Immerse Yourself in the Heart of Nature and Tradition
Nestled in the serene highlands of North Chūbu, Kobuchisawa roadside station offers a tranquil escape surrounded by majestic mountains and lush forests. Located in Kōfu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, it stands as a gateway to the natural beauty of the Northern Alps and a vibrant hub for local culture and craftsmanship.
Visitors can savor handcrafted bread from the mountain bakery, sample seasonal mulberry jam, or try authentic soba noodles made with local flour and spring water. The station features a relaxing foot bath, a cozy café, and a vibrant marketplace showcasing regional specialties. With easy access to nearby attractions like the Hakkōdō Resort Outlet and the Flower Park Fiore, Kobuchisawa blends wellness, flavor, and adventure in a truly authentic Japanese countryside experience.
Why Visit
Visit Kobuchisawa roadside station to experience the only on-site jam factory in the region, where seasonal mulberry jam—crafted from locally grown fruit—is available exclusively here. The station also offers hands-on soba-making using local flour and mountain spring water, a rare activity in the area. Afterward, unwind in the free foot bath fed by the renowned Yonmyo hot spring, a unique feature found nowhere else along this mountain route.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor locally crafted meals at Kobuchisawa roadside station, where fresh, seasonal ingredients meet traditional mountain flavors.
Cafe Restaurant Beans
カフェレストランBeans
Specialty
Healthy menu using local ingredients
A cozy restaurant offering a variety of healthy dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxing meal.
Soba Shop & Experience
そば処・体験
Specialty
Traditional soba making experience and meals
A traditional food stall where visitors can enjoy handmade soba noodles made with local buckwheat flour and well water, and also participate in hands-on soba-making experiences.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional goods and handmade treasures at Kobuchisawa’s bustling market stalls and specialty shops.
Mountain Bakery - Koui no Mi
山のパン屋 桑の実
A bakery specializing in handmade bread made from 100% domestic wheat flour.
Products
Must-Try Item
Homemade bread using 100% domestic wheat flour
Jam Workshop
ジャム工房
A workshop producing seasonal jams, with a focus on locally grown fruits.
Products
Must-Try Item
Seasonal mulberry jam
Local Products Sales Center
特産物販売所等
A general sales center offering a wide range of local specialty products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Seasonal mulberry jam
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature products like seasonal mulberry jam and handcrafted mountain bread.
Mulberry Jam
桑の実ジャム
A seasonal jam made from fresh mulberries harvested locally. Known for its rich, sweet flavor and natural aroma.
Homemade Bread
手作りパン
Freshly baked bread made from 100% domestic wheat flour, with a soft texture and natural taste.
Soba Noodles
そば
Handmade soba noodles made from local buckwheat flour and well water, ideal for traditional Japanese dishes.
Soba Flour
そば粉
Pure buckwheat flour made from locally grown buckwheat, perfect for making authentic soba noodles at home.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax with 24-hour rest areas, accessible restrooms, and serene foot baths set amid lush forest scenery.
Parking Lot
Available for 45 regular cars, 8 large vehicles, and 4 disabled-accessible vehicles.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Restroom
Includes 5 male toilets, 3 female toilets, and 2 accessible toilets for people with disabilities.
Near the main entrance and information center
Information Center
Provides road information, nearby roadside station details, tourism and local information, medical facility guidance, and weather updates through staff, information terminals, and computers.
Main building, near the entrance
Play Area
A children's playground located within the roadside station grounds, suitable for family recreation.
Near the park and children's area
Foot Bath
Free foot bath using natural spring water, open from 9:00 to 18:00. Closed from mid-December to mid-March.
Outdoor area near the forest path
Free Wi-Fi
Available throughout the roadside station, including the information center and rest areas.
Throughout the facility
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging available on-site for visitors.
Near the parking area
Nursing Room
Private room for nursing mothers, located near the restroom area.
Near the restroom and information center
ATM
Cash machine available for visitors, located near the entrance.
Near the main entrance
Activities & Experiences
Engage in hands-on experiences like soba-making and seasonal festivals at Kobuchisawa roadside station.
Soba Making Experience
そば処・体験
Participants will experience traditional soba noodle making using local flour and well water, and can also enjoy eating the freshly made soba.
Duration
60 min
Foot Bath
足湯
Relax and enjoy a soothing foot bath using natural hot spring water, perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Duration
30 min
Best enjoyed on cool or rainy days.
Jam Making Experience
ジャム工房
Learn how to make seasonal jam using locally grown mulberries, with hands-on guidance from staff.
Duration
45 min
Local Food Tasting
特産物販売所等
Taste and purchase locally produced goods such as homemade jam, artisan bread, and regional specialties.
Duration
30 min
Insider Tips
Visit during off-peak hours to enjoy quiet moments, and don’t miss the mulberry jam during summer harvest season.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the restaurant Beans before the lunch rush begins, as it fills up quickly after 10:00 AM.
- Hidden Gems: Ask for the seasonal mulberry jam at the jam workshop counter—only available during July and August and sold exclusively at the roadside station.
- Weekend Special: On the first Saturday of August, attend the Eight Peaks Horse Show at Kobuchisawa, which features local equestrian performances and is held directly on-site.
- Best Food Experience: Order the handmade soba noodles with local mountain water at the soba experience stall—this combo is only available from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on weekdays.
- Unique Access: Use the free rest area near the entrance to the information center for a quick 15-minute break—this area is often overlooked but offers shaded benches and a clear view of the surrounding forest.
- Timing for Foot Bath: Visit the foot bath between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM on weekdays to enjoy a quiet soak without crowds, as it is busiest in the morning and early afternoon.
- Local Event Alert: Check the information terminal for updates on the Kobuchisawa Music Festival, which takes place in various locations throughout the town from May to October—some events are open to the public at the roadside station.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Peak season for the Kobuchisawa Music Festival (May–October) and fresh mountain vegetables available at the market.
Summer (June–August): Enjoy the annual Hakkei Horse Show (first Saturday in August) and summer hiking in the alpine forest.
Autumn (September–November): Ideal for viewing fall foliage and visiting the Agricultural Festival (last Saturday in July).
Winter (December–February): Experience the natural hot spring foot bath (open year-round except Dec–Mar) and winter mountain tranquility.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Features a dedicated children's playground, interactive soba-making体验, and stroller-friendly paths. Offers kid-friendly food like homemade jam and seasonal treats. Safe, accessible parking and restrooms enhance family comfort.
Food Lover Review
Offers diverse local specialties including seasonal mulberry jam, handmade bread, and soba noodles. High-quality farm produce and artisanal goods available. Multiple dining options with regional ingredients and unique flavors.
Car Camping Review
Provides 24-hour restrooms and parking with space for large vehicles. Quiet surroundings and proximity to nature support overnight stays. No explicit overnight parking policy, limiting dedicated car camping use.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by majestic mountains and lush forests with panoramic views. Offers scenic viewpoints and photo spots. Seasonal beauty enhanced by alpine landscapes and nearby natural attractions.