Station Ogawa

Discover the Heart of the Japanese Alps at Ogawa Roadside Station

Nestled in the serene highlands of Nagano Prefecture, Ogawa Roadside Station lies at the crossroads between Nagano City and Hakuba, offering panoramic views of the majestic North Alps. More than a mere rest stop, it is a vibrant cultural gateway where nature, tradition, and local craftsmanship converge. Perched along the scenic route to Takamori and Togakushi, the station serves as a welcoming hub for travelers seeking authenticity and connection.

Here, visitors can savor handmade soba and warm, freshly cooked oyaki—a regional specialty—while exploring the rustic charm of the reconstructed former governor’s residence, now a heritage museum. The adjacent Sansan Market showcases seasonal farm produce, artisanal pickles, and local soy sauce and miso, all made from ingredients grown in the surrounding mountains. With a starlit observatory, a children’s playground, and access to hiking trails and the famed Takamori Alpine Plateau, Ogawa offers both tranquility and adventure.

Ogawa roadside station stands out for its unparalleled access to the region’s only traditional oya-ki village, where visitors can enjoy freshly grilled oya-ki over a hearth using time-honored methods passed down through generations. The station also hosts the only preserved former governor’s residence in the area, now a cultural archive showcasing local history and original artwork by renowned artist Fujinaga Ichiro. With sweeping views of the North Alps from its dedicated alpine viewing platform, Ogawa offers a rare blend of culinary heritage, cultural preservation, and unobstructed mountain vistas—all in one remote yet accessible location.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit the さんさん市場 (San-san Market) between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to get the first pick of fresh mountain vegetables and seasonal produce, as they are replenished early and often sell out by midday.

• Hidden Gems: Look for the handmade えご (a local specialty pickle made by the women’s group at Nō no Hana) at the さんさん市場 (San-san Market), available only during spring and summer months.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the 小川の庄 おやき村 (Oyaki Village) between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to enjoy freshly cooked oyaki served directly from the hearth, especially the hot mushroom and potato varieties, which are known to sell out by 1:30 PM.

• Best Food Combo: Order the hand-pulled soba and oyaki together at Furusato Denki Kan (Food Hall "Oyaki") before 12:00 PM, as the kitchen prepares these dishes in limited batches and stops serving after lunch.

• Must-Try Product: Pick up a jar of Higashi Mountain Soy Sauce or Yamagata Soy Sauce at the さんさん市場 (San-san Market), as these are made using traditional methods from local soybeans and are only available at this roadside station.

• Best View Timing: Head to the Alps Viewing Plaza on weekdays before 4:00 PM to avoid crowds and enjoy unobstructed views of the North Alps, especially during sunset when the light reflects off the snow-capped peaks.

• Special Experience: Visit the Old Nagano Prefectural Governor’s Residence (Furusato Land Ogawa) on a Saturday or Sunday between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM to attend one of the seasonal craft workshops, such as making traditional kamishimo (local fabric) or trying out color pencil drawings inspired by Fujinaga Ichirō’s original artwork.

Spring (March-May): Fresh mountain vegetables and wild greens available at the market; peak season for the April-May Spring Festival and the May 3rd pillar-pulling ritual at the shrine.

Summer (June-August): Fresh summer vegetables and seasonal fruits sold; ideal for visiting the alpine vista and nearby hiking trails.

Autumn (September-November): Abundant mushrooms and late-season produce; best time to experience the October Autumn Festival.

Winter (December-February): Limited market hours, but ideal for stargazing at the observatory and enjoying hot meals at the roadside station.