Discover the Heart of Cherry Country at Sagae Roadside Station
Nestled in the scenic countryside of Yamagata Prefecture, Sagae Roadside Station is a vibrant gateway to the region’s rich heritage, where cherry culture, local craftsmanship, and seasonal flavors come together. More than a pit stop, it’s a celebration of rural life, centered around the beloved sweet cherry that defines the area’s identity.
Visitors are invited to explore the immersive Cherryland Experience Tour, a guided journey through historic sites, hands-on food tastings, and unique activities like trying the electric wheelchair WHILL or dressing in traditional Turkish attire. With over 600 cherry-themed products available for purchase, from gourmet treats to artisan crafts, and a charming café and restaurant serving regional specialties, Sagae offers a complete sensory journey. Whether you’re savoring a local dessert, browsing the online shop, or joining a seasonal festival, every moment here is crafted to create lasting memories.
Why Visit
Sagae roadside station stands out as the only destination where you can tour the historic Cherryland complex, home to Japan’s largest cherry orchard and the only electric wheelchair “WHILL”体验 station in the region. Visitors can sample authentic Sakuhan cherry ice cream made from locally grown cherries and explore the unique Torco House, where you can try traditional ethnic costumes. With over 600 cherry-themed products, from dried cherries to handmade crafts, it’s the only place where you can fully immerse in the culture, history, and culinary soul of Yamagata’s cherry capital.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Sagae roadside station, where seasonal dishes and cherry-inspired treats await.
Chouchou Cafe
カフェ-chouchou-シュシュ
Specialty
Cozy café with a cherry-themed atmosphere
A charming café offering a relaxing environment with a focus on cherry-inspired ambiance and light refreshments.
Sagae Restaurant
レストランお料理
Specialty
Traditional Yamagata cuisine with local ingredients
A full-service restaurant serving authentic Yamagata regional dishes, emphasizing seasonal and locally sourced ingredients in a warm, inviting setting.
Group Dining Hall
ご宴会場・会議室
Specialty
Private event and banquet space
A dedicated hall for group gatherings, banquets, and meetings, equipped with modern facilities and customizable setups.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local crafts and cherry-themed goods at Sagae roadside station’s vibrant marketplace.
Kokocherry Online Store
kokocherry-ココチェリー
A comprehensive online shop offering a wide range of cherry-themed products, local Yamagata specialties, crafts, and traditional food items.
Products
Must-Try Item
Cherry jam
Featured Products
Explore signature products like premium cherry goods, regional sweets, and handcrafted items from Yamagata’s skilled artisans.
Cherry Jam
チェリージャム
Artisanal jam made from fresh local cherries, preserving the natural sweetness and flavor of Yamagata cherries.
Cherry Sake
チェリーサケ
A unique sake infused with the essence of fresh cherries, offering a delicate floral and fruity taste.
Cherry Blossom Tea
サクラ茶
A premium blend of green tea with dried cherry blossoms, known for its light aroma and refreshing taste.
Yamagata Cherry Pops
山形さくらんぼポップ
Sweet, chewy candy made with real cherry extract, perfect for gifting or enjoying as a treat.
Cherry Wood Craft Set
チェリー木工芸セット
Handcrafted set made from cherry wood, including small decorative items and stationery, reflecting local craftsmanship.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, and comfortable lounging areas at Sagae roadside station.
Concierge Service
The concierge provides guided tours of the Cherryland facilities, promoting memorable experiences through themed programs such as the 'Cherryland Photo Spot Tour' and various interactive activities including learning about cherry history, tasting local specialties, trying out an electric wheelchair 'WHILL', and experiencing traditional Turkish costumes at the Turkish Pavilion.
Cherryland area
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Parking Area
Parking is available for visitors arriving by car.
Near the main entrance
Restroom
Public restrooms are available for visitors.
Throughout the facility
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors with electric cars.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors to withdraw cash.
Near the entrance
Play Area
A play area is available for children to enjoy.
Near the Cherryland facility
Nursing Room
A private nursing room is available for mothers with infants.
Near the restroom area
Bike Rental
Bicycles can be rented for visitors who wish to explore the surrounding area.
Near the entrance
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in hands-on experiences like cherry history tours, cultural workshops, and seasonal events.
Cherryland Photo Spot Tour
チェリーランド映え！スポット巡り
Explore the history, culture, and food of Yamagata's Kogen with a guided tour led by a concierge. Participants will learn about cherry history, enjoy food experiences with local specialties, try riding an electric wheelchair 'WHILL', and experience traditional Turkish costumes at the Turkish Pavilion.
