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

Nagano Prefecture · Kanto

Michi-no-Eki Yachiho Kogen (Yachiho Kogen Roadside Station)

道の駅 八千穂高原

A new gateway near the Chubu-Odan Expressway exit for food, farm shopping, indoor play and the birch-covered highlands.

Updated Michi-no-Eki JournalRead in Japanese

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Location
Sakuho Town, Minamisaku District
Road
National Route 299
Hours
Varies by facility
Bloomin farm shop 9:00–18:00; BISTRO8 11:00–15:00 (last order 14:30); Yachi Cafe 8:30–17:00 (last order 16:00); visitor center 8:15–17:00; mont-bell 10:00–19:00; dog run and second-floor indoor community space 9:00–18:00; FamilyMart 24 hours. Bloomin and BISTRO8 hours vary seasonally; the official website posts temporary shorter hours.
Parking
Cars: 155 / Large vehicles: 9
My stamp

Record this station in your journal

Records are saved in this browser. Visited stations receive a stamp and count towards your nationwide progress.

Nationwide progress
— / 1,238 stations
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.

For your first stop
Prepare for the highlands with restrooms, farm shopping and a cafe

Before climbing toward Shirakoma Pond or the nature park, pick up drinks and a snack at the station.

For food
BISTRO8 for lunch; Yachi Cafe for something lighter

For lunch, keep BISTRO8's 14:30 last order in mind. If you arrive later, switch to the cafe and farm shop.

For shopping
Prunes, apples, highland vegetables and hanamame beans

Fruit and vegetable selection varies by season and time of day, so shop earlier if that is a priority.

With children
Second-floor children's play area and rest area

On rainy or cold days, take an indoor break instead of forcing more outdoor play.

Heading farther afield
Yachiho Kogen Nature Park or Shirakoma Pond

In fine weather, head for birch woods or mossy forest. In fog, rain or wintry road conditions, stay at the station or closer by.

Chiho's stopover notes

Prepare at Yachiho Kogen first to give your family more options.

Chiho Kurose first looks for places where children can move, restrooms, meals and somewhere to go if it rains. This station combines a farm shop and cafe with a children's play area, dog run, convenience store and tourist information. In sunshine, go to the birch woods or mossy forest; if the weather worsens, eat, shop and rest indoors. Not having to commit to one plan helps on a family drive.

Plan children's breaks and meals before climbing into the highlands; the road ahead will feel easier.

Highlights

Michi-no-Eki Yachiho Kogen is a new stop in southern Saku on National Route 299 near Sakuho IC. It has the Bloomin farm shop, BISTRO8, Yachi Cafe, FamilyMart, mont-bell, a dog run, and a children's play area and rest area on the second floor. Before or after visiting Yachiho Kogen or Shirakoma Pond, you can eat, shop, let children play and decide where to go based on the weather.

  • #Sakuho IC
  • #Yachiho Kogen
  • #Birch forest
  • #Farm shop
  • #BISTRO8
  • #Yachi Cafe
  • #Children's play area
  • #Dog run
Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

01

Eat and check the weather before heading into the highlands

Close to Sakuho IC, this is a useful preparation stop before following National Route 299 toward Yachiho Kogen and Mugikusa Pass. On days bound for Shirakoma Pond or the nature park, use the restroom, get drinks and a snack, and check road and weather conditions before entering the mountains.

02

Farm shop, restaurant and cafe serve different needs

Bloomin stocks produce and processed foods from Sakuho and southern Saku; BISTRO8 suits a highland-drive lunch; and Yachi Cafe works for a short coffee or soft-serve break. Even without a full meal, prunes, apples, hanamame (large local runner beans) or miso make a regional take-home purchase.

03

Children and dogs have places to reset at the station

An outdoor dog run and a second-floor children's play area and rest area help families with different needs regroup. On rainy, very hot or cold winter days, you can shorten a highland walk and plan around a meal and indoor rest instead.

04

Birch woods, mossy forest, camping and skiing lie nearby

The area offers Yachiho Kogen Nature Park, Shirakoma Pond, Komadeike Campground and Yachiho Kogen Ski Resort, with different draws by season. Walk from spring through autumn, escape summer heat, see autumn leaves, or enjoy snow play and skiing in winter; the station can be both a stop and a branching point.

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.

Days heading from Sakuho IC to Yachiho Kogen, Shirakoma Pond or Mugikusa Pass

A 30-minute preparation stop before the highlands

After parking, use the restroom and get drinks and snacks first. Browse fruit and highland vegetables at the farm shop, then head to the nature park or Shirakoma Pond if the weather is good. If children are restless, let them move around upstairs briefly before the mountain drive.

