Discover the Heart of Shobara’s Natural Bounty
Nestled in the serene highlands of Takano, within Shobara City, Takano roadside station stands as a vibrant gateway to the region’s rich agricultural heritage and pristine mountain landscapes. More than a rest stop, it’s a celebration of local craftsmanship, seasonal abundance, and sustainable tradition. At its core lies the unique snow room—known locally as yukimuro—a centuries-old natural cold storage that harnesses winter snow to preserve and enhance the flavor of regional specialties like apples, vegetables, and fresh produce.
Visitors can savor the region’s finest, from crisp highland apples turned into luscious apple pie and artisanal cider, to seasonal delicacies like the famed Takano daikon radish and wild mountain mushrooms. The on-site café, Sora, offers warm, home-style meals, while the bustling farmers’ market showcases fresh, locally grown vegetables and handcrafted goods. With rotating seasonal events, limited-edition products, and collaborations with neighboring roadside stations, Takano is a living showcase of rural innovation and community spirit.
Why Visit
Takano roadside station stands out for its unique snow cellar, a rare natural refrigeration system that uses winter snow to age and preserve local specialties. Only here can you taste highland apples aged for months in the snow cellar, resulting in deeply rich juices and a distinctive apple wine crafted from skins and flesh of Fuji apples. The station also offers the region’s only snow-aged apple pie, featuring a creamy, slow-matured filling that captures the essence of the mountain terroir.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor the flavors of Takano with farm-to-table meals and seasonal specialties crafted from local harvests.
Cafe Restaurant Sora
カフェレストランそらら
Specialty
Cozy café with a focus on local ingredients and seasonal menus
A charming café restaurant located within the roadside station, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu features locally sourced ingredients, with a focus on seasonal produce and regional specialties. Ideal for a relaxed lunch or afternoon tea.
Shopping Highlights
Discover fresh produce, handmade goods, and regional treasures at Takano's vibrant roadside station market.
Sora Bakery
道の駅たかの 菓子工房
A dedicated bakery shop specializing in handmade pastries and desserts using locally sourced ingredients, particularly high-altitude apples.
Products
Must-Try Item
High-Altitude Apple Pie with Compote
High-Altitude Apple Processing Cooperative
高野りんご加工組合
A cooperative focused on processing and distributing high-quality apples from the high-altitude region of Takano, including juices and preserved products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Snow Room Apple Juice
Highland Market
わいわい高原市場
A seasonal market offering fresh, locally grown produce and handmade regional specialties directly from farmers and artisans.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Seasonal Vegetables
Snow Room
自然の冷蔵庫雪室（ゆきむろ）
A unique natural refrigeration facility using snow from the region to preserve and mature local produce and specialty foods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Snow Room Apple Juice
Featured Products
Experience signature items like snow-cured apples, highland radishes, and artisanal apple pie made with local ingredients.
High-Altitude Apple Wine 2-Pack
たかのりんごワイン２本セット
A premium apple wine made from Fuji apples, using the entire fruit including the skin. The wine features a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, with a rich, aromatic flavor.
Frozen High-Altitude Potato Croquettes (20 pieces)
庄原産じゃがいもコロッケ（20個）
Crispy croquettes made from locally grown potatoes from the Shōbara region, known for their rich, creamy texture and deep flavor.
Hibiki Beef Yakiniku Set
【冷凍便】比婆牛焼肉セット
Premium beef from the renowned Hibiki cattle, known for its fine marbling and lean, tender texture. Raised with traditional methods and heritage bloodlines.
High-Altitude Apple Cider (5 bottles)
高野りんごサイダー（5本入）
A refreshing, locally developed apple soda made with 8% apple juice. Designed for a clean, crisp taste with a stylish, gift-ready packaging.
High-Altitude Apple Pie (6 pieces)
高野りんごのアップルパイ6個入
A delicious apple pie filled with generous chunks of high-altitude apple compote, balanced with homemade daman-do cream and apple jam.
Premium Apple Pie Set (2 types, 6 pieces)
【数量・期間限定】【冷凍便】プレミアムアップルパイ2種（各3個入）
A special gift set featuring two premium apple pies: the classic high-altitude apple pie and a limited edition honey apple pie matured in the snow room.
Snow Room Apple Juice 2-Pack
雪室りんごジュース2本セット
Fresh apple juice made from fully ripened high-altitude apples, matured in the natural snow room for over three months to develop a deeper, richer flavor.
High-Altitude Apple Juice 3-Pack
たかのりんごジュース3本セット
Fresh, 100% apple juice made from fully ripened high-altitude apples, known for its vibrant, natural taste and high quality.
