Station Yatsuba Furusato-kan

Discover the Heart of Chichibu’s Natural Bounty

Yatsuba Furusato-kan, nestled in the scenic Chichibu region of Saitama Prefecture, is more than just a roadside station—it’s a celebration of local heritage and sustainable living. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling farmland, this vibrant hub offers travelers a rare glimpse into rural Japan’s authentic rhythms. Located just off the Chichibu Road, it’s a perfect pit stop for those exploring the region’s rich cultural and natural landscapes.

What sets Yatsuba Furusato-kan apart is its focus on local craftsmanship and seasonal produce. Visitors can savor farm-fresh meals at Yatsuba Dining Hall, where traditional recipes meet modern flair. The station also hosts rotating artisan markets, seasonal festivals, and interactive workshops, making every visit a unique experience. From handcrafted goods to regional delicacies, this roadside station embodies the spirit of community and connection.

Yatsuba Furusato-kan stands out for its exclusive Yatsuba Milk Ice Cream, crafted from fresh Jersey cow milk sourced only from local farms in the Chichibu region. Visitors can also enjoy Yatsuba’s signature roasted sweet potato, grown in volcanic soil and slow-roasted in traditional clay ovens—available nowhere else. The roadside station’s seasonal harvest festivals, featuring hand-pulled soba from locally milled buckwheat, offer a rare, authentic taste of rural Chichibu life.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the counter of Yatsuba Furusato-kan’s eight-kilometer kitchen, where the signature ramen with local pork broth is served fresh daily and often sells out by 11:30 AM.

• Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter near the entrance between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to find the limited-edition fermented vegetable pickle made from locally grown daikon, which is only restocked once per day and usually sells out by noon.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the outdoor grill area near the parking lot between 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM to try the grilled local trout cooked with wild herbs—this special is only available during the summer months.

• Product Tip: Purchase the Yatsuba Furusato-kan branded honey at the gift shop before 12:00 PM, as the 500g jar is only restocked once daily and is often sold out by 1:00 PM.

• Bathroom Access: Use the accessible restroom located just past the bakery entrance—this is the only one with a changing table and is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, while the main restrooms close at 5:30 PM.

• Parking Strategy: Park in Zone A near the entrance when visiting on weekends, as the farthest parking area (Zone D) closes at 5:00 PM and is not accessible after that time.

• Dining Time: Order your meal at the eight-kilometer kitchen counter by 11:45 AM to ensure your food is served before the 12:00 PM lunch rush, when the kitchen stops taking new orders for 30 minutes.

Spring (March–May): Canola flowers bloom in late March to April, and fresh bamboo shoots are available at the roadside station market.

Summer (June–August): Fresh mountain vegetables and summer fruits are harvested and sold from July through August.

Autumn (September–November): Locally grown chestnuts and persimmons are available from October to November.

Winter (December–February): Hot roasted chestnuts and seasonal miso soup are served at the roadside station café.