Sakuho IC → Michi-no-Eki Yachiho Kogen → restrooms, farm shop and cafe → Yachiho Kogen Nature Park or Shirakoma Pond.

Driving conditions toward Mugikusa Pass change with the season and weather. In winter or severe weather, follow current road information and official destination guidance.

Drives with preschoolers or dogs, and rainy or very hot days

A substantial break for food, shopping and play at the station

Have lunch at BISTRO8, a sweet break at Yachi Cafe, and choose take-home items at the farm shop. The second-floor play and rest areas let the family reset its pace. A short dog-run stop also helps dogs stretch after time in the car.

Park → dog run or children's play area → BISTRO8 → Bloomin → Yachi Cafe.

Crowds and weather affect the dining, indoor areas and dog run. Several short stops may suit better than a long stay.

Spring-to-autumn visits to Yachiho Kogen Nature Park, Shirakoma Pond or autumn leaves

A seasonal walk pairing birch woods with farm shopping

On a clear day, choose local fruit or snacks at the station before heading for birch woods and mossy forest. Stop again on the way back to warm up in the cafe and choose fruit or processed foods for home.

Roadside station → Yachiho Kogen Nature Park → Shirakoma Pond or Komadeike → roadside station for shopping.

The area around Shirakoma Pond is high in elevation and cooler than the lowlands. Walking shoes, an extra layer and rain gear make changes of plan easier.

Yachiho Kogen Ski Resort, winter snow play and mountain drives on the Nagano side

In winter, use it to refuel before and after skiing or snowy roads

In winter, use the station for restrooms, convenience-store supplies, warm food or drinks and a fresh look at road conditions rather than as a base for a long walk. After skiing, eat at the restaurant if you arrive in time; later, use the convenience store and rest area.

Sakuho IC → roadside station → Yachiho Kogen Ski Resort → roadside station or a nearby bathing facility.

Snow and ice call for winter driving equipment. If heading toward pass roads, prioritize travel before sunset.

Family

Visiting with children

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

Age 1 and under
★★★☆☆

Good for a short indoor rest centered on restrooms and planning for nursing or diaper changes.

For a longer highland outing, temperature differences can be significant. Rest at the station first, then keep the outing short.

Ages 2–3
★★★★☆

An age that can enjoy a change of pace in the children's play area, cafe and brief time outdoors.

Rather than a long walk through the farm shop, break the visit into eating, a little play and returning to the car.

Ages 4–6
★★★★☆

Combine indoor play with a short walk through the birch woods.

In rain or cold, skip an extra nature-park visit and focus on food and the children's play area at the station.

Elementary school age
★★★★★

An age ready to extend the trip to Shirakoma Pond, the nature park, camping or skiing.

Observing mossy forest and birch woods or playing in winter snow can connect learning with outdoor fun across the seasons.

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

Market in the second-floor indoor community space

The Sakuho Living Market (さくほリビングマーケット) has been held in the second-floor indoor community space. Check official website notices for the next event.

Second-floor children's play area and rest area

Indoor facilities suited to family breaks in rain or cold. When busy, share the space and avoid occupying it for too long.

Seasonal events in Yachiho Kogen

Seasonal operating periods and peak-viewing information for the nature park, Shirakoma Pond, ski resort and campground affect when to visit. Use the station as a starting point and choose a destination based on that day's weather and operating status.

Official website notices

The official website announces anniversary events, markets and other activities. Past announcements show the kinds of events held; check the official website and Instagram for current plans.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

Weekends have drawn visitors since the station opened

As a new station near Sakuho IC with farm shopping, food, outdoor gear and a convenience store, it tends to draw diners and parked cars around lunchtime on holidays. Leave room to use the cafe, farm shop or second-floor rest area instead of relying on one lunch plan.

Source: Official facility information and review trends

Seasonal fruit at the farm shop can become a travel memory

Prunes, apples and highland vegetables are strongly associated with the Sakuho area; in season, they make a worthwhile take-home stop. Selection changes later in the day, so shoppers may want to browse before heading into the highlands.

Source: Official farm-shop information and regional tourism information

Indoor options can improve a family visit

Outdoor play is a draw of Yachiho Kogen, but rain, fog, cold or heat may shorten plans. Knowing about the station's children's play area and rest area helps make a break pleasant even when a nature stop is impractical.

