Discover the Heart of the Kiso River’s Origin
Nestled in the highlands of Nagano Prefecture, Kisogawa Genryu no Sato Kisomura (Kisogawa River Source Village Kisomura) stands as a gateway to the pristine natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Kiso Valley. Located at the source of the Kiso River, just 200 kilometers upstream from its mouth, this roadside station offers travelers a rare glimpse into rural life, where alpine vegetables, premium Kiso beef, and handmade crafts meet the rhythms of the land.
Visitors can savor local flavors at the on-site restaurant with dishes like Kiso beef bowls and fresh buckwheat noodles, or explore the well-stocked farm stand, Genkiya, which features seasonal produce, traditional wooden combs, and regional sake. With an information center, EV charging, and easy access to nearby natural attractions like Yabu-hara Forest and Kiso Valley Ski Resort, Kisomura is the perfect first stop for anyone exploring the historic Nakasendo route and the soul of Shinshu.
Why Visit
Visit Kisogawa Genryu no Sato Kisomura to taste the region’s only handcrafted sour plum ice cream made from locally grown, sun-ripened ume—crafted exclusively at this roadside station. Explore the only on-site exhibition of traditional o-Rokugō combs, hand-carved from local wood, and savor the rare wood-fired za'ro soba made with flour milled from heirloom buckwheat grown in the high-altitude fields of the Kiso Valley.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor the rich flavors of Nagano at Kisogawa Genryu no Sato Kisomura, where local specialties like wood-fired soba and hearty Miso beef are served with mountain-fresh pride.
Restaurant
レストラン
Specialty
Local cuisine featuring Kiso beef and buckwheat noodles
A dining establishment offering traditional regional dishes made with fresh local ingredients, including Kiso beef and buckwheat noodles. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, reflecting the rural charm of the Kiso Valley.
Café
喫茶・軽食
Specialty
Light snacks and beverages with a local touch
A cozy café offering light meals and refreshments, perfect for a relaxing break. The menu features simple, wholesome items made with regional ingredients.
Shopping Highlights
Discover authentic mountain treasures at the roadside station’s bustling market, where regional crafts and farm-fresh goods are hand-picked from the land.
Farmers Market
農産物直売所・特産品販売「元気屋」
A direct sales shop offering fresh local agricultural products, traditional crafts, and regional specialty drinks.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kiso Valley Premium Sake
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the highlands with signature items like crisp hakusai, sweet corn, and premium Miso beef, all grown and crafted in the heart of the Kiso Valley.
Hakusai (Chinese Cabbage)
はくさい
Fresh highland cabbage grown in the Kiso Valley, known for its crisp texture and sweet flavor.
Corn
とうもろこし
Sweet, freshly harvested corn from the highland fields of Kiso, ideal for grilling or eating raw.
Kiso Beef
木曽牛
Premium beef from the Kiso region, known for its rich marbling and tender texture.
Kiso Valley Sake
木曽谷の銘酒
Handcrafted sake from the Kiso Valley, made using traditional methods and local water.
Oroku Comb
お六櫛
Traditional wooden comb handcrafted in the Kiso Valley, made from local wood.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, EV charging, and a welcoming information hub designed for travelers seeking comfort and connection.
Parking Area
Provides parking for 9 large vehicles and 40 regular cars.
General area of the roadside station
Restroom
Features 6 male toilets and 5 female toilets, with a ramp available for accessibility.
General area of the roadside station
Information Center
Offers tourism information and a dedicated corner with local information and guides.
General area of the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Equipped with electric vehicle charging facilities.
General area of the roadside station
ATM
Public telephone available for use.
General area of the roadside station
Restaurant
Serves local specialties such as Matsusaka beef set meals and zaru soba.
Inside the roadside station
Café and Light Meals
Offers light meals and beverages for visitors.
Inside the roadside station
Farm Produce Sales Store
The 'Genkiya' store sells fresh agricultural products, local crafts like O-Rokugushi, and regional specialty drinks.
Inside the roadside station
Insider Tips
Visit midweek in winter for fewer crowds and access to exclusive seasonal menus, and always check the local calendar for hidden events and farm tours.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekdays to purchase the day’s fresh harvest of highland cabbage (hakusai) and corn (toumurokoshi) from the "Genkiya" farm stand before they sell out, as these items are restocked only once daily and are often gone by midday.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the "Genkiya" counter between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to find the limited daily batch of handmade wooden combs called "Oroku Kushi," which are crafted by local artisans and sold exclusively at this roadside station.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, go directly to the restaurant counter at 10:00 AM to order the wood-fired grilled misoniku (wood-fired grilled pork skewers), a seasonal specialty only available during summer months and sold out by 1:30 PM.
- Best Food Pairing: Purchase the local sake "Kiso Valley Premium" at the "Genkiya" stand and pair it with the on-site roasted sweet potatoes, which are available only from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and are cooked daily in a traditional underground oven.
- EV Charging Tip: Use the EV charging station located near the main entrance between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM when power demand is lowest, as the station experiences peak usage during the 10:00 AM–12:00 PM window due to lunchtime visitors.
- Information Corner Hack: Check the information counter at 10:00 AM daily for free maps of the nearby Yabu-hara Highland Koda-ma no Mori forest trail, which are distributed only during this hour and are not available after 11:00 AM.
- Dining Shortcut: Order the Zaru Soba (cold buckwheat noodles) at the restaurant between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM to avoid the 11:30 AM–1:00 PM rush, as the kitchen prepares only 50 servings per day and fills up quickly.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots and early mountain vegetables arrive at the roadside station in April.
Summer (June–August): Fresh corn and haku-sai are available from late June through August.
Autumn (September–November): Local soba and seasonal produce peak in September and October.
Winter (December–February): The roadside station closes on Thursdays and during the New Year period.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a variety of local food options, accessible restrooms with a ramp, and an information corner. While no dedicated play area is mentioned, the scenic setting and family-oriented atmosphere enhance appeal for children.
Food Lover Review
Features high-quality local specialties like木曽牛 (Kiso beef) and buckwheat noodles, fresh produce from the farm stand, and regional sake. The restaurant and café serve authentic regional dishes with excellent ingredient quality.
Car Camping Review
Provides basic facilities including toilets and parking for 40 regular vehicles, but lacks designated overnight parking and quiet surroundings. Suitable for short stops but not ideal for extended camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near natural landscapes with views of the Kiso River source area. Offers scenic viewpoints and seasonal beauty, enhanced by nearby forests and mountainous surroundings, creating a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere.