Savor the Sweet Spirit of Saitama’s Strawberry Heartland
Nestled in the serene countryside of Yoshimi Town, Saitama Prefecture, Ichigo no Sato Yoshimi is a vibrant roadside station where agriculture, community, and culture come together. Opened in 2005 as Saitama’s 15th designated roadside station, it celebrates the region’s pride—its premium strawberries—while serving as a dynamic hub for local produce, seasonal treats, and authentic rural experiences.
Visitors can enjoy fresh strawberries year-round, seasonal specialties like snow strawberries in summer, and hearty autumn udon at the on-site café. The station features a bustling market hall, a dedicated strawberry house, and a charming circular plaza, all set within lush green surroundings. With easy access from major highways and train lines, Ichigo no Sato Yoshimi is the perfect stop for travelers seeking local flavor, scenic beauty, and a true taste of rural Japan.
Why Visit
Visit Ichigo no Sato Yoshimi to taste the region’s only seasonal snow strawberry dessert, a unique frozen treat made from fresh, locally grown strawberries served only in summer. The roadside station also features a dedicated strawberry house where visitors can pick their own berries and enjoy fresh strawberry jam, a specialty made exclusively from the farm’s heirloom varieties.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh strawberries and seasonal specialties at Ichigo no Sato Yoshimi roadside station.
Simple Store
簡易店舗
Specialty
Seasonal strawberry treats
A small food stall offering seasonal specialties, including the famous 'Snow Strawberry' during summer months.
Rakuraku-an
楽楽庵
Specialty
Seasonal udon dishes
A cozy restaurant specializing in seasonal udon, offering warm and comforting meals during autumn and winter.
Shopping Highlights
Discover local crafts and farm-fresh goods at the roadside station's vibrant market.
JA Saitama Central Yoshimi Farmers Market
ＪＡ埼玉中央 吉見農産物直売所
A local farmers market selling fresh produce, vegetables, and fruits directly from regional growers.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yoshimi Strawberries
Strawberry House
いちごの里物産館
A souvenir shop offering a variety of strawberry-themed products and regional specialties.
Products
Must-Try Item
Strawberry Jam
Featured Products
Experience signature treats like sweet strawberries and seasonal delicacies unique to the region.
Strawberry Jam
いちごジャム
Homemade jam made from fresh Yoshimi strawberries, known for its natural sweetness and rich flavor.
Strawberry Sake
いちご酒
A unique fruit sake infused with the essence of fresh strawberries, perfect for tasting or gifting.
Strawberry Honey
いちごはちみつ
Premium honey blended with natural strawberry essence, offering a sweet and floral taste.
Strawberry Mochi
いちご餅
Soft rice cakes filled with sweet strawberry paste, a traditional treat made with local ingredients.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient restrooms, parking, and relaxing spaces throughout the roadside station.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has two parking areas. The first parking lot can accommodate 197 passenger vehicles, 11 large vehicles, and 2 disabled parking spots. The second parking lot can accommodate 200 passenger vehicles. Large vehicles are not allowed in the second parking lot. Both parking areas are available 24 hours a day.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Restroom
There are three restrooms located within the facility. One is in the rest area, which is accessible 24 hours a day. The other two are located inside the Ichigo no Sato Product Store and the JA Saitama Chuo Yoshimi Direct Sales Store.
Inside the rest area, Ichigo no Sato Product Store, and JA Saitama Chuo Yoshimi Direct Sales Store
Information Center
The roadside station serves as a local information hub, providing guidance on local attractions, events, and regional products such as 'Yoshimi Strawberry'. It also supports tourism and community exchange.
Main building of the roadside station
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available for visitors at the roadside station for convenient internet access.
Throughout the facility
Play Area
The roadside station features a circular square and open spaces suitable for children's play and family activities.
Circular Square area within 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' convenience.
Near the entrance or information center
Nursing Room
A dedicated nursing room is available for mothers with infants, providing a private and comfortable space.
Inside the rest area or near the restroom
Insider Tips
Visit during harvest season for the best selection and arrive early to avoid crowds.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the deli counter before the morning rush, as the fresh milk bread from the bakery is typically sold out by 11:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: Visit the JA Saitama Chuo Yoshimi Farmers Market counter between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to find the day’s limited batch of fresh strawberries, which are only available during this window and often sell out quickly
- Seasonal Special: On weekends from October through November, stop by the udon shop “Rakuraku-an” between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to sample the seasonal autumn udon menu, which includes seasonal vegetables and a unique dashi made with local ingredients
- Best Photo Spot: Head to the circular square area just behind the roadside station entrance between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to capture the best natural lighting for photos of the greenery and the “Strawberry House” building
- Local Product Tip: Purchase the “Yoshimi Strawberry Jam” at the roadside station’s gift shop before 4:00 PM, as it is only restocked once per week on Mondays and often sells out by mid-afternoon
- Transportation Shortcut: If arriving by train, take the bus from Tōsōshin Line’s Tōsōshin Station to the “Ichigo no Sato Yoshimi” stop and exit directly into the roadside station’s main entrance—this route avoids a 10-minute walk from the main road
- Dining Strategy: Order your meal at the roadside station’s food service counter between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to avoid the lunchtime line, as the kitchen stops serving at 1:00 PM and the line forms quickly after that time
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Strawberries reach peak season at the roadside station, with fresh harvests available from early March through May.
Summer (June-August): The summer-only "snow strawberry" dessert is available from late June to mid-August.
Autumn (September-November): The autumn udon menu launches in October, featuring seasonal ingredients.
Winter (December-February): The annual roadside station festival is held in October, with winter-themed events and local produce available.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a play area and restrooms with stroller access. Features child-friendly food options like seasonal strawberries and simple snacks. Includes interactive strawberry house and educational displays about local agriculture.
Food Lover Review
Provides diverse dining with seasonal menus like autumn udon and summer snow strawberries. Offers fresh local produce at the direct sales store. Highlights regional specialties such as 'Yoshimi strawberries' with high-quality artisan products.
Car Camping Review
Has 24-hour parking with 397 spaces, including accessible spots. Restrooms are available in multiple locations, including one open 24 hours. However, no designated camping zones or overnight stay facilities are provided.
Scenic Beauty Review
Set in a green, rural area of Yoshimi Town with scenic views of surrounding farmland and trees. Offers photo spots near the strawberry house and seasonal landscapes. The overall atmosphere is peaceful and aesthetically pleasing.