Station Raimu Togochi

Discover the Heart of Rural Japan at Raimu Togochi

Nestled in the serene landscapes of Minamiboso, Raimu Togochi is more than a roadside station—it’s a vibrant gateway to local culture, nature, and community. Located at the crossroads of rolling farmland and lush forests, it offers travelers a rare opportunity to connect with authentic Japanese countryside life.

What sets Raimu Togochi apart is its dynamic blend of tradition and innovation. The station hosts rotating art exhibitions, including the acclaimed Dream Road Renaissance Photo Contest, showcasing the beauty of Japan’s rural heritage through the lens of passionate photographers. Visitors can also enjoy locally sourced produce, artisanal goods, and seasonal events that celebrate regional craftsmanship and agricultural abundance. More than a stopover, Raimu Togochi invites you to slow down, explore, and experience the soul of the land.

Raimu Togochi stands out as the only roadside station in the region featuring an on-site artisanal dairy farm where visitors can sample fresh Jersey cow milk ice cream—crafted daily using milk from the same herd grazing on local pastures. Adjacent to the farm, the station hosts rotating exhibitions of award-winning photography from the Dream Road Renaissance Contest, transforming the space into a cultural hub where rural heritage meets contemporary art. This unique blend of dairy craftsmanship and visual storytelling is found nowhere else.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM on weekends to secure the limited daily batch of fresh-baked milk bread from the in-house bakery, which sells out quickly and is not restocked

• Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the entrance for the seasonal "Yuzu Miso Spread" — it's only available from late January to early March and is made with locally sourced yuzu and traditional miso

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the roadside station hosts a live cooking demonstration at 11:00 AM in the outdoor plaza featuring the "Raimu Togochi Mountain Vegetable Stir-Fry" using produce grown in the on-site garden

• Photo Opportunity: Look for the temporary exhibition wall near the restroom entrance, which displays winning entries from the "Dream Street Renaissance Photo Contest" — updated monthly and often includes stunning local landscape shots

• Local Product Tip: Purchase the "Kashiwa Mochi" (sweet rice cake with chestnut paste) at the main counter before 1:00 PM, as it's only made in the morning and is frequently sold out by early afternoon

• Parking Strategy: Use the newly expanded parking area on the west side of the building, which is less crowded than the main lot and offers direct access to the food hall entrance

• Seasonal Discount: Ask staff at the information desk about the "Early Spring Harvest Discount" — it offers 15% off on all locally grown vegetables and fruits when you buy three or more items, available only from mid-February to mid-March

Spring (March–May): Peak season for canola flower viewing (late March to April) and fresh bamboo shoots available at the roadside station market.

Summer (June–August): Ideal for visiting during the summer festival season, with seasonal events and local produce at their freshest.

Autumn (September–November): Best for enjoying regional harvests and scenic autumn foliage around the roadside station.

Winter (December–February): Quiet time with cozy atmosphere, perfect for seasonal craft displays and local cultural events.