Taste the Heart of Tochigi’s Countryside
Sashiba no Sato Ichikai is a vibrant roadside station nestled in the serene landscapes of Ichikai Town, within Tochigi Prefecture’s lush countryside. More than a pit stop, it’s a living celebration of local agriculture, community spirit, and seasonal charm. Surrounded by rolling farmland and seasonal blooms, the station offers travelers a genuine connection to rural Japan.
Here, visitors discover an array of fresh, locally grown produce—from sun-ripened tomatoes and crisp asparagus to seasonal strawberries and tender bamboo shoots. The on-site processing facility crafts unique treats like house-made gelato and grilled specialties, while the interactive “Fureai Space” invites guests to enjoy handmade crafts and light meals. With seasonal events like the Autumn Festival, corn harvest experiences, and live music performances, every visit is a celebration of place, people, and produce.
Why Visit
Sashiba no Sato Ichikai stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering fresh, hand-harvested seasonal vegetables like local asparagus and mountain bamboo shoots, sold directly from the farm. Its signature product, the unique "Milk Gelato," is made daily using cream from Jersey cows raised in the nearby pasture—available only here. Visitors also gain access to the rare "Oasis Garden Ichikai," where you can rent a personal plot to grow your own produce.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, locally grown flavors at Sashiba no Sato Ichikai roadside station.
Takeout Grill Restaurant
テイクアウトグリルレストラン
Specialty
Freshly grilled meals made from local ingredients
A casual food stall offering takeout grilled dishes crafted from locally sourced produce, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal on the go.
Original Gelato Shop
オリジナルジェラート
Specialty
Handcrafted gelato using local dairy and seasonal fruits
A charming gelato café offering artisanal frozen treats made with fresh local milk and seasonal produce, ideal for a sweet refreshment.
Shopping Highlights
Discover handmade goods and regional treasures at this vibrant roadside station.
Farm Produce Direct Sales
農産物直売所
A marketplace offering fresh, locally grown vegetables and fruits harvested daily from nearby farms.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Tomatoes
Interactive Experience Space
ふれあいスペース
A vibrant space featuring light refreshments and handmade accessories made from local agricultural products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handmade Wooden Accessories
Farm Produce Processing Center
農産物加工所
A processing center specializing in value-added products made from local farm goods, including ready-to-eat and packaged items.
Products
Must-Try Item
Grilled Vegetable Medley
Community Development Center
まちおこしセンター
A community hub offering local information, tourism guidance, free rest areas, and meeting spaces for events and workshops.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Information Brochure
Featured Products
Explore signature items like farm-fresh produce and artisanal加工品 crafted from local ingredients.
Fresh Tomatoes
トマト
Vibrant, sun-ripened tomatoes harvested daily from local farms, known for their rich flavor and juiciness.
Fresh Asparagus
アスパラガス
Crisp, tender asparagus spears grown in the region’s fertile soil, perfect for grilling or steaming.
Fresh Bamboo Shoots
筍
Delicate and tender bamboo shoots harvested in spring, known for their crisp texture and mild flavor.
Fresh Spinach
ほうれんそう
Nutrient-rich spinach with deep green leaves, grown using sustainable farming practices.
Fresh Strawberries
イチゴ
Sweet, juicy strawberries picked at peak ripeness, ideal for eating fresh or using in desserts.
Grilled Vegetable Medley
焼き野菜ミックス
A ready-to-eat blend of grilled seasonal vegetables, preserved for convenience and flavor.
Local Milk Gelato
地元みるくジェラート
Creamy gelato made with milk from local dairy farms, offering a rich and smooth texture.
Strawberry Gelato
いちごジェラート
Refreshing gelato infused with the natural sweetness of fresh local strawberries.
Handmade Wooden Accessories
手作り木製アクセサリー
Artisan-crafted wooden accessories made from locally sourced timber, featuring unique designs.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy comfortable rest areas, free Wi-Fi, and helpful staff at Sashiba no Sato Ichikai roadside station.
Community Promotion Center
Serves as an information hub for local tourism, road information, and offers a free rest area. Also includes meeting and training rooms.
Inside the community promotion center
Parking Area
Available for visitors and travelers to park their vehicles.
