Station Ikusaka-no-Sato

Savor the Essence of Rural Japan at Ikusaka-no-Sato

Nestled in the serene countryside of Nagano Prefecture, Ikusaka-no-Sato is a roadside station that celebrates the rich agricultural heritage and warm hospitality of rural Japan. Located in the quiet village of Ikusaka in the eastern part of the region, it serves as a vibrant cultural and culinary hub where travelers can pause, connect with nature, and experience authentic local life.

The station is renowned for its signature gray-roasted oya-ki, a traditional snack made with locally sourced ingredients and cooked in a clay oven using age-old methods. Visitors can enjoy this unique treat at the on-site restaurant or purchase it to take home. With a welcoming café, a well-stocked shop featuring seasonal produce and crafts, and facilities including free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and a baby care area, Ikusaka-no-Sato offers comfort and convenience for all travelers. Whether exploring nearby nature trails or simply savoring a meal with a view, every visit becomes a memorable journey into the heart of Japanese rural charm.

Visit Ikusaka-no-Sato to savor the region’s only authentic gray-roasted oya-ki, a traditional rice flour dumpling cooked over wood ash in a clay pot using locally sourced ingredients. This unique culinary experience, deeply rooted in the village’s heritage, is available nowhere else. The roadside station also offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountain valleys from its elevated site, providing a rare, immersive glimpse into rural Nagano life.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to purchase the fresh gray-roasted oya-ki (grilled rice dumplings) before they sell out—these are made daily and typically sell out by 11:30 AM.

• Hidden Gems: Head to the deli counter near the restaurant entrance to find the seasonal mountain vegetable stew, a locally made dish using ingredients sourced from the surrounding highlands of Nagano Prefecture.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the roadside station’s shop between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM to pick up limited-edition “Ikusaka no Sato” branded rice crackers, available only during weekend promotions.

• Local Experience: Use the on-site experience facility between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM on Saturdays to participate in a hands-on workshop making traditional gray-roasted oya-ki—bookings are required in advance through the roadside station’s website.

• Free Wi-Fi Access: Connect to the free wireless LAN at the roadside station’s information desk to download the official Ikusaka-no-Sato digital guide, which includes maps of nearby hiking trails and local farm markets.

• Family-Friendly Tip: Bring your baby or young child and use the baby bed located near the restrooms and shop entrance—this is the only roadside station in the region with a dedicated baby bed in the main facility.

• Parking Strategy: If visiting on a weekend, park in the large vehicle section (5 spaces) near the entrance, as the regular car parking area fills up quickly by 10:00 AM, especially during the summer harvest season.

Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the roadside station market in early spring.

Summer (June–August): Local farm produce and seasonal vegetables available at roadside station stalls.

Autumn (September–November): Chestnuts harvested from nearby forests, sold at roadside station stalls.

Winter (December–February): Traditional gray-baked oya-ki dumplings available year-round, especially popular in winter.