Starting May 1, 2026 (Friday), Michi-no-Eki Nakajo — a roadside rest stop in Nagano City — is hosting a limited-time "Apricot Fair," celebrating one of Nagano Prefecture's signature local products. The fair features food and merchandise made with apricots sourced from Chikuma City, a town widely recognized as Japan's premier apricot-growing region.
Chikuma City: Japan's Apricot Hometown
Photo from Shunnasai official Instagram
Chikuma City, located in Nagano Prefecture, is home to gently sloping hills blanketed with apricot orchards. During the blooming season, the blossoms spread so far that the view has been described as "ten thousand trees in a single glance." As one of Nagano's leading apricot-producing areas, the city is affectionately known as "Japan's apricot hometown."
Photo from Shunnasai official Instagram
The fair uses products from Shunnasai (手作り工房 旬な菜), a local Chikuma City producer dedicated to crafting goods from regional ingredients. Since its founding in the Meiji era, the producer has developed an original brand focused on local food, including apricot jams and processed goods made from Chikuma-grown apricots.
Apricot Fair Details
Period: Starting May 1, 2026 (Friday)
Location: Michi-no-Eki Nakajo — Takeout Corner and Shop
A dedicated "Apricot Corner" will be set up in the shop, stocked with a wide selection of apricot-themed products. Both a treat for yourself and a popular option for souvenirs, the lineup covers a range of apricot-based items.
Anzu Ginger — ¥450 (tax included)
Made with a syrup of fresh apricots grown at contracted orchards in Chikuma City, this drink pairs the fruit's natural sweet-tartness with the effervescent kick of ginger — a refreshing combination well-suited for the warmer months ahead.
Anzu Soft — ¥700 (tax included)
A soft serve ice cream made with apricot jam sourced from Chikuma City, with no artificial colorings. Generous chunks of apricot provide a sweet-tart contrast to the rich, creamy soft serve.
About Michi-no-Eki Nakajo
Michi-no-Eki Nakajo exterior
Local dish "Obukkko"
Restaurant Mamettai
Frozen Obukkko
Situated between Nagano City and Hakuba Village, Michi-no-Eki Nakajo is a roadside rest stop offering sweeping views of local landmark Mushikura Mountain and the Northern Alps. The station features a fresh produce market selling vegetables from local farms, a shop with regional specialty products, and the Mamettai dining area. At Mamettai, visitors can try "Obukkko," a beloved local dish of thick flat noodles simmered with seasonal vegetables in a Shinshu miso broth.
Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Restaurant Mamettai:
Lunch: 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Light Meals: 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Address: 1704 Sumiyoshi, Nakajo, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture
Phone: 026-267-2188
Official Website: https://michinoekinakajo.eternal-story.com/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michinoeki_nakajo
Online Shop: https://obukko.base.shop/
