Discover the Serenity of Alpine Flora and Local Craftsmanship
Nestled in the heart of Nagano Prefecture’s scenic Anamizu region, Ikeda roadside station offers a tranquil retreat where the majestic North Alps meet vibrant fields of blooming herbs. More than a mere stopover, this destination blends natural beauty with cultural richness, centered around the renowned Ikeda Town Herb Center. Surrounded by lush greenery and panoramic mountain views, visitors are invited to unwind with a cup of locally crafted herbal tea or savor unique herb-infused cuisine at the on-site bistro.
What sets Ikeda apart is its deep commitment to sustainable agriculture and community engagement. Explore over 200 varieties of herbs in the open-air and greenhouse gardens, shop for organic herbal products and regional specialties, or participate in hands-on workshops like herb weaving and soap-making. With free guided tours, year-round herb plant sales, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Ikeda is a true sanctuary for travelers seeking authenticity and inspiration.
Why Visit
Visit Ikeda roadside station to experience the only roadside station in Japan where you can tour a 200-species露地ハーブ園 (open-air herb garden) and witness the seasonal bloom of lavender and chamomile across a vast former rice paddy transformed into a vibrant herb farm. Here, you’ll find the only authentic chamomile soft cream made from locally grown, pesticide-free chamomile and the only regional herb wine crafted from heirloom varieties grown in the area.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, locally crafted meals at Ikeda roadside station, where herbal flavors meet regional cuisine in a serene mountain setting.
Bistro Chamomile
ビストロカモミール
Specialty
Handcrafted dishes using fresh herbs from Ikeda Town and local ingredients
A restaurant adjacent to Ikeda roadside station, offering homemade meals featuring fresh herbs from Ikeda Town and regional ingredients. The cozy atmosphere provides a relaxing dining experience with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced cuisine.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local treasures and handcrafted goods at Ikeda roadside station’s vibrant market stalls.
Herb Center Shop
池田町ハーブセンター
A retail space offering a wide range of herb-based products, local sake, regional specialties, and national Ikeda specialty items.
Products
Must-Try Item
Herbal tea
Featured Products
Explore signature items like organic herbal teas, bath products, and seasonal specialties grown in the region’s fertile fields.
Herbal Tea
ハーブティー
Made from organically grown herbs cultivated in Ikeda Town, offering a soothing and aromatic experience.
Herbal Bath Product
ハーブ入浴剤
Natural bath products made from dried herbs, promoting relaxation and skin wellness.
Dried Flower Arrangement
ドライフラワー
Artfully arranged dried flowers made from seasonal herbs and blooms from the herb gardens.
Herbal Wine
ハーブワイン
A unique wine infused with natural herbs, crafted using traditional methods and local ingredients.
Herb Seedlings
ハーブ苗
Over 200 varieties of herb and flower seedlings available year-round for home gardening.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax with spacious parking, clean restrooms, and helpful information desks open daily at Ikeda roadside station.
Parking Lot
Provides parking for 80 small vehicles, 5 large vehicles, and 1 disabled-accessible vehicle. Available 24 hours a day.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Restrooms
Two restroom facilities: East restroom has 6 male, 4 female, and 1 disabled-accessible toilet; West restroom has 7 male, 6 female, 1 disabled-accessible, and 1 children's toilet. Available 24 hours a day.
East and West sides of the roadside station
Information Center
Operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (November to March) and 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (April to October). Provides road information, nearby roadwork or disaster alerts, and local tourism information.
Inside the roadside station
Children's Playground
A park and children's play area located within the roadside station complex, suitable for family visits.
Within the roadside station grounds
Hot Spring
The roadside station features a hot spring facility, offering relaxation and wellness experiences.
Located within the roadside station complex
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging station available for visitors. Located within the roadside station parking area.
Adjacent to the parking lot
ATM
An automated teller machine is available on-site for visitor convenience.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Nursing Room
A private room for nursing mothers, located within the restroom facilities for privacy and comfort.
