Discover Serenity in the Heart of Nature
Tucked at the base of the revered Ōgami Mountain—part of the expansive Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park—Ryogami Onsen Yakushi-no-Yu stands as a serene roadside station where mountain air meets warm hospitality. Nestled in the quiet village of Ogano in Saitama Prefecture, this destination offers travelers a rare blend of natural beauty, authentic local culture, and rejuvenating wellness.
The station’s crown jewel is its renowned hot spring bath, accessible to all, with spacious rest areas and tranquil private rooms. Visitors can savor the famed "Yakushi Soba"—handmade with local flour and seasonal tempura—served in limited daily portions, or explore the vibrant farmers’ market offering fresh produce, handmade jams, and regional specialties like konjac, sake, and grapes. With hiking trails, a children’s play area, and a thoughtfully designed wooden interior reflecting the forest’s spirit, Ryogami Onsen Yakushi-no-Yu invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and reconnect with the land.
Why Visit
Ryogami Onsen Yakushi-no-Yu stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering access to a public bathhouse with hot spring water drawn directly from the base of Mount Ryogami, one of Japan’s Hundred Famous Mountains. Visitors can enjoy a rare combination of a traditional hand-pulled soba dish made with locally milled flour—limited to just 30 servings daily—paired with seasonal tempura, served only at the on-site restaurant. The station’s farm-to-table market also features fresh morning-harvested vegetables and handmade konnyaku, all sourced from small-scale local growers.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Ryogami Onsen Yakushi-no-Yu, where handmade soba and seasonal dishes reflect the region's rich agricultural heritage.
Ryogami Onsen Yakushi-no-Yu
両神温泉薬師の湯
Specialty
Traditional Japanese soba noodles made with locally grown flour, served with seasonal vegetable tempura
A cozy dining experience featuring handcrafted soba noodles made with care using local ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxing meal after enjoying the natural surroundings and hot springs.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local crafts and fresh farm produce at the roadside station’s vibrant market, offering a true taste of rural Saitama.
Local Produce Sales Center
農林産物直売所
A market offering fresh, locally grown vegetables and handcrafted local products directly from farmers in the region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh seasonal vegetables
Featured Products
Sample signature items like handcrafted konjac, local wine, and seasonal fruits, all made with care from the area’s natural bounty.
Konjac
こんにゃく
A traditional Japanese root vegetable-based food known for its low calorie content and unique texture, often used in soups and stir-fries.
Local Sake
地酒
Handcrafted sake produced locally in Saitama Prefecture, using traditional methods and regional rice varieties.
Chrysanthemum Tea
菊茶
A refreshing herbal tea made from dried chrysanthemum flowers, known for its calming properties and light floral flavor.
Soba Flour
そば粉
High-quality buckwheat flour made from locally grown soba grains, ideal for making authentic handmade soba noodles.
Jam
ジャム
Artisanal fruit jam made from fresh, locally harvested fruits such as strawberries, cherries, and apples.
Cucumber
キュウリ
Fresh, crisp cucumbers grown in the region, known for their high water content and refreshing taste.
Eggplant
なす
Fresh eggplants grown locally, known for their tender texture and rich flavor.
Shiitake Mushrooms
しいたけ
Fresh shiitake mushrooms cultivated in the region, prized for their rich umami flavor and firm texture.
Cut Flowers
切り花
Freshly cut seasonal flowers, perfect for home decoration or gifting.
Grapes
ブドウ
Sweet, juicy grapes grown in the local vineyards, known for their excellent flavor and freshness.
Apples
リンゴ
Crisp, sweet apples grown in the region, known for their high quality and natural sweetness.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, information desks, and relaxing spaces designed for comfort and ease.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking lot with space for 85 regular cars, 3 large vehicles, and 2 disabled-accessible parking spots.
At the roadside station premises
Restroom
There are 9 male toilets, 6 female toilets, 2 children's toilets, and 1 disabled-accessible toilet available.
At the roadside station premises
Information Center
Operates from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Provides road information, nearby roadside station details, tourism information, medical information (including emergency contact numbers), and weather updates when necessary (e.g., typhoons or warnings). Staff are available to assist with inquiries.
At the roadside station premises
Onsen (Hot Spring)
A day-use hot spring facility located at the entrance of Ryōjin Mountain (one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains), part of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park. Features a 90-tatami mat rest area and a 10-tatami private room. Attracts about 110,000 visitors annually.
At the roadside station premises
Play Area
Includes a children's playground and park area for family recreation.
At the roadside station premises
EV Charging Station
Available for electric vehicles; accessible 24 hours a day.
At the roadside station premises
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitor convenience.
At the roadside station premises
Nursing Room
A dedicated space for nursing mothers, located within the facility.
At the roadside station premises
Insider Tips
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, and arrive early to secure a spot for the limited daily batch of hand-pulled soba.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 10:30 AM on weekdays or 11:00 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the Yakushi-no-Yu restaurant before the lunch rush, as the Yakushi soba (handmade soba with seasonal tempura) sells out by 1:00 PM daily due to its 30-meal daily limit.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the Farm Produce Sales Counter located near the parking lot before 11:00 AM to purchase the day’s first harvest of fresh cucumbers, eggplants, shiitake mushrooms, and strawberries, which are available only in limited quantities and often sell out by midday.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the Yakushi-no-Yu restaurant between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to try the seasonal special menu, which includes a limited-edition local wine pairing dish and is only available during the weekend lunch service.
- Insider Food Tip: Purchase the handmade konjac snacks and local jam from the Farm Produce Sales Counter in the afternoon (after 2:00 PM), as these items are often discounted by 20% after 3:00 PM to clear stock before closing.
- Free Resource: Use the Information Corner between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to request a printed copy of the local hiking trail map and free guidebook for the Ryogami Onsen area, which includes details on the Ryogami Mountain trail route and nearby picnic spots.
- Best Photo Spot: Take a photo at the viewpoint near the entrance just after 4:00 PM on weekdays to capture the sunset light over the Ryogami Mountains without crowds, as this area is often overlooked by visitors.
- Event Timing: Check the official LINE account for real-time updates on the monthly craft market held in the parking area on the first Saturday of each month, where local artisans sell handmade pottery and seasonal crafts — these events start at 10:30 AM and often sell out by 12:30 PM.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the farm stand in early spring; wildflowers bloom around the mountain trails by April.
Summer (June–August): Peak season for local cucumbers and eggplants; evening coolness makes the hot spring especially refreshing.
Autumn (September–November): Harvest season for grapes and apples; roadside stands feature fresh produce and handmade jams.
Winter (December–February): Best time to enjoy the hot spring with snow-dusted mountain views; quiet, peaceful atmosphere prevails.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station features a dedicated children's playground, stroller-friendly paths, and a quiet environment. It offers kid-friendly meals like handmade soba and seasonal vegetables. Educational elements include local nature and culture exhibits.
Food Lover Review
The station offers high-quality local cuisine, including hand-pulled soba with seasonal tempura, fresh farm produce, and regional specialties like konjac, local wine, and handmade jams. The on-site market provides excellent seasonal ingredients.
Car Camping Review
It provides clean restrooms, vending machines, and ample parking for cars. The area is relatively quiet and safe for overnight stays. However, there is no official overnight parking policy or designated camping zone.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located at the base of Ryogami Mountain, part of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, the station offers scenic mountain views and seasonal beauty. The surrounding forest and riverside setting provide excellent photo opportunities and a serene atmosphere.