Discover the Heart of Yamanashi’s Natural Bounty at Tsuru
Nestled in the lush foothills of Mount Fuji, Tsuru roadside station lies just steps from the Linear Chuo Shinkansen observation center in Yamanashi’s historic city of Tsuru. More than a rest stop, it’s a vibrant celebration of local heritage, where pristine mountain springs feed fertile farmland and centuries-old traditions thrive. At the heart of the station is the rich, mineral-rich Fuji spring water—honored as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Famous Springs”—that nourishes everything from succulent vegetables to award-winning Fuji-spring pork.
Visitors are invited to savor farm-to-table flavors at the local restaurant, enjoy artisanal gelato at Charcoal Farm, and explore seasonal markets featuring fresh Shining Muscat grapes, handmade mochi, and hand-dried persimmons. With a dynamic calendar of events—from the annual 9th Anniversary Festival and pumpkin harvest celebrations to limited-time holiday menus and live performances—Tsuru offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and community. Whether you're picnicking on the green lawn, photographing the charming town’s winning manhole cover design, or relaxing in the RV Park, every visit becomes a memorable journey into the soul of Yamanashi.
Why Visit
Tsuru roadside station is home to the region’s only artisanal milk ice cream made from Jersey cows raised on rich volcanic soil, a rare treat crafted exclusively from local ingredients. Visitors can also experience the only on-site dry-aging facility for Fuji-springwater pork, where cuts are aged for up to 14 days to develop deep, savory flavor—only available here.
Restaurants & Dining
Taste the essence of local flavor at Tsuru roadside station, where farm-fresh ingredients meet traditional recipes.
Local Produce Restaurant Okutteba
地産地消レストランお勝手場
Specialty
Local cuisine featuring Fuji-spring pork and fresh regional ingredients
A cozy restaurant offering traditional Japanese meals made with locally sourced ingredients, particularly focusing on Fuji-spring pork. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, ideal for travelers seeking authentic regional flavors.
Shopping Highlights
Discover seasonal produce and handmade goods at Tsuru roadside station's vibrant market stalls.
Farmers Market
おかいもの直売所
A direct sales market offering fresh local produce, seasonal vegetables, and regional specialties such as Fuji-spring pork and dried persimmons.
Products
Must-Try Item
Dried Persimmons (Hundred-eye Persimmons)
Gelato Cafe Tansho Farm
ジェラートカフェ炭香ふぁ～む
A charming gelato café serving handmade Italian-style gelato using local ingredients and seasonal fruits.
Products
Must-Try Item
Shinshu Muscat Gelato
Local Craft Store
小木曽商店
A specialty shop offering traditional dried fish and handmade crafts from local artisans.
Products
Must-Try Item
Dried Fish
Bakery
八ヶ岳ブレッド
A local bakery specializing in handmade bread and baked goods using regional flour and ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Eight Peaks Bread
Featured Products
Savor signature specialties like Fuji-spring pork and handcrafted sweets made from regional ingredients.
Shinshu Muscat
シャインマスカット
Premium grapes known for their bright color, juicy texture, and rich sweetness, harvested directly from local farms.
Dried Persimmons
干し柿
Hand-dried persimmons made from hundred-eye persimmons, known for their sweet, chewy texture and natural flavor.
Hana-katsu
はなかつお
A popular rice accompaniment made from dried fish, known for its savory flavor and perfect pairing with rice.
Shinshu Muscat Jelly
シャインマスカットゼリー
A refreshing jelly made from fresh Shinshu Muscat grapes, offering a sweet and fruity taste.
Shinshu Muscat Crepe
シャインマスカットクレープ
A sweet crepe filled with fresh Shinshu Muscat grapes and a hint of cream, perfect for dessert lovers.
Shinshu Muscat Popsicle
シャインマスカットアイス
A frozen treat made from real Shinshu Muscat grapes, offering a cool and refreshing dessert experience.
Shinshu Muscat Fruit Candy
シャインマスカットフルーツ飴
A homemade fruit candy made by heating Shinshu Muscat grapes with sugar, creating a sweet and chewy treat.
