Roadside Station Agri-Mu Showa is a popular tourist and community hub located in the heart of Showa Village, Gunma Prefecture, just a short distance from the Showa Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway. With excellent road access, it serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the village and its surrounding countryside.
Showa Village is a member of the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Japan, and Agri-Mu Showa plays an important role in introducing the village’s agricultural products, local culture, and attractions to visitors.
Vast vegetable fields stretch out around the facility, with the mountains of the Joshinetsu region rising in the distance. The expansive agricultural landscape, reminiscent of the wide-open scenery of Hokkaido, offers an impressive view for visitors arriving in the area.
Showa Village is a highland agricultural area with significant differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures. These conditions are ideal for growing vegetables, and the village is known as one of Japan’s leading producers of highland vegetables.
In particular, lettuce and konjac potatoes are among the area’s best-known agricultural products.
Inside Agri-Mu Showa, the Shunsaikan Farmers’ Market is filled with freshly harvested vegetables and processed foods made from local agricultural products. During the peak season, freshly harvested lettuce is displayed in large quantities, allowing visitors to appreciate its freshness and quality.
The market is open from 9:00 to 18:00 from April through October and from 9:00 to 17:00 from November through March. It is closed during the New Year holiday period.
Many products are sold directly by local producers, giving visitors an opportunity to see where their food comes from and purchase fresh produce from the surrounding area.
One of the most popular features of Agri-Mu Showa is its free natural hot spring foot bath, which uses a circulating-flow and fresh-source system.
The hot spring source, known as “Amagairo no Kami no Otome no Yu,” is an alkaline, low-mineral, high-temperature spring. Its soft feel makes it especially pleasant for relaxing tired feet.
The spacious foot bath is free to use, making it an easy place to stop during a drive or after shopping. On special event days, visitors may also have the chance to enjoy seasonal baths such as rose baths or yuzu citrus baths.
With no special preparation required, the foot bath is an enjoyable stop for visitors of all ages.
Agri-Mu Showa offers several places to enjoy dishes prepared with ingredients from Showa Village.
The Farmers’ Restaurant serves set meals and ramen featuring local vegetables, as well as soft-serve ice cream made with seasonal fruits.
At Shunsaikan Shokudo Kotobukitei, visitors can enjoy Showa-grown buckwheat noodles made using freshly ground, freshly kneaded, and freshly boiled soba. Japanese-style set meals are also available.
The food is characterized by simple, comforting flavors that make the most of the natural taste of locally grown ingredients.
At the Agri-Mu Building, the Agricultural Tourism and Community Exchange Center, visitors can participate in hands-on activities related to farming and food production.
Seasonal programs include harvesting and food-processing experiences. In summer, visitors may be able to take part in corn-picking activities and enjoy the special taste of freshly harvested vegetables.
Another enjoyable way to explore the area is by using the facility’s bicycle rental service. Cycling through the expansive highland countryside offers magnificent panoramic views, particularly along the river terraces.
Agri-Mu Showa also provides free rest areas and an observation deck, allowing visitors to relax while taking in the surrounding scenery.
Showa Village is only about 80 minutes from the Tokyo metropolitan area, yet its landscapes are filled with expansive farmland, mountains, and the bounty of nature.
Roadside Station Agri-Mu Showa brings together many of these attractions in one convenient location. Visitors can shop for fresh vegetables, enjoy local cuisine, relax in a natural hot spring foot bath, and discover the rural scenery of Showa Village.
When visiting Showa Village, be sure to stop at Agri-Mu Showa and experience the fresh flavors, welcoming atmosphere, and spectacular landscapes of this highland agricultural region.