Discover the Heart of Nature and Local Flavor at Oshiba Kogen
Nestled at the foot of Mount Keikaku in the majestic Central Alps, Oshiba Kogen is a roadside station that blends alpine serenity with authentic rural charm. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling farmland in Minamiminowa, this vibrant stop offers travelers a true taste of mountain life. More than just a pit stop, it’s a gateway to local culture, sustainability, and seasonal harvests.
At the heart of the station lies the Oshiba Park Flavor Workshop, where farm-fresh ingredients are transformed into handcrafted delights—artisanal gelato, sourdough bread, miso, and savory okonomiyaki. The café features a unique collaboration with a Tokyo-based specialty restaurant, serving traditional Breton galettes made with locally milled buckwheat. Visitors can unwind in a foot bath, stroll the forest therapy trail, or enjoy a day of camping and outdoor activities—all within a peaceful, nature-immersed setting.
Why Visit
Visit Oshiba Kogen roadside station to taste the region’s only handmade soba-flour galettes, crafted in collaboration with a Tokyo-based Breton cuisine specialist. Indulge in artisanal gelato made from local Jersey cow milk and sample seasonal mountain vegetables and traditional miso, all produced on-site. Nestled at the foot of Mount Keikaku in the Japanese Alps, the station offers a rare blend of alpine serenity, forest therapy walks, and a genuine taste of rural Nagano life.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Oshiba Kogen's roadside station, where farm-fresh ingredients meet artisanal craftsmanship.
Gourmet Workshop at Oshiba Kogen
大芝公園味工房
Specialty
Local ingredients and traditional crafts
A restaurant offering a variety of locally sourced dishes, including handmade gelato, bread, miso, and savory pancakes made with local buckwheat flour. The atmosphere blends rustic charm with modern comfort, ideal for enjoying regional flavors in a natural setting.
Light Cafe at Oshiba Kogen
大芝高原味工房
Specialty
French Breton-style galettes
A cozy café within the gourmet workshop that specializes in traditional Breton galettes, crafted in collaboration with an urban restaurant. The ambiance is relaxed and welcoming, perfect for a casual meal or coffee break.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local treasures and seasonal goods at Oshiba Kogen's roadside station, crafted with care from regional produce.
Farmers Market at Oshiba Kogen
農産物直売所
A direct sales counter offering fresh, locally grown vegetables and seasonal produce from nearby farms.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Seasonal Vegetables
Bakery & Oyaki Workshop at Oshiba Kogen
パン・おやき工房
A workshop producing handmade bread and traditional Japanese dumplings (oyaki) using local ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Buckwheat Oyaki
Miso & Seasoning Store at Oshiba Kogen
味噌加工販売
A shop specializing in locally produced miso and traditional seasonings, made using traditional methods and regional ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Homemade Miso
Featured Products
Sample signature specialties like handmade gelato, soba-based galettes, and traditional miso, all made from locally grown ingredients.
Local Fruit Gelato
地元フルーツジェラート
Handmade gelato crafted with fresh, locally sourced fruits, offering a sweet taste of the region's seasonal harvest.
Buckwheat Oyaki
そば粉おやき
Traditional Japanese dumplings made with locally grown buckwheat flour and seasonal fillings.
Homemade Miso
手作り味噌
Authentic miso made using traditional fermentation methods and locally sourced soybeans.
Local Vegetable Pack
地元野菜セット
A curated selection of fresh, seasonal vegetables grown in the surrounding region.
Buckwheat Flour
そば粉
High-quality buckwheat flour made from locally cultivated buckwheat, ideal for baking and cooking.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities at Oshiba Kogen, including restrooms, free Wi-Fi, EV charging, and relaxing foot baths.
Parking Area
The roadside station has parking space for 10 large vehicles and 209 regular cars.
Restroom
There are 6 male toilets and 4 female toilets. One of the toilets has a warm water washlet.
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless LAN is available at the roadside station.
Information Center
An information corner is available for visitors seeking local information and guidance.
EV Charging Station
An electric vehicle charging facility is available for visitors.
