Discover the Heart of Rural Japan at Onoko Roadside Station
Nestled along National Route 353, just off the main corridor to renowned hot springs like Ikeno, Kawahara-yu, and Kusatsu, Onoko Roadside Station offers a welcoming retreat in the lush countryside of Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture. Opened in 1996, it stands as one of Gunma’s oldest and most cherished roadside stations, beloved for its authentic charm and deep connection to the local community.
More than a rest stop, Onoko is a vibrant cultural hub where nature, tradition, and local craftsmanship come together. Visitors can browse fresh, seasonal produce from nearby farms, sample handcrafted regional delicacies, and enjoy a satisfying meal of house-made soba at the cozy on-site cafeteria. Surrounded by forest and mountains, the station’s serene setting invites travelers to pause, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the rhythm of the land.
Why Visit
Visit Onoko roadside station to savor the region’s only handcrafted yuzu-soy dressing, made daily from locally grown yuzu and organic soybeans. Nestled along National Route 353, this hidden gem also features a unique circular dining space where you can enjoy freshly hand-pulled soba served with seasonal mountain vegetables—only available here. Its secluded forest setting offers a rare moment of quiet, perfect for recharging between visits to nearby hot springs.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, locally made meals in a serene natural setting at Onoko's cozy cafeteria.
Cafeteria
食堂
Specialty
Traditional Japanese noodle dishes with a focus on handmade soba and udon
A cozy dining space adjacent to the farmers market, offering a serene atmosphere where natural light filters through trees on sunny days and rain sounds create a calming ambiance. The circular building features a central large pillar with branches extending upward, symbolizing a connection to nature.
Shopping Highlights
Discover seasonal farm goods and handmade treats at Onoko’s vibrant roadside station shop.
Farmers Market
農産物直売所
A local produce market offering fresh, seasonal agricultural products and handmade processed goods from the Onoko area
Products
Must-Try Item
Seasonal produce
Soba Specialty Store
そば専門店
A dedicated shop specializing in handmade soba and related products
Products
Must-Try Item
Handmade soba
Featured Products
Experience signature local specialties like handcrafted noodles and seasonal produce.
Seasonal Fresh Produce
季節の新鮮野菜
Locally grown vegetables harvested at peak freshness, changing with the seasons
Local Fruit Jam
地元果物ジャム
Homemade jam made from seasonal fruits sourced from nearby farms
Soba Flour
そば粉
High-quality buckwheat flour made from locally grown buckwheat
Soba Noodle Gift Set
そばパックギフト
A curated gift set containing various types of handmade soba noodles and dipping sauce
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including 24-hour restrooms, parking, and a family-friendly mini park.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a spacious parking area with 48 standard car spaces, 4 large vehicle spaces, 4 disabled parking spaces, and 1 electric vehicle rapid charging station. The parking lot is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Public Toilets
Public toilets are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There are 8 male toilets (4 Western-style, 4 Japanese-style, and 5 urinals), 8 female toilets (4 Western-style, 4 Japanese-style), and one accessible toilet for all users. A baby changing table is available in the accessible toilet.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available at the roadside station for visitors.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
The roadside station features an information center that provides local tourism information, maps, and assistance to visitors.
Inside the roadside station building
Mini Park
A small park adjacent to the roadside station with a climbing structure, playground equipment, and wooden benches. It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and offers a natural environment for relaxation.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
One rapid charging station is available for electric vehicles. Detailed information can be found on the Shibukawa City website.
Designated area in the parking lot
Insider Tips
Visit early to secure popular items and plan your trip around seasonal highlights.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s fresh harvest of local vegetables, which are restocked daily and often sell out by noon.
- Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the daily batch of homemade pickled vegetables made from small野子-region cucumbers—these are only available during summer months and sell out quickly.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, arrive before 11:30 AM to get the day’s first batch of hand-pulled soba noodles from the on-site restaurant, which are served in a seasonal set with seasonal vegetable tempura.
- Best Purchase for Travelers: Buy the "Onoko Mountain Honey" (sold only in the small glass jars) at the roadside station’s counter—this locally produced honey is made from mountain wildflowers and is not available for sale elsewhere in the region.
- Timing for Food Trucks: Check the bulletin board near the parking lot every Friday afternoon during summer months—food trucks specializing in grilled local sausages and regional rice balls set up from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
- Avoiding Crowds: Skip visiting the main sales counter between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM on weekends, when the lunch rush at the restaurant causes congestion and limits access to the fresh produce display.
- Best Time for Nature View: Visit the mini park just after sunrise on weekdays (between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM) to enjoy the full view of the morning mist rising from the nearby river valley—this scenic view is most striking before sunrise and is rarely photographed.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots arrive in April, and the roadside station features seasonal canola flower displays in late March.
Summer (June–August): Freshly harvested sweet corn and seasonal vegetables are available through August.
Autumn (September–November): Peak season for chestnuts and sweet potatoes, with harvest events in October.
Winter (December–February): Warm soups and handmade soba at the roadside station are best enjoyed in December and January.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
A small playground with a slide and wooden benches offers basic play space. The natural surroundings provide a relaxing atmosphere. Stroller access is easy, and restrooms are fully accessible. The setting is safe and welcoming for families.
Food Lover Review
Features a variety of fresh local produce and regional specialties like handmade soba and seasonal加工品. The on-site restaurant offers authentic, affordable meals. The farm-to-table quality and daily fresh offerings enhance the food experience.
Car Camping Review
Offers ample parking for cars and electric vehicles, with 24/7 access to restrooms. The site is quiet and nestled in nature, suitable for short overnight stops. However, no official overnight camping policy or designated camping area is stated.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a mountainous area with lush greenery and natural surroundings. Offers scenic views and peaceful atmosphere. Photo opportunities abound with forested backdrops and seasonal foliage. The wooden architecture blends harmoniously with nature.