Station Echigo Izumozaki Tenryo no Sato

Discover the Heart of Echigo’s Heritage and Harvest

Echigo Izumozaki Tenryo no Sato is a vibrant roadside station located in the scenic coastal town of Izumozaki, nestled along the rugged shores of Niigata Prefecture’s Sea of Japan. More than a mere pit stop, this station is a celebration of Echigo’s rich agricultural legacy, where centuries-old traditions meet modern craftsmanship. Visitors are greeted by a dynamic mix of local produce, artisanal food, and cultural experiences rooted in the region’s historical significance as a former domain of the Tokugawa shogunate.

The station shines with its authentic local specialties—freshly harvested rice, handmade noodles, and seasonal seafood—offered in a welcoming space that doubles as a community center. Highlights include live cooking demonstrations, seasonal festivals, and guided tours of nearby rice fields and traditional farms. With panoramic views of the sea and surrounding farmland, Echigo Izumozaki Tenryo no Sato offers travelers not just a place to rest, but a true immersion into the rhythm of rural Japan.

Echigo Izumozaki Tenryo no Sato stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering direct access to the historic Tenryo Pass Trail, where visitors can hike past preserved Edo-era stone walls and panoramic views of the Echigo Plain. Its signature attraction is the exclusive seasonal “Black Rice Ramen,” made with locally grown heirloom black rice and served in a broth simmered with wild mountain herbs. The station also hosts rare, rotating workshops on traditional rice paper making, a craft preserved only in this valley.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the bakery counter, where fresh-baked milk bread is released daily and sells out by 11:00 AM
• Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter near the entrance to pick up the limited-edition Echigo Izumozaki potato salad, available only from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the local farmers’ market features fresh Echigo-style pickled vegetables, sold only from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM
• Must-Try Product: Order the "Izumozaki Mountain Rice Bowl" at the food stall between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM—this seasonal dish includes rice grown in the nearby highland fields and is only available during harvest months
• Parking Tip: Use the rear parking lot near the nature trail entrance, which fills up faster than the front lot and is the only access point for visitors with mobility scooters
• Best Time to Visit the Onsen: Go before 3:00 PM on weekdays to avoid the evening rush, as the public bathhouse closes at 7:00 PM and is busiest between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM
• Souvenir Alert: The gift shop sells the exclusive "Izumozaki Harvest Map" only during the autumn festival, which runs from October 10th to October 20th each year

Spring (March–May): Canola flowers bloom in late March to April, and fresh bamboo shoots are available at the market from early April.

Summer (June–August): Local strawberries peak in June, and the roadside station hosts summer festivals in July.

Autumn (September–November): Chestnuts are harvested in October, and the surrounding fields turn golden in late October.

Winter (December–February): Snow-covered landscapes enhance the scenic views, and hot sake is served at the station during winter months.