Duration
60 min
Moon Viewing Event
月を愛でる会
Enjoy a peaceful evening gathering to appreciate the beauty of the moon, featuring cultural activities and local ambiance.
Duration
90 min
Outdoor activity; weather-dependent
Yamagata Kogen Local Products Market
山形寒河江 物産市
A seasonal market showcasing local products from Yamagata Kogen, offering fresh regional goods, crafts, and food specialties.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor event; weather-dependent
Kokokuni Speciality Fair
小国町 特産品フェア
A special fair featuring unique local products from Kokokuni Town, highlighting regional craftsmanship and food.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor event; weather-dependent
Tozawa MURA Market
とざわMURA市
A vibrant market event in Tozawa MURA, offering local goods, food, and cultural experiences from the region.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor event; weather-dependent
Cherryland Cosplay Festival
3rd チェリーランドコスプレ
A fun and creative seasonal event featuring cosplay performances and themed activities centered around cherries and local culture.
Duration
120 min
Indoor and outdoor activities; weather-dependent
Sagae Autumn Food Festival
第16回 さがえ秋のうまいもの市
A major autumn festival celebrating delicious local food from Sagae, featuring tastings, cooking demos, and regional specialties.
Duration
240 min
Outdoor event; weather-dependent
Town Craft Workshop
まちなかクラフト
A hands-on craft workshop where visitors can create handmade items using local materials and traditional techniques.
Duration
120 min
Kogen Hometown Creative Festival 2025
寒河江ふるさとクリエイト みち×まちフェスタ2025
A creative festival celebrating local craftsmanship and community spirit, featuring art, music, food, and interactive experiences.
Duration
300 min
Outdoor and indoor activities; weather-dependent
Cue-Cherry Vol.4
cue-cherry vol.4
A seasonal cultural event featuring music, art, and local creativity, centered around cherry-themed performances and exhibitions.
Duration
180 min
Indoor and outdoor activities; weather-dependent
Insider Tips
Plan ahead for popular tours and seasonal markets to make the most of your visit to Sagae roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 10:00 AM on weekends to secure a spot on the guided Cherryland Photo Spot Tour which starts at 10:30 AM and sells out quickly due to limited group size
- Hidden Gems: Visit the Toruko House (Turkish Pavilion) during weekday afternoons to experience traditional ethnic costumes and photography props without crowds
- Weekend Special: Attend the Sagae Autumn Food Market on the first Saturday of each month (next event: October 4, 2025) to sample rare regional specialties like Sagae-style pickled cherries and yamagata soba with cherry syrup
- Best Photo Opportunity: Stand at the Cherry Land Mirror Arch between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM on weekdays to capture clear reflections in the water feature with minimal foot traffic
- Must-Try Food: Order the Cherry-Infused Whill Electric Wheelchair Ride experience (available only on Fridays and Saturdays) to tour the orchard while enjoying cherry-flavored tea at the rest stop
- Online Shopping Tip: Use the kokocherry online shop to pre-order the Cherry Land Limited Edition Gift Box (includes cherry jam, dried cherries, and a ceramic cup) to avoid waiting in line during peak season
- Accessibility Hack: Reserve the WHILL electric wheelchair for a free 30-minute guided tour through the cherry orchard by booking at least 48 hours in advance through the official website
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Cherry blossom viewing peaks in late April, coinciding with the start of the cherry harvest season.
Summer (June-August): Fresh cherries are available from early July through August, with peak picking in late July.
Autumn (September-November): The annual Sagae Autumn Food Market runs in October, showcasing local harvests and seasonal specialties.
Winter (December-February): Limited seasonal activities, with the Moon Viewing Event in October offering unique winter experiences.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Sagae offers a dedicated cherry-themed experience tour with interactive activities like food tasting and ethnic costume play. Facilities include stroller access and accessible restrooms. While no dedicated play area is mentioned, the engaging programs suit families well.
Food Lover Review
Sagae features a wide variety of cherry-based products, local mountain cuisine, and specialty desserts. The online shop offers over 600 items, including regional sweets and traditional dishes. Fresh produce and artisanal food options enhance the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
The roadside station provides restrooms and vending machines, supporting overnight stays. It offers a quiet environment with scenic views, though no specific overnight parking policy is stated. Limited camping facilities reduce its suitability for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Sagae boasts beautiful natural surroundings with seasonal landscapes, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Scenic viewpoints and photo spots are available throughout the cherry-themed park. The overall atmosphere is inviting and visually appealing.