13 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Sakuho Town! A Model Itinerary for a Day Trip Featuring Shirakoma Pond, Local Cuisine, and Roadside Stations
13 Recommended Tourist Attractions in Sakuho Town!
Here are some suggested itineraries for day trips
Sakuho Town Tourism offers breathtaking views of Shirakoma Pond and the Yachiho Highlands Nature Park, as well as theRoadside Station Yachiho Kogen...and the best part is that you can enjoy a variety of gourmet dishes, such as Shinshu salmon, all in one place!
In this column, we’ll introduce 13 spots—including roadside stations—along with suggested day-trip itineraries.
◆ For those looking for highlights at Shirakoma Pond and the Yachiho Highlands Nature Park
◆ For those who want to stop by the Yachiho Kogen Roadside Station or try some local cuisine
◆ For those looking for a suggested itinerary for a day trip around Sakuho Town
↓Click here for popular tours in Nagano↓
Spectacular Views and Nature Spots in Sakuho Town
Sakuho Town is,Yatsugatake mountain rangeIt’s a town rich in natural beauty, surrounded by the mountains and the Chikuma River. Let’s start by exploring the scenic spots on the plateau!
↓Click here for our recommended Yatsugatake e-bike tours↓
Shirakoma Pond
Shirakoma Pond is a natural lake located southeast of Mugikusa Pass, the highest point on National Route 299. Among lakes and ponds at elevations exceeding 2,100 meters,Japan's LargestIt is said that...
The area is surrounded by virgin forests of Japanese white spruce and Japanese yew, and a carpet of moss spreads out beneath your feet. It has even been designated as one of “Japan’s Precious Moss Forests.”
There is a walking trail around the pond that takes about 40 minutes to complete, and the best time to see the fall foliage is typically from late September to early October. Since the parking lot gets crowded during the fall foliage season, we recommend arriving early in the morning.
◆Directions: About a 30-minute drive (approximately 25 km) from the Yachiho Kogen Interchange on the Chubu Transverse Expressway via National Route 299. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the parking lot to the pond.
◆Hours: Open for walking (National Route 299 is typically closed to traffic during the winter months from mid-November to mid-April)
◆Holidays: None
◆Parking: Available (approx. 170 spaces; 600 yen per day for passenger cars)
Yachiho Highlands Nature Park
Birch ForestThis refreshing nature park, surrounded by lush greenery, features clear streams and waterfalls. It offers three walking trails: the "White Trail," the "Blue Trail," and the "Green Trail."
From early summer through fall, you can enjoy wildflowers, and in the fall, the colorful foliage of Japanese and American maples. The best time to see the fall colors is typically from early to mid-October.
Admission is 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for elementary and middle school students. Since the park is typically open until early November, be sure to plan your fall visit early.
◆Directions: About a 20-minute drive from the Yachiho Kogen Interchange on the Chubu Transverse Expressway via National Route 299. About a 40-minute bus ride from JR Yachiho Station (service operates only on specific days).
◆Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Last admission at 4:00 p.m.) *Open from late April to early November (Hours are subject to change depending on the season, so please check the website)
◆Closed: Open every day during the operating season
◆ Parking: Available (50 standard-sized vehicles)
↓Click here for nature walks in Nagano↓
Furuya Gorge and Otome Falls
The Furuya Gorge and Otome no Mori are attractions located in a gorge along the upper reaches of the Nukui River.Otome FallsA walking trail has been built around Yaushiiwa, where you can enjoy the forest air while listening to the sound of flowing water.
There is also the "Otome no Mori Bungalow Village," which features kitchens and shower facilities. Since the condition of the walking trails varies depending on the season, we recommend checking in advance.
◆Directions: About 15 km by car from the Sakuho Interchange on the Chubu Transverse Expressway via National Route 299
◆Business Hours: Mid-April to Mid-December (Approximate operating period)
Yachiho Kogen Ski Resort
The Yachiho Kogen Ski Resort is the winter hub of the Yachiho Kogen Plateau, located at an elevation of 1,830 meters. It features 8 ski runs and 4 lifts.
For the 2026–27 season,November 30It is scheduled to open.
During the fall foliage season, the parking lot has sometimes been used as a shuttle bus stop for buses heading toward Shirakoma Pond. Since the schedule changes from year to year, please be sure to check for the latest information.
