Discover the Heart of Rural Japan’s Culinary Soul
Nestled in the lush river terraces formed by the Tenryu River, Minami-Shinshu Toyooka Marche stands as a vibrant roadside station in Toyooka Village, Nagano Prefecture. More than a rest stop, it is a living hub where local farmers, artisans, and visitors converge around the shared passion for fresh, seasonal produce. Designed as the "kitchen of South Shinshu," this roadside station celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage through a dynamic mix of markets, restaurants, and community spaces.
Visitors can savor farm-fresh vegetables, crisp apples, juicy pears, and peaches at the seasonal market, enjoy locally crafted bread and ice cream at BAKERY CAFÉ kira, or dine on inventive farm-to-table cuisine at kitchen sora. The scenic viewing deck offers panoramic views of the surrounding Alps, while the on-site shop, laundry service, and community bus stop make it a true lifeline for locals and travelers alike.
Why Visit
Visit Minami-Shinshu Toyooka Marche to taste the region’s only artisanal milk ice cream made from Jersey cow milk, a signature treat available nowhere else. Perched on a river terrace between two alpine ranges, the scenic overlook offers panoramic views of the Southern Alps and the Takeda River valley—perfect for capturing the unique beauty of this highland valley.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, locally sourced meals at Minami-Shinshu Toyooka Marche, where farm-to-table flavors meet rustic charm.
Kitchen Sora-ra
kitchenそらら
Specialty
Local ingredients with a focus on seasonal and traditional flavors
A farm-to-table restaurant that highlights the freshness and quality of local produce, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere centered around regional cuisine.
Shopping Highlights
Discover regional treasures and everyday essentials at Minami-Shinshu Toyooka Marche’s vibrant marketplace.
Four Seasons Market
四季彩市場
A direct farm produce market offering fresh seasonal vegetables, apples, pears, peaches, and other local specialties.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh seasonal vegetables
Palmy Toyooka
パルム豊丘
A general merchandise store offering daily necessities, household goods, and regional products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local regional products
Laundry Pocket
ランドリー・ポケット
A dry cleaning drop-off and pickup service for travelers and locals.
Products
Must-Try Item
Convenient laundry service
Bakery Cafe Kira-ra
ベーカリーカフェきらら
A takeout bakery and café specializing in freshly baked bread and locally inspired frozen desserts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly baked bread
Franboise
フランボア
A cozy café offering light meals, drinks, and a relaxing atmosphere for visitors.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local fruit pastries
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature specialties like crisp apples, juicy pears, and seasonal produce.
Local Apple Jam
地元りんごジャム
A sweet and tangy jam made from fresh, locally grown apples, perfect for toast or desserts.
Peach Preserves
桃の preserves
Handcrafted preserves made from ripe, locally harvested peaches, with a natural sweetness.
Mountain Herb Tea
山のハーブティー
A blend of wild herbs collected from the surrounding alpine regions, offering a refreshing and aromatic experience.
Local Honey
地元はちみつ
Pure honey harvested from local beekeepers, known for its rich flavor and natural texture.
Alpine Vegetable Mix
アルプス野菜ミックス
A curated mix of fresh, high-altitude vegetables grown in the region, ideal for cooking and salads.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, free Wi-Fi, EV charging, and community spaces at Minami-Shinshu Toyooka Marche.
Parking Area
The roadside station has parking for 92 regular cars and 7 large vehicles.
General area
Restroom
There are 11 male toilets and 10 female toilets. Two of the toilets are equipped with diaper changing tables and two are accessible for ostomy users.
General area
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless LAN is available at the roadside station.
General area
Information Center
An information corner is available for visitors seeking information about the area, facilities, and events.
General area
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging facilities are available at the roadside station.
General area
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around local harvest times and check seasonal events for the most authentic experience at Minami-Shinshu Toyooka Marche.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the counter of the farm restaurant "kitchen そらら" before it fills up during lunch hours
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter in the "四季彩市場" (Four Seasons Market) between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to find the day’s limited batch of fresh mountain vegetable pickles made from local produce
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, head to the "BAKERY CAFÉ きらら" between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to purchase the seasonal fruit-filled milk bread, which sells out by noon
- Must-Try Product: Order the "apple and pear parfait" at the "kitchen そらら" restaurant, made exclusively with fruit harvested from the same orchards featured in the roadside station’s seasonal display
- Best View Access: Go to the "View Deck" located at the far end of the facility before 4:00 PM on clear days to enjoy unobstructed views of the two Alp mountains as the afternoon sun casts long shadows across the valley
- Off-Peak Shopping: Use the "パルム豊丘" (Palm Toyooka) general merchandise shop between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM on weekdays to avoid crowds and browse the full selection of regional snacks and local tea blends
- Essential Service: Drop off laundry at the "ランドリー・ポケット" (Laundry Pocket) cleaning service by 5:00 PM on weekdays to ensure same-day pickup the next day, as the service closes at 6:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Peak season for fresh bamboo shoots and canola flower picking (late March–April).
Summer (June–August): Fresh peaches and plums available at the market (mid-July–early August).
Autumn (September–November): Apple harvest season begins in early September, with peak availability in October.
Winter (December–February): Seasonal soft serve made with local ingredients available through February.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a children's play area, stroller-friendly paths, and family-friendly dining. Features interactive elements like the farm-to-table experience and scenic views. Restrooms include baby changing and accessibility features.
Food Lover Review
Provides diverse local specialties such as fresh apples, pears, and peaches. Features high-quality restaurants using regional ingredients, a bakery with fresh pastries, and a farmers market with seasonal produce.
Car Camping Review
Offers basic facilities including restrooms and vending machines. Has designated parking for 92 cars and is relatively quiet. Overnight stays are permitted, though no explicit policy is stated.
Scenic Beauty Review
Boasts panoramic views of two alpine ranges from the observation deck. Offers excellent photo opportunities and seasonal beauty throughout the year. The natural surroundings enhance the overall aesthetic appeal.