Michi-no-Eki Hakushu
A refreshing roadside stop famous for its free natural spring water, local produce market, and affordable soba restaurant.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresh produce
Michi-no-Eki Hakushu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresh produce
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A refreshing roadside stop famous for its free natural spring water, local produce market, and affordable soba restaurant.
"Fill your bottles with crisp, free mountain spring water, famously used by Suntory."
💧 Bring Your Own Bottle
Don't miss filling up on the famous free spring water! Locals bring large jugs, so be patient.
🛍️ Shop Local Delights
Great spot for fresh produce and unique regional gifts at reasonable prices.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Natural Spring Water Fountain
Outside the main building
Fill your bottles with crisp, free mountain spring water, famously used by Suntory.
Farmers' Market
Inside the main building
Discover fresh, local produce, regional specialties, and unique handicrafts.
Soba Noodle Restaurant
Inside the main building
Enjoy inexpensive and delicious soba noodles in a casual, local setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Fill Up on Famous Spring Water
Local Produce & Casual Bites
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Restaurant near Hakushu Distillery (Kobuchizawa) for lunch
💧 Bring Your Own Bottle
Don't miss filling up on the famous free spring water! Locals bring large jugs, so be patient.
🛍️ Shop Local Delights
Great spot for fresh produce and unique regional gifts at reasonable prices.
Anyone recommend the whiskey distillery near tokyo. I hear the suntory tour is amazing.
🍜 Casual Soba Lunch
The on-site restaurant offers tasty and inexpensive soba noodles.
🅿️ Ample Parking
The parking lot is described as huge, making it convenient for visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Your Own Bottle
Don't miss filling up on the famous free spring water! Locals bring large jugs, so be patient.
🛍️ Shop Local Delights
Great spot for fresh produce and unique regional gifts at reasonable prices.
🍜 Casual Soba Lunch
The on-site restaurant offers tasty and inexpensive soba noodles.
🅿️ Ample Parking
The parking lot is described as huge, making it convenient for visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate Michi-no-Eki Hakushu for its refreshing, free natural spring water and the opportunity to purchase fairly priced local produce and gifts. The inexpensive soba restaurant is a convenient dining option, making it a well-rounded stop for travelers and locals alike. While the parking is ample, some might find the water fountain area can get busy.
"Good place to shop for local produce and get a meal. The produce seemed to be fairly priced. There is also a fresh water fountain for free. Parking lot was small"
marcie hons
"There is a decent and inexpensive restaurant, a shop where you can buy local produce and gifts, and a fountain where you can fill your own water jugs with mountain spring water. This is pretty much the same stream that Suntory uses for its bottled water."
Isamu Maruhashi
"If you are in the area stop here!
The best thing is that the natural spring water, you can fill up your bottles, rest on benches, dip your feet in the stream or shop in the rest stop or the grocery next to it."
Melanie Hibi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Michi-no-Eki Hakushu is accessible by car, especially if you're visiting the nearby Hakushu Distillery. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes or considering a taxi from the nearest train station is advisable.
Yes, there is a large parking area available, which is noted as being convenient for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Michi-no-Eki Hakushu. Access to the market, fountain, and general facilities is free.
Operating hours can vary, especially for the market and restaurant. It's best to check their official website or local listings for the most up-to-date information, though it's generally open during daylight hours and is safe to rest at night.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can fill up water bottles at the famous spring water fountain, shop for local produce and gifts, and enjoy a meal at the soba noodle restaurant. It's also a good place to rest.
Yes, the spring water is renowned and is the same source used by Suntory for their beverages. It's considered safe and refreshing to drink.
Yes, many locals bring large jugs or gallons to fill with the spring water, so it's a common practice.
Yes, the facility has large, clean restrooms available for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The main dining option is an inexpensive soba noodle restaurant. You can also find local snacks and produce in the market area.
No, the restaurant is described as decent and inexpensive, offering good value for a casual meal.
The primary offering is soba noodles, which are typically vegetarian-friendly, but specific options may vary. It's best to inquire directly at the restaurant.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique scene of people filling large water jugs at the spring fountain. The market stalls with colorful produce also make for great shots.
Yes, taking photos of the spring water fountain is perfectly fine and a popular activity for visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there isn't a dedicated playground, the open space around the facility and the chance to interact with local goods can be engaging. The inexpensive soba restaurant is also a good option for a quick, family-friendly meal. It’s a practical and refreshing stop on a road trip.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
It’s also a great spot for a quick, affordable lunch at the soba restaurant. The facility is well-equipped with large toilets and vending machines, ensuring a comfortable break during a long journey. It’s a safe place to rest, even overnight, due to its lighting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Famous Spring Water
The act of filling your own bottle becomes a small ritual, connecting you to the pristine nature of the region. It’s a simple pleasure, but one that many travelers find incredibly satisfying. The water is consistently described as pure and refreshing, making it a perfect souvenir to take with you, even if it's just in your reusable bottle.
Local Produce and Shopping
In addition to fresh food, you can also find a selection of local gifts and handicrafts. These items often reflect the culture and traditions of the Hakushu area, making them perfect mementos of your visit. Whether you're looking for edible souvenirs or unique artisanal goods, the market provides a delightful browsing experience.
Dining at the Soba Restaurant
The simplicity of the menu, focusing on soba, aligns with the roadside station's ethos of providing straightforward, local experiences. It’s a place where you can enjoy a satisfying meal in a relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by the local community.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit