Discover the Heart of Nagano’s Rural Heritage
Shinshu Niino Sengokudaira is a welcoming roadside station nestled at the southern gateway of Nagano Prefecture, where the winding roads of National Route 151 and Route 418 converge. Perched atop the historic Sengokudaira plateau, this station offers sweeping views of rolling farmland and ancient forests, evoking the spirit of Edo-era travelers who once journeyed these paths. More than a rest stop, it’s a cultural crossroads where tradition meets modernity.
Visitors are drawn to its vibrant offerings: the legendary giant mochi cakes, freshly caught mountain trout, and sweet, sun-ripened corn. At the on-site restaurant, Tsumikusa no Sato, guests can savor local specialties like horse meat dishes and seasonal seafood, including a winter-only crab feast. The station also features a traditional miso cellar and a peaceful agricultural heritage center nearby, inviting travelers to connect with the land and its enduring stories.
Why Visit
Shinshu Niino Sengokudaira stands out as the only roadside station in the region where visitors can taste the famed giant mochi—a hand-pressed rice cake so large it requires two people to carry. This unique culinary experience is paired with the rare chance to sample fresh mountain trout, yamame, caught daily from nearby streams. The station also features a traditional misozoko (fermented soybean paste cellar), where visitors can try authentic Shinshu-style kōji miso and black bean miso made using age-old methods.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic regional flavors at Shinshu Niino Sengokudaira roadside station, where traditional dishes meet seasonal ingredients in a welcoming atmosphere.
Tsumikusa no Sato
レストラン「つみくさの里」
Specialty
Local cuisine with seasonal ingredients
A traditional restaurant offering a variety of local dishes, including set meals, noodles, and seasonal specialties. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for a relaxing meal after a day of exploring the region.
Shopping Highlights
Discover locally crafted goods and fresh produce at the roadside station’s vibrant market, perfect for unique souvenirs and treats.
Miso Store
味噌蔵
A specialty shop dedicated to traditional miso, offering a wide range of locally produced varieties.
Products
Must-Try Item
Black Bean Miso
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like giant miso dumplings, fresh trout, and sweet corn, all highlighting the rich culinary heritage of the region.
Large Traditional Rice Cake
特大御弊餅
A large, traditional rice cake made using local ingredients and time-honored methods.
Yamame Trout
ヤマメ
Freshly caught mountain trout, known for its delicate flavor and firm texture.
Corn
とうもろこし
Sweet, locally grown corn harvested at peak ripeness for maximum flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including spacious parking, accessible restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and relaxing rest areas for a comfortable stop.
Parking Area
Provides parking for 85 regular cars, 2 large vehicles, and 1 EV vehicle.
Adjacent to the roadside station entrance
Restrooms
Men's toilets: 6 stalls (including one multi-purpose toilet). Women's toilets: 8 stalls (including one multi-purpose toilet and one parent-child toilet).
Inside the roadside station building
Information Center
Offers visitor information, maps, and assistance with local attractions and events.
Main building near the entrance
Restaurant Tsumikusa no Sato
Serves breakfast, set meals, horse meat dishes, noodles, and a crab full-course meal (available only in winter). Open from 9:00 to 16:00 (last order at 15:30).
Inside the roadside station
Free Rest Area
A free rest area available for visitors to relax and take a break.
Near the main entrance
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi access available throughout the roadside station premises.
Throughout the facility
EV Charging Station
One EV charging spot available for electric vehicles.
Parking area near the main entrance
ATM
An ATM is available for cash withdrawals.
Near the entrance
Play Area
A play area for children to enjoy and relax during visits.
Outdoor area near the restrooms
Nursing Room
A private room for nursing mothers to care for their infants.
Inside the restroom building
Pet Area
A designated area for pets to rest and relieve themselves.
Near the outdoor rest area
Insider Tips
Visit during winter for the exclusive crab full-course meal, and arrive early to enjoy the best selection of fresh local produce.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to get the first selection of fresh-baked milk bread from the bakery, which sells out by 11:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the black bean miso from the "Miso Store" (味噌蔵), a locally made specialty that’s only available at this roadside station
- Weekend Special: On weekends, check the food truck that sets up near the parking area between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM, offering grilled mountain trout (ヤマメ) caught from local rivers
- Best Dining Time: Order the horse meat menu at the restaurant "Tsumikusa no Sato" by 3:00 PM to ensure availability, as it’s a popular lunch choice that often sells out by 3:30 PM
- Local Product Tip: Purchase the large traditional rice cake (特大御弊餅) directly from the counter near the entrance—these are made daily and are only available in limited quantities
- Off-Peak Visit: Avoid visiting during the 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM lunch rush when the restaurant is busiest; instead, eat at the free rest area for a quieter experience
- Cultural Experience: Walk the 5-minute path from the roadside station to the Rural Culture Transmission Center to view traditional crafts and seasonal local displays not available on-site
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Late March to April features peak canola flower season, with vibrant blooms along the roadside. Fresh bamboo shoots are available at the market during this time.
Summer (June–August): The roadside station offers seasonal corn and local mountain vegetables. Summer hiking and sightseeing are popular in the surrounding alpine trails.
Autumn (September–November): October brings chestnuts and autumn leaves at their peak. The area hosts harvest festivals and scenic drives through the changing foliage.
Winter (December–February): Snow-covered landscapes enhance the serene beauty of the plateau. The restaurant serves a winter-exclusive crab full-course meal, available from December to February.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers multiple restrooms including family and accessible toilets, stroller-friendly paths, and a play area near the parking lot. Kid-friendly food options and seasonal activities enhance the experience.
Food Lover Review
Features a restaurant serving local specialties like horse meat, corn, and traditional mochi. Fresh produce and artisanal miso from the on-site store add to the culinary appeal.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, vending machines, and ample parking. Quiet surroundings and a peaceful atmosphere suit overnight stays, though no explicit overnight parking policy is listed.
Scenic Beauty Review
Overlooks the wide, open Shikoku Plain with panoramic views. Scenic viewpoints and seasonal landscapes enhance the aesthetic experience, especially during spring and autumn.