Station Shinshu Tsutaki Juku

Step Back into History, Rejuvenate in Nature

Shinshu Tsutaki Juku, nestled along National Route 20 just inside the gateway to Shinshu, blends centuries of tradition with modern comfort. This roadside station stands as a vibrant revival of a former post town from the Koshu Kaido era, where travelers once paused to rest. Today, its tranquil architecture invites visitors to experience the essence of old Japan, enhanced by the soothing embrace of the natural hot spring "Tsuta no Yu."

Discover the perfect harmony of local flavor and craftsmanship at the Te no Hira Hall, where handcrafted soba made from mountain-grown buckwheat is served in both bold, dark “Hakugaku” and delicate white “Maru Nuki” varieties. Don’t miss the acclaimed “Hoperu-drop” soft serve—crafted with rich Jersey milk from the nearby Yatsuren dairy and layered with seasonal jams and yogurt. With seasonal festivals, a bustling farmers’ market, and a fully equipped convenience for travelers, Shinshu Tsutaki Juku is more than a stop—it’s a destination.

Shinshu Tsutaki Juku stands out for its exclusive handmade soba crafted from stone-ground buckwheat grown in the Eight Peaks mountain region, served in two distinct styles—bold, dark "Hakkei Aramuki" and delicate, white "Hakkei Marunuki"—both available hot or cold. Equally unique is its "Hoperu Drop Soft Cream," made exclusively with fresh Jersey milk from Yatsuren Dairy in Yatsugatake Highlands, blended with seasonal jams and the dairy’s signature yogurt, creating a rich yet delicate treat found nowhere else.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the deli counter for the fresh-baked milk bread, which sells out by 11:00 AM and is only available during morning hours.

• Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter between 10:00–11:00 AM on weekdays to try the seasonal Yatsuren yogurt and jam mix served with the "Hoperochi Soft" (original soft-serve) — this combo is only available during limited-time promotions and not listed on the menu.

• Weekend Special: On November 3rd, attend the New Soba Festival and watch the soba-teuchi (hand-pulled soba) demonstration at 10:10 AM and 12:50 PM, then immediately head to the dining hall to order the Hakugaku Aramibiki Soba (coarse-ground buckwheat soba) before it sells out at 11:00 AM.

• Best Value Purchase: Buy the Yatsuren milk and yogurt products at the souvenir shop after 3:00 PM on weekdays, when staff offer a 10% discount on all Yatsuren direct-shipment items.

• Hot Springs Tip: Use the free dryers at the bathhouse’s dressing room before October 2, 2024, as the new Dyson hair dryer will cost 100 yen for every 5 minutes starting October 2, 2024.

• Dining Strategy: Order the Hoperochi Soft & Yogurt (soft-serve with Yatsuren yogurt and seasonal jam) at the cafeteria during the lunch rush (11:30 AM – 1:30 PM), as it is only served during that window and not available in the shop.

• Timing for Freshness: Visit the restaurant between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM on weekdays to get the first batch of cold Hakugaku Marunuki Soba (fine-cut white buckwheat soba), which is only prepared once daily and served cold until sold out.

Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market in early spring, with the New Soba Festival held annually in November.

Summer (June–August): Limited seasonal offerings mentioned; best for visiting the natural hot spring and surrounding scenery.

Autumn (September–November): New Soba Festival in November features freshly harvested soba noodles and seasonal events.

Winter (December–February): No specific events listed; ideal for relaxing in the natural hot spring with fewer crowds.