Inside the restroom area
Activities & Experiences
Engage in hands-on experiences like herb gardening, crafting, and seasonal workshops at Ikeda roadside station.
Herb Arrangement Workshop
ハーブアレンジ
Participants will create their own herb arrangements using fresh and dried herbs, learning basic techniques for designing and assembling floral displays.
Duration
60 min
Herb Dyeing Workshop
ハーブ染物
Participants will learn traditional natural dyeing techniques using herbs to color fabric, creating unique textile designs.
Duration
90 min
Herb Soap Making Workshop
ハーブせっけん
Participants will craft handmade herbal soaps using natural ingredients, including dried herbs and essential oils.
Duration
75 min
Herb Garden Tour
露地ハーブ園
Guided walking tour through the outdoor herb garden featuring around 200 varieties of herbs, with seasonal highlights from spring to autumn.
Duration
45 min
Best enjoyed on clear days; rain may limit access to outdoor areas.
Greenhouse Herb Garden Experience
温室ハーブ園
Explore an indoor greenhouse featuring approximately 120 types of herbs year-round, with guided insights into their uses and cultivation.
Duration
30 min
Herb Farm Field Visit
ハーブ栽培園
A guided visit to the large-scale herb cultivation field, where visitors can see lavender and chamomile in bloom from May to July.
Duration
40 min
Best visited during sunny days; flowers are most vibrant in dry weather.
Herb Center Free Tour
視察見学の受付け
Free guided tour of the herb center facilities including the cultivation fields, drying facility, and product display areas.
Duration
50 min
Insider Tips
Visit on weekdays for quieter access, and reserve tours in advance to enjoy guided walks through the herb gardens.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to access the free guided tour of the露地ハーブ園 (open-air herb garden) before it closes for the day at 5:00 PM
- Hidden Gems: At the 池田町ハーブセンター (Kamishiro Herb Center) shop, look for the limited-edition seasonalハーブワイン (herb wine) displayed near the entrance during June and July
- Weekend Special: On Sundays, join the free "ハーブと遊ぼう教室" (Herb Play Class) at 10:00 AM in the greenhouse, which features hands-on activities with fresh lavender and chamomile
- Food Insider: Order the ハーブソフトクリーム (herb soft cream) at the café between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM to get the daily special flavor, which changes weekly and is only available during lunch hours
- Best Viewing Time: Visit the ハーブ栽培園 (herb cultivation field) between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM on weekdays in June to see the best light for photographing the lavender and chamomile blooms before sunset
- Free Experience: Sign up at the information desk between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM on weekdays to participate in a free 30-minute tasting session of dried herbs and herbal teas from local farmers
- Smart Shopping: Purchase the サーモンハーブスパイス (salmon herb spice blend) at the 池田町ハーブセンター shop only on Fridays and Saturdays, as it is restocked weekly and sold out by 4:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Late March to April features peak canola flower blooms; May brings fresh harvests of bamboo shoots and young greens.
Summer (June-August): June to July showcases blooming lavender and chamomile in the field; midsummer offers cool mountain air and full greenhouse access.
Autumn (September-November): September sees vibrant fall foliage with continued harvests of dried herbs and autumn vegetables.
Winter (December-February): December to February provides quiet visits with indoor warmth, seasonal tea tastings, and winter-themed events.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a dedicated children's playground, interactive herb experience classes, and stroller-friendly paths. Kid-friendly food options and safe, accessible facilities enhance the family appeal.
Food Lover Review
Features a variety of local specialty foods including herb teas, herb-infused dishes, and seasonal produce. The herb-based cuisine and fresh, locally sourced ingredients elevate the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides 24-hour restrooms and parking for 80 cars, but lacks designated overnight camping zones. Quiet hours and accessible facilities support short-term stays, though not optimized for extended camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
Boasts panoramic views of the Northern Alps and diverse seasonal landscapes, including blooming lavender fields in summer. Well-designed viewpoints and natural beauty enhance the overall aesthetic appeal.