Station Oguni Yu Station

Discover the Heart of Oguni’s Natural Bounty

Nestled in the serene hills of Oguni, Oguni Yu Station is a vibrant roadside station where nature, culture, and local craftsmanship come together. Located just off the main highway, it offers travelers a refreshing pause surrounded by lush greenery and panoramic mountain views. More than a pit stop, it’s a gateway to the region’s rich heritage and seasonal treasures.

Visitors are drawn to its bustling market, where fresh, locally grown produce—such as mountain-grown vegetables and artisanal dairy products—are sold directly by farmers. The station also features a cozy café serving handcrafted sweets made with regional ingredients, and a small museum showcasing traditional crafts. Whether sampling seasonal specialties or browsing handmade souvenirs, every visit to Oguni Yu Station offers a genuine taste of rural Japan.

Oguni Yu Station is home to the region’s only on-site milk ice cream made from fresh Jersey cow milk, crafted daily in a small, family-run shop. Visitors can also explore the unique Forest Bathing Path, a designated trail through ancient cedar groves that leads to a hidden hot spring viewing platform. Unlike other roadside stations, this one offers guided seasonal foraging walks for wild mountain vegetables, with meals prepared using ingredients found that day.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a spot at the Oguni Yu Station Bakery, where fresh milk bread is baked daily and typically sells out by 11:00 AM
• Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter near the entrance to pick up the seasonal wild vegetable rice balls, which are only available from May through July
• Weekend Special: On Saturdays, the local farmers’ market features a limited-time selection of handmade tofu from a nearby village, available only from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• Parking Strategy: Use the west-side parking lot, which is designated for visitors with mobility needs and is closest to the main restroom and the bakery entrance
• Bathroom Access: The main restroom near the entrance is open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, but the smaller restroom by the vegetable market only operates between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM
• Local Product Hunt: Look for the "Oguni Forest Honey" display near the information desk—this limited-edition honey, harvested from local mountain hives, is restocked only once a month
• Exit Route: Follow the one-way path clockwise around the station grounds; exiting through the south gate is the fastest route to the highway access point and avoids backtracking

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

Summer (June–August): The summer harvest season brings ripe strawberries to the roadside station in June, while evening coolness invites visitors to enjoy the shaded pathways.

Autumn (September–November): Autumn colors peak in late October, and the roadside station hosts a local harvest festival in early October.

Winter (December–February): The cold season brings hot roasted sweet potatoes and steaming ramen to the roadside station, with snow-dusted scenery from December to January.