Forest Therapy Road
A forest therapy path is located just 2 minutes' walk from the roadside station, offering a peaceful natural experience.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Oshiba Onsen
A day-use hot spring facility named 'Oshiba no Yu' is nearby, offering relaxation and rejuvenation.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Camping Area
A campsite is located next to the roadside station, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings overnight.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Sports Facilities
Recreational sports facilities are available nearby for visitors to enjoy physical activities.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in nature with forest therapy walks, seasonal workshops, and outdoor adventures near Oshiba Kogen.
Forest Therapy Walk
森林セラピーロード
Walk along a scenic forest path surrounded by nature, promoting relaxation and well-being through immersion in the natural environment.
Duration
120 min
Wear appropriate footwear and clothing suitable for walking in natural terrain.
Foot Bath
足湯
Relax and soothe tired muscles by soaking your feet in warm, natural hot spring water.
Duration
30 min
Best enjoyed during cooler weather; may be less comfortable in extreme heat.
Local Soba Galette Tasting
ガレット
Taste traditional French galettes made with locally sourced buckwheat flour, offering a unique fusion of regional and international flavors.
Duration
45 min
Local Produce Market Visit
農産物直売所
Explore a market featuring fresh, locally grown vegetables and seasonal produce directly from regional farmers.
Duration
60 min
Homemade Gelato Tasting
手作りジェラート
Sample handmade gelato crafted from locally sourced ingredients, offering a variety of seasonal flavors.
Duration
30 min
Local Soba Pancake Workshop
おやき
Learn how to make traditional Japanese soba pancakes (oyaki) using locally produced buckwheat flour and seasonal fillings.
Duration
90 min
Best conducted indoors; weather may affect ingredient availability.
Local Miso Making Experience
味噌
Participate in the traditional process of making local soybean miso, from preparation to fermentation, using regional ingredients.
Duration
120 min
Fermentation process requires stable temperature; best done during moderate seasons.
Insider Tips
Visit on weekends for extended café hours and plan your trip around seasonal harvest events for the best local experiences.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM on weekdays to get the freshest batch of handmade soba flour galettes, which are made daily and often sell out by 1:00 PM.
- Hidden Gems: Head to the "Oshiba Park Taste Workshop" corner to sample the seasonal handcrafted gelato made with local mountain berries—available only during the 4月至11月 period.
- Weekend Special: On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM (or 9:00 PM in winter), order the Brittany-style galette at the café, which is prepared in collaboration with a Tokyo-based traditional French restaurant and features regional ingredients like local butter and mountain herbs.
- Best Value Purchase: Buy the locally made miso and oyaki directly from the workshop counter before 4:00 PM, as these items are only available for sale during the 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM window and are not restocked after that time.
- Unique Experience: Use the foot bath located near the parking area before visiting the forest therapy trail—this is only open during the same hours as the roadside station, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and is a favorite among visitors for relieving fatigue after long drives.
- Avoid the Crowd: Skip the 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM rush at the produce counter by arriving before 10:30 AM, especially on weekends, when local vegetables like mountain spinach and wild garlic are sold out by midday.
- Free Wi-Fi Tip: Access the free Wi-Fi at the information corner using the password "OshibaKogen2024" to download the official guidebook and map of the forest therapy trail, which is only available in English and Japanese through this network.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market in April, with seasonal oyaqi and new harvest vegetables at the roadside station.
Summer (June-August): Best time for forest therapy walks and evening visits to the hot spring bath, with café open until 9 PM on weekends.
Autumn (September-November): Peak season for locally made miso and seasonal produce, with the café operating until 6 PM daily.
Winter (December-February): Cozy visits to the café and foot bath, with the farm shop open daily except weekly Thursdays.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a children's play area, kid-friendly food like local gelato and savory galettes, stroller-accessible paths, and educational forest therapy trails. The foot bath and nearby campsite enhance family appeal.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse local specialties including handmade gelato, soba-based galettes, regional miso, and fresh produce. The café collaborates with a French restaurant, elevating the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, parking for 209 cars, and nearby campsite access. Facilities are functional but not optimized for overnight stays. No explicit overnight parking policy is stated.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located at the base of Mount Kengake in the Japanese Alps, offering scenic mountain views, seasonal landscapes, and photo-worthy forest paths. The natural setting enhances overall aesthetic appeal.