Station Manyō no Sato

Discover the Wild Spirit of Gunma’s Natural Wonders

Nestled in the heart of Kanna Town, Manyō no Sato is a vibrant roadside station where adventure meets tradition. Surrounded by lush forests, flowing rivers, and rolling hills, it serves as a gateway to the region’s most exciting outdoor experiences—from swimming in crystal-clear streams to hiking scenic mountain trails. The station stands as a cultural beacon, blending rural charm with modern amenities for travelers seeking authentic connections with nature.

What sets Manyō no Sato apart is its playful embrace of the town’s identity as a “Dinosaur Kingdom.” With a towering dinosaur monument and the friendly mascot Saulus the dinosaur, it invites families and curious minds alike to explore prehistoric wonders. Nearby, the Kanna Dinosaur Center offers immersive exhibits, making it a must-visit for all ages. Whether you’re sampling local farm-to-table cuisine, camping under starlit skies, or simply soaking in the tranquility of the countryside, Manyō no Sato delivers an unforgettable journey through the wild heart of Gunma.

Visit Manyō no Sato to experience the only roadside station in the region featuring a hands-on dairy farm where visitors can sample fresh Jersey cow milk ice cream made on-site using traditional methods. Nestled beside a rushing mountain stream, the station offers direct access to the area’s most scenic river play spots, where families can jump into crystal-clear waters surrounded by ancient forest. This is the only place where you can combine farm-fresh treats with wild river adventures in a single visit.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM on weekends to secure the day’s first batch of fresh-baked milk bread from the roadside station’s in-house bakery, which sells out by 11:00 AM
• Hidden Gems: Stop at the deli counter near the entrance to pick up the limited-edition "Kanna Town Special" rice cracker pack, available only during the summer months and sold in small quantities
• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the outdoor food truck area between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to sample the "Saurus Burger," a locally inspired burger featuring a grilled beef patty with pickled vegetables and a special sauce
• Must-Try Product: Purchase the "Manyō no Sato Mountain Herb Tea" at the gift shop counter—this seasonal tea, made with wild herbs collected from nearby mountains, is only available from June to September
• Best Photo Spot: Head to the small viewing platform behind the waterwheel at the roadside station, just after 4:00 PM on weekdays, to capture the best light for photos of the waterwheel and surrounding greenery
• Local Experience: Participate in the free "Try the Local Ingredients" demo session held every Saturday at 1:30 PM in the cooking corner, where staff prepare a dish using one of the town’s featured seasonal products
• Parking Tip: Use the east-side parking lot near the dinosaur sculpture to avoid congestion, as the main lot fills quickly during summer weekends and the east lot offers easier access to the gift shop and bakery

Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at Manyō no Sato market in early spring, with canola flowers blooming in late March to April.

Summer (June-August): Ideal for river play and mountain hiking, with cool temperatures in the highlands.

Autumn (September-November): Clear views from mountain trails peak in late October, perfect for scenic walks.

Winter (December-February): Quiet season with peaceful visits to the roadside station and surrounding nature.