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All about the cherry theme at one of the biggest one-stop highway shops in Tohoku.
Sagae is a city in Yamagata Prefecture with a claim to fame as the birthplace of cherries in Japan. It’s also home to Michi-no-Eki Sagae Cherry Land, the iconic roadside stop and market that’s themed around cherries. You won’t be able to miss this spot perching on sprawling riverside grounds ranked as and one of the largest full-on facilities of its kind in the Tohoku region, complete with a product center, restaurants, and cafés.
The famed produce center “kokocherry” reopened with an updated look in April 2024, now offering more than 600 cherry-themed items along with Yamagata confections, local sake, and beautifully crafted folk and artisan goods. Exclusive kokocherry products, like the stuffed “Cherry Bear” mascots, are also available.
Stop in if you’re feeling hungry for a bite that won’t disappoint: cherry café ChouChou, serving specialty coffee and sweets made with local cherries; Shikisai-dokoro Ouzakura, known for steaks made with A5-grade Yamagata beef; and Sakuranbo Kaikan, famous for gelato made from local ingredients.
The complex also includes a few bonus perks like CLAAPIN SAGAE, a play area for children, and the Turkey Hall, inspired by Sagae’s sister city Giresun in Turkey, where visitors can view Turkish specialty goods and enjoy Turkish coffee.
Don’t miss the “Cherry Land Photo Spot Tour,” where you can explore the facility while learning about Sagae’s culture and history.
“kokocherry” offers a wide variety of products
Traditional crafts such as Tendo shogi pieces are also available
Seasonal fruit parfaits can be enjoyed at the café
Yamagata beef steak served at the restaurant
Cherry-shaped objects make for popular photo spots
Cherries can be found throughout the grounds
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Are there foreign-language pamphlets or signs? (If so, which languages?)
In-store signage is available in four languages (Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, and Korean). Paper pamphlets are not multilingual, but the official website is available in Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, and Korean.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
Yes, it is.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
Not available.
Q
Do you offer tax-free shopping?
Yes. Purchases over 5,500yen at the kokocherry shop are eligible for tax exemption.
Q
Is there a smoking area?
Yes, there is a smoking area on the 2nd floor of Cherry Land.
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Super cute place! There are cherry-themed decorations everywhere 🍒. You can buy local fruits and souvenirs, and there are several kinds of cherry desserts to try. They really put me in a great mood! Parking is easy, so it's a perfect spot to take a break during your trip.