots, and 4 accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Toilets
There are 21 male toilets, 20 female toilets, and 3 accessible toilets for people with disabilities.
Throughout the roadside station premises
Tourist Information Center
Located inside the plaza, this center provides road information, local guides, and information about other roadside stations. Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Inside the plaza
Children's Playground
The station features a children's play area with a park and playground for kids to enjoy.
Near the park and children's area
Hot Spring
The station is near a hot spring facility, allowing visitors to enjoy natural hot springs after exploring the area.
Near the SL Hotel and surrounding facilities
EV Charging Station
An electric vehicle charging station is available for visitors using electric vehicles.
Near the parking area
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in hands-on experiences from berry picking to brewing workshops at Kawaba Denoen Plaza.
Blueberry Picking
ブルーベリー狩り（夏季）
Participants can pick fresh blueberries during the summer season and then experience making jam at the plaza's experience workshop.
Duration
120 min
Insider Tips
Maximize your visit with local insights on seasonal offerings and hidden gems within the plaza.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit by 9:00 AM on weekdays to secure the last available spot at the Pan Bakery, which often sells out of its signature "Obaachan Yaki" (black sesame rice flour bread) by midday.
- Hidden Gems: At the Mirotu Kōfuku (Milky Delight) counter, sample the "Shinshu-style fermented milk yogurt"—a locally made specialty only available in the morning hours.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays, arrive before 11:00 AM to purchase the "Freshly Harvested Blueberry Jam" from the Blueberry Pavilion, which is made daily and sold out by 1:00 PM.
- Best Food Experience: Order the "3-Course Beer Set" at Restaurant Musubi and request the "Beef and Mountain Vegetable Curry"—a seasonal dish only served on weekends and holidays.
- Actionable Shopping Tip: Visit the Farmers Market before 10:30 AM to buy "Snow Hota" rice—the 2kg bag is only available for purchase here, and the online store has suspended sales due to high demand.
- Unique Experience: Take the suspension bridge at 10:00 AM on weekdays when the "Nature Walk" tour guide is present to explain the thin-rooted river and mountain views—a rare educational opportunity not offered at other times.
- Best Photo Spot: Head to the suspension bridge at 4:00 PM on weekdays to capture the golden hour light reflecting off the Ko-Ne River, which is especially vivid during autumn.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Blueberry blossoms bloom in late April, and fresh bamboo shoots are available at the market.
Summer (June–August): Blueberry harvest runs from July to August, with U-pick experiences and fresh jam-making.
Autumn (September–November): Autumn harvest features new rice "Yukihotaka" and seasonal sweets.
Winter (December–February): Winter events include the Spring Horse Festival in early February and the Dondoyaki ceremony in mid-January.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a playground, child-friendly food, stroller access, and interactive farm experiences.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse local specialties, fresh farm produce, and high-quality artisanal food options.
Car Camping Review
Provides ample parking and basic facilities, though overnight stays are not officially promoted.
Scenic Beauty Review
Boasts stunning mountain and river views, scenic walking bridges, and seasonal natural beauty.