Discover the Heart of Local Culture and Taste at Märchen Oyabe
Nestled in the scenic town of Oyabe, Toyama Prefecture, Märchen Oyabe is more than a roadside station—it’s a vibrant celebration of regional heritage, seasonal abundance, and community spirit. Located just steps from the Mie Outlet North Kuroshio, it serves as a welcoming gateway for travelers exploring the rich landscapes of the Hokuriku region.
Renowned for its daily influx of fresh, locally grown produce, the station features an expansive farmers’ market showcasing everything from sweet red-haruka sweet potatoes to juicy Kyowa pears and earthy shiitake mushrooms. Visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences like the annual "Yuru Yuru Sashiko" exhibition and workshops, seasonal fruit festivals, and interactive events such as the popular onion stuffing festival. With a cozy food court offering farm-to-table dishes, a free dog park, and a variety of local crafts and gifts, Märchen Oyabe offers a truly immersive journey into the rhythm of rural life.
Why Visit
Märchen Oyabe stands out for its deep connection to local agriculture and culture, offering the only roadside station in the region where you can taste and buy Red Haruka sweet potatoes roasted daily on-site—known for their rich, creamy texture and deep sweetness. Visitors also find the exclusive 16th Anniversary Festival experience, featuring limited-edition local products and seasonal events like the annual Kabocha Weight Guessing Contest. With its focus on small-scale, family-run farms and hands-on cultural displays such as traditional embroidery exhibitions, Märchen Oyabe delivers a uniquely authentic taste of rural Toyama.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, locally crafted meals at Märchen Oyabe's vibrant food court, where seasonal ingredients shine in every bite.
Melon Field
メルヘン田舎
Specialty
Local ingredients with a rustic charm
A cozy food court offering a variety of meals made from fresh local ingredients. Perfect for a casual lunch or light meal with a countryside atmosphere.
Cheese Dakkharbi
チーズダッカルビ
Specialty
Cheese-infused Korean-style beef dish
A flavorful and richly textured Korean-style beef dish with melted cheese, served hot and fresh.
Crepes from Yabu
小矢部にこだわったクレープ
Specialty
Limited-edition crepes made with local ingredients
A seasonal treat featuring locally sourced ingredients, offered only during special events.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated selection of regional goods and artisanal treasures at Märchen Oyabe's bustling market stalls.
Local Produce Market
地域農産物売場
A fresh market offering seasonal fruits, vegetables, and local agricultural products directly from regional farmers.
Products
Must-Try Item
Red Haruka Sweet Potato
Sakai Farm
坂井農園
A farm stand specializing in fresh citrus fruits and seasonal produce from their own orchards.
Products
Must-Try Item
Mikan
Kuyoshi Apple Farm
国吉りんご農園
A family-run orchard selling premium apples and seasonal fruit baskets.
Products
Must-Try Item
Wanglin Apple
Yonekawa Grape Garden
音川観光ぶどう園
A vineyard stand offering fresh grapes and grape-based products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Giant Grapes
Sakai Farm
坂井農園
A farm stand specializing in fresh citrus fruits and seasonal produce from their own orchards.
Products
Must-Try Item
Mikan
Yabu Egg Shop
トクトクたまご
A dedicated egg shop offering high-quality, locally produced eggs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Special Eggs
Shiitake Mushroom Shop
しいたけ祭り
A specialty shop focused on fresh and dried shiitake mushrooms.
Products
Must-Try Item
Cultivated Shiitake
Yabu Rice Shop
小矢部産コシヒカリ
A shop selling premium rice from local farms, including seasonal new harvests.
Products
Must-Try Item
New Harvest Rice
Grape and Fruit Market
ぶどう・果物
A seasonal market featuring a wide variety of fresh fruits and grapes.
Products
Must-Try Item
Giant Grapes
Featured Products
Explore signature local specialties like sweet chestnuts, premium apples, and handcrafted dried fruits, all from the heart of the region.
Red Haruka Sweet Potato
紅はるか
A sweet and creamy sweet potato known for its rich flavor and smooth texture.
Purple Sweet Potato
むらさき芋
A vibrant purple sweet potato with a slightly nutty taste and firm texture.
