1. What is Cherry Land Sagae Roadside Station?

Cherry Land Sagae Roadside Station opened in 1992.

This facility is a symbol of Sagae, famous as the “home of cherries,” and promotes the various charms of Yamagata, including cherries, a local specialty.

In April, the souvenir corner was renovated into “kokocherry,” so it’s important to keep an eye on how the store evolves day by day.

In addition, nearby there is the indoor children’s play facility Sakurambo Children’s Campus CLAAPIN SAGAE, which also opened in 2024 and is bustling with people every day.

2. A thorough dissection of kokocherry!

First, let us introduce the souvenir center kokocherry, which was renovated on April 6th!

At the entrance, you will be greeted by a mural by Sagae-born artist Karin Tsuchida and a photo booth featuring the popular local mascot, Cherin.

Be sure to take some photos that are unique to Yamagata.

The interior of the store was designed with a calm atmosphere, with a black motif.

There is ample space in the aisles, allowing you to take your time selecting Yamagata specialties and souvenirs.

① Concierge Corner

The large cherry tree in the center is also an impressive symbolic tree.

Please feel free to ask us anything, such as recommended souvenirs, recommended nearby spots, or if you can borrow an electric wheelchair?

The cherry water server is also a hot topic.

When you purchase a Cococherry Tumbler, you will receive one free glass of cherry water per day during the period.

The tumbler design will change from November 1st, so look forward to it!

In addition, a new corner has been created where you can sample sake for a fee!

Of course, you can also purchase the sake you like.

② Souvenir corner

The facility is lined with cherry-related products, as well as Yamagata’s famous sweets and desserts.

There are plenty of sure-fire souvenirs, including classic sweets that are the suggested souvenir from Yamagata! and products that can only be purchased here.

Among them, be sure to check out kokocherry’s original products!

They are all appealing, including cherry rice flour financiers and chocolates made with cherries grown in the prefecture!

This Yamagata Cherries x GOTOUCHI BEAR is also very cute!

Just looking at it makes me feel relaxed.

③ Alcohol corner

Yamagata is a famous producer of Japanese sake that has been certified as a GI (geographical indication).

The fine sake produced here, born from the region’s rich natural environment and artisanal craftsmanship, is highly regarded throughout the country.

Of course, we also have local alcoholic drinks such as shochu and wine.

Don’t forget to check out the products from Sagae City’s sake breweries!

④ Folk art and crafts corner

Be sure to also take a look at the folk arts and crafts that highlight the skills of the prefecture’s artisans, such as Tendo shogi pieces, Sasano Ittobori craftwork, and Yamagata castings.

⑤ Meat section

The meat section is lined with high-quality meat.

You can also purchase popular products from Yamagyu, a popular store with locations in Sagae City and Yamagata City, as well as fresh meat and processed foods from group company Meatland.

Kosei beef, known as “cows that bring happiness,” is characterized by its finely textured, beautiful marbling.

We have a wide selection of gifts that make great souvenirs, including carefully selected beef such as Kousei beef.

⑥ JA Agriland Direct from the Farm - Food and Agriculture Kokocherry Store

There are lots of delicious seasonal vegetables and fruits available directly from the farm!

Not only are they great as souvenirs, but they are also perfect for home use, so many local customers visit the store.

At the time of the interview, there were rows of fresh vegetables and fruits.

One item that particularly catches your eye in this direct from the farm shop is the pineapple slicer.

There are apparently only a few of these machines left in Japan, so be sure to buy a pineapple and experience its fresh deliciousness.

There is also a gelato shop next to the farm.

You can also enjoy adult-themed gelato at Sakuranbo Kaikan in the building next door.

As I will introduce later, the gelato at Sakuranbo Kaikan is a popular spot that always has a line, even on holidays.

Both gelato shops sell the same items, so please check the availability before visiting.

3. Recommended Products

So far, we have been telling you about the charms of kokocherry, but you may be wondering, “What souvenirs should I buy?”

Don’t worry!

Of course, we asked for their recommended products again this time.

Please use this as a reference when choosing souvenirs.

① Premium Cherry Kirara

Cherry Kirara is a well-known classic Yamagata souvenir, but this Premium Cherry Kirara is an item that can only be purchased here at Cherry Land.

This luxurious jelly made using the pulp and juice of Sato Nishiki cherries from Yamagata Prefecture is as premium as its name suggests!

Limited to 15,000 boxes per year.

② Cherry Eggs

This product is a collaboration with Saito Confectionery, Iwate Prefecture, which is also famous for Kamome no Tamago.

