Where Tradition Meets Taste in the Heart of Nature
Takumi no Sato, nestled in the serene landscapes of Minamiboso, is more than a roadside station—it’s a living celebration of rural craftsmanship and seasonal abundance. Set along the historic Kōshū Kaidō route, this cultural haven blends centuries-old traditions with modern experiences, inviting travelers to slow down and connect with the rhythms of the land.
Visitors can explore nine hidden shrines on the “Wild Buddha Trail,” cycle through lush forests with electric rental bikes, or dive into hands-on workshops like handmade jam-making and soba noodle crafting. Savor local flavors at the on-site café or shop for seasonal produce, artisanal miso, and small-batch gelato—all crafted with care. With a warm welcome and a spirit rooted in community, Takumi no Sato offers a truly authentic taste of rural Japan.
Why Visit
Visit Takumi no Sato to experience the only roadside station in the region where you can sample handmade jerky made from locally raised, grass-fed beef, a rare specialty unique to this mountainous area. The station also hosts the annual "Wara Daku Mi Matsuri," a traditional festival where visitors can participate in authentic straw-wrapping crafts using locally harvested rice straw. For food lovers, the self-made Mogitore gelato—crafted from fresh local milk and seasonal fruits—can only be found here, offering a creamy, intensely flavorful taste of the highland countryside.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor the flavors of the region at Takumi no Sato roadside station, where seasonal ingredients meet traditional craftsmanship.
Takumi no Sato Restaurant
たくみの里レストラン
Specialty
Local ingredients and traditional mountain cuisine
A cozy dining space offering meals made with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the surrounding mountains and local farms. The atmosphere is warm and rustic, perfect for enjoying authentic regional flavors.
Soba Experience Kitchen
そば打ち体験キッチン
Specialty
Freshly made soba noodles with hands-on experience
A unique dining and activity space where visitors can enjoy the process of making soba noodles from scratch and then savor them fresh. The experience blends tradition, craftsmanship, and delicious food.
Yogurt Workshop
たくみの里ヨーグルト工房
Specialty
Artisanal yogurt made with local milk
A charming café and workshop space where visitors can enjoy fresh, homemade yogurt made from locally sourced milk. The atmosphere is light and inviting, ideal for a relaxed break.
Mogitore Gelato Stand
みなかみフルーツランドMogitore
Specialty
Handcrafted gelato using local dairy and fruits
A vibrant gelato stall offering small-batch, artisanal gelato made on-site with fresh milk and seasonal fruits. The atmosphere is lively and family-oriented, perfect for a sweet treat.
Shopping Highlights
Discover handcrafted treasures and local specialties at Takumi no Sato roadside station, each telling a story of the land and its people.
Takumi Market
たくみ市場
A marketplace featuring fresh, seasonal vegetables, fruits, and mountain herbs directly from local farmers. The focus is on sustainable, locally grown produce.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handcrafted Jam Set
Tohaku Miso Shop
豊楽館
A specialty shop dedicated to traditional miso made with premium ingredients, including domestically grown soybeans and locally produced rice koji.
Products
Must-Try Item
Tohaku Miso 1kg × 2 Bags
Mogitore Gelato Shop
みなかみフルーツランドMogitore
A dedicated gelato shop offering handmade, small-batch gelato crafted in their own factory using fresh milk and seasonal fruits.
Products
Must-Try Item
Mogitore Original Gelato 6-Pack
Featured Products
Experience signature products like artisanal jams, premium miso, and handmade gelato, all made with care from fresh, local ingredients.
Takumi Market Jam Set
たくみのジャムセット
A colorful, handcrafted jam set made from fruits grown with care by local farmers. Each jar contains a unique blend of seasonal fruits.
Tohaku Miso 1kg × 2 Bags
豊楽味噌 1kg✕2袋
Traditional miso made with domestically grown soybeans and rice koji from a local farmer who won gold in a national rice competition.
Mogitore Original Gelato 6-Pack
Mogitoreオリジナルジェラート６個入り
A six-pack of handmade gelato featuring two classic flavors: strawberry and milk. Made in-house using fresh milk and seasonal fruits.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy comfortable amenities at Takumi no Sato roadside station, including rest areas, restrooms, and convenient parking.
Parking
Ample parking space available for visitors at the roadside station.
Near the main entrance
Restroom
Clean and accessible restrooms available for visitors.
Near the information center
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless internet access available throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
Central location providing maps, event information, and assistance to visitors.
Main building
Play Area
A dedicated children's play area for families with young kids.
