Station Wadajuku Station

Discover the Heart of Nagano’s Culinary Heritage

Wadajuku Station, nestled in the serene village of Wada in Nagano’s Kōno Country, is more than a roadside stop—it’s a celebration of local tradition and seasonal flavor. Located along the scenic routes of the Japanese Alps, this roadside station offers travelers a warm welcome amid rolling hills and historic landscapes. Its standout feature is the revival of two beloved regional specialties: rikimochi, a traditional rice cake with roots in the Edo period, and oyaki, savory dumplings filled with seasonal ingredients like wild mountain vegetables and sweet red bean paste.

Visitors can enjoy these freshly made treats daily from 9 a.m. on weekends and holidays, with three distinct rikimochi varieties and four seasonal oyaki options crafted on-site. Beyond food, the station provides modern comforts like free Wi-Fi, EV charging, and a welcoming café, all within a space that honors rural craftsmanship. Whether you're refueling on a journey or savoring a taste of mountain life, Wadajuku Station delivers an authentic, memorable experience.

Wadajuku Station stands out as the only roadside station in the region dedicated to reviving a centuries-old culinary tradition. Visitors can savor rikimeshi—a historic rice cake originally sold at the ancient Wadajuku Pass—now available in three unique flavors, crafted using traditional methods. Equally distinctive are the freshly made oyaki dumplings, featuring seasonal ingredients like wild mountain spinach and dried vegetables, prepared daily on-site. This is the only place where you can experience these rare, heritage foods in their authentic form.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure the fresh-baked milk bread, which is released at 9:00 AM and sells out by 11:00 AM at the bakery counter in the roadside station.

• Hidden Gems: Visit the processing facility next to the shop to try the newly launched Rikimochi in three flavors—plain, red bean, and matcha—available only on weekends from 9:00 AM.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the Yaki-oyaki (grilled dumplings) stand offers four seasonal varieties—wild leek, red bean, dried vegetables, and fresh seasonal filling—cooked fresh daily and available starting at 9:00 AM.

• Best Photo Spot: Take a picture at the small viewing platform near the roadside station’s entrance, which offers a clear view of the surrounding rice paddies and distant mountains, especially beautiful during early morning mist.

• Free Wi-Fi Access: Use the free wireless LAN service located near the information desk inside the roadside station for fast internet access, ideal for checking maps or sharing travel updates.

• Family-Friendly Facility: The baby changing station is located just inside the main entrance near the restrooms, easily accessible and equipped with a changing mat for convenience.

• Local Product Tip: Purchase the Rikimochi and Yaki-oyaki in bulk at the shop counter before 12:00 PM to get a 10% discount on any order of three or more items.

Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the roadside station market in early spring.

Summer (June–August): Local wild vegetables and seasonal fruits featured at the roadside station stalls.

Autumn (September–November): Wild mushrooms and chestnuts harvested from nearby forests.

Winter (December–February): Hot soups and traditional snacks like oyaki available on weekends.