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

Hiroshima Prefecture · Chugoku

Michi-no-Eki Takano

道の駅 たかの

Just off Takano IC, this highland roadside station offers Takano apples, daikon radishes and foods aged in a snow storehouse to take home.

Updated Michi-no-Eki JournalRead in Japanese

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Location
Shobara City
Road
Prefectural Route 39 | Miyoshi–Takano Line
Hours
Shopping, yukimuro and other facilities: 9:00-18:00
Waiwai Kogen Market, yukimuro, tourist information and more. The yukimuro generally closes in winter.
Parking
See facility information
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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.

See first
Waiwai Kogen Market

Start with Takano apples and daikon, Shobara rice, pickles and local sake. Fresh produce is easiest to choose from morning to just before noon.

For lunch
Sorara

A buffet centered on Shobara vegetables. If lunch is your main goal, arrive in the 11 o'clock hour to leave time for shopping and nearby sights.

For a quick stop
Takano Kitchen

Take a short break with soba, rice balls or gelato. It also works well before or after Takano IC.

To take home
Snow-stored products and apple sweets

Snow-stored apples, yukimuro coffee and apple pies make distinctive Takano gifts. Consider your journey home if an item needs to be kept cool.

To go farther
Choose a destination for the season

Visit Enshoji in spring, Ogidani in summer or winter, and Apple Road in autumn. Allow extra time and check road conditions in snowy weather.

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph
Yuro's shopping notes

Carry Takano's flavors from lunch to your table at home.

Yuro Kitami sees this station as a gateway to Takano's foods: apples, daikon, rice and snow-stored products, as well as a break near Takano IC. Eat vegetables at Sorara, take a short break at Takano Kitchen, or bring fresh produce home from the farm shop. Choosing just one reason to stop can make Shobara's highland character memorable.

Highlights

Michi-no-Eki Takano sits just off Takano IC on the Matsue Expressway and brings together highland foods from Hiroshima Prefecture's northernmost area. Come for Takano apples and daikon, Shobara rice, apple sweets and coffee aged in a yukimuro (snow-cooled storehouse), Sorara's vegetable buffet, and soba, rice balls and gelato at Takano Kitchen. Pair your stop with Enshoji Temple's weeping cherry in spring, river play at Ogidani in summer, Apple Road in autumn, or snowy scenery in winter.

  • #Takano apples
  • #Takano daikon radishes
  • #Yukimuro snow storehouse
  • #Sorara
  • #Near Takano IC
  • #Shobara rice
Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

01

Start at the farm shop with Takano apples and daikon

Takano is an apple-growing area with a cool climate. The farm shop stocks apples, juice, jam and apple pies. Look too for leaf-on Takano daikon, Shobara rice, pickles and local sake, whether you are choosing souvenirs or ingredients for meals back home.

02

The snow storehouse adds another dimension to Takano's flavors

The yukimuro uses Shobara's plentiful snow to chill and mature local specialties and processed foods. Snow-stored apple juice, yukimuro coffee and apple pies made with snow-stored apples give you another reason to browse beyond the seasonal produce shelves.

03

Choose between a vegetable buffet and a quick meal

Cafe Restaurant Sorara serves a buffet centered on Shobara vegetables. Takano Kitchen offers soba noodles, rice balls and gelato for a shorter stop. Choose the buffet for a full lunch, or a rice ball or gelato when you are breaking up a drive.

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 30–45 minute shopping break

Make a food-shopping stop around Takano IC

Exit the Matsue Expressway and stop in soon afterward. After the restrooms, choose Takano apples, daikon, rice and apple sweets at the farm shop. Even without lunch, gelato or a rice ball makes the break more than a shopping stop.

Takano IC → parking → restrooms → Waiwai Kogen Market → Takano Kitchen → departure

The station closes on the second and fourth Wednesdays. Fresh and seasonal items can sell out, so arrive early if shopping is your main goal.

A weekend lunch for adults and souvenir shopping

Lunch at Sorara, then take snow-stored products home

Go to Sorara during the 11 o'clock hour for a buffet of Shobara vegetables. After eating, read about the yukimuro and choose snow-stored apple juice, apple pie or yukimuro coffee as gifts. You can eat and shop within the station.

Parking → Sorara → yukimuro and farm shop → check online-shop items in store

Sorara's service may change on certain days. Check official notices for short-term changes, such as those announced for July 23–26, 2026.

A half-day drive centered on the season

Extend a spring visit to weeping cherry or an autumn visit to apple orchards

Around mid-April, head to Enshoji's weeping cherry; from September to November, visit Apple Road's orchards. Browsing local produce before heading out connects the scenery with Takano's farming seasons.

Roadside station → Enshoji or Apple Road → return to the station for more shopping

Cherry blossom timing and apple-picking varieties change each year. Check bloom reports, orchard opening, parking and wet-weather arrangements before leaving.