Near the entrance
Bike Rental
Bicycles, including electric-assist models, available for rent at the information center. Ideal for exploring the surrounding countryside.
At the information center
Onsen
Hot springs located in the surrounding area, offering natural mineral baths. Perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
Nearby in the mountainous region
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging station available for visitors using electric cars.
Near the parking area
ATM
Cash machine available for visitors to withdraw money.
Near the information center
Pet Area
Designated space for pets to rest and relieve themselves, ensuring a pet-friendly environment.
Near the entrance
Activities & Experiences
Engage in hands-on workshops and seasonal experiences, from traditional crafts to exploring historic trails and scenic routes.
Wara Daku Mi Matsuri 2025
わらだくみまつり2025
Participate in a traditional straw weaving festival featuring local crafts, performances, and seasonal activities celebrating rural heritage.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor event; check weather conditions before attending.
Straw Weaving Experience
わらだくみ体験
Learn traditional straw weaving techniques from local artisans and create your own handmade straw craft to take home.
Duration
90 min
Indoor activity; no weather dependency.
Soba Making Workshop
そば打ち体験
Experience authentic soba noodle making using freshly ground buckwheat flour and traditional tools.
Duration
60 min
Indoor activity; no weather dependency.
Nobotoke Scavenger Hunt
野仏めぐり
Explore the countryside by following a map to find nine traditional stone statues (Nobotoke) scattered across the area and collect stamps for a commemorative gift at the final temple.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor activity; suitable for all weather conditions.
Historical Site Tour
史跡めぐり
Walk through historic sites that reflect the area's Edo-period past as a post town on the old Nakatsugawa Kaido route.
Duration
150 min
Outdoor tour; best enjoyed in dry weather.
Rental Bicycle
レンタサイクル
Rent a bicycle, including electric-assist models, to explore the scenic countryside and nearby attractions at your own pace.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor activity; avoid during heavy rain or snow.
Onsen Relaxation
温泉めぐり
Relax and rejuvenate in natural hot springs located in the surrounding mountains, known for their high-quality mineral water.
Duration
120 min
Indoor activity; weather does not affect experience.
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around seasonal events like the Straw Weaving Festival, and rent an electric bicycle for easy exploration of the surrounding countryside.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure the day’s first batch of freshly baked milk bread from the on-site bakery, which sells out by 11:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the entrance for the limited-edition Takumi Market Jam Set, made by local farmers using seasonal fruits grown in the region—available only during the Wara Daku Mi Matsuri 2025 event
- Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the Mogitore Original Gelato stand between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to taste the exclusive Strawberry and Milk Gelato made with fresh milk from the Moga-fruit Land factory
- Free Reward Tip: Complete the full Nobotoke Pilgrimage by visiting all 9 designated Nobotoke statues using the map available at the Information Center, then collect your commemorative gift at the Tainin-ji Temple
- Best Food Experience: Order the Takumi no Sato Soba Set at the Fureai-no-Ie food counter, where you can enjoy freshly made soba noodles served with seasonal vegetables and a bowl of hot miso soup
- Specialty Purchase: Buy the Hougaraku Miso 1kg × 2 Pack at the Fureai-no-Ie shop—this premium miso uses domestically sourced soybeans and rice koji from a farm that has won gold at the National Rice Contest
- Active Exploration: Rent an electric-assist bicycle at the General Information Desk between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to easily explore the scenic route to the historic sites and the forested trails around the village
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market from early spring; peak season for canola flower viewing in late April.
Summer (June-August): Strawberry harvest at Mogitore ends in early July; fresh mountain vegetables available throughout summer.
Autumn (September-November): Wa-ra Daku Mi Matsuri held in late October; autumn foliage enhances the scenic mountain trails.
Winter (December-February): Limited seasonal produce; ideal for relaxing in nearby hot springs after exploring the quiet countryside.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Takumi no Sato offers a play area with the Wild Buddha scavenger hunt, stroller-friendly paths, and family activities like soba-making. Child-friendly food options and educational elements enhance the experience.
Food Lover Review
The roadside station features diverse local cuisine, including handmade jams, artisanal miso, and fresh gelato. High-quality regional ingredients and seasonal produce are available for purchase and tasting.
Car Camping Review
Basic facilities like restrooms and vending machines are available. Overnight parking is permitted, but no designated camping zones. The area is quiet during off-hours, though comfort is limited.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by lush mountain landscapes and seasonal natural beauty, Takumi no Sato offers scenic viewpoints and photo opportunities. The serene atmosphere enhances the overall aesthetic appeal.