Discover the Heart of Niigata’s Rural Heritage
Yuki no Furusato Yasuzuka is a roadside station nestled in the scenic安塚 (Yasuzuka) district of Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, where snow-kissed fields meet lush mountain vistas. Perched near the majestic Higashi-Hakuba Ridge, this vibrant hub celebrates the region’s agricultural legacy with a focus on sustainable farming, traditional craftsmanship, and seasonal bounty.
Visitors are drawn to its authentic local products, from rice grown in terraced fields to handcrafted sake, pickled vegetables, and seasonal mountain vegetables. The station also hosts the annual New Rice Festival and offers unique experiences like the Snow Storage Cellar (Yukimuro), where rice is aged in snow for enhanced flavor. With a warm, community-centered atmosphere and a commitment to preserving rural traditions, Yuki no Furusato Yasuzuka offers a deeply authentic journey into the soul of Niigata’s countryside.
Why Visit
Yuki no Furusato Yasuzuka stands out for its rare snow-moistened rice storage system, where rice is aged in underground snow cellars—creating a unique, slightly sweet flavor impossible to replicate elsewhere. Visitors can taste and purchase this distinctive rice, along with handcrafted soba made from locally grown buckwheat. The station also hosts seasonal events like the New Rice Festival, where guests sample freshly harvested rice in traditional mountain-style dishes.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Yuki no Furusato Yasuzuka roadside station.
Snow Mountain Soba House Small Sky
雪むろそば家小さな空
Specialty
Traditional soba noodles made with locally grown buckwheat
A cozy restaurant specializing in handmade soba noodles, offering a serene dining experience with views of the surrounding mountains. The atmosphere is rustic and peaceful, perfect for enjoying authentic regional cuisine.
Gelato
ジェラート
Specialty
Artisanal Italian-style gelato made with local ingredients
A charming gelato shop offering rich, creamy gelato crafted using traditional Italian methods and fresh regional produce. The ambiance is light and inviting, ideal for a sweet treat after exploring the station.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated selection of regional treasures at Yuki no Furusato Yasuzuka roadside station.
Snow Storage Warehouse
雪むろ
Specializes in traditional rice wine and sake stored in snow for natural aging
Products
Must-Try Item
Do-buroku
Local Farm Market
農産物直売所
A fresh produce market offering seasonal vegetables, rice, and other locally grown agricultural products
Products
Must-Try Item
Paddy Field Rice
Soba and Udon Shop
そば・うどん
A general shop selling dried soba and udon noodles, as well as other traditional Japanese staples
Products
Must-Try Item
Soba Noodles
Mountain Vegetables Store
山菜
A shop specializing in wild mountain vegetables harvested from the local region
Products
Must-Try Item
Wild Mountain Vegetables
Honey and Jam Shop
はちみつ・ジャム
A specialty shop offering locally produced honey and fruit jams
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Honey
Dried Goods Market
乾物
A market specializing in dried foods such as mushrooms, seaweed, and legumes
Products
Must-Try Item
Dried Mushrooms
Beverage Store
飲料
A shop offering a variety of local beverages including soft drinks and traditional fermented drinks
Products
Must-Try Item
Fermented Beverage
Featured Products
Explore signature items like terraced rice and mountain vegetables at Yuki no Furusato Yasuzuka roadside station.
Paddy Field Rice 5kg
棚田のお米5kg
Premium white rice from terraced fields, stored in snow for natural aging, harvested in 2025
Pickled Vegetables
お漬物 味噌漬け他
Traditional pickled vegetables including miso-marinated vegetables, made using local ingredients and time-honored methods
Yamazaki Onigiri
野沢菜おやき おやき
Steamed rice balls filled with wild mountain vegetables, a traditional local snack
Kakimochi and Bamboo Dango
かきもち・笹だんご
Traditional Japanese rice cakes wrapped in bamboo leaves, often enjoyed during festivals
Cut Rice Cake
切り餅（餅丸長者） お餅
Freshly cut rice cake made from locally milled rice, perfect for traditional celebrations
Sake
日本酒
Premium sake brewed using traditional methods and aged in snow storage
Do-buroku
どぶろく
Traditional rice wine made from fermented rice, known for its rich, sweet flavor
Local Honey
はちみつ
Pure, locally harvested honey with a unique flavor profile from regional flowers
Fruit Jam
ジャム
Homemade fruit jam made from seasonal berries and fruits grown in the region
Dried Mushrooms
乾物
High-quality dried mushrooms harvested from the local forests, ideal for soups and stews
Mountain Vegetables
山菜
Freshly harvested wild mountain vegetables, known for their unique taste and nutritional value
Soba Noodles
そば
Dried buckwheat noodles made from locally grown buckwheat, ideal for home cooking
Udon Noodles
うどん
Dried wheat noodles made with traditional methods, perfect for soups and stir-fries
Seasonal Vegetables
旬の野菜
Fresh, seasonal vegetables harvested at peak ripeness from local farms
Soy Sauce
調味料
Traditional soy sauce made using local ingredients and traditional fermentation
Fermented Beverage
飲料
Traditional fermented drink made from rice and local grains, known for its health benefits
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge with convenient amenities at Yuki no Furusato Yasuzuka roadside station.
