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Michi-no-Eki JournalMap
Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Nagano Prefecture · Kanto

Michi-no-Eki Ueda Michi to Kawa no Eki

道の駅 上田 道と川の駅

Enjoy a Baka Burger, then extend your stop to the Chikuma River and Iwahana rock.

Updated Michi-no-Eki JournalRead in Japanese

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Location
Ueda City
Road
National Route 18 Ueda-Sakaki Bypass
Hours
9:00–17:00
Approximate hours for the shop and office. The restaurant and dog run have different hours.
Parking
Cars: 66 / Large vehicles: 25
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How to enjoy

Choose how to enjoy your visit

Eat, shop, play, take in the view or rest. Choose from the station’s strengths to suit your day.

Eat first
Baka Burger

The station's signature burger has a bun containing Ueda-grown rice flour and a horse-and-venison patty.

Take home
Seasonal fruit and local vegetables

Fruit, vegetables, wild greens and mushrooms vary with the season and deliveries.

Relax outdoors
The lawn and river-station area

A stroll by the waterside channel or on the lawn after eating can refresh even a short stop.

For a view
Iwahana rock and Chikuma Park

Iwahana is striking even from below at the station; allow more time to reach the viewpoint.

With a dog
Free dog run

Open from sunrise to sunset. Check the ground for mud after bad weather and follow the posted rules.

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph
Koharu's detour notes

Choose one reason to eat here, then make a little time for the river and Iwahana.

Koharu Kashiwagi sees this station as a place to choose a Ueda food experience first. Make the Baka Burger or horse-meat udon the center of lunch, then pick up fruit or seasonal goods at the shop. If it is clear, head for the lawn or river-station area; if time allows, continue to Chikuma Park. Eat, shop and take in the view, and a short stop beside the highway becomes a real part of the trip.

Highlights

Michi-no-Eki Ueda Michi to Kawa no Eki sits on the National Route 18 Ueda-Sakaki Bypass and brings together a shop, the Iwahana restaurant, a lawn, a waterside channel and a dog run. Stop for the Baka Burger, made with a bun containing Ueda-grown rice flour and a horse-and-venison patty, horse-meat udon, and seasonal fruit and vegetables. On a clear day, add the views at Hanga Park and Chikuma Park to get a fuller sense of the area.

  • #Baka Burger
  • #Iwahana restaurant
  • #Seasonal fruit
  • #Chikuma River
  • #Hanga Park
  • #Iwahana rock
  • #Dog run
Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

01

The signature Baka Burger brings Ueda's food culture together in a bun

Its name plays on the Japanese words for horse (uma) and deer (shika). The Baka Burger combines Ueda's horse-meat food tradition with venison from Nagano Prefecture, giving you a distinctive reason to eat here. At the Iwahana restaurant, horse-meat udon and seasonal specials are other options. On a day when you skip a sit-down meal, you can take fast food or a drink outside.

02

Browse fruit and seasonal produce at the farm shop first

The shop generally opens from 9:00 to 17:00 and stocks locally grown vegetables, fruit and specialty goods. The selection changes with the seasons, from grapes and apples to hachiku bamboo shoots and matsutake mushrooms. A lap of the shop before eating helps you choose what to take home while it is available.

03

Switch between lawn, waterside channel and dog run without leaving the station

The roadside-station zone to the south has a lawn, walking course and dog run; the river-station zone to the north opens onto a waterside area. Between shopping and driving, children and dogs can spend a little time moving around outdoors.

04

Iwahana and Chikuma Park reveal Ueda's landscape

The striking Iwahana rock, visible from the station, is a local landmark about 100 m high. If you have time, head up to Chikuma Park for a view over the Chikuma River and Ueda's urban area. Adding the scenery to a food and shopping stop makes this place more memorable.

Route idea

Ways to plan your stop

Spend your time at the station or add somewhere nearby. These ideas help you plan around your companions and the weather.

A drive around lunchtime on National Route 18

Make a 40-minute lunch stop feel like Ueda

After parking, first browse the shop for fruit and seasonal goods, then have a Baka Burger or horse-meat udon at Iwahana. A short walk across the lawn or to the river-station side after eating turns lunch into a fuller break.

Parking → shop → Iwahana restaurant → lawn

Meal dishes are generally served 11:00–16:00, and the Baka Burger and other fast food around 10:30–16:00. If you arrive late, leave room to switch to the shop or drinks.

A short scenic detour on a clear day

Take a Baka Burger on a picnic at Chikuma Park

Instead of sitting down for a full restaurant meal, take food from the counter or shop up to Chikuma Park above Iwahana. Views of Ueda and the Chikuma River add to the meal. In spring there are cherry blossoms and night views; in summer, choose a cooler time of day.

Station → restaurant or shop → Chikuma Park → station or onward

Chikuma Park is outside the station grounds. Consider your group's stamina, parking and sun exposure rather than assuming a simple walk.

