Station Raiden Kurumi no Sato

Discover the Spirit of the Mountain and the Sweetness of Tradition

Nestled in the heart of Tōmi City, Nagano Prefecture, Raiden Kurumi no Sato is a vibrant roadside station where nature, history, and local craftsmanship come together. Named after the legendary Edo-period strongman Raiden Wajemon and the region’s renowned Shinano walnuts, this station celebrates the legacy of a true mountain hero and the bountiful harvests of the land.

Visitors are greeted with a rich array of experiences—from savoring walnut-infused delicacies like the signature walnut soft-serve and cream-filled Raiden mochi, to exploring the Raiden Museum, which honors the life of the legendary force known as "The Unrivaled Thunder." With fresh seasonal produce, craft beverages, and a cozy café offering locally made treats, Raiden Kurumi no Sato offers a true taste of rural Nagano.

Raiden Kurumi no Sato stands out as the only roadside station in Nagano Prefecture where you can taste kurogaki—a unique local specialty made from roasted black beans and served in a traditional wooden bowl, a legacy of the legendary 18th-century wrestler Raiden Wajemon. The station’s signature dish, Kurumi Daresu Udon, features handmade soba noodles tossed in a rich, nutty sauce made exclusively from locally grown, large-sized chestnuts—available nowhere else. Visitors also enjoy the only chestnut soft cream in the region, crafted from chestnuts harvested from nearby orchards, and can sample rare craft sake named after Raiden himself, all within a historic setting dedicated to the man who once ruled the mountain passes.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s first batch of freshly baked milk bread from the in-house bakery, which sells out by 11:00 AM
• Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the limited-edition Shiso Juice (350 yen) made with locally grown red shiso, available only from late summer through early autumn
• Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the "Raiden Kurumi no Sato" food truck located near the parking area, which serves Radish and Ginger Ramen from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM during the annual Showa-era car festival held on November 9
• Best Food Item: Order the Kurumi Damesu Handmade Soba (1,200 yen) at the dining hall “Yunomaru” — it features locally milled buckwheat noodles with a rich walnut paste in the broth, available only during the walnut harvest season (November to May)
• Exclusive Snack: Purchase the Kurumi Mochi (380 yen, two pieces) at the souvenir counter — this traditional sweet is made with local walnuts and a blend of glutinous and regular rice, and is only available from late autumn to early spring
• Best Drink Pairing: Try the Raiden Brand Sake at the local sake corner — it’s a limited-edition sake named after the legendary warrior, available only during the fall harvest season and sold exclusively at the roadside station’s main counter
• Special Experience: Visit the Raiden Museum located on-site between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM on weekends to view the original 18th-century wrestling gear and documents of the historical figure Raiden Wajemon, and receive a free Raiden-themed sticker with your entry

Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available in early spring; peak time for canola flower viewing and picking (late March–April).

Summer (June–August): Fresh grapes harvested from mid-August; ideal for enjoying local produce at roadside station.

Autumn (September–November): Apple harvest begins in late September; seasonal treats like roasted sweet potatoes available from October.

Winter (December–February): Specialty walnuts in peak season; winter events such as the vintage car festival held in November.