Station Pokka Pokka Land Yosami

Discover the Heart of Nagano’s Natural Splendor

Pokka Pokka Land Yosami is a distinctive roadside station nestled in the serene embrace of the Northern Alps, where lush forests meet fertile farmland in the picturesque village of Yosami. More than a mere stopover, it's a gateway to authentic mountain life, blending rustic charm with modern comfort. Located just minutes from major attractions like Hakuba Ski Jump and the majestic Kurobe Dam, it serves as a perfect base for exploring Nagano’s natural wonders.

At the heart of the experience is its renowned hot spring resort, featuring a rare Hokutou stone bath—a mineral-rich soak derived from a rare natural gem found only in select regions of Japan. Guests can unwind in private onsen, enjoy the sauna, or soak in an open-air bath beneath the stars. The on-site restaurant, Mino no Sato, offers seasonal gourmet dining with locally sourced ingredients, including premium Shinshu beef, wild trout, and fresh mountain-grown vegetables. From hearty regional dishes to summer specialties like deer meat burgers and yuzu soba, every meal celebrates the bounty of the mountains.

Pokka Pokka Land Yosami stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering a true alpine retreat centered around the rare North投石 (Hokutou) hot spring. This mineral-rich bath, sourced from the same geological formation as Japan’s famed Tamagawa Onsen, delivers a uniquely therapeutic soak known for deep warmth and lasting relaxation—experience it only here. Complementing this, the on-site restaurant serves a seasonal menu spotlighting locally raised “apple-fed” Shinshu beef and wild mountain trout, both sourced from nearby streams and prepared with regional flair.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit the roadside station between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on Saturdays to purchase the limited-edition Miasa Bakery bread, which is only available for sale on Saturdays and often sells out by 11:30 AM.

• Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for Miasa Honey, a locally produced, award-winning honey sold exclusively at Pokka Pokka Land Yosami; it is only available in small jars and typically runs out by mid-afternoon.

• Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the Miasa Yaki (Miasa Oyaki) stand between 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM to buy the seasonal Yuzu and Mountain Vegetable Oyaki, a regional favorite only available on weekends and not sold during weekdays.

• Best Time for Local Food: Order the Miasa Coffee Ice Coffee from the shop counter between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, when staff are actively preparing and serving it—this is the only time of day it is freshly made and available in the shop.

• Best Time for the North投 Stone Bath: Reserve the Hokutou Stone Bath at least one day in advance, and visit between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to enjoy the quietest hours, when the bath is least crowded and the mineral-rich water is at its most refreshing.

• Best Time to Try the Seasonal Menu: Visit the restaurant Mino no Sato on weekdays between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to try the Summer Special: Miasa Deer Meat Burger, which is only served from May through August and is not available during other seasons.

• Best Time to Shop for Local Souvenirs: Arrive at the gift shop by 6:30 PM on weekdays to purchase the last of the Miasa Wild Vegetable Pickles, which are restocked only once daily and are often sold out by 7:30 PM.

Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market; wild mountain vegetables emerge in late spring.

Summer (June–August): Seasonal dishes feature fresh mountain trout and summer squash; cool mountain air enhances outdoor relaxation.

Autumn (September–November): Peak season for matsutake mushrooms; the "Matsutake Kaiseki" dining experience runs from September 10 to November 3.

Winter (December–February): Snow-draped landscapes and cozy indoor amenities offer serene retreats; hot spring baths provide warmth against cold weather.