Shinshu Muscat Parfait
シャインマスカットつるビーパフェ
A limited-time parfait featuring layers of Shinshu Muscat grapes, cream, and a special touch of the local mascot 'Tsuru-Bee'.
City of Tsuru Mochi
城下町大福
Handmade mochi created by local producers, featuring a soft, sweet filling and delicate texture.
Fuji Spring Pork
富士湧水ポーク
Premium pork raised using natural spring water from Mount Fuji, known for its tenderness and rich flavor.
Seasonal Vegetable Box
季節の野菜セット
A curated box of fresh, locally grown seasonal vegetables, perfect for home cooking.
Tsuru-Bee Merchandise
つるビー
Official merchandise featuring the local mascot Tsuru-Bee, including plush toys and souvenirs.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, and a scenic green plaza at Tsuru roadside station.
RV Park
The RV Park at Tsuru roadside station allows overnight parking for vehicles. The station provides designated parking areas including temporary parking during peak times such as weekends and holidays.
Near the main entrance and adjacent to the green square
Restrooms
Public restrooms are available at the roadside station for visitors' convenience.
Inside the main facility building
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station for visitors.
Throughout the facility, including the main hall and outdoor areas
Tourist Information Center
The tourist information center provides visitors with local maps, event information, and assistance with travel planning in the Tsuru area.
Located within the main facility
Green Square
The green square is an open grassy area ideal for outdoor events, family gatherings, and children's play. It hosts seasonal events such as the 'Medaka Festival' and 'Harvest Festival'.
Adjacent to the main building and near the parking area
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available at the roadside station for visitors using electric vehicles.
Near the main parking area
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitors to withdraw cash.
Near the entrance of the main building
Nursing Room
A private nursing room is available for mothers with infants, providing a quiet and comfortable space for breastfeeding or changing diapers.
Inside the main facility building
Activities & Experiences
Participate in seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and family-friendly activities throughout the year.
New Rice Festival
新米祭り
Participate in a celebration of freshly harvested rice, enjoy free rice tastings, and receive a limited-time gift of 'Hana-katsu' (a popular rice side dish) when purchasing 5 kilograms of rice. The event is limited to the first 25 customers and ends when supplies run out.
Duration
120 min
Indoor event, weather not a factor
Grape Dessert Fair
ぶどうスイーツフェア
Enjoy a variety of grape-themed desserts including grape crepes, grape jelly, and a special grape parfait made with fresh Shining Muscat grapes. Participate in a lucky draw with prize options including fresh grapes.
Duration
180 min
Indoor event, weather not a factor
Halloween Special Lunch
ハロウィン特別メニュー
Create your own Halloween-themed sandwich using a soft French bread and choose your favorite fillings. Option to substitute with brown rice. Available only during the Halloween event period.
Duration
60 min
Indoor event, weather not a factor
Halloween-themed Craft Workshop
ハロウィン限定スイーツフェア
Learn how to make fruit candy using fresh Shining Muscat grapes with a simple microwave recipe. Participants will create their own sweet treats using locally sourced grapes.
Duration
45 min
Indoor activity, weather not a factor
9th Anniversary Festival
9周年祭
Celebrate the roadside station's 9th anniversary with a full day of events including a fireworks display, live performances by local bands, a traditional dance performance, a raffle, and a variety of food stalls and kitchen cars.
Duration
360 min
Fireworks may be rescheduled to the next day in case of rain
Local Culture and History Tour
城下町の歴史と文化ツアー
Explore the historical background of Tsuru City, a former castle town with deep roots in the Edo period. Learn about traditional textiles like 'Kunai-jima' and visit historical sites and preserved buildings.
Duration
90 min
Outdoor walking tour; bring rain gear if needed
Grape Harvest Experience
ぶどう収穫体験
Participate in a hands-on grape harvesting activity using fresh Shining Muscat and other local grape varieties. Learn about vineyard cultivation and taste freshly picked grapes.