Source: Official facility information and family-visit trends

Allow for elevation and weather differences toward Shirakoma Pond

Even when it is sunny near the station, temperature, fog, rain and road conditions may change toward Shirakoma Pond and Mugikusa Pass. Recheck walking shoes, an extra layer and rain gear at the station; if conditions are poor, choose the nature park or indoor rest instead.

Source: Yachiho Kogen tourism information and road-route checks

With dogs, choose between the dog run and a highland walk

The station's dog run allows a short break on a long drive. For a highland walk, check the nature park or campground rules, temperature and ground conditions before deciding whether to stay at the station or head out.

Source: Official facility information and trends in visits with dogs

In winter, the station is a place to resupply and reassess

On the way to the ski resort or snowy roads, use the station for restrooms, warm food and drinks, convenience-store supplies and a fresh check of road conditions. Avoid extending a trip toward the pass after sunset; a short stop can prepare the return drive.

Source: Yachiho Kogen Ski Resort and tourism information
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.

  • Meal
    Highland-drive lunch at BISTRO8
    11:00–15:00 (last order 14:30). Check official notices for menus and operating days.
  • Light refreshment
    Soft serve and coffee at Yachi Cafe
    8:30–17:00 (last order 16:00). A short break before or after the highlands.
  • Take-home food
    Bloomin prunes, apples and highland vegetables
    9:00–18:00. Selection changes with the season and time of day.
  • Shopping
    Hanamame beans, miso and locally processed foods
    Take-home foods typical of southern Saku. Browse the farm shop's seasonal shelves.
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.

Morning to before lunch

Fruit and highland vegetables at Bloomin; light food at Yachi Cafe

Stock up before climbing into the highlands. During prune and apple seasons, visit the farm shop first so you do not miss take-home produce.

Lunch

BISTRO8

The time to make the station a meal stop. Decide whether to eat before visiting the birch woods or Shirakoma Pond, or whether you can return in time.

Light break

Yachi Cafe soft serve, coffee and lattes

An option for families with children or a quick stop. Pair it with indoor rest in bad weather.

Take-home food

Prunes, apples, hanamame beans, miso and locally processed foods

Food gifts that evoke Sakuho. Seasonal produce varies, so browse the shelves and choose what is available.

When it is crowded

Switch to the cafe, convenience store, second-floor rest area or a nearby walk

Instead of concentrating the whole visit on the restaurant at lunchtime, combine the cafe, farm shop, children's play area and a trip toward the nature park to keep the itinerary flexible.

Access

Location and surroundings

Driving directions from your location
Open in your map appOpen in Google Maps
Explore stations near 佐久穂町 (Japanese guide)

If the map does not load, open it in Google Maps

1
Roadside station
Michi-no-Eki Yachiho Kogen (Yachiho Kogen Roadside Station)

A new gateway near the Chubu-Odan Expressway exit for food, farm shopping, indoor play and the birch-covered highlands.

Open in Google Maps
2
Children and indoor rest
Michi-no-Eki Yachiho Kogen second-floor children's play area and rest area

An indoor reset at the station for rain, cold or restless children before a mountain drive.

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

Michi-no-Eki Yachiho Kogen second-floor children's play area and rest area
Children and indoor rest
Michi-no-Eki Yachiho Kogen second-floor children's play area and rest areaJapanese guide
Inside the stationA very short walk

For preschoolers, rainy or cold days, and a brief reset before mountain roads.

Birch woods and nature walks
Yachiho Kogen Nature ParkJapanese guide
About 25–35 minutes by car from the stationAbout 25–35 minutes by car

For a short nature walk on a clear day, a birch-wood walk with children or an autumn foliage detour.

Pond and mossy forest
Shirakoma Pond and the mossy forestJapanese guide
About 35–45 minutes by car from the stationAbout 35–45 minutes by car

For nature observation with elementary-school children or older, mossy-forest walks, summer cool and autumn leaves.

Camping and waterside
Komadeike CampgroundJapanese guide
About 25–35 minutes by car from the stationAbout 25–35 minutes by car

For pre-camp shopping, summer cool and a family highland stay.

Skiing and snow play
Yachiho Kogen Ski ResortJapanese guide
About 25–35 minutes by car from the stationAbout 25–35 minutes by car

For winter skiing or snow play, supplies before or after snowy roads, and a family-drive break.

Share

Send your travel companions a possible stop.

Share on XShare on LINE

Send a correction

Let us know if information on this page, such as hours or closing days, is incorrect. Our editors will review your message before updating the guide.

We use your submission only to review and improve our content and to reply about your message.

Updated 2026-09-30Explore the nationwide map →