Discover the Heart of Chichibu: Where Tradition Meets Taste
Located along National Route 140 in the bustling center of Chichibu City, this roadside station is a vibrant gateway to the region’s rich culture and culinary heritage. More than just a pit stop, Chichibu roadside station offers travelers a curated experience of local flavors, crafts, and community spirit. From savory Chichibu soba to sweet miso potato snacks, the station showcases the area’s most beloved regional specialties.
Home to the popular mascot Potekumakun, the station features a well-stocked gift shop with unique souvenirs and seasonal products. Whether you're exploring the nearby historic sites, enjoying a meal at the on-site café, or simply relaxing in the scenic surroundings, Chichibu roadside station delivers an authentic, welcoming experience rooted in local pride and natural beauty.
Why Visit
Chichibu roadside station stands out for its exclusive artisanal products and deep ties to local culture. Home to the only on-site production of Jersey cow milk ice cream in the region, it offers a creamy, rich treat made from locally sourced milk—available nowhere else. Equally unique is the "Potekumakun" character shop, where visitors can find rare, limited-edition merchandise featuring the beloved local mascot. These signature offerings, combined with authentic regional cuisine like miso potato and Chichibu soba, create a distinctly local experience you won’t find at any other roadside station.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic Chichibu flavors at roadside station eateries, from savory soba to local favorites like miso potato.
Kyo Roadside Station
道の駅 ちちぶ
Specialty
Local Soba and Miso Potato
A roadside station located in the heart of Chichibu City, offering a variety of regional cuisine including Chichibu soba and miso potato. The station features a vibrant atmosphere with a focus on local flavors and seasonal ingredients.
Arakawa Roadside Station
道の駅 あらかわ
Specialty
Wild Garlic and Seasonal Soba
A roadside station nestled in the natural beauty of Oku-Chichibu, offering fresh soba and seasonal flowers. The station emphasizes local harvests and traditional preparation methods.
Yugyo Kan
お食事処「郷路館」
Specialty
Local Mountain Cuisine
A dining area at the Otake Onsen roadside station offering traditional mountain-style meals made with locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and rustic, ideal for travelers seeking authentic regional flavors.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local crafts and seasonal treats at Chichibu’s roadside station markets.
Ryuusei Tea House (Direct Sales)
龍勢茶屋（直売所）
A direct sales shop at Ryuusei Hall that offers a variety of locally produced goods, including vegetables, pickled products, and processed foods made by elderly producers.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yuzu Pepper
Otake Onsen General Store
大滝温泉特産品販売センター
A specialty store at Otake Onsen roadside station that sells local products, including regional snacks and souvenirs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Otake Onsen Mineral Water
Chichibu Market
ちちぶ市場
A farmers' market located at Chichibu roadside station, offering fresh produce and handmade goods from local farmers and artisans.
Products
Must-Try Item
Potekumakun Merchandise
Featured Products
Explore signature Chichibu specialties, including yuzu pepper, dried sweet potatoes, and handmade jams.
Yuzu Pepper
ゆず胡椒
A spicy condiment made with fresh yuzu and chili peppers, known for its unique citrus heat and local flavor.
Dried Sweet Potato
干し芋
A traditional dried sweet potato snack made from locally grown potatoes, known for its chewy texture and natural sweetness.
Wild Garlic
行者ニンニク
Freshly harvested wild garlic from the Oku-Chichibu region, known for its strong aroma and medicinal properties.
Chichibu Soba Noodles
秩父そば
High-quality buckwheat noodles made from locally grown buckwheat, ideal for traditional Japanese dishes.
Otake Onsen Mineral Water
大滝温泉の水
Natural mineral water drawn from the deep springs of Otake Onsen, known for its purity and refreshing taste.
Potekumakun Merchandise
ポテくまくんグッズ
Official merchandise featuring the Chichibu city mascot, Potekumakun, including plush toys and stationery.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities like restrooms, parking, and EV charging stations at Chichibu roadside station.
Parking
The roadside station has parking spaces for large vehicles and ordinary cars. Specific numbers vary by location: Chichibu has 12 large and 83 ordinary cars (including 2 for disabled persons); Arakawa has 5 large and 50 ordinary cars; Ryusei has 9 large and 74 ordinary cars (including 3 for disabled persons); Otaki has 77 ordinary cars (including 3 for disabled persons).
At each roadside station location
Restroom
Restrooms are available at all roadside stations. They are accessible to visitors and include facilities for people with disabilities.
At each roadside station location
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available at all roadside stations for visitor use.
At each roadside station location
Information Center
Each roadside station features an information center providing details about local attractions, events, and services.
At each roadside station location
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available at some locations. At Arakawa, the standard charger is temporarily unavailable due to replacement work. At Ryusei, both standard (free) and fast chargers (paid) are temporarily unavailable due to replacement work. At Otaki, EV charging equipment is available, though some services may be temporarily suspended.
At Arakawa, Ryusei, and Otaki roadside stations
ATM
ATMs are available at the roadside stations, particularly at Otaki and Arakawa locations.
At Otaki and Arakawa roadside stations
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around seasonal events and check for temporary closures due to road conditions or maintenance.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to avoid the 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM closure on September 19 due to register system replacement at Chichibu roadside station.
- Bakery Special: Arrive by 11:00 AM on weekends to secure the fresh-baked milk bread from the on-site bakery, which sells out daily by that time.
- Local Product Must-Buy: Purchase the locally produced yuzu pepper at the Ryusei Tea House (direct sales counter) at Chichibu roadside station, as it is exclusively available there and highly sought after.
- On-Site Food Counter: Order the Chichibu-style miso potato at the food counter, as it is a regional specialty and only available at this location.
- Soba Noodle Experience: Try the Chichibu soba noodles at the on-site eatery, which are made using locally sourced ingredients and are only available during regular operating hours.
- EV Charging Tip: Use the free standard EV charger at Chichibu roadside station, but plan for potential disruptions as the system is undergoing upgrades; check for updates before arrival.
- Parking Strategy: If visiting on a weekday, park in the ordinary vehicle section (83 spaces) rather than the large vehicle section (12 spaces), as the latter fills quickly during peak times and the large vehicle area is often reserved for specific events.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the roadside station in April, while canola flowers bloom in late March to early April.
Summer (June–August): Peak season for fresh mountain vegetables and seasonal soups at the roadside station.
Autumn (September–November): Harvest season for persimmons and local fruits, with autumn foliage enhancing the scenic views.
Winter (December–February): Snow-covered landscapes and limited access due to seasonal road closures, best visited early in the season.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Chichibu roadside station offers a children's play area, kid-friendly food like miso potato and soba, stroller-friendly paths, and educational exhibits on local culture, making it highly suitable for families.
Food Lover Review
The station features diverse local cuisine including miso potato and Chichibu soba, fresh produce from farmers markets, and unique regional products like Potekumakun merchandise, enhancing the overall food experience.
Car Camping Review
Chichibu provides restrooms, vending machines, and ample parking, though overnight stays are not recommended due to noise and lack of dedicated camping facilities.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in central Chichibu, the station offers pleasant views of the surrounding landscape, well-designed scenic viewpoints, and a peaceful atmosphere that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal.