Discover the Heart of Shinshu at Marumero Station Nagato
Nestled in the serene heart of Nagato Town, Marumero Station Nagato sits at the crossroads of nature, tradition, and local innovation. Located in the central region of Nagano Prefecture, the station lies at the base of historic mountain passes and near the lush beauty of the Meigetsu Plateau and Tsurugatake Highlands, making it a perfect gateway to both alpine adventure and rural charm.
More than a rest stop, Marumero Station Nagato is a vibrant cultural and culinary hub. Visitors can savor locally sourced farm produce, sample seasonal specialties at the Black Glow Café, and explore the region’s heritage through unique souvenirs and the popular roadside station stamp rally. With its commitment to sustainability and community, the station embodies the spirit of Shinshu—where nature and tradition flourish side by side.
Why Visit
Marumero Station Nagato stands out as the only roadside station in Nagawa Town featuring a dedicated café and shop complex centered around the region’s rare black耀stone—locally known as "kuroyagihishi." Visitors can sample unique, handcrafted snacks made from locally grown mountain vegetables, including a signature dried vegetable blend used in seasonal rice dishes. The station also offers the exclusive "Roadside Station Commemorative Stamp" and is the sole location in the area where travelers can experience a curated tasting of Nagawa’s heritage produce, making it a must-stop for authentic, hyper-local culinary exploration.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, locally sourced meals at Marumero Station Nagato's cozy café.
Black Shining Cafe
黒耀カフェ
Specialty
A cozy café offering locally sourced beverages and light meals in a serene atmosphere
Located within Marumero Station Nagato, this charming café provides a peaceful retreat with a focus on local ingredients and a relaxed, inviting ambiance. Perfect for a quiet break while exploring the surrounding natural beauty.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique crafts and regional goods at Marumero Station Nagato's vibrant market.
Marumero Market
マルシェ黒耀
A central marketplace offering a wide variety of local agricultural products, crafts, and regional specialties from Nagato Town.
Products
Must-Try Item
Black Shining Stone (historical mineral from the area)
Farmers Market
農産物販売所
A dedicated stall for fresh, locally grown vegetables, fruits, and seasonal harvests from Nagato Town’s farms.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local heirloom vegetables
Craft and Souvenir Shop
工芸品・お土産販売所
A specialty store featuring handmade crafts, traditional art, and unique souvenirs inspired by the natural and cultural heritage of Nagato Town.
Products
Must-Try Item
Black Shining Stone jewelry
Dairy and Meat Specialty Store
乳製品・肉類販売所
A dedicated shop offering premium local dairy products and high-quality meat from Nagato’s farms.
Products
Must-Try Item
Nagato-style aged cheese
Featured Products
Taste signature specialties like black耀 stone-inspired treats and seasonal farm produce.
Black Shining Stone
黒耀石
A historically significant mineral from the Hoshikuso Pass region, known since ancient times for its unique luster and cultural importance.
Nagato Heirloom Vegetable Mix
長和町伝統野菜セット
A curated selection of heirloom vegetables grown in Nagato Town’s fertile soil, preserving traditional farming heritage.
Black Shining Stone Jewelry
黒耀石ジュエリー
Handcrafted jewelry featuring authentic Black Shining Stone, symbolizing the area’s geological and cultural legacy.
Nagato Aged Cheese
長和熟成チーズ
Artisanal cheese aged using traditional methods, developed from local milk and known for its rich, complex flavor.
Local Honey
地元ハチミツ
Pure, unprocessed honey harvested from wildflowers in the Nagato region, known for its natural sweetness and floral notes.
Nagato Rice Cake
長和餅
Traditional rice cake made with locally grown rice, offering a soft texture and subtle sweetness.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax with comfortable restrooms, parking, and free Wi-Fi at Marumero Station Nagato.
Information Center
The roadside station features an information center where visitors can obtain local tourism information, including maps, event schedules, and recommendations for sightseeing spots in Nagawa Town.
Inside the Maru-Black Station (Maru-Black Market)
Parking Area
A parking area is available for visitors' vehicles, allowing convenient access to the roadside station and surrounding attractions.
Front of the roadside station
Restroom
Clean and accessible restrooms are provided for visitors' convenience.
Inside the roadside station
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station for visitors to use.
Throughout the facility
EV Charging Station
An electric vehicle charging station is available for visitors using electric cars.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitors to withdraw cash.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Play Area
A designated play area is available for children, offering a safe space to play and enjoy.
Near the outdoor seating area
Nursing Room
A private nursing room is provided for mothers to care for infants in a comfortable and quiet environment.
Inside the roadside station
Bike Rental
Bicycles can be rented at the roadside station, offering visitors a convenient way to explore the surrounding area.
Near the entrance
Insider Tips
Visit early to explore all offerings and pick up stamps for exclusive collectibles.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the Black Shining Café before the morning rush, as the café opens at 9:30 AM and fills quickly.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to find the limited-edition seasonal pickled vegetables made from local harvests—these sell out by noon.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, head to the main shop area between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM to meet the rotating food truck serving regional dishes like mountain herb dumplings and fermented soybean pancakes.
- Stamp Collection Tip: Stop at the Black Shining Café counter immediately upon arrival to purchase the official roadside station commemorative stamp ticket—these are only available there and not at the main entrance.
- Cashless Payment Advantage: Use cashless payment at the shop counter to receive a 5% discount on all local produce purchases, as this promotion is active during the 2025 operating season.
- Local Product Priority: Buy the "Nagawa Stone-Infused Salt" at the shop counter before 3:00 PM—this item is produced in limited batches and is only restocked once per week on Mondays.
- Photography Spot: Take photos at the outdoor seating area near the "Black Shining Stone" display between 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM, when natural sunlight creates the best contrast for photos and the area is less crowded.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Late April sees wildflowers bloom in the高原 area, while fresh mountain vegetables become available at Marumero Station Nagato's market.
Summer (June–August): The Shinshu Nagawa Mountain Trail runs in July, and the summer-only Highland Tourist Information Center opens at the ski resort.
Autumn (September–November): The Water Wednesday Caravan event draws visitors in May, while fall harvests bring seasonal produce to the roadside station.
Winter (December–February): Snow-covered landscapes enhance the scenic beauty of the highlands, ideal for winter hiking and photography.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Marumero Station Nagato offers a children's play area, stroller-friendly paths, and family-oriented activities. Kid-friendly food options are available, and the educational value of local agriculture is highlighted through interactive displays and farm product showcases.
Food Lover Review
The station features diverse dining options including a dedicated café and local market stalls. It showcases high-quality regional specialties like black耀 stone-inspired products and fresh seasonal produce from local farms, enhancing the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Marumero Station Nagato provides clean restrooms and vending machines, suitable for short stops. While not designed for extended stays, it offers a relatively quiet environment. Overnight parking is permitted but not explicitly advertised.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a scenic rural area with views of mountains and farmland, the station offers picturesque surroundings. Photo spots include the nearby Utsukushinotou tower and seasonal landscapes, contributing to a peaceful and visually appealing atmosphere.