◆Directions: About 17 minutes by car from the Yachiho Kogen Interchange on the Chubu Transverse Expressway via National Route 299
◆Hours: 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) *For the 2026–27 season, hours are scheduled from November 30 to April 4, 2027.
◆Parking: Free (approx. 660 spaces)
↓Click here for packages offering snow activities in Nagano↓
Kurosawa Sake Brewery Sake Museum
At the museum located on the grounds of "Kurosawa Shuzo," a sake brewery at the uppermost reaches of the Chikuma River, you can learn about the history of sake brewing.
The exhibition features tools used by sake brewers from the Meiji to the Showa periods, as well as folk artifacts passed down through the Kurosawa family.Free Tasting CornerThat's another great feature.
The sake is known under the brand name “Izutsucho.” If you’re driving, please don’t drink so you can enjoy yourself.
◆Directions: About a 5-minute walk from Yachiho Station on the JR Koumi Line
◆Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from November through mid-April) *Free admission
Click here to see the ranking of popular plans in Nagano
Shopping and Taking a Break at Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen
Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen, which opened on September 27, 2024, is located in NaganoThe 54th in the prefectureThis is a roadside station! Located just about a minute's drive from the Yachiho Kogen Interchange, it's the perfect base for sightseeing.
There’s also the Yachiho Kogen Visitor Center, a Mont-Bell store, convenience stores, and a free dog park. It’s a popular spot that has attracted over 1 million visitors.
◆Directions: Take the exit for Yachiho Kogen IC on the Chubu Transverse Expressway, turn right, and drive about 200 meters (about 1 minute by car).
◆Hours: Farm Stand 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. / BISTRO8 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (Last Order 2:30 p.m.) / Visitor Center 8:15 a.m.–5:00 p.m. / Yachi Café 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
◆Closed: The Farm Stand and BISTRO8 are closed on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month. *If these days fall on a holiday, they will be closed the day before. The Visitor Center and Yachi Café are open every day (except for a few maintenance days each year).
◆Parking: Available (155 standard-sized cars, 15 motorcycles, 9 large vehicles)
↓Click here for an article about roadside stations in Nagano↓
Farmers' Market: Minasaku Marche Bloomin
From local farmersPremium VegetablesIt's a farm stand that features seasonal specialties.
It offers a wide selection of local specialties, mainly from Minami-Saku, making it a great place to pick out souvenirs.
◆Directions: Take the Chubu Transverse Expressway, exit at Yachiho Kogen IC, turn right, and continue for about 200 meters.
◆Business Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
◆Closed: Irregular (varies by season)
◆Parking: Use the parking lot at the roadside station (155 spaces for standard-sized vehicles)
Restaurant BISTRO8
At the roadside station's restaurant, you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients such as seasonal vegetables, river fish, soba, and meat.
Shinshu salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutsh)It is reported that dishes featuring Sakuho pork are popular. The menu may vary depending on the season.
It can get crowded around lunchtime, so be sure to arrive with plenty of time to spare.
◆Directions: Take the Chubu Transverse Expressway, exit at Yachiho Kogen IC, turn right, and continue for about 200 meters.
◆Hours: 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (Last order at 2:30 p.m.)
◆Closed: Closed on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month. *If a holiday falls on one of those days, we will be closed the day before.
◆Parking: Use the parking lot at the roadside station (155 spaces for standard-sized vehicles)
Recommended Restaurants in Sakuho Town
In Sakuho Town, rice flour noodles made with locally grown rice, “Sakuho-men"You can enjoy local flavors like [...], Shinshu salmon, and more! Here, we'll introduce shops and local specialties in town, starting with places you can easily stop by."
↓Click here for an article on Sakuho Town's culinary scene↓
Restaurant Takatonbo
Restaurant Takatonbo is a Western-style restaurant located right next to Yachiho Station on the JR Koumi Line.
The pasta made with “Sakuho-men”—a local specialty made from rice flour—is described as absolutely delicious. Cold pasta dishes are also available in the summer.
SakuhonaraYou can enjoy local lunch specialties like the (1,100 yen) and the Roasted Shinshu Salmon (1,870 yen)! Prices are approximate as of the time of publication.
◆Directions: Just a short walk from Yachiho Station on the JR Koumi Line
◆Hours: 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. (last order) / Closed Mondays
Restaurant Alpenrose
Restaurant Alpenrose is located in Takano TownWestern-style cuisineThis is the store.
