Station Shirane

Discover the Heart of the Southern Alps at Shirane Roadside Station

Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Southern Alps, Shirane Roadside Station offers travelers a refreshing pause in a region where nature, culture, and community converge. Located in the quiet village of Ieizuka, this thoughtfully designed facility serves as both a rest stop and a gateway to the rich agricultural and natural heritage of Minamialps City.

More than a place to refuel, Shirane blends practical amenities with local charm. The southern information center provides real-time travel guidance, tourism maps, and multilingual support, while the northern JA Komano Ieizuka Branch—known as the Sakura Cherry Blossom Hall—hosts a vibrant farmers’ market. Here, visitors can savor freshly harvested produce, handmade jams, and local wines, all straight from the source. With electric vehicle charging stations, a baby care corner, and solar-powered lighting, Shirane reflects a commitment to sustainability and modern convenience. Whether you're exploring the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve or simply seeking a peaceful break, this roadside station offers a genuine taste of rural Japan.

Visit Shirane roadside station to experience the only location in the region where you can sample fresh, small-batch sakura plum wine made from locally grown, sun-ripened cherries. The station’s dedicated agricultural sales hall offers the only direct access to certified organic mountain-grown vegetables and handmade jams crafted from wild berries harvested within the South Alps UNESCO Global Geopark. These uniquely regional products, unavailable elsewhere, make this roadside station a must-stop for authentic local taste and sustainable agriculture.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit the information馆 between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to speak with the staff who can provide detailed guidance on hiking trails in the South Alps UNESCO Global Geopark, as they are most available during this time.

• Hidden Gems: At the JA Komano Kozuka Branch (known as Sakura Plum Hall), look for the handmade black garlic jam, which is only available during the harvest season from late September to early November.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the farm produce stand offers free samples of fresh-squeezed apple juice from the local orchards between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM.

• Family-Friendly Facility: Use the baby care corner located in the information馆, which includes a baby changing table and a dedicated milk warming station—ideal for parents traveling with infants.

• Local Product Tip: Purchase the “Kozuka Harvest Blend” honey, a unique local product made from nectar of wildflowers in the South Alps region, only sold at the produce stand during the summer months.

• Sustainable Feature: Take advantage of the solar-powered LED lighting system at the parking area, which is most visible and functional during evening visits when the lights automatically turn on.

• Electric Vehicle Note: If you're using an electric vehicle, plan to visit the charging station before October 31, as it will be closed for maintenance until mid-2026; the station is located near the south entrance of the facility.

Spring (March–May): Peak season for fresh bamboo shoots at the roadside station market and canola flowers in full bloom across the region.

Summer (June–August): Fresh cherries available at the roadside station's agricultural sales point and ideal hiking weather in the surrounding mountains.

Autumn (September–November): Chrysanthemum displays at the roadside station and seasonal harvest festivals featuring local produce.

Winter (December–February): Limited access to outdoor activities, but the roadside station remains open for warm indoor visits and seasonal souvenirs.