Discover the Heart of Nagano’s Natural Heritage
Kazaana-no-Sato is a charming roadside station nestled along National Route 158 in the serene mountains of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture. Located just steps from renowned destinations like Upper Kurobe, Shirogane Onsen, and Mount Ontake Highland, it serves as both a welcoming retreat and a gateway to the region’s breathtaking alpine landscapes.
More than a rest stop, this roadside station celebrates local culture through its authentic offerings: handmade soba noodles, regional mountain vegetables, and traditional Miyama weaving. The highlight is the natural "wind cave," a cool, naturally refrigerated grotto that once served as a summer storehouse. Visitors can explore the area’s rich heritage, enjoy seasonal cuisine, and take in panoramic views—all while connecting with the spirit of rural Japan.
Why Visit
Kazaana-no-Sato stands out as the only roadside station in the region where you can experience the natural phenomenon of the wind cave—a cool, naturally ventilated cavern that acts as a year-round natural refrigerator. This unique geological feature is not just a curiosity; it’s the heart of the station’s identity, with local artisans using its consistent coolness to age specialty mountain cheeses and ferment traditional pickled vegetables. Just steps away, the on-site restaurant serves handmade ten-soba noodles and the rare mountain delicacy known as yamabouzu, a wild plant used in local recipes only found in this high-altitude ecosystem.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic mountain flavors at Kazaana-no-Sato, where homemade soba and local specialties like Yamasaburo-yaki await.
Soba Restaurant
そば屋
Specialty
Traditional handmade soba noodles
A cozy restaurant specializing in authentic, hand-made ten-slice soba noodles, offering a rustic dining experience with a focus on local ingredients and traditional preparation methods.
Shopping Highlights
Discover regional treasures at Kazaana-no-Sato, from handwoven textiles to fresh mountain vegetables.
Local Products Store
物産販売所
A retail shop offering a variety of regional products and souvenirs from the area.
Products
Must-Try Item
Miyama Weaving Cloth
Featured Products
Explore signature items like rice hull greens and traditional Miyama-ori fabrics, crafted with local pride.
Miyama Weaving Cloth
みやま織
Handwoven textile crafted using traditional techniques, reflecting the cultural heritage of the region.
Rice Nucleus Greens
稲核菜
A unique local vegetable known for its crisp texture and fresh, earthy flavor.
Mountain Vegetables
山菜
Freshly harvested wild mountain vegetables, collected from the surrounding natural environment.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy 24-hour parking, accessible restrooms, and helpful information centers at Kazaana-no-Sato.
Parking Lot
Provides parking for 32 small vehicles, 10 large vehicles, and 2 disabled-accessible vehicles.
At the roadside station
Restroom
Features 6 male toilets, 7 female toilets, and 1 disabled-accessible toilet.
At the roadside station
Information Center
Operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, providing road information, nearby road station details, construction and disaster updates, and local tourism guidance.
Inside the roadside station
Free Wi-Fi
Available throughout the roadside station, including at the information center and other public areas.
Throughout the roadside station
Play Area
Includes a children's playground and park area for outdoor recreation.
Near the main entrance and adjacent to the parking area
Hot Spring
Located nearby, accessible via short travel from the roadside station. Known as a traditional and quiet hot spring destination.
Nearby at Shira-kawa Onsen
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging facilities are available at the roadside station.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitor convenience.
Near the information center
Nursing Room
A private room for nursing mothers, located within the restroom area.
Inside the restroom facility
Insider Tips
Visit midweek in winter for fewer crowds and enjoy the natural coolness of the famous wind cave.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure one of the limited seats at the restaurant before the morning rush, as the "山賊焼" (Yamagorō-yaki) lunch special sells out quickly by 11:30 AM.
- Hidden Gems: Ask the staff at the 物産販売施設 (local product sales area) for the seasonal "稲核菜" (Inako-ana) vegetable bundle, which is only available from June to August and sold exclusively at Kazaana-no-Sato.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the 特産物販売所 (specialty shop) between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to find the fresh daily batch of "みやま織" (Miyama-ori) handwoven fabric, which is restocked only once per day and often sells out by noon.
- Best Photo Spot: Head to the 観光案内所 (information center) entrance at 3:30 PM on weekdays to catch the best natural light for photos of the "風穴" (wind cave) display, which is illuminated only during this time and provides a unique visual effect.
- Free Access Tip: Use the 24-hour restroom and parking lot during overnight stops, but note that the only free Wi-Fi is available in the 情報施設 (information facility) between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM—arrive during those hours if you need internet access.
- Food Truck Alert: Check the roadside station’s bulletin board near the 物産販売施設 for the weekly "food truck schedule," as the mobile vendor serving "十割そば" (100% buckwheat soba) only appears on Thursdays and Fridays from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
- Avoid Wait Times: Order the "山賊焼" meal at the restaurant by 11:00 AM to avoid the 30-minute wait that begins after noon, as the kitchen prepares only 12 servings per day.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh mountain vegetables and wild herbs available at the market; peak season for bamboo shoots in April.
Summer (June–August): Ideal for visiting the natural coolness of the wind cave; local harvests include rice and seasonal fruits.
Autumn (September–November): Best time to experience the vibrant foliage around the roadside station; autumn mountain vegetables in full season.
Winter (December–February): Quiet atmosphere with snow-covered landscapes; warm local dishes available at the restaurant.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Features a dedicated children's playground, stroller-friendly paths, and family-oriented dining. Offers educational elements through local culture exhibits and nature interaction at the wind cave, enhancing the experience for children and parents alike.
Food Lover Review
Offers a variety of high-quality local dishes including handmade soba and Matsushiro’s specialty mountain beef stew. Features fresh regional produce, traditional crafts, and authentic local snacks, providing a rich culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides 24-hour restroom access, vending machines, and ample parking. While quiet during off-hours, it lacks designated camping zones or overnight stay facilities, limiting full car camping appeal.
Scenic Beauty Review
Boasts scenic mountain views, a natural wind cave, and proximity to Upper Japan Alps. Offers photo-worthy spots like the suspension bridge and seasonal landscapes, enhancing its visual and atmospheric charm.