Station Shinjo Ecology Garden Gensankan no Mori

Discover the Living Heritage of Yamagata’s Sericulture Past

Shinjo Ecology Garden Gensankan no Mori is a roadside station nestled in the heart of Shinjo City, Yamagata Prefecture, where history, nature, and community converge. Housed within a registered tangible cultural property—the former 1934 National Sericulture Experiment Station—this revitalized site preserves the legacy of Japan’s silk industry while embracing sustainable innovation.

Today, visitors can wander through restored Meiji-era buildings, enjoy farm-fresh produce at the direct-sales market Mayo no Sato, savor seasonal dishes at the vegetable café Aomushi, or stay overnight in the cozy guesthouse Minomushi. With seasonal events like the popular Kitokito Market and stunning spring cherry blossoms, the garden offers a deeply authentic experience of rural Japan’s cultural and ecological richness.

Shinjo Ecology Garden Gensankan no Mori stands out as the only roadside station in Japan built within a registered tangible cultural property—the historic 1934 Sericulture Experimental Station. Visitors can explore restored Meiji-era buildings while sipping matcha latte at the on-site café, a rare experience blending industrial heritage with modern rural charm. The station’s signature product, Miyamori raw silk ice cream, made from locally raised silkworms and crafted by artisan producers, is available nowhere else. This unique fusion of history, craftsmanship, and regional flavor makes it a must-visit destination.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM on the third Sunday of the month to catch the opening of the Ki-to-ki-to Market, when the limited-edition handmade crafts from local artisans are first available.

• Hidden Gems: At the AOMUSHI vegetable café, order the seasonal "New Green Salad" made with ingredients harvested that morning from the on-site garden—available only during May and June.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, the Gensankan no Mori gift shop offers a free sample of locally produced mulberry leaf tea when you purchase a small bag of dried mulberry leaves from the "Muyu no Sato" produce counter.

• Photography Tip: The main entrance gate of the registered tangible cultural property building is best photographed at 11:00 AM when sunlight hits the red-tiled roof and casts a long shadow across the central courtyard.

• Local Product Hack: Buy the "Kokonetsu" (Silk Thread) gift box at the "Muyu no Sato" counter—it includes three hand-dyed silk threads and a small guidebook explaining the traditional dyeing process used in the region.

• Event Timing: If attending the Ki-to-ki-to Market, arrive by 10:00 AM to secure a seat at the "Silk Craft Demonstration" held in the old silk reeling hall at 10:30 AM, which runs for 45 minutes and is not advertised outside the event schedule.

• Parking Strategy: Use the parking lot near the AOMUSHI café instead of the main lot if visiting on a weekend, as it’s closer to the market stalls and the entrance to the historical building complex.

Spring (April-May): Cherry blossoms peak in late April, and new greenery reaches its height by mid-May.

Summer (June-August): The Kito Kito Market runs every third Sunday from May to November, offering seasonal produce.

Autumn (September-October): Late autumn brings vibrant foliage and the continued charm of the historic site.

Winter (November-February): The site closes on Tuesdays and during the year-end holiday period, limiting visits.