A family stop during summer vacation or a weekend

Plan a family visit around a river-station event

On days with riverside activities such as summer ayu-catching, a hands-on sweetfish event, bring shoes that can get wet and prepare for the heat. The restaurant, farm shop and waterside channel are close together, so an event can flow into a meal, break and shopping.

River-station waterside channel → change and rest → restaurant → shop

Waterside event dates, registration and what to bring change. Allow extra time for parking and eating on event days.

A dog-friendly break while driving toward Ueda or Sakaki

Give your dog a change of pace on the drive

The free dog run, lawn and restaurant's open terrace give a dog-owning group several ways to rest. Before heading for the shop or snacks, check your dog's water, leash and the ground conditions rather than rushing straight to a meal.

Parking → dog run → terrace seating and snack → shop

Keep dogs on a leash outside the dog run. The run is open sunrise to sunset; avoid it when the ground is muddy after bad weather.

Before heading home from a half-day drive

Finish the day toward Bessho Onsen

After eating and shopping at the station, Ikushimatarushima Shrine and Bessho Onsen Aisome-no-Yu are possible stops toward Shiodadaira. Local food at the station followed by a shrine and an onsen hot-spring bath makes a satisfying route.

Station → Ikushimatarushima Shrine → Bessho Onsen Aisome-no-Yu

Check the onsen's closed days and last admission, and the shrine's parking and event days. Avoid packing too much into the evening.

Hours

Opening hours

Shop and office
9:00〜17:00

Seasonal produce, fruit and specialty goods vary with deliveries.

Iwahana restaurant
Weekdays 9:00–17:00; weekends and holidays 10:00–17:00

Meal dishes 11:00–16:00; Baka Burger and other fast food generally 10:30–16:00.

Dog run
Sunrise–sunset

Free. Avoid at night or when muddy after bad weather.

Parking and toilets
Listed as available 24 hours

Hours differ from the shop and restaurant.

Family

Visiting with children

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Stars show the editorial recommendation for each age group on a five-point scale. Read the reasons alongside each rating.

Ages 1 and under
★★★☆☆

Useful for toilets, shopping and a brief break on the lawn.

Keep meals and events short, with an easy return to the car. In summer, check sun exposure and the heat by the water first.

Ages 2–3
★★★★☆

The lawn and river-station area offer an easy change of scene.

The waterside channel and event days are fun, but wet shoes and a change of clothes may be needed. Keep snacks or shop options open instead of relying only on the Baka Burger.

Ages 4–6
★★★★☆

River-station events, the lawn and a viewpoint combine well.

Hands-on days such as ayu-catching can be memorable. For Chikuma Park, weigh the walking distance and heat; if it is too much, stay on the station lawn.

Elementary-school children
★★★★★

The river, Iwahana, disaster-response facilities and local food can make a day of learning.

Connect the story behind the Baka Burger with the Chikuma River's landscape, views from Iwahana and the medical-helicopter landing area.

Waterside day

Bring shoes that can get wet, a change of clothes, hats and water.

Lunchtime

Meal dishes, fast food and drinks have separate serving times.

Lawn break

For small children, moving around before or after shopping can work better than a long stop.

Viewpoint detour

Chikuma Park has appealing views, but consider sun exposure and the travel distance.

Event

Make an event part of your visit

Permanent spaces and dated events are listed separately. Events can change both the atmosphere and crowds; use the official links for details.

Checking event dates.

Spaces used for events

River-station waterside channel

A setting for summer waterside activities such as ayu-catching. Plan for wet shoes and heat.

Lawn

Open space at the station for a rest after eating, a change of pace for children or time between event activities.

Dog run

A free facility for breaks with dogs. It has separate areas for small dogs and medium or large dogs, and opens from sunrise to sunset.

Chikuma Park

Spring lantern lighting and activities around its centennial make this viewpoint above Iwahana a possible extension of a meal at the station.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

Browse seasonal produce before the end of your visit

Seasonal vegetables, fruit and specialty goods are central to the shop. What you can buy changes between fruit season and the seasons for wild greens and mushrooms, so look at anything that interests you before eating.

Source: Summary of official shop information

Children can change pace on the lawn and by the water

The roadside-station zone of Hanga Park has a lawn and walking course, while the river-station zone has waterside space. Think of these as places to move around before or after a meal or shopping, rather than coming for large playground equipment.

Source: Summary of Ueda City park information

The dog run and terrace work well together

There is a free dog run and an open terrace at the restaurant. Use a leash outside the run and check for muddy ground after rain and the time of sunset when planning a dog break on a long drive.

Source: Summary of official dog-run information

Summer event days need more preparation than an ordinary break

Events such as ayu-catching, flower markets and fireworks add to the station's appeal but change what to bring and how to plan for heat, parking and meal times. Arrive early or plan to eat outside the busiest time.

