Station Kurabuchioguri no Sato

Discover the Heart of Gunma’s Rural Heritage

Kurabuchioguri no Sato is a vibrant roadside station nestled in the scenic countryside of Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture. Tucked between rolling farmlands and lush greenery, it serves as a cultural and culinary gateway to the region’s rich agricultural traditions. More than a rest stop, it’s a community hub where visitors connect with local stories, seasonal produce, and authentic regional flavors.

Here, you’ll find fresh, locally grown rice and seasonal vegetables, artisanal pickles, and the famous Kurabuchi melons—harvested from fertile soil. The on-site restaurant offers hearty dishes made with regional ingredients, while seasonal events like the corn festival and summer matsuri bring the community to life. With its cozy café, historical exhibits on local figures like Oguri Uji no Suke, and hands-on craft displays, Kurabuchioguri no Sato offers a genuine taste of rural Japan.

Visit Kurabuchi Oguri no Sato to experience the only roadside station in the region dedicated to the legacy of Oguri Uenoji, a renowned 17th-century scholar from the area. Here, you can explore the unique "Oguri Uenoji Corner," showcasing rare historical artifacts and documents, alongside the only local café featuring handcrafted "Oguri-style" rice crackers made from heirloom grain. The station also hosts the only seasonal corn festival in the prefecture, where visitors can sample freshly grilled corn and taste traditional pickles from the famed Tamuraya family, whose recipes have been passed down for generations.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the deli counter before the morning rush, as the fresh rice and local produce are restocked at 9:00 AM and often sell out by noon.

• Hidden Gems: Visit the "Kurabuchi Kōjō" corner (located near the entrance) to view the special exhibition of traditional kirikane (cut paper art) displayed throughout the year, with new pieces added monthly.

• Weekend Special: Attend the summer festival on August 10 to experience the live music performances and sample free seasonal fruit juice from the local melon farm, Kurabuchi Melon Village, which only operates during the event.

• Food Truck Insight: On the first Saturday of each month, the food truck "Tamuraya Pickle" sets up at the roadside station’s east parking area and offers free tastings of their signature pickled vegetables; arrive between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to avoid missing the short window.

• Local Product Tip: Purchase the limited-edition "Kurabuchi Melon Miso" at the main sales counter only during the first two weeks of June, when it is freshly produced and available exclusively at this location.

• Seasonal Dining: Order the seasonal vegetable curry at the restaurant between mid-July and early September, as it features the day’s harvest from the on-site organic garden, which changes weekly and is only listed on the chalkboard menu.

• Cultural Experience: Participate in the free monthly “Kurabuchi Kōjō Workshop” (held on the third Sunday of each month) to try your hand at traditional paper-cutting art, which is hosted in the dedicated exhibition space near the main entrance.

Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms peak in early April, while fresh bamboo shoots arrive in late March and are available through May.

Summer (June-August): Corn harvest festivals occur in early August, and pickled vegetables from Tamuraya are available for tasting throughout summer.

Autumn (September-November): Melons from Kurabuchi Melon Village begin their first harvest in late June and continue through October.

Winter (December-February): The Hinamatsuri festival runs in early March, and traditional miso pickles are offered in February and March.