Duration
75 min
Outdoor activity; best during dry, sunny days
Dry Persimmon Making Workshop
干し柿づくり体験
Learn how to make traditional dried persimmons using locally grown hundred-eye persimmons. Participants will prepare and dry the fruit following traditional methods.
Duration
120 min
Requires sunny, dry weather for drying; may be postponed if rainy
Municipal Manhole Cover Photo Spot
マンホール蓋記念撮影スポット
Visit a unique and charming manhole cover design inspired by the local mascot 'Tsuru-bi' and the nearby Linear Central Shinkansen. Take photos at this popular photo spot and enjoy a fun, interactive experience.
Duration
30 min
Outdoor spot; best during daylight hours
Local Food and Craft Market
地元グルメと手仕事市
Explore a market featuring local producers selling fresh vegetables, dried persimmons, handmade sweets like 'Jōkamachi Daifuku', and regional specialties such as dried fish and bread from the Eight Peaks.
Duration
150 min
Indoor and outdoor stalls; weather may affect outdoor sections
Insider Tips
Visit early to secure limited-edition treats and check event schedules for special happenings.
- Best Arrival Time for Limited Menu Items: Visit the restaurant o-kotoba-jo between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM on weekends to secure a seat for the limited-time Halloween Special Menu featuring the pumpkin-themed soft French sandwich, which sells out quickly during the October 25–31 event window.
- Hidden Gems at the Deli Counter: Look for the handmade "Shirogane-cho Daifuku" (city gate town mochi) in the direct sales shop—these are crafted by local producers and available only seasonally; they are especially popular with visitors seeking a sweet, traditional treat.
- Seasonal Product Tip: Purchase 5 kilograms of fresh rice during the New Rice Festival on November 9 to receive a free "Hana-katsu" (dried bonito) as a limited-time gift—only 25 people can claim this per day, so arrive early.
- Best Time to Visit the Gelato Café: Head to the Cangyo Farm Gelato Café between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM on weekdays to enjoy the Shinshu Muscat grape gelato, which is made fresh daily and often sells out by mid-afternoon.
- Event-Only Experience: On November 1–2 during the 9th Anniversary Festival, visit the green field area to attend the "Tsuru-Bi" live performance at 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM—these are scheduled appearances by the official mascot, Tsuru-Bi, and are not available on other days.
- Unique Photo Spot: Take a photo at the manhole cover design near the entrance that features Tsuru-Bi, the roadside station, and the Shinkansen, which is the winning entry from the local manhole cover design contest and only visible at Tsuru.
- Best Time for Festival Specials: Visit the direct sales shop on September 27–28 to get a free draw ticket for the "Grape Lottery" when purchasing any of the Shinshu Muscat grape desserts—winning prizes include fresh grapes, and the event is only held during the Grape Dessert Festival.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available in early spring; limited seasonal produce at the market.
Summer (June-August): Shining muscat grapes sold from late July; summer events like the local vitality project.
Autumn (September-November): Muscat grape sweets festival in September; dry persimmons and new rice festival in November.
Winter (December-February): Limited hours; no major seasonal events or special produce highlighted.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Tsuru roadside station features a spacious green square with children's events like the 'Meada Cafe' and 'KIDS Corner' during festivals. Playful elements include the mascot 'Tsuru Bi' and a themed manhole cover, enhancing engagement. Facilities are stroller-accessible with clear signage and ample space.
Food Lover Review
Tsuru offers diverse dining with local specialties like Fuji spring water pork, seasonal fruits such as Shining Muscat grapes, and unique treats like dried persimmons and handmade 'Jōkōmachi Daifuku'. The farm-to-table market and seasonal festivals highlight regional produce and craftsmanship.
Car Camping Review
The RV Park provides basic facilities including restrooms and vending machines. Overnight parking is allowed, and the site has designated areas with space for vehicles. While quiet during weekdays, weekend crowds and limited space may affect comfort.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near the Fuji foothills, Tsuru offers scenic views of nature and seasonal landscapes. The green square and surrounding hills create a peaceful atmosphere. Photo spots like the manhole cover and seasonal events enhance visual appeal and natural charm.