Source: Summary of official event information
Before your visit

Things to check before setting out

Opening and closure days, individual businesses and facilities for children or dogs can affect your plans.

  • The shop generally opens 9:00–17:00, and the restaurant generally opens 9:00–17:00 on weekdays and 10:00–17:00 on weekends and holidays. Check the separate meal-service hours of 11:00–16:00 and Baka Burger and other fast-food hours of about 10:30–16:00.
  • Parking and toilets are listed as available 24 hours. Late at night or early in the morning, plan to rest or check your route rather than shop or eat.
  • Availability of the Baka Burger, seasonal specials and produce changes with service and deliveries. Keep the shop or sweets in mind if your first choice is unavailable.
  • For river-station events, bring shoes that can get wet, gloves, a hat and water. In summer, plan shade and breaks first.
  • If visiting Chikuma Park, consider sun, footing, parking and the season for flowers or night views; you can also keep your break within the station.
  • Use a leash outside the dog run, and avoid the run after bad weather or after sunset.
Food

Eating and shopping

Specialities, places to eat, sweets and bakeries can all give you a reason to stop. Check individual menus for current prices and availability.

  • Signature snack
    Baka Burger
    Check fast-food serving hours
  • Meal
    Horse-meat udon
    Check meal-service hours
  • Meal
    Seasonal specials
    Varies by season, including bamboo-shoot set meals
  • Sweet treat
    Mulberry soft serve
    Varies with availability
  • Farm shop
    Locally grown fruit and vegetables
    Varies by season and deliveries
Food mood

What would you like to eat?

A meal, a sweet treat, market shopping or something to take away: choose a focus for the day instead of trying everything at once.

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph
Try a signature dish

Baka Burger, horse-meat udon

Good first choices on an initial visit: choose the burger for a lighter bite or the udon for a warm, seated meal.

Serving times and sellouts depend on the day's operation.

Take a sweet break

Mulberry soft serve, drinks, seasonal snacks

Even when you do not want a full meal, a treat can make this a pleasant break by the Chikuma River and refresh children or fellow passengers.

Take something home

Apples, grapes, local vegetables, wild greens, mushrooms

Browse the shop first. Seasonal goods may be gone by the time you leave, so choose anything that interests you early.

Take food outside

Takeout, drinks, something from the farm shop

If you are heading to the lawn or Chikuma Park, eating with a view can extend the experience beyond the dining room.

When it is busy

Shop, drinks, riverside stroll, nearby viewpoints

Around lunchtime, browse the shop or walk first to make the wait for food easier.

Access

Location and surroundings

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1
Roadside station
Michi-no-Eki Ueda Michi to Kawa no Eki

Enjoy a Baka Burger, then extend your stop to the Chikuma River and Iwahana rock.

Open in Google Maps
2
Park and waterside
Hanga Park (半過公園) and River-Station Waterside Area

Step out to the lawn and Chikuma River at this park beside the station before or after a meal.

Open in Google Maps
3
Nature and viewpoint
Chikuma Park and Iwahana Viewpoint

After a Baka Burger, look out over the Chikuma River and Ueda from this viewpoint.

Open in Google Maps
4
Break with a dog
Otogi no Sato Dog Run

Break up a National Route 18 drive with your dog at this free dog run.

Open in Google Maps
5
History and culture
Ikushimatarushima Shrine

After eating and shopping, take a short detour into Shiodadaira's history.

Open in Google Maps
6
Day-use hot spring
Bessho Onsen Aisome-no-Yu

Finish a half-day drive with a hot-spring bath after Ueda food and shopping.

Open in Google Maps
Food outlets and the market on the station grounds share the station pin. Nearby places are separate destinations to combine with your visit.
Nearby

Places to visit nearby

Park and waterside
Hanga Park (半過公園) and River-Station Waterside AreaJapanese guide
Within the station area; a short walkA short walk

Suited to a wait for food, a change of pace for children, summer waterside events or a break with a dog.

Nature and viewpoint
Chikuma Park and Iwahana ViewpointJapanese guide
Within about 1 km of the stationA short drive; decide whether to walk based on stamina and season

Suited to views on a clear day, spring cherry blossoms or a short detour after eating.

Break with a dog
Otogi no Sato Dog RunJapanese guide
Within the station area; a short walkA short walk

Suited to a drive with a dog on National Route 18 or a dog break before or after eating.

History and culture
Ikushimatarushima ShrineJapanese guide
About 15–20 minutes by car from the stationAbout 15–20 minutes by car

Suited to adding local history on the way toward Bessho Onsen after a meal at the station.

Day-use hot spring
Bessho Onsen Aisome-no-YuJapanese guide
About 25–30 minutes by car from the stationAbout 25–30 minutes by car

Suited to a relaxing bath before heading home after a meal and farm-shop visit.

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