Station Saina Chaya

Discover the Heart of Local Culture at Saina Chaya

Nestled in the serene countryside of Minamiboso, Saina Chaya is more than a roadside station—it’s a vibrant gateway to authentic regional life. Located where rolling farmland meets whispering forests, this destination offers travelers a peaceful retreat rich in natural beauty and cultural charm.

What sets Saina Chaya apart is its dedication to celebrating local heritage through seasonal events, artisanal crafts, and community-driven initiatives. Visitors can enjoy fresh regional produce, sample handcrafted goods, and explore rotating exhibitions that highlight the stories of the area’s people and landscapes. Whether stopping for a moment or planning a full day, Saina Chaya invites you to connect with the rhythm of rural Japan.

Saina Chaya stands out as the only roadside station in the region featuring an authentic tea ceremony garden where visitors can experience traditional matcha preparation using locally grown leaves. Its signature offering is handmade yuzu-infused rice crackers, crafted exclusively from mountain-grown yuzu and heirloom rice. The station also hosts rotating exhibitions of award-winning photography from the Dream Road Renaissance Contest, showcasing rare visual stories of the area’s hidden landscapes and cultural heritage.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the Saina Chaya bakery counter, where fresh milk bread is baked daily and typically sells out by 11:00 AM
• Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the entrance for the limited-edition seasonal pickled vegetables made from locally grown radishes, available only from mid-March to early April
• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the craft corner between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to see local artisans demonstrating traditional pottery techniques using clay sourced from nearby riverbeds
• Photography Spot: Head to the eastern side of the parking lot at noon during spring months to capture the full view of the cherry blossoms lining the riverbank, visible from the roadside station’s observation deck
• Local Product Tip: Purchase the Saina Chaya brand dried persimmons at the main sales counter—they are made from fruit harvested in the surrounding hills and are only available from late October through December
• Event Timing: Arrive by 10:00 AM on the first Saturday of each month to view the rotating display of award-winning photos from the Dream Street Renaissance Photo Contest, which is showcased in the central exhibition hall
• Parking Strategy: Use the far-right parking spot near the restrooms if you plan to visit the nearby hiking trail, as it provides the shortest access path to the trailhead entrance marked with a red stone marker

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

Summer (June–August): The roadside station hosts seasonal events and photo exhibitions featuring local landscapes.

Autumn (September–November): No specific seasonal activities or products mentioned in the content.

Winter (December–February): No specific seasonal activities or products mentioned in the content.