Station Furusato Toyoda

Discover the Heartfelt Heritage of North Shinshu

Nestled in the serene countryside of Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture, Furusato Toyoda stands as a cherished roadside station where history, nature, and local culture converge. Located at the gateway to the scenic Chikuma River valley and framed by the majestic peaks of the Shiga Highlands, this station offers travelers a rare glimpse into the soul of rural Japan.

More than a rest stop, Furusato Toyoda celebrates the legacy of Dr. Tatsuyuki Takano, the lyricist of the beloved songs “Kokoro” and “Momiji.” Visitors can explore the Takano Tatsuyuki Memorial Museum, stroll through the tranquil Sui-ai Soba Village, and savor handcrafted soba noodles at local eateries. With a relaxing onsen park, scenic views, and a vibrant community space, it’s a destination where every visit feels like a heartfelt homecoming.

Visit Furusato Toyoda to experience the birthplace of the beloved Japanese song "Kokoro no Sato," whose lyrics evoke the very landscape preserved here. The roadside station centers on the legacy of composer Tatsunosuke Takano, with a memorial museum and walking paths tracing the scenic routes that inspired his work. Savor authentic soba noodles at the famed Yui no Soba, grown and milled in the nearby Yui village, a rare local tradition. For panoramic views, ascend to the viewing platform overlooking the majestic Chikuma River and the snow-capped peaks of Shiga Highlands—where nature and music converge in a singular, unforgettable setting.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to access the full range of fresh produce at the specialty shop before midday sales begin, as seasonal items like local apples and chestnuts are often sold out by 11:30 AM.

• Hidden Gems: Stop by the deli counter at the restaurant between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to pick up the day’s fresh batch of handcrafted soba noodles from the Yuge Soba village, which are not available in the general shop.

• Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the information corner between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM to attend the free storytelling session about the life of Dr. Tanaka Toshinori, the composer of “Kokyo” and “Momiji,” held in the heritage hall.

• Best Time to Visit the Onsen: Arrive before 4:00 PM on weekdays to enjoy the indoor and outdoor baths at Momoji Sō without the weekend crowd, especially when the view of the Chikuma River and Shiga Highlands is at its clearest.

• Specialty Product Tip: Purchase the “Kokyo”-themed gift box at the specialty shop before 3:00 PM, as it is only restocked once daily and tends to sell out by late afternoon.

• Experience Tip: Participate in the free traditional song performance at the heritage hall every Saturday at 2:00 PM, where local volunteers sing “Kokyo” and “Momiji” using original lyrics and melodies from the 19th century.

• Parking Strategy: Use the large vehicle parking area at the back of the roadside station when visiting during peak hours, as the front section fills quickly with tourists seeking the nearby soba and onsen facilities.

Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market from April; canola flowers bloom in late April.

Summer (June–August): Enjoy mountain views and cool temperatures at the hot spring park; summer hiking season begins.

Autumn (September–November): Peak season for red maple leaves; view the scenic千曲川 valley in full color.

Winter (December–February): Snow-covered landscape with serene mountain vistas; hot spring bathing ideal in cold weather.