This is an easy-to-eat bite-sized mini cake made of smooth egg yolk paste wrapped in cherry chocolate.

③ Cherry pasta

The pasta, which uses Sato Nishiki cherries from Yamagata Prefecture, is given a lovely color by the addition of domestic beets.

Enjoy the cherry flavor that is true to seaweed.

Besides pasta, they also have udon and somen noodles, so it looks like you can create a variety of different dishes.

4. Not just souvenirs! Lots of delicious things!

Cherry Land Sagae is not only a great place for souvenirs but also has delicious food for adults!

We will also introduce some recommended menu items.

① Four Seasons Colors River Sakura

At Shikisai-dokoro Kawazakura restaurant located inside Cherry Land Sagae, you can dine in a restaurant overlooking the Sagae River.

The recommendation is the A5-grade Yamagata beef steak bowl.

This popular item allows you to luxuriously enjoy the highest quality Yamagata beef.

② Cherry Cafe Chouchou

You can enjoy exclusive sweets made with carefully selected coffee and locally grown cherries.

Sparkling sweets greet you in the showcase.

The lineup includes fruit sandwiches, cookie choux, and the “cherry cheesecake” made in collaboration with the popular cheesecake specialty store “ASSet Kura cheese.”

Additionally, at “cherry cafe chouchou” you can enjoy cherry sweets all year round.

I recommend Chouchou Parfait.

It’s a visual that’s sure to look great!

*From the official website of Roadside Station Cherry Land Sagae

There is also a soba and udon corner, so you can enjoy a casual meal.

③ Do Re Mi

Do Re Mi sells authentic Korean home-style dishes such as chijimi and japchae, as well as light meals such as tornado sausages and meat-wrapped rice balls.

The most popular dish is the slowly simmered tama konnyaku (konjac balls).

It’s easy to enjoy, so it’s perfect for taking on a drive.

④ Club Sand Market

You can also enjoy authentic kebabs at the Club Sand Market next door.

The chicken and beef, seasoned with authentic Brazilian spices and mixed with the original sauce, are so delicious you’ll become addicted to them.

5. Sakurambo Hall

Sakurambo Hall is located right next to the Cherryland Sagae Roadside Station.

This is Japan’s first cherry museum, showcasing the history of cherry cultivation and materials related to its cultivation.

The gelato that was introduced earlier at the JA Agriland Farmers’ Direct – Food and Agriculture Kokocherry Store can also be enjoyed here.

The exhibition room hosts exhibitions and experience sessions on photography, painting, calligraphy, pressed flowers, and more throughout the year.

At the time of our visit, the “Playing with Antique Fabrics – Patchwork Exhibition” was being held, and kimonos, obi sashes, tapestries and bags made from antique fabrics were on display.

6. Turkish Pavilion

Sagae City is also a sister city of Giresun City in Turkey, the birthplace of cherries.

It was due to this connection that the Turkish Pavilion was built.

The marble, tiles, metal fittings and other decorative items are all sourced from Turkey.

There is also a coffee corner and hookah available inside the building.

Why not enjoy a coffee break in a solemn atmosphere while experiencing foreign culture?

They also sell Turkish pottery, glassware and other handicrafts, as well as sweets and seasonings.

This is a spot where you can easily experience Turkish life.

7. Message

Finally, Konno-san from Cherry Land Sagae Co., Ltd. gave a message to all readers ofthe tourism site VISIT YAMAGATA.

“We have a wide selection of cherry-related products, as well as many private brand items that can only be purchased here.

We also offer direct from the producers, so we aim to create a facility that can be used by local residents.

Our café and restaurant serve dishes and sweets made with local produce, so please come and visit us.”

8. Basic information about Cherry Land Sagae Roadside Station

⏰ Hours
kokocherry
9:00~17:30 [June to September 9:00~18:00]
*
Shikisaidokoro River Cherry Blossoms
11:00~17:30 (OS 17:15)
[June to September 11:00~18:00 (OS 17:30)]
*
Cherry Cafe Scrunchie
9:30~17:30 (OS 17:15)
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Sakurambo Hall
9:00~18:00 [November to March:9:00~17:00]
Free admission Inquiry: JA Sagae Nishi Murayama (inside Sakuranbo Hall)
☎ 0237-86-1811
*
Turkish Pavilion
9:00~18:00 [9:00~17:30 in winter]
Free admission
*
Lottery ticket sales counter
10:00~17:00