Discover the Best of Tōmi City: 7 Must-Visit Spots for Foodies and Culture Lovers

Tōmi City is located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, where beautiful nature and rich history harmonize. This area boasts numerous renowned establishments that visitors can enjoy. To help international tourists experience the best of what Tōmi City has to offer, we have highlighted some of its most attractive spots. This article introduces seven recommended establishments where you can fully experience Tōmi City through its gourmet offerings and local specialties.

1. Roadside Station Raiden Kurumi no Sato

Start your visit at Roadside Station Raiden Kurumi no Sato. Here, you can enjoy a variety of locally sourced products, including fresh vegetables, fruits, and sweets made with the region’s specialty, walnuts. Local farmers sell their produce, making it an ideal spot to purchase souvenirs. The name derives from Raiden, a famous sumo wrestler from Tōmi City during the Edo period. Tōmi City is known for its walnuts, and you’ll find many walnut-based products available for purchase. Be sure to try the popular walnut soft-serve ice cream!

Located along the Asama Sun Line road, it’s easily accessible with a straight drive from Karuizawa. As a roadside station, the facilities, including restrooms, are available 24 hours a day, making it convenient for car travelers to rest overnight.

Depending on the season, events like the Classic Car Festival and the annual Raiden Festival are held here, adding extra excitement to your visit.

2. Winery “Tōmi Wine Chapel”

For those interested in experiencing Nagano’s wine culture, Tōmi Wine Chapel is a must-visit. This winery offers a selection of wines from Tōmi City and Chikuma City in Nagano Prefecture, as well as from other wine-producing areas like Yamanashi Prefecture. Many people from across Japan visit this shop specifically to purchase Nagano wines.

The winery also has a restaurant that serves dishes featuring local vegetables, perfectly paired with their wines.

Address: 63-4 Tanaka, Tōmi City, Nagano 389-0516
Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays
Official Website: Tōmi Wine Chapel

3. Restaurant “Takitei”

To savor local cuisine, visit Takitei. This restaurant offers traditional Japanese dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Their specialty is tonkatsu, featuring a crispy coating and thick, juicy pork that receives high praise. Other popular dishes include filet cutlet, mixed fried dishes, and pork ginger stir-fry set meals. The warm atmosphere and attentive service enhance the overall dining experience. Additionally, its location along National Route 18 makes it easily accessible.

Address: 1496-125 Hon-umino, Tōmi City, Nagano 389-0518
Hours: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Closed: Wednesdays
Official Website: None

4. Soba Shop “Carrot”

If you want to enjoy innovative cuisine using local ingredients, visit Carrot. Here, you can enjoy Italian-inspired dishes with a twist, utilizing home-grown vegetables and smoked salmon. The unique salads and pizzas offer an experience of new flavors and textures not found elsewhere. The recommended dishes include pizza and salads made with Shinshu salmon. This cozy restaurant along National Route 18 is perfect for a meal on your way to Ueda or Nagano City.

Address: 1476 Hon-umino, Tōmi City, Nagano 389-0518
Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Closed: Mondays
Official Website: None

5. Farm Shop “HARVEST NAGAIFARM”

Look for the large tractor outside to find HARVEST NAGAIFARM. This farm shop is an excellent spot to experience fresh, locally grown produce. The shop offers seasonal vegetables and fruits harvested in Tōmi City. Their soft-serve ice cream is a popular treat, known for its rich flavor and balanced sweetness.

Address: 8406-2 Wa, Tōmi City, Nagano 389-0505
Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Open year-round
Official Website: HARVEST NAGAIFARM

6. Hanaokaya

Hanaokaya is a traditional Japanese confectionery shop loved by locals. It offers beautifully crafted sweets with delicate flavors, made using locally sourced ingredients. A must-try is their “Kurumi no Daigomi” cheesecake, which features a moist and rich cheese paired with walnut-studded cookies for an elegant taste. Other popular items include the airy, mildly sweet meringue “Kurumi no Hatsukoi,” and a fruitcake packed with homemade rum-soaked fruits. These confections pair perfectly with tea and make excellent souvenirs.

This is the main store managed by the mayor of Tōmi City, with branches throughout Nagano Prefecture.

Address: 179 Tanaka, Tōmi City, Nagano 389-0516
Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Closed: Wednesdays
Official Website: Hanaokaya

7. Atelier de Fromage

Atelier de Fromage is a must-visit for cheese lovers. This cheese workshop produces high-quality cheese using fresh milk from local farms. They offer a variety of cheeses, including fresh mozzarella and rich blue cheese, which have been recognized both domestically and internationally. Visitors can sample different types of cheese, making it a perfect spot to discover new flavors. The attached restaurant serves cheese-based sweets and bread, showcasing the rich versatility of their products. Their blue cheese has even won awards at international competitions. If the timing is right, you might also see cheese being made on-site.

While there are shops and restaurants in Karuizawa, this Tōmi City location is the main store.

Address: 504-6 Shimbara, Tōmi City, Nagano 389-0501
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Last order at 5:00 PM)
Closed: Thursdays
Official Website: Atelier de Fromage

Conclusion

Tōmi City offers a rich experience through its local ingredients and specialty shops. Whether you’re visiting roadside stations, wineries, restaurants, soba shops, farm shops, confectioneries, or cheese workshops, each place brings new discoveries and joy. Enjoy the natural beauty and rich culture of Tōmi City, and immerse yourself in a journey filled with heartwarming flavors and warmth. Whether you’re savoring local delicacies or bringing home memories from Tōmi, this charming town has something to satisfy every traveler.