Station Yachiho Kogen

Discover the Heart of South Saku Through Local Flavors and Natural Beauty

Nestled at the gateway to South Saku’s six municipalities, Yachiho Kogen is more than a roadside station—it’s a vibrant celebration of regional life. Located just one minute from the Hachiman Highlands IC on the Chubu Expressway, this expansive 23,000-square-meter hub blends nature, culture, and community in perfect harmony.

At the core of the experience is Mina Saku Market Bloomin, where farmers from across the region showcase the day’s freshest harvests—crisp mountain vegetables, juicy apples like Aki Bae and Shina No Sweet, and rare fruits such as the local Autumn Cute plum. The on-site Bistro 8 transforms these ingredients into unforgettable meals, from house-made soba to seasonal specialities like grilled Iwana trout. With a rooftop café offering a signature blend crafted by a master roaster, a dedicated dog park, and an indoor play space for children, every visitor finds their moment of connection. Whether you're sipping coffee beneath autumn trees or exploring trails on a rental E-bike, Yachiho Kogen invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and rediscover the joy of place.

Yachiho Kogen stands out as the only roadside station in South Saku where you can savor the region’s rarest harvests, including six distinct varieties of locally grown persimmons and the elusive forest fruit known as "popo," a creamy, banana-like delicacy found exclusively in this high-altitude valley. At its heart, the station offers the only artisanal "Autumn Cute" plums from the area, a unique, intensely sweet variety not sold elsewhere. For those seeking adventure, the station is the sole access point for the area’s electric bike rental program, complete with a seasonal half-price package that includes a free drink at the on-site café after visiting three scenic spots.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00–10:00 AM to secure the fresh batch of milk bread from the bakery at Bloomin, which sells out by 11:00 AM and is not restocked during the day.

• Hidden Gems: At the Bloomin direct sales counter, look for the six varieties of seasonal persimmons—Kino-kawa, tanenashi, Ta-aki, Fude, Hyakumoku, and Shibu—arranged by color and shape for a unique tasting experience.

• Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the BISTRO 8 restaurant between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to try the weekly rotating "Specialty Set Meal," which features eggs from local farms like Ikeda Farm and Komikko Nōm梦, available only during lunch hours.

• Best Value Combo: Rent an electric bike from "Yachi Wheel" during the November 16th deadline and ride to three scenic spots; upon completing the route, return to the Yachi Café to receive a free drink, as part of the limited-time autumn half-price rental promotion.

• Seasonal Must-Try: Purchase the locally grown "Autumn Cute" plums at Bloomin before they sell out—these sweet, juicy plums are only available in late autumn and are frequently sold out due to high demand.

• Insider Coffee Tip: Order the Yachi Café’s original blend between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM when the staff are most available to discuss brewing methods and offer complimentary tasting samples of the seasonal beans.

• Family-Friendly Time: Visit the second-floor indoor play area between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to participate in the scheduled kids’ dance stage event hosted by the Rolo LINK & Connect Dance Team, which takes place only on specific days like November 3rd.

Spring (March-May): Limited seasonal produce begins in spring, with early vegetables like spinach and lettuce available at Bloomin.

Summer (June-August): Fresh mountain vegetables and early harvests like tomatoes and cucumbers peak in late summer.

Autumn (September-November): Peak season for apples, persimmons, and cabbage; red maple leaves reach peak color in late October.

Winter (December-February): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned; limited outdoor activities due to cold weather.