Ano Sweet Potato
安納芋
A sweet, smooth, and slightly sticky sweet potato with a rich, caramel-like flavor.
Silk Sweet Potato
シルクスイート
A sweet potato with a silky texture and mild, sweet taste.
Giant Golden Sweet Potato
五郎島金時
A large, golden sweet potato with a deep, sweet flavor and dense texture.
Long Yam
長いも
A long, smooth yam with a sticky texture when cooked, ideal for stews and tempura.
Red Haruka Baked Sweet Potato
紅はるかのやきいも
A freshly baked sweet potato made from Red Haruka variety, known for its sticky, sweet texture.
Red Haruka Baked Sweet Potato
紅はるかのやきいも
A freshly baked sweet potato made from Red Haruka variety, known for its sticky, sweet texture.
Giant Grapes
巨峰
Large, juicy grapes with a sweet, refreshing taste, perfect for snacking or fruit baskets.
Pomegranate
ざくろ
A vibrant fruit with sweet-tart seeds, ideal for juice, jam, or garnish.
Chestnut
栗
Fresh chestnuts with a rich, sweet flavor, perfect for roasting or cooking.
Dried Persimmon
干し柿
A traditional dried fruit made from persimmons, with a sweet, chewy texture.
Shiitake Mushrooms
しいたけ
Fresh shiitake mushrooms with a rich, earthy flavor, ideal for soups and stir-fries.
Cultivated Shiitake Mushrooms
菌床しいたけ
Mushrooms grown on a nutrient-rich substrate, known for their consistent quality and flavor.
Takamatsu Apple
つがる
A crisp, sweet apple with a refreshing tartness, perfect for eating fresh or baking.
Yabu Apple
りんご
A locally grown apple with a balanced sweet and tart flavor.
Giant Onion
たまねぎ
Large, sweet onions perfect for cooking or eating raw.
New Harvest Rice
新米
Freshly harvested rice with a soft, sweet flavor and delicate aroma.
Giant Pumpkin
ジャンボかぼちゃ
A large, heavy pumpkin ideal for carving or cooking.
Bamboo Shoots
あけび
Fresh bamboo shoots with a crisp texture and mild, earthy flavor.
Grape Juice
ぶどうジュース
Freshly pressed grape juice with a natural, sweet taste.
Pomegranate Juice
ざくろジュース
A refreshing juice made from pomegranate seeds, rich in antioxidants.
Apple Jam
りんごジャム
A smooth, sweet jam made from locally grown apples.
Pomegranate Jam
ざくろジャム
A rich, tangy jam made from pomegranate seeds.
Chestnut Jam
栗ジャム
A sweet, creamy jam made from roasted chestnuts.
Dried Apple
干しりんご
A chewy, sweet dried apple with a concentrated flavor.
Dried Pear
干し梨
A sweet, chewy dried pear with a soft texture.
Dried Grape
干しブドウ
A sweet, chewy dried grape with a concentrated flavor.
Bamboo Shoots
あけび
Fresh bamboo shoots with a crisp texture and mild, earthy flavor.
Giant Onion
たまねぎ
Large, sweet onions perfect for cooking or eating raw.
Giant Pumpkin
ジャンボかぼちゃ
A large, heavy pumpkin ideal for carving or cooking.
Bamboo Shoots
あけび
Fresh bamboo shoots with a crisp texture and mild, earthy flavor.
Giant Onion
たまねぎ
Large, sweet onions perfect for cooking or eating raw.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax with free dog-friendly facilities and convenient amenities, including coin showers and picnic spaces at Märchen Oyabe.
Parking
Available at the roadside station, located adjacent to Mitsu Outlet Hokuriku Oyabe.
Adjacent to Mitsu Outlet Hokuriku Oyabe
Restroom
Available for visitors at the roadside station.
Inside the roadside station
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the roadside station
Information Center
Provides information about the roadside station, local events, and nearby attractions.
Inside the roadside station
Dog Run
Free dog run (closed during winter). Open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Requires registration at the back entrance. Closed on rainy or bad weather days.
Back entrance area
Bike Rental
Bike rental service is available at the roadside station.