Summer river play, winter scenery, or a stop before or after camping

Combine the station with a day outdoors at Ogidani

Buy food, a light meal and drinks before heading to Ogidani Auto Campground (大鬼谷オートキャンプ場). Summer brings cool highland air and river play; winter offers snow camping and snowy scenery. In snow, do not push on: check road conditions at the station and leave enough time for the return journey.

Roadside station → Ogidani Auto Campground (大鬼谷オートキャンプ場) → gelato or souvenirs on the way back

In winter, roads, tires and the campground's open areas can determine your plans. Decide early on snowy days or later in the afternoon.

Hours

Opening hours

Shopping, yukimuro and other facilities
9:00-18:00

Waiwai Kogen Market, yukimuro, tourist information and more. The yukimuro generally closes in winter.

Cafe Restaurant Sorara
11:00-17:00

Guide buffet hours: 11:00–15:00; last order 14:00. Service may change on some days.

Takano Kitchen
9:15-18:00

Soba, rice balls and gelato. Guide last-order time: 17:30.

Closed
Second and fourth Wednesdays

Unexpected changes are possible. Check official notices shortly before visiting.

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
★★★☆☆

Best for restrooms and a short shop visit; keep meals brief and avoid crowds.

Use the station as a break to manage feeding, diaper changes and mealtimes rather than a long play stop. If using the buffet, check stroller space and any wait for seats.

Ages 2–3
★★★☆☆

Gelato and apple products can make a welcome change of pace.

Hold hands among the many shop displays, then add a quick sweet at Takano Kitchen to break up the drive. Ogidani or another nearby destination is a more natural choice for outdoor play.

Ages 4–6
★★★★☆

Apples, daikon and the snow storehouse offer small discoveries.

Talk about the yukimuro and apple juice, then add an orchard in autumn or river play in summer. Choose Sorara or a quick meal according to when the children get hungry.

Elementary school children
★★★★☆

Combine produce, snow, camping and cherry blossoms as seasonal learning.

Make a day of Takano apple varieties, how the yukimuro works, spring's weeping cherry or winter's snowy scenery. Camping or apple picking can round out the trip.

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

Michi-no-Eki Takano Summer Gifts 2026

The official homepage listed an order period from June 27 to August 7, 2026. Gift selections included yukimuro coffee, apple juice, craft ales and assortments of Shobara foods; visitors could inspect items in store before ordering gifts.

Temporary changes to Sorara's service

An official notice announced changes to restaurant service from July 23 to 26, 2026. If the restaurant is your main reason for visiting, check the day's service and last-order time.

Shobara Satoyama Marche stalls

An official announcement anticipated about three stalls a year from April 2026 onward. Dates for external events, including those at Hiroshima Station, can change; follow social media and official notices separately from your visit to the roadside station.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

On weekend lunchtimes, decide whether dining or shopping comes first

Official notices and social media often cover restaurant changes, seasonal gifts and limited-quantity products. Trying to time both a specific meal and specific purchases can make a schedule tight. Keep alternatives: Sorara for lunch, Takano Kitchen for a brief stop, and the farm shop early for fresh produce.

Source: Official website and official social media

Apple products and snow-stored goods make apples a draw beyond autumn

Tourism information features Takano apples, juice, jam and apple pies; the official online shop also highlights snow-stored apple juice and pie. Even outside the fresh-apple season, there are apple gifts to look for.

Source: Shobara Tourism Navi and official online shop

Takano daikon and rice are everyday foods to take home

Tourism information describes leaf-on Takano daikon, dried shredded daikon, pickles and freshly milled Koshihikari, Akisakari and Milky Queen rice. These are useful ingredients for home meals as well as travel souvenirs.

Source: Shobara Tourism Navi

The yukimuro helps explain the products you choose

The yukimuro uses snow to chill and mature regional specialties and generally closes in winter. Snow-stored apples, yukimuro coffee and apple pies give you a way to appreciate it through shopping, even when a facility visit is not possible.

Source: Official yukimuro page

A seasonal side trip changes the feel of the station visit

Enshoji's weeping cherry in spring, apple orchards in autumn and Ogidani in summer and winter are short drives from the station. Add one seasonal destination to get a fuller sense of Takano.

Source: Shobara Tourism Navi

Winter brings both scenery and practical considerations

Takano is known for heavy snow, and Ogidani offers snow camping. The yukimuro's winter closure, snow on roads and colder temperatures after dusk also affect a visit. Allow time for the journey home before loading up on shopping.

Source: Official access information and Shobara Tourism Navi
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.

