Michi-no-Eki Ueno is a roadside station located along National Route 299 in Ueno Village, Tano District, Gunma Prefecture. Surrounded by the mountains and forests of this remote village, the facility stands beside the clear waters of the Kanna River, one of the region’s renowned clean streams.
As a gateway to exploring Ueno Village, it is a popular stop for travelers, motorists, and motorcycle riders. Visitors can take a break, enjoy local food, purchase regional specialties, and discover the natural beauty and culture of the village.
Created as part of a renovation, Ueno Terrace has become one of the signature attractions at Michi-no-Eki Ueno.
From the wooden deck, visitors can enjoy an expansive view of the clear Kanna River. Stairs lead down toward the riverside, allowing visitors to get closer to the flowing water and enjoy the soothing sound of the stream.
The facility has been designed with plenty of spacious seating areas where visitors can relax. After a long drive, taking a break, breathing deeply, and enjoying the surrounding natural environment can be especially refreshing.
On clear days, the combination of blue skies, mountain scenery, and the transparent waters of the Kanna River creates a peaceful atmosphere.
The shop at Michi-no-Eki Ueno offers a wide selection of local products from the village. One of the most representative specialties is Jikkoku Miso, a distinctive Gunma miso known for its rich flavor.
Made using traditional natural fermentation methods, Jikkoku Miso is popular both for everyday cooking and as a gift.
The shop also sells Inobuta, Ueno Village’s locally produced specialty meat, along with thick, meaty shiitake mushrooms grown at the village’s mushroom center, fresh seasonal vegetables, fruits, and other agricultural products carefully grown by local producers.
A wide variety of processed foods and prepared dishes made with these local ingredients are also available, giving visitors the opportunity to discover products that are difficult to find elsewhere.
A confectionery workshop is also located inside the shop, offering treats such as pudding, cheese tarts, and freshly baked bread. They make convenient snacks for a relaxing break during your journey.
The restaurant at Michi-no-Eki Ueno serves a variety of dishes featuring the village’s famous specialty meat, Inobuta.
Inobuta is produced by crossing a wild boar father with a domestic pig mother. The meat is known for its flavorful lean portion and rich, mildly sweet fat.
Ueno Village began raising Inobuta approximately 50 years ago, and around 260 animals are shipped each year. It has become one of the village’s signature agricultural products.
Popular dishes include warming Inobuta hot pot, hearty sauce katsudon topped with a breaded cutlet and sauce, juicy Inobuta menchi-katsu croquettes, and ramen. Each dish offers a different way to enjoy the rich flavor of the local meat.
One specialty worth looking out for is the Jikkoku Miso Soft-Serve Ice Cream, available at the takeout counter.
Made with Ueno Village’s famous Jikkoku Miso, this unusual soft-serve has a rich flavor reminiscent of cheese. It has become a popular treat among visitors and is a memorable local dessert to try while exploring Ueno Village.
The adjoining Woody Uenomura Meiboku Kōgeikan sells wooden products made by the Ueno Village Forest Owners’ Cooperative.
Taking advantage of the high-quality timber produced in a village where forestry has long been an important industry, the shop offers a wide range of items, including tableware, cutlery, household goods, toys, and traditional crafts.
The natural warmth and gentle feel of wood make many of these products especially suitable for families with young children. They are also popular as souvenirs and thoughtful gifts.
Michi-no-Eki Ueno offers a wide range of facilities and services designed to make travelers’ visits comfortable.
A spacious nursing room is available for families traveling with infants. The facility also includes a tourist information center, rest areas, multipurpose toilets, a gas station, and an ATM.
Free Wi-Fi is also available, making it convenient for visitors to check travel information and plan their next destination.
The parking area accommodates 75 regular vehicles, including five spaces for visitors with disabilities, as well as two spaces for large vehicles. There are also 32 spaces specifically for motorcycles.
A covered motorcycle parking area is provided as well, making the roadside station a popular stop for touring riders traveling through the mountains of Gunma.
Michi-no-Eki Ueno was officially registered as a roadside station on August 4, 1994, becoming the first Michi-no-Eki in Gunma Prefecture.
In 2015, it was selected as a candidate for the Priority Michi-no-Eki program, and in 2016 it was selected by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as one of the Priority Michi-no-Eki for fiscal 2015.
The facility also serves as a hub for regional cooperation. Ueno Village has entered into a comprehensive partnership agreement with the other municipalities of Western Joshū—Shimonita Town, Nanmoku Village, Ueno Village, and Kanna Town.
In 2018, the entire facility underwent a major renovation, creating a more comfortable and attractive space for visitors.
Today, Michi-no-Eki Ueno serves as a comprehensive tourism hub where visitors can experience many of the highlights of Ueno Village in one place.
Michi-no-Eki Ueno is surrounded by numerous attractions where visitors can experience the area’s natural beauty.
Nearby highlights include Fuji Cave, Hakusui Falls, Hampei Mineral Spring, Ueno Dam, and the clear waters of the Kanna River.
The roadside station is conveniently located both as a starting point for sightseeing and as a relaxing stop at the end of a day exploring the village.
There are also family-friendly attractions nearby, including the children’s play area “Morikko” and an area equipped with Kettner playground equipment.
These facilities make the area particularly convenient for families traveling with young children.
Michi-no-Eki Ueno is much more than a place to stop during a drive. It is a gateway to experiencing the nature, food, culture, and welcoming atmosphere of Ueno Village.
Visitors can enjoy a meal featuring local specialties, relax beside the clear Kanna River, shop for regional products, and discover traditional wooden crafts—all in one convenient location.
Take a deep breath on the riverside terrace, taste the village’s famous Inobuta cuisine, and feel the warmth of locally crafted wood. For travelers exploring the mountains of southwestern Gunma, Michi-no-Eki Ueno is an ideal place to begin discovering the charms of Ueno Village.