It's within walking distance of JR Haguro-shita Station—why not add it to your list of options when you're in the mood for a hearty meal?
Please check the latest information on business hours and the menu before you head out.
◆Directions: About a 6-minute walk from Haguroshita Station on the JR Koumi Line
Pizza Post
Pizza Post is located in the Hata district of Sakuho TownPizza RestaurantIt is.
Be sure to add this to your lunch options while sightseeing in the Yachiho Highlands area.
We recommend checking the business hours and menu in advance.
◆Directions: About an 8-minute walk from Umise Station on the JR Koumi Line
Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc is located in the Chiyosato area, the same area as the Yachiho Kogen Ski Resort.Western-style restaurantIt is.
It's a convenient spot to stop by before or after a hike or a day of skiing in the highlands. Since operating hours and the menu are subject to change, be sure to check them in advance.
◆Directions: About 17 minutes by car from the Yachiho Kogen Interchange on the Chubu Transverse Expressway via National Route 299
Kitayatsu Ham
Kitayatsu Ham is a manufacturer of ham, bacon, and sausage, with its roots in a pig farm at the foot of the Northern Yatsugatake Mountains.
The shop is known for its wieners made with pork and spring water from the Yachiho Highlands, which won awards in the German Agricultural Association’s contest in 2012–2013Gold Award for the Second Consecutive Yearhas received the award.
Since these are popular as gifts in the local area, they’re a great option when choosing souvenirs. Please check in advance for in-store availability and business hours.
◆Directions: About an 8-minute drive from Yachiho Station
↓Click here for hands-on crafting experiences held in Sakuho Town↓
A Suggested Itinerary for a Day Trip Around Sakuho Town
Sakuho Town is,Head from the Yachiho Kogen Interchange toward the main attractionsThe best part is that it's affordable! Here, we'll introduce some sample itineraries you can enjoy on a day trip.
First, stop by the Yachiho Kogen Roadside Station in the morning and check out the latest tourist information at the visitor center.
After that, we’ll head toward Shirakoma Pond along National Route 299. By car from the Yachiho Kogen Interchange,Approx. 30 min....Let's take a leisurely stroll through the virgin forest.
On your way back, we recommend stopping at the Yachiho Highlands Nature Park to enjoy the birch forest and the clear stream.
In the afternoon, head to the area around Yachiho Station. After enjoying a lunch of Sakuhōmen at Restaurant Takatonbo, the Kurosawa Sake Brewery Museum is within walking distance.
Finally,Picking Out Souvenirs at the Roadside Station's Farmers' MarketIf you do this, you'll end the day on a high note.
Shirakoma Pond and the Nature Park have specific operating seasons, and road conditions change during the winter. Be sure to check the latest information before you leave.
*We recommend checking in advance for information such as regular closing days.
↓Click here for recommended bus tours in Nagano↓
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Tourism in Sakuho Town
Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen opened on September 27, 2024, and is the 54th roadside station in Nagano Prefecture.
The area features the "Minasaku Marche Bloomin" farmers' market, the "BISTRO8" restaurant, Yachi Cafe, the Yachiho Kogen Visitor Center (tourist information center), and mont-bell, among others.
It's about a 30-minute drive from the Yachiho Kogen Interchange via National Route 299.
National Route 299 is closed to traffic during the winter months, typically from mid-November to mid-April, so you cannot drive there in the winter. Parking costs 600 yen per day for passenger cars, and the bus from Yachiho Station runs only on specific days from May through October.
At BISTRO8 at the Yachiho Kogen Roadside Station, dishes featuring Shinshu salmon and Sakuho pork are said to be popular.
At Restaurant Takatonbo, you can enjoy pasta made with sakuhōmen noodles and roasted Shinshu salmon. The menu is subject to change, so please check in advance.
summary
Sakuho Town is a tourist destination featuring breathtaking scenery—such as Shirakoma Pond and the Yachiho Kogen Nature Park—as well as the Yachiho Kogen Roadside Station and a variety of local culinary delights!
It's perfect for first-timers because you can enjoy a great balance of nature and fine dining even on a day trip.
Since business hours and bus schedules are subject to change, please check before you gothe latest informationBe sure to check it out and enjoy your trip to Sakuho Town.
↓Click here to read the article.
