Breathe in the Majesty of the Japanese Alps
Hiyoshi Kiso Komakogen is a serene roadside station nestled beneath the towering peaks of Mount Kiso-Nagano, offering panoramic views of the majestic Mount Kiso-Komagatake. Located along National Route 19 in the heart of the Kiso Valley, it serves as a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking both natural beauty and authentic regional flavor. Surrounded by lush forests and alpine meadows, this station blends restful relaxation with vibrant local culture.
Visitors enjoy fresh, locally sourced products including mountain vegetables, wild mushrooms, and seasonal delicacies like suu-ki (a traditional Kiso stew). The on-site restaurant, "Tsubaki," features a signature menu highlighting 100% local buckwheat soba, wood-fired dishes, and premium Kiso beef. With a scenic lookout, picnic area, and convenient amenities including EV charging, Hiyoshi Kiso Komakogen is more than a stop—it’s a gateway to the soul of the Kiso region.
Why Visit
Perched with sweeping views of Mount Kiso-Nagano, Hiyoshi Kiso Komakogen is the only roadside station in the region offering authentic sunki—a traditional wood-fired fermented soybean dish made from local beans and aged in cedar barrels. Here, you can also savor handmade soba made from 100% local buckwheat flour, served in a signature “here-only” menu at the on-site restaurant. For a taste of the mountains, try the rare red radish pickle or the giant corn known locally as “Dokeka Corn Yosaku.”
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic mountain flavors at Hiyoshi Kiso Komakogen roadside station, where locally made soba and traditional dishes shine.
Bar
巴
Specialty
Traditional homemade soba made from 100% local flour
A cozy dining area offering a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can enjoy authentic local cuisine. The restaurant specializes in homemade soba made from locally milled flour, providing a genuine taste of the region.
Shopping Highlights
Discover fresh regional produce and handcrafted goods at this scenic roadside station nestled in the heart of the Kiso Valley.
Sasarinodoukan
ささりんどう館
A specialty shop offering a variety of regional products including wild mountain vegetables, fresh vegetables, matsutake mushrooms, mountain mushrooms, traditional local food 'sunki', and local sake.
Products
Must-Try Item
Sunki
Featured Products
Sample signature specialties like mountain vegetables, wild mushrooms, and the famed 'sunki' along with local sake and handmade snacks.
Red Turnip Pickle
赤かぶ漬
A tangy and flavorful pickled red turnip, a traditional local delicacy made with natural fermentation.
Large Corn Yousaku
どでかコーン優作
A large, sweet corn variety grown in the high-altitude region, known for its rich flavor and size.
Kiso Potatoes
権兵衛いも
A unique variety of potato cultivated in the Kiso region, prized for its creamy texture and earthy taste.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, EV charging, picnic areas, and a relaxing viewing platform with panoramic views.
Parking Area
Provides parking for 71 regular cars and 7 large vehicles.
Near the main entrance of the roadside station
Restrooms
Includes 11 male toilets and 9 female toilets. Also features 3 multi-purpose toilets with ramps.
Inside the facility
Free Wi-Fi
Available for visitors to use within the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
Offers information about local attractions, events, and nearby destinations.
Inside the facility
Children's Playground
Features a children's play area and park space for families.
Near the park and children's area
EV Charging Station
Equipped with electric vehicle charging facilities for visitors.
Near the parking area
ATM
Public ATM available for cash withdrawals.
Near the entrance
Nursing Room
Private space for mothers to breastfeed or care for infants.
Inside the facility
Information Corner
Provides local tourism information and maps.
Inside the facility
Park and Children's Area
Outdoor park and play area for children with scenic views.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Hot Spring
Not directly available at this roadside station, but nearby attractions include forest parks and cultural sites.
Nearby attractions
Insider Tips
Visit during summer for extended hours and plan ahead to explore nearby historical sites and scenic trails.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the counter for the daily fresh batch of homemade ground buckwheat soba, which sells out quickly after 11:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: Visit the "Sasarin-dou" counter to try the limited-edition "Kurokabu-zuke" (pickled red radish) and "Dokeka Corn Yūsaku" (large corn with a special flavor), both available only during summer months
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the "Bar" restaurant offers a special "Kiso beef curry" dish made with locally raised Kiso beef, available only from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
- Viewing Spot: Head to the western-facing lookout platform at 1:00 PM on clear days to catch the golden hour sunlight reflecting off Mount Kiso-Komagatake, especially stunning when the sky is clear
- Local Product Hack: Purchase the "Kiso-style 'Sunki' (fermented soybean paste)" from the deli counter in the morning to guarantee availability, as it is often sold out by 3:00 PM
- EV Charging Tip: Use the EV charging station between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM to avoid peak usage, as it tends to be fully occupied during midday hours
- Dining Timing: Order the "Kiso Komakogen" lunch combo (includes homemade soba, Sunki, and a seasonal vegetable side) before 12:00 PM to ensure the daily vegetable selection is fresh and not already reserved for the next day’s batch
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available in early spring; canola flowers bloom in late April.
Summer (June–August): Peak season for fresh mountain vegetables and wild mushrooms; extended hours in August.
Autumn (September–November): Prime time for chestnuts and matsutake mushrooms; scenic views of Mount Kiso-Nagano.
Winter (December–February): Closed in January and February; limited access due to snow.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a children's playground, rest areas, and stroller-accessible paths. Features kid-friendly food like local soba and pickled vegetables. Safe, spacious parking with accessible facilities and scenic views for family enjoyment.
Food Lover Review
Features a wide variety of high-quality local foods including fresh mountain vegetables, wild mushrooms, and regional specialties like suŋki and ground buckwheat soba. Fresh produce and artisanal products enhance the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, vending machines, and EV charging. Offers a quiet, scenic setting with a view of Mount Kiso-Nagano. Overnight parking is allowed but not explicitly advertised, limiting full confidence for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Offers stunning views of Mount Kiso-Nagano from the observation deck. Scenic viewpoints and seasonal landscapes enhance visual appeal. The natural surroundings and peaceful atmosphere create a memorable aesthetic experience.