  • Guide hours: the farm shop, yukimuro and other facilities 9:00–18:00; Sorara 11:00–17:00; Takano Kitchen 9:15–18:00, with last order at 17:30.
  • Closed on the second and fourth Wednesdays. Check official notices for temporary changes and restaurant service.
  • For fresh produce and limited-quantity seasonal items such as snow-aged apples, a morning stop gives you a better chance of finding them.
  • Fresh Takano apples and apple picking vary by variety and season. In autumn, check each orchard's opening information before visiting.
  • The yukimuro generally closes in winter. Check availability of snow-stored products in the shop or online.
  • Winter's snowy scenery is part of Takano's appeal; plan for road conditions, suitable tires and sunset time.
  • Before heading to Ogidani, decide how much food you can cook and keep cool, then shop accordingly.
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.

  • Shopping
    Takano apples and apple products
    Apples, juice, jam and apple pies; selection varies by delivery season and variety.
  • Farm-direct produce
    Takano daikon radishes
    Leaf-on daikon, dried shredded daikon and pickles; check what is in season and in stock.
  • Dining
    Vegetable buffet at Cafe Restaurant Sorara
    Guide prices for a 60-minute course: adults ¥1,680, elementary school children ¥1,230, preschool children ¥900, and children aged 3 or under free.
  • Light meals
    Soba, rice balls and gelato at Takano Kitchen
    Guide hours: 9:15–18:00; last order 17:30.
  • Sweets and souvenirs
    Yukimuro coffee and snow-stored apple sweets
    Availability of snow-stored products varies at the shop and online store.
  • Souvenirs
    Shobara sake and craft ales
    Examples include Takano apple ale, Takano rice ale and habu-so ale. Take them home rather than drinking before driving.
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
A full lunch

Cafe Restaurant Sorara

A buffet centered on Shobara vegetables. Time your arrival for around midday when dining is your goal.

A short break

Soba, rice balls and gelato at Takano Kitchen

A fallback when you cannot linger around Takano IC. Gelato can give children a small treat.

Buy fresh produce

Takano apples and daikon, Shobara rice, seasonal vegetables

Apple and daikon selections change with the season and deliveries. On hot days, a cooler bag helps get them home in good condition.

Take sweets home

Apple pie, apple juice, jam and yukimuro coffee

Good for enjoying a reminder of the trip at home. Consider the journey time for frozen or refrigerated items.

Choose a gift

Online shop summer gifts, apple juice and craft ales

Explore flavors in store and send a gift online later. Check early for products with an order window.

Stock up before camping

Rice, vegetables, pickles, drinks and light meals

Buying before Ogidani makes meals at camp more distinctly Takano. Pack a cooler for fresh produce.

Access

Location and surroundings

Driving directions from your location
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1
Roadside station
Michi-no-Eki Takano

Just off Takano IC, this highland roadside station offers Takano apples, daikon radishes and foods aged in a snow storehouse to take home.

Open in Google Maps
2
Nature and flowers
Enshoji Temple's Weeping Cherry

Add this prefectural natural monument to a spring Takano drive before or after visiting the farm shop.

Open in Google Maps
3
Camping and outdoor activities
Ogidani Auto Campground (大鬼谷オートキャンプ場)

Start summer river play or winter snow camping by stocking up at the roadside station.

Open in Google Maps
4
On-site facility and regional food culture
Michi-no-Eki Takano Yukimuro

Taste the character of this snowy town in apples, coffee and sweets aged in the station’s snow storehouse.

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

Apple orchards and seasonal shopping
Takano Apple RoadJapanese guide
Within Takano, about 5–15 minutes by carVaries by orchard

For autumn apple picking, comparing varieties, or exploring beyond the station’s apple souvenirs.

Illustrative photo, not taken at Enshoji Temple's Weeping Cherry
Illustrative image
Nature and flowers
Enshoji Temple's Weeping CherryJapanese guide
About 5 minutes by car from the stationAllow about 30–60 minutes for viewing the blossoms and visiting the temple

For a spring drive around mid-April or quiet flower viewing before or after a station meal.

Illustrative photo, not taken at Ogidani Auto Campground (大鬼谷オートキャンプ場)
Illustrative image
Camping and outdoor activities
Ogidani Auto Campground (大鬼谷オートキャンプ場)Japanese guide
About 10 minutes by car from the stationSuited to an overnight stay or day camping

For supplies before or after camping, cool summer outdoor play, or winter snow scenery.

On-site facility and regional food culture
Michi-no-Eki Takano YukimuroJapanese guide
Inside the stationAllow 10–20 minutes alongside shopping

For choosing a distinctly Takano gift or learning the story behind apple sweets and coffee.

Illustrative photo, not taken at Kogen no Eki Takano
Illustrative image
Dining and shopping
Kogen no Eki TakanoJapanese guide
Near Takano IC; a short drive awayAllow about 45–60 minutes for a meal

For a full family set meal when Sorara is crowded, or on a rainy day when you shorten outdoor activities.

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