Discover the Heart of Nagano’s Mountain Heritage
Nestled in the serene village of Nozawa Onsen, this roadside station is a vibrant gateway to the natural beauty and local culture of Nagano Prefecture. Surrounded by lush forests and nestled in the highlands of the Japanese Alps, it offers travelers a refreshing pause with panoramic views and a deep connection to rural life.
More than just a rest stop, the station shines with locally sourced offerings—fresh mountain vegetables, traditional crafts, and a cozy farm-to-table restaurant serving seasonal dishes. Visitors can explore the on-site market, enjoy a warm drink at the café, or browse unique souvenirs that capture the spirit of the region. With convenient amenities including EV charging and free Wi-Fi, it’s the perfect place to recharge while embracing the authentic rhythm of mountain life.
Why Visit
Visit Nozawa Onsen roadside station to taste the region’s only farm-to-table restaurant serving hearty dishes made with organic vegetables from local mountain farms, including rare heirloom varieties like purple-kale and wild mountain greens. Here, you’ll also find the only shop in the area offering handcrafted wild mushroom miso made from foraged matsutake and shiitake, a true taste of the highland forest.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor farm-fresh flavors at Nozawa Onsen roadside station, where local vegetables take center stage in hearty, authentic meals.
Farmers' Restaurant
農家レストラン
Specialty
Locally sourced vegetables and regional ingredients
A cozy restaurant that features fresh, locally grown vegetables and traditional dishes from Nozawa Onsen Village, offering a warm and authentic dining experience.
Light Meal & Café
軽食・喫茶
Specialty
Local snacks and beverages
A casual café serving light meals and drinks, perfect for a quick break with views of the surrounding mountains.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local treasures and seasonal goods at Nozawa Onsen roadside station, perfect for memorable souvenirs.
Local Specialty Shop
逸品ショップ
A shop specializing in unique, high-quality products from Nozawa Onsen Village, including regional crafts and food items.
Products
Must-Try Item
Nozawa Onsen Regional Delicacy Set
Farm and Forest Products Direct Sales
農林産物直売所
A direct sales market offering fresh, locally grown vegetables, fruits, and forest products from Nozawa Onsen Village.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Seasonal Vegetables
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature specialties like wild mountain vegetables and traditional mountain food.
Nozawa Onsen Regional Delicacy Set
野沢温泉村逸品セット
A curated selection of premium local food and craft items from Nozawa Onsen Village, perfect as a gift or souvenir.
Local Green Tea Powder
地元抹茶パウダー
High-quality matcha powder made from green tea grown in the Nozawa Onsen region, ideal for traditional tea ceremonies or cooking.
Wild Mushroom Collection
山のきのこセット
A selection of dried wild mushrooms harvested from the forests around Nozawa Onsen, perfect for soups and stews.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient services at Nozawa Onsen roadside station, including restrooms, EV charging, free Wi-Fi, and visitor information.
Parking
Large vehicles: 7 spots, Ordinary vehicles: 36 spots
Near the main entrance
Restroom
Accessible restrooms available, including a wheelchair-accessible toilet
Throughout the station premises
Wi-Fi
Free wireless LAN available for visitors
Throughout the station premises
Information Center
Tourist information services available for visitors
Near the entrance
Restaurant
Local farm-to-table restaurant using fresh local vegetables
On-site
Shop
Shop offering local specialties and products from Nozawa Onsen Village
On-site
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging facility available
Near the parking area
ATM
ATM available for cash withdrawal
Near the entrance
Nursing Room
Baby care room with baby bed available
Inside the restroom area
Play Area
Play area for children located near the parking and main building
Near the parking lot
Insider Tips
Visit midweek for fewer crowds and check seasonal highlights for special local events and fresh produce.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit the agricultural products direct sales counter by 9:30 AM on weekdays to get first choice of fresh local vegetables, as popular items like mountain spinach and wild garlic often sell out by midday.
- Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the seasonal "wild mushroom and yuzu miso croquette" — it's only available from late October to early December and sells out quickly.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the bakery releases a limited batch of "milk bread with roasted chestnut paste" at 10:00 AM — arrive by 9:45 AM to guarantee a purchase.
- Best Shop Timing: The souvenir shop opens at 9:00 AM daily, but the most popular items — including the "Nozawa Onsen local honey in a bamboo container" — are often sold out by 11:30 AM, so visit early.
- Restaurant Timing: Order the signature "potato and wild herb stew" at the restaurant by 12:30 PM, as it is only served until 1:30 PM and is frequently sold out by then.
- EV Charging: Use the EV charging station located near the entrance, as it is the only one at the roadside station and operates on a first-come, first-served basis — reserve your slot via the official website if possible.
- Local Experience: Participate in the free hands-on "making dried mountain vegetables" session held every Friday at 1:00 PM at the experience facility — it requires no reservation and lasts about 45 minutes.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the farm produce market from April to May.
Summer (June–August): Local farm restaurant features seasonal vegetables from June through August.
Autumn (September–November): Peak season for wild mushrooms and autumn harvest products at the roadside station.
Winter (December–February): Best time for snow-based activities and enjoying traditional winter dishes.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers baby beds, stroller access, and a family-friendly restaurant. Limited play areas but includes educational farm produce displays and a welcoming atmosphere for children.
Food Lover Review
Features a farm-to-table restaurant, local specialty shops, and a fresh produce market. High-quality regional ingredients and diverse food options enhance the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, EV charging, and Wi-Fi. No designated camping area or overnight parking policy. Quiet during daytime but not optimized for overnight stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by mountain landscapes with seasonal beauty. Offers scenic views and photo spots. The natural setting enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the roadside station.