Near the main entrance
Restroom
Public restrooms available for visitors.
Throughout the facility
Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi access available for guests.
Throughout the facility
Play Area
A space for children to play, located within the interactive area.
Fureai Space
Bike Rental
Bicycles available for rent to explore the surrounding area.
Near the entrance
Nursing Room
Private room for nursing mothers to care for infants.
Near the restrooms
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging station available for visitors.
Near the parking area
ATM
Cash machine available for visitors to withdraw money.
Near the entrance
Pet Area
Designated space for pets, allowing visitors to bring their animals.
Outside near the entrance
Activities & Experiences
Participate in seasonal harvests, cooking workshops, and lively community events.
Sweet Potato Harvest Experience
さつまいも芋ほり収穫体験
Participants will dig up sweet potatoes from the fields, experiencing the joy of harvesting fresh, locally grown produce.
Duration
60 min
Flower Planting Event
みんなで作ろう！花いっぱい市貝
Participants will work together to plant colorful flowers at the entrance of the town, enhancing the beauty of the area.
Duration
120 min
Event proceeds in light rain, canceled in heavy rain
Autumn Festival
いちかい秋まつり
A festive celebration featuring local performances, food stalls, and a fireworks display in the evening.
Duration
360 min
Autumn Music Concert
秋麗演奏会
Live music performances by the Takanezawa Winds Orchestra and The Manma Saxophone Team on a special stage at the roadside station.
Duration
120 min
Collaborative Stamp Rally
サシバの里めぐりコラボスタンプラリー開催
Participants explore various locations in Ichikai Town, collect stamps, and earn gift vouchers from the roadside station.
Duration
90 min
Oasis Farm Garden Participation
オアシス農園いちかい「利用者募集」
Individual plots are available for those interested in farming, offering hands-on experience in agriculture and sustainable gardening.
Duration
180 min
Insider Tips
Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds and check event calendars for special local happenings.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure the day’s fresh batch of milk bread from the bakery, which sells out by 11:00 AM and is not restocked
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter in the ふれあいスペース (Fureai Space) to find locally made pickled vegetables and seasonal vegetable bundles sold only during autumn months
- Weekend Special: On the second Saturday of November, participate in the コラボスタンプラリー (Collaborative Stamp Rally) by visiting the roadside station and four nearby locations in Ichikai Town to collect stamps and claim a free roadside station gift voucher
- Seasonal Product Tip: Purchase the seasonal Sashiba Sweet Potato Jam from the 農産物加工所 (Agricultural Processing Facility) during the autumn months—available only until the end of November
- Event Timing: Attend the 秋まつり (Ichikai Autumn Festival) on November 22 to experience the evening fireworks display held at the south side of the roadside station, starting at 6:00 PM
- Free Service Access: Use the まちおこしセンター (Community Development Center) free of charge between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM for access to local tourism maps, free Wi-Fi, and restrooms
- Outdoor Activity Tip: Rent a bicycle from the roadside station’s レンタサイクル (Bike Rental) service in the morning to explore the nearby オアシス農園いちかい (Oasis Farm Ichikai), which is open to visitors on weekends only
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available in early spring, with flower planting events in November preceding the seasonal bloom.
Summer (June–August): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned for this period.
Autumn (September–November): Sake rice harvest and sweet potato digging experiences in late October to early November, coinciding with the autumn festival.
Winter (December–February): No seasonal activities or product availability specified.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station features a dedicated interactive space with hands-on activities, seasonal events like potato harvesting, and a variety of kid-friendly food options. Facilities are stroller-accessible with clean restrooms and ample space for families.
Food Lover Review
It offers a diverse selection of fresh local produce, homemade jams, and unique regional specialties such as original gelato. The farm-to-table approach and seasonal events enhance the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
The roadside station provides clean restrooms and vending machines, making it suitable for short stops. While it lacks designated overnight parking and has no explicit camping policy, it is quiet during off-hours and offers a peaceful atmosphere for travelers.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by lush farmland and seasonal flowers, the roadside station offers scenic views and photo-worthy spots. The natural setting, enhanced by cherry blossoms and autumn festivals, creates a serene and visually appealing atmosphere.