High-Altitude Apple Juice 2-Pack
たかのりんごジュース2本セット
100% apple juice made from fully ripened high-altitude apples, a popular local specialty known for its rich, natural flavor.
High-Altitude Daikon Radish Sharing Set (approx. 14kg)
高野大根わけっこ便（約１４ｋｇ）
A large, high-altitude daikon radish from the Takano region, known for its fine texture, crispness, and water-rich flesh. Grown in volcanic soil, ideal for grating, salads, or eating raw.
Seasonal Vegetable Assortment (6–8 items)
旬野菜詰め合わせ
A fresh assortment of seasonal vegetables hand-selected by staff and delivered the same day via cool shipment. Grown in the fertile volcanic soil of Shōbara City.
High-Altitude Apple Cider (200ml x 5)
高野りんごサイダー（200ml）...5本
A refreshing, locally developed apple soda made with 8% apple juice. Designed for a clean, crisp taste with a stylish, gift-ready packaging.
High-Altitude Apple Pie (3 pieces)
高野りんごのアップルパイ3個入
A delicious apple pie filled with generous chunks of high-altitude apple compote, balanced with homemade daman-do cream and apple jam.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge with convenient amenities, including restrooms, parking, and a cozy café.
Parking
The roadside station has parking facilities available for visitors.
Near the main entrance
Restroom
Clean and accessible restrooms are available for visitors.
Inside the main building
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station for guests.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
A staffed information center provides tourist information, maps, and assistance with local attractions and events.
Main lobby area
Play Area
A designated play area for children is available for families visiting the roadside station.
Near the outdoor seating area
Onsen
A hot spring bath facility is available for visitors seeking relaxation and traditional Japanese bathing experience.
Adjacent to the main building
Bike Rental
Bicycles can be rented on-site for exploring the surrounding area.
Near the entrance
Nursing Room
A private nursing room is provided for mothers with infants.
Inside the restroom area
EV Charging
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors using electric cars.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for cash withdrawals.
Near the entrance
Pet Area
A designated pet-friendly area is available for visitors with pets.
Outdoor space near the main building
Insider Tips
Visit during harvest season for peak freshness and follow seasonal updates for limited-edition treats.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s first batch of fresh snow room apples, which are available at the deli counter and often sell out by 11:00 AM.
- Hidden Gems: Head to the snow room (yukimuro) area during your visit and ask staff about the current batch of snow room apple juice—this 100% juice, aged for over three months in the snow room, is only available in limited quantities and not listed on the online shop.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the café restaurant “Sorara” before 1:00 PM to try the seasonal "highland miso ramen," which is only served during the fall and winter months and is not available on weekdays.
- Product Timing: Order the limited “Snow Room Apple Honey Apple Pie” from the online shop by 8:00 PM the day before delivery, as it is only made once a week and sells out quickly—especially during October and November.
- Farm Fresh Tip: Check the online “Today’s Fresh Produce” update page at 8:30 AM on Wednesdays and Saturdays for the daily arrival of fresh mountain mushrooms, including rare wild “Kōtaki” (fragrant mushrooms), which are only available for same-day purchase and typically sell out by 11:00 AM.
- Seasonal Offer: Purchase the “Highland Radish Sharing Box” (approximately 14 kg) during the period of June 19 to July 15, as it is only available for a short time each year and is best enjoyed raw, grated, or in salads—perfect for sharing with neighbors.
- Event Timing: If attending the “Sorara Café” seasonal menu change event on November 8, arrive by 10:00 AM to secure a spot for the exclusive “Snow Room Apple Tarte” tasting, which is only offered to visitors during the first two hours of the event.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available in spring, with highland apples beginning to ripen by late May.
Summer (June-August): Peak season for wild mushrooms like香茸, with the first apple wine released in June.
Autumn (September-November): High野大根 harvest from September, with seasonal specialties like apple pies and preserved apples.
Winter (December-February): Snow room-stored apples and apple juice available, ideal for enjoying winter treats.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station features a unique snow room and interactive food experiences that engage children. While no dedicated play area is mentioned, the engaging food displays and seasonal activities make it appealing for families. Stroller access and basic facilities support family visits.
Food Lover Review
The station offers diverse, high-quality local specialties including snow-aged apples, seasonal produce, and premium items like premium beef and handmade apple pie. The online shop and on-site café enhance the food experience with unique, regionally sourced products.
Car Camping Review
The station provides restrooms and vending machines suitable for short stops. While the nearby Ogidani Auto Campground offers dedicated overnight camping, the station itself lacks explicit overnight parking rules and is not designed for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in the scenic highlands of Shōbara, the station offers views of mountainous landscapes and seasonal changes. The snow room and surrounding natural setting enhance its aesthetic appeal, with strong photo opportunities throughout the year.