Roadside Station Hiyoshi Kiso-Komagatake Kogen is a popular roadside station along National Route 19 in Kiso Town, Nagano Prefecture. Set against the magnificent backdrop of Mount Kiso-Komagatake in the Central Alps, it is an ideal place to take a break while traveling through the historic Kiso Valley.
The facility brings together the natural beauty, history, and food culture of Kiso. Visitors can enjoy locally grown produce, traditional specialties, regional products, and exhibits introducing the area’s history. With its impressive mountain scenery and relaxed atmosphere, it is much more than a simple roadside rest stop.
Roadside Station Hiyoshi Kiso-Komagatake Kogen has a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by the mountains of the Central Alps. On clear days, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Mount Kiso-Komagatake from the rest areas and viewing spaces.
From spring through autumn, the blue sky and fresh green landscape create a beautiful contrast, while in winter the snow-covered mountains take on a particularly majestic and almost mystical appearance.
The facility is also home to a monument marking the midpoint between eastern and western ends of the Nakasendo. The historic Nakasendo was approximately 522 kilometers long, connecting Edo, present-day Tokyo, with Kyoto. Travelers stopping here today can pause at almost exactly the same midpoint once used by people journeying along this important historic highway.
The main building, called Sasaringokan, was designed with the nearby Yoshinaka Yakata museum in mind. The museum introduces the life and history of Minamoto no Yoshinaka, also known as Kiso Yoshinaka, a famous warrior associated with the Kiso region.
Yoshinaka was a warrior of the Shinano Minamoto clan who rose to prominence at the end of the Heian period. He was a cousin of Minamoto no Yoritomo and Minamoto no Yoshitsune. After raising an army in response to the imperial order issued by Prince Mochihito, Yoshinaka achieved major victories against the Taira clan, including the famous battles of Kurikara Pass and Shinohara.
Because of his remarkable military achievements, he became known as Asahi Shogun, or “Morning Sun Shogun.” Exhibits inside the facility introduce historical materials connected with Yoshinaka and provide an opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of Kiso.
A visit here is therefore a chance to experience not only the natural beauty of the mountains, but also the deep history of the people who once lived and traveled through this region.
The roadside station is also an excellent place to discover the distinctive food culture of Kiso. The restaurant serves dishes made with locally produced ingredients, including Gonbei Soba, prepared with 100% locally milled buckwheat flour, as well as dishes featuring Kiso beef.
One of the specialties visitors should look for is Sunki, a traditional Kiso food made by naturally fermenting the leaves of red turnips without using any salt.
Sunki is a distinctive local pickle characterized by its gentle sourness and refreshing aroma. It has been recognized as part of Nagano’s culinary heritage and has also been selected for the Ark of Taste by the international Slow Food movement. It is also valued as a traditional fermented food, and studies and local descriptions have drawn attention to its potential health benefits.
At the Shunsai Kobo shop inside the facility, visitors can find the original GI Sunki brand along with a variety of products such as Sunki soba, Sunki curry, and Sunki dressing. These make interesting souvenirs for travelers who want to take a taste of Kiso home with them.
On July 16, 2022, Roadside Station Hiyoshi Kiso-Komagatake Kogen reopened following a major renovation.
The former separate shop building was integrated into the main facility, making the local agricultural products area easier to access. The restaurant was also redesigned as an open food-court-style space by removing the doors that had separated it from the rest of the facility. The result is a more welcoming environment for both visitors and local residents.
The farmers’ market offers a changing selection of seasonal mountain vegetables, fresh produce, matsutake mushrooms, Sunki, traditional local foods, and regional sake. It serves not only as a place for travelers to shop, but also as a connection between local farmers and the people who enjoy their produce.
The roadside station has a spacious parking area with space for 76 regular vehicles, 7 large vehicles, and 3 vehicles for visitors with disabilities. Toilets and a public telephone are also available, with some facilities accessible 24 hours a day.
The station is conveniently located directly along National Route 19. It is also within walking distance of Harano Station on the JR Chuo Main Line. The “Hiyoshi Kiso-Komagatake Kogen” bus stop on the Chuo Highway Bus route between Shiojiri and Kiso-Fukushima is located nearby as well.
Several attractions are located in the surrounding area, including Kiso-Koma Forest Park, Rinsanji Temple, and Hatakue Hachimangu Shrine, making the roadside station a convenient base for combining nature, history, and cultural sightseeing.
Roadside Station Hiyoshi Kiso-Komagatake Kogen brings together some of the best things about the Kiso region: spectacular mountain scenery, the history of Kiso Yoshinaka, traditional foods, and the everyday life of local communities.
Fresh agricultural products, traditional Sunki, regional specialties, local crafts, and the magnificent mountains of the Central Alps all come together in one welcoming place.
When traveling through the historic Kiso Valley, take time to stop here and enjoy the scenery, flavors, and culture of the region. With Mount Kiso-Komagatake rising in the distance, this roadside station offers a peaceful glimpse into the natural richness and enduring traditions of Kiso.