Information Center
The roadside station features an information center for visitors, providing assistance and details about local attractions and services.
Inside the roadside station
Parking
Parking is available for visitors at the roadside station, accommodating vehicles for short and long stays.
Adjacent to the main building
Restroom
Clean and accessible restrooms are available for visitors and travelers.
Inside the main building
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is provided for visitors to use within the roadside station premises.
Throughout the facility
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors using electric cars.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitors to withdraw cash.
Near the entrance
Nursing Room
A private nursing room is provided for mothers with infants.
Inside the main building
Play Area
A designated play area is available for children to enjoy while parents shop or rest.
Near the entrance and outdoor space
Activities & Experiences
Engage in seasonal traditions and hands-on workshops at Yuki no Furusato Yasuzuka roadside station.
Rice Harvest Experience
田植え体験
Participants will take part in traditional rice planting activities in the terraced fields, learning about farming techniques and the seasonal rhythm of rice cultivation.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor activity; please wear waterproof shoes and bring a hat.
New Rice Festival
新米まつり
Join the annual celebration of freshly harvested rice with local food, music, and traditional performances showcasing regional culture.
Duration
360 min
Event held outdoors; check weather forecast and prepare accordingly.
Soba Making Workshop
そば打ち体験
Learn how to make traditional soba noodles from scratch using local buckwheat flour and hands-on techniques.
Duration
90 min
Indoor activity; no weather concerns.
Snow Storage Tour
雪むろ見学
Take a guided tour of the traditional snow storage facility used to preserve rice and vegetables through winter.
Duration
60 min
Tours take place in cold conditions; warm clothing recommended.
Local Vegetable Harvesting
旬の野菜収穫体験
Participate in harvesting seasonal vegetables from the roadside station’s organic garden, learning about sustainable farming practices.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor activity; bring gloves and rain gear if needed.
Traditional Food Tasting
地元食体験
Sample and learn about regional specialties such as yamazaki oyaki, kaki mochi, and pickled vegetables prepared with local ingredients.
Duration
60 min
Indoor tasting; no weather concerns.
Insider Tips
Learn local secrets and smart visit tips for a richer experience at Yuki no Furusato Yasuzuka roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure the last fresh batch of Yasuzuka Rice Bread (a local specialty), which is only baked once daily and often sells out by 11:30 AM
- Hidden Gems: Check the small counter near the entrance labeled "Local Specialties" to find wild mountain vegetable pickles (山菜漬物) and soba-flour dumplings (野沢菜おやき), which are only available during seasonal harvests and not listed on the main menu
- Weekend Special: Attend the New Rice Festival on October 11–12 to taste freshly harvested Tanada Rice directly from the field, with live cooking demonstrations of traditional rice dishes in the outdoor kitchen area
- Best Purchase Time for Seasonal Items: Stop by the Snow-Muro Storage Warehouse area between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays to buy snow-stored rice (雪むろ貯蔵米) from the previous season, which is only opened for sale during these hours
- Local Food Experience: Order the Soba House Tiny Sky meal combo at the roadside station’s small dining counter—this includes handmade soba noodles and a side of wild mountain vegetable soup, served only between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM
- Avoid the Wait: Use the convenience store payment option (コンビニ支払) at the self-service kiosk to bypass long lines at the main counter, especially during peak hours between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM
- Off-Season Product Alert: Visit on a Tuesday or Thursday between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to find discounted dried mountain vegetables (乾物) and local honey (はちみつ) that are marked down after the season ends and not restocked until the next cycle
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available in early spring; rice planting begins in late April at the terraced fields.
Summer (June–August): Summer vegetables and mountain herbs harvested; the roadside station hosts seasonal food events.
Autumn (September–November): New rice harvest celebrated at the October 11–12 New Rice Festival; mountain vegetables peak in season.
Winter (December–February): Snow-mounded storage preserves rice; winter views of Hachigatake Mountain are most striking.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a variety of local food and interactive experiences like seasonal events and farm visits. While no dedicated play area is mentioned, the farm and nature settings are engaging for children. Stroller access and parking are likely suitable, though not explicitly confirmed.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse local specialties including rice from terraced fields, mountain vegetables, soba, miso pickles, and regional alcoholic drinks. Fresh produce and artisanal goods are available, with seasonal events like the New Rice Festival enhancing the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides basic facilities like restrooms and vending machines, suitable for short stops. The location near terraced fields and mountains offers a peaceful setting, though no explicit overnight parking policy is listed. Quietness is moderate during the day.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by scenic terraced fields, seasonal landscapes, and views of Hashira Mountain. Offers strong photo opportunities, especially during planting season and winter. The natural beauty and serene atmosphere enhance the overall aesthetic appeal.