Discover the Heart of Rural Japan at Tagiri no Sato
Nestled between the majestic Central and South Alps in Nagano Prefecture, Tagiri no Sato is a roadside station that embodies the spirit of rural community life. Surrounded by lush landscapes and nourished by the flowing Tengen River and Yodagawa, this haven offers travelers a genuine connection to nature and local culture. Located in the historic town of Iijima, it stands as a living tribute to sustainable living and regional pride.
More than just a rest stop, Tagiri no Sato thrives as a vibrant hub where locals and visitors come together. Explore the fresh produce and handmade goods at Furusato Market, savor authentic regional cuisine at Kengoma Dining, or delight in ever-changing treats at the newly launched Sweets Studio—where local artisans share their craft. With thoughtful amenities, seasonal events, and breathtaking mountain views, every visit feels like a warm embrace from the heart of the countryside.
Why Visit
Nestled between the Central and Southern Alps, Tagiri no Sato offers a rare experience: the only roadside station in the region featuring a rotating selection of artisanal sweets made daily by local confectioners in a shared kitchen. Visitors can savor seasonal specialties like chestnut mochi and yuzu-kuzu jelly, unavailable elsewhere. Complementing this, the station’s "Mikage Dining Hall" serves authentic local dishes, including grilled mountain vegetables and heirloom rice stew, using ingredients from nearby fields nurtured by the pristine waters of the Tengen River.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Tagiri no Sato's dining area, where traditional regional dishes are prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Kanemaru Dining Hall
食事処見駒亭
Specialty
Local cuisine from the region
A dining hall offering traditional local dishes, providing visitors with an authentic taste of the area's culinary heritage. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, reflecting the rural charm of the surrounding mountains and rivers.
Sweets Village
お菓子の里
Specialty
Rotating selection of local handmade sweets
A shared kitchen space where local confectioners create and rotate daily offerings. The atmosphere is lively and ever-changing, with a focus on seasonal and regional sweet treats.
Shopping Highlights
Explore a variety of locally crafted goods and farm-fresh produce at Tagiri no Sato's roadside station shop, offering a true taste of the region.
Tagiri Hometown Market
田切ふるさと市場
A direct sales market offering fresh local produce, fruits, regional souvenirs, and daily necessities from local farmers.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly harvested mountain vegetables
Local Sweets Shop
地元菓子屋
A shop specializing in traditional and handmade sweets made by local confectioners.
Products
Must-Try Item
Honey-Preserved Plum Cake
Alpine Craft Store
アルプス工芸
A specialty store offering handmade crafts and artisanal goods made from local materials.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handwoven mountain wool blanket
Local Meat & Dairy Shop
地元肉・乳製品
A shop specializing in locally raised meat and dairy products, including fresh milk, cheese, and sausages.
Products
Must-Try Item
Grass-fed beef jerky
Souvenir & Gift Shop
おみやげ・ギフト
A shop offering regional souvenirs, gifts, and locally produced items for visitors.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local honey in glass jar
Featured Products
Discover signature local specialties such as handmade sweets and seasonal farm goods, each reflecting the rich heritage of the area.
Local Honey
地元はちみつ
Pure, raw honey harvested from wildflowers in the mountainous region of Tagiri.
Alpine Berry Jam
アルプスベリージャム
A rich, naturally sweet jam made from wild berries collected from the highlands.
Mountain Vegetable Dried Mix
山菜乾物ミックス
A blend of dried seasonal mountain vegetables, perfect for soups and stews.
Handwoven Wool Blanket
手織りウールブランケット
A warm, durable blanket woven from locally sourced mountain wool.
Traditional Rice Cracker
伝統米せんべい
A crisp, lightly salted rice cracker made using local rice and traditional methods.
Alpine Herbal Tea Blend
アルプスハーブティー
A soothing blend of wild herbs gathered from the mountain slopes.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, free Wi-Fi, EV charging, and a comfortable rest area at Tagiri no Sato.