Near the entrance
Nursing Room
Private nursing room available for parents with infants.
Inside the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging station available for visitors.
Near the parking area
ATM
ATM available for visitors to withdraw cash.
Near the entrance
Pet Area
Designated pet-friendly area with a free dog run and pet waste stations.
Back entrance area
Activities & Experiences
Engage in hands-on workshops and seasonal events, from traditional weaving to harvest festivals, all at Märchen Oyabe.
Relaxed Sashiko Exhibition and Workshop
ゆるゆる刺し子展示会＆ワークショップ
Participants can attend a relaxed sashiko (traditional Japanese embroidery) exhibition and workshop, where they can learn and try basic sashiko stitching techniques in a friendly, casual environment.
Duration
90 min
Jomon Pottery and Clay Face Art Exhibition
縄文土器・土面 作品展
Visitors can view an exhibition of Jomon period pottery and clay face artworks, learning about ancient Japanese craftsmanship and artistic traditions.
Duration
60 min
Shinshu Fair
信州フェア
A seasonal fair celebrating produce and products from Nagano Prefecture, featuring local foods, crafts, and regional specialties.
Duration
120 min
Senior Circle Experience Day
シニアサークル体験会
A free workshop designed for seniors to experience group activities and social interaction in a welcoming environment.
Duration
120 min
16th Anniversary Festival
☆16周年祭☆
A celebratory festival marking the roadside station's 16th anniversary, featuring special events, local products, and community activities.
Duration
180 min
Thank You Market
ありがとうマルシェ
A revitalized market event where local vendors sell handmade goods, seasonal produce, and regional specialties, offering a vibrant community shopping experience.
Duration
120 min
Insider Tips
Visit early to enjoy the best selection of fresh produce and take advantage of limited-time promotions and daily events.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s first batch of freshly baked red huckleberry croissants from the bakery counter, which are known to sell out by 11:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the daily limited batch of Mizukawa Farm’s organic egg salad sandwich—available only from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM and not advertised on menus
- Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the circular plaza between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to attend the Thank You Market where local artisans sell handmade crafts and seasonal snacks, including Kiyoshi Apple Jam made from locally grown apples
- Seasonal Must-Try: Arrive before 1:00 PM during the Mushroom Festival (mid-October) to purchase bedroom-grown shiitake mushrooms directly from the farmer’s display—these are sold out by 3:00 PM and are ideal for freezing at home
- Best Time for Freebies: Stop by the entrance counter between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM during the 16th Anniversary Festival to receive a free local sweet potato with any purchase over 1,000 yen—this offer runs only on Saturday and Sunday
- Unique Experience: Participate in the Jumbo Pumpkin Weight Guessing Contest at the front desk before September 15 to win a large pumpkin; the prize is only awarded to those who guess the exact weight of the nine pumpkins combined
- Food Court Tip: Order the Hokkaido-style soft serve at Melon Field Restaurant between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM to enjoy it while sitting on the outdoor bench facing Inaba Mountain—this is when the staff serves the last batch of the day
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Peak season for canola flower picking (late March–April) and fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.
Summer (June–August): Fresh figs, peaches, and blueberries at their peak; summer fruit festivals and outdoor events.
Autumn (September–November): Harvest season for apples, pears, chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and onions; events like the gratitude market and 16th anniversary festival.
Winter (December–February): Limited outdoor activities; indoor events such as embroidery exhibitions and senior circle workshops.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
A dedicated free dog run and seasonal events like craft workshops and markets engage children. Playful signage and family-oriented activities enhance the experience. Stroller access and ample seating support families.
Food Lover Review
Extensive local produce, seasonal specialties like roasted sweet potatoes and fresh fruits, and a diverse food court with regional dishes offer rich culinary variety. On-site cooking and unique items elevate the experience.
Car Camping Review
Basic facilities like restrooms and vending machines are available. The site is quiet during weekdays, though not explicitly marked for overnight parking. Limited comfort for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Scenic views of rice fields and the surrounding hills, especially from the circular plaza and nearby benches. Seasonal landscapes and well-maintained greenery enhance the aesthetic appeal.