Parking Area
The roadside station has parking for 83 regular cars, 8 large vehicles, 2 disabled-accessible spaces, and 4 compact cars.
General parking area at the roadside station
Restrooms
There are 8 male toilets and 7 female toilets. Two of the female toilets include diaper-changing stations. One toilet has a changing station and one is equipped for ostomy users, with a ramp available.
Inside the roadside station building
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless LAN is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Information Counter
An information corner is available for visitors to get local information and assistance.
Inside the roadside station
EV Charging Station
An electric vehicle charging facility is available for visitors.
Near the parking area
ATM
A public telephone is available at the roadside station.
Near the entrance
Free Rest Area
A free rest area is provided for visitors to relax and take a break.
Near the main building
Nursing Room
A private space for nursing mothers is available, equipped with a changing table and accessible facilities.
Inside the restroom area
Shinomaki Dining Hall
A dining hall serving local cuisine, open from 11:00 to 15:00. Closed on Thursdays and during the New Year holidays (December 31 – January 2).
Inside the roadside station
Tagiri Furusato Market
A local produce market where residents sell fresh vegetables, fruits, regional souvenirs, and daily necessities. Open from 9:00 to 17:00.
Inside the roadside station
Sweets Village
A shared kitchen facility for local confectioners, offering a rotating selection of sweets that changes daily, making it enjoyable to visit anytime.
Newly established area within the roadside station
Insider Tips
Visit early to enjoy the freshest produce and catch the rotating selection of homemade treats at the sweet shop corner.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s first batch of fresh-baked milk bread from the bakery counter in the Oishii Sato (deli area), which sells out quickly and is not restocked during the day.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the Oishii Sato deli counter between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM on weekdays to try the rotating selection of locally made sweets, including seasonal items like chestnut mochi and yuzu-flavored cakes, which are only available for a limited time each week.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the Oishii Sato area before 10:00 AM to experience the live demonstrations by local confectioners who showcase traditional sweet-making techniques in the shared kitchen space.
- Best Food Experience: Order the Hakata-style ramen at Mikoma Tei between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM, as this is when the ramen is freshly prepared and served with the day’s limited batch of handmade pork broth, which is not available after 1:00 PM.
- Local Product Tip: Purchase the Takakura Brand rice at the Tagiri Furusato Ichiba (farmers’ market) between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM, as this is when the newest harvest of polished rice is delivered and displayed daily.
- Avoid Wait Times: Skip the lunch rush at Mikoma Tei by visiting between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM on weekdays, when the restaurant is less crowded and staff can provide more personalized service.
- Best Photo Spot: Take a photo at the Shinobu no Yume (original artwork) installation near the public restroom, located just past the information corner, as it is illuminated by natural light from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM daily and features seasonal local art.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Peak season for fresh bamboo shoots at the market and canola flower viewing in late April.
Summer (June-August): Ideal for enjoying cool mountain air and seasonal fruits like strawberries and cherries.
Autumn (September-November): Harvest time for chestnuts and local rice, with vibrant fall foliage in surrounding mountains.
Winter (December-February): Quiet season with snow-dusted landscapes and warm meals at See-koma Tei.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
A dedicated play area and stroller-friendly paths enhance accessibility. Kids enjoy the changing sweets selection at the sweet shop. Restrooms include changing tables and are accessible. Interactive elements like local farming displays add educational value.
Food Lover Review
Features a variety of local restaurants including a specialty dining hall serving regional cuisine. Fresh produce from the local market is available daily. Artisan sweets and seasonal food items provide a rich culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Offers ample parking, clean restrooms, and vending machines. The site is relatively quiet during daytime hours. Overnight parking is permitted but not explicitly advertised; no designated camping zones.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by the Central and Southern Alps, the roadside station offers stunning mountain views. Scenic viewpoints and seasonal landscapes enhance visual appeal. The peaceful atmosphere and natural setting create a strong aesthetic experience.