New facility 'Hobonoeki AKAGI' at Torii-toge, Mt. Akagi, Gunma Prefecture, to hold grand opening on Friday, April 24!
Hobonichi Co., Ltd. will hold the grand opening of 'Hobonoeki AKAGI' in Gunma Prefecture on April 24, following a successful trial period. The event will feature new menu items, exclusive merchandise, and a special talk event featuring Kazuto Ataka, Kazumichi Fujii, and Shigesato Itoi. The facility serves as a relaxing destination for visitors to enjoy the scenery of Mt. Akagi.
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The facility 'Hobonoeki AKAGI', operated by Hobonichi Co., Ltd. (President: Ayako Koizumi; Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), will have its grand opening on Friday, April 24, at Torii-toge in the summit area of Mt. Akagi, Gunma Prefecture.
Following a trial operating period, the facility will introduce new flavors to its popular pork miso soup (tonjiru) along with other new menu items. The selection of original 'Hobonoeki AKAGI' merchandise has also been expanded. To commemorate the grand opening, 1,101 commemorative tickets will be distributed on the opening day. As a special event, a talk show will be held featuring Kazuto Ataka (founder of the 'Wind Valley' project and professor at Keio University SFC, Faculty of Environment and Information Studies), Kazumichi Fujii (soil researcher), and Shigesato Itoi (Chairman of Hobonichi Co., Ltd.).
Information regarding the grand opening will be updated periodically on the 'Hobonoeki AKAGI' webpage and social media accounts. https://www.1101.com/hobonoeki_akagi/
● About Hobonoeki AKAGI
Mt. Akagi in Gunma Prefecture was once traversed by a cable car, and the 'Akagi Sancho Station' was located at Torii-toge in the summit area. In the 1980s, the old station building was operated as a restaurant that took advantage of the view and has since been designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
Hobonichi Co., Ltd. inherited this location and held an 'alpha opening' (trial opening) in November 2025 as 'Hobonoeki AKAGI'. Although it was originally a terminal station, the name 'Station' (eki) was kept based on the image of a 'station for departing towards hope,' with the sentiment that 'from here, you can go anywhere you want to go.'
'Hobonoeki AKAGI' is a place where visitors can spend their time freely. It is operated as a spot where those visiting the summit area can take a break—enjoying the scenery that changes its expression with the seasons, relaxing while eating delicious food, or shopping for Hobonichi goods. Highlights of the Hobonoeki AKAGI Grand Opening
● 'Akagi Uma-Tonjiru' (Indian style), Blueberry Cheese Parfait, and Special Station Bento Box are joining the lineup! We look forward to serving you with a fulfilling menu.
Under the theme of 'pork and cabbage,' we have created a pork miso soup packed with various ingredients in collaboration with the Japanese restaurant 'Yamaguchi' in Roppongi, Tokyo. Following the popularity of the 'Japan' (Japanese style) and 'Italian' (tomato-based) versions during the alpha opening, 'Indian' (curry flavor) is now being added. It has a rich dashi base that is mellow yet features a spicy kick that is addictive. You can enjoy it as either pork miso soup or curry, and it goes perfectly with rice.
'Akagi Blueberry Cheese Parfait,' made using our popular 'Akagi Soft Serve,' also makes its debut. This parfait uses local ingredients, such as cheese from Three Brown, which produces the milk for our soft serve, and blueberries from Hanabusa Organic Farm, which makes our blueberry muffins. Furthermore, a station bento box will be born, using pork from Kondo Swine Pork, a pig farm on the southern foot of Mt. Akagi, and Akagi apples. The well-seasoned pork and the texture of the apples serve as accents, and it is also available for takeout.
From the alpha opening, you can continue to enjoy classic menu items such as the satisfying 'Mutchiri Tonburg' (hamburg steak) made with 100% pork from the southern foot of Mt. Akagi, and the 'Akagi Soft Serve' made with milk from Brown Swiss cattle from the local 'Three Brown' farm.
*All menu items are available in limited quantities.
● Original products like the 'UFO Jiyujizai' conceived by Shigesato Itoi and ticket-motif items are making their debut.
At Hobonoeki AKAGI, you can also purchase Hobonichi items. We sell popular products and items easy to use in nature, such as 'Hobonichi Techo,' stationery, 'Yasashii Towel,' goods from the camping brand 'yozora,' and food products. We have also prepared original 'Hobonoeki AKAGI' socks, acrylic stands, and ticket-motif goods that can only be bought here. At the time of the grand opening, the 'UFO Jiyujizai,' conceived by Shigesato Itoi, which can make a 'UFO' appear in any location, will also be released. The original seasoning 'Cabbage Koji: Make Everything Taste Good!,' which is used as a secret ingredient in the Hobonoeki AKAGI pork miso soup, will also be available for purchase at the store.
● We have also prepared projects to help you enjoy 'Hobonoeki AKAGI' even more.
New forms of play that let you enjoy the view from Akagi are also starting. The 'Playable Live Camera,' which allows you to see the current state of the location 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, triggers various changes in the real-time video when you press a button on the webpage. You can shout 'Yahoo!', or call birds or balloons. There is even a button where a UFO appears!? Depending on the time of day, there might be items that appear or rare occurrences. Please come and press the button casually as if you were drawing an omikuji fortune.
We are also planning to hold fieldwork projects for you to enjoy the nature of Akagi. Details will be announced on the Hobonoeki AKAGI webpage and social media as soon as they are finalized. Additionally, regarding visits with dogs, which we have received inquiries about since the alpha opening, this will be possible, though limited to the terrace area only.
● [Opening Project] Magic Hour Roundtable: Kazuto Ataka x Kazumichi Fujii x Shigesato Itoi
In commemoration of the grand opening of 'Hobonoeki AKAGI,' we will hold a talk event against the backdrop of the beautiful scenery from the windows at dusk. The speakers include Kazuto Ataka, author of the bestseller 'Issue Kara Hajimeyo' (Start with the Issue) and leader of the 'Wind Valley' project searching for a sustainable future for Japan. Joining him is Kazumichi Fujii, a 'soil researcher' who digs through soil around the world with a shovel in hand, uniquely unraveling everything from its origins to food issues. And finally, the initiator of 'Hobonoeki AKAGI' and Chairman of Hobonichi Co., Ltd., Shigesato Itoi. While interweaving stories about 'regions' and 'soil,' they will discuss the theme, 'Why do our interests fly and jump around?' Please look forward to seeing what kind of conversation will be exchanged on Mt. Akagi during the magic hour.
Talk Event 'Why do our interests fly and jump around?'
Speakers: Kazuto Ataka, Kazumichi Fujii, Shigesato Itoi
Date and Time: Friday, April 24, 2026, Start 18:00 (Doors open 17:40, Scheduled to end 19:30)
Venue: Hobonoeki AKAGI
Tickets: Free (Advance application required, reservation necessary)
*Details will be announced on the 'Hobonoeki AKAGI' webpage in early April.
*As there is no public transportation operating during those hours on the day, applications are limited to those who can come by themselves, such as by car. Please be aware of this in advance.
Following a trial operating period, the facility will introduce new flavors to its popular pork miso soup (tonjiru) along with other new menu items. The selection of original 'Hobonoeki AKAGI' merchandise has also been expanded. To commemorate the grand opening, 1,101 commemorative tickets will be distributed on the opening day. As a special event, a talk show will be held featuring Kazuto Ataka (founder of the 'Wind Valley' project and professor at Keio University SFC, Faculty of Environment and Information Studies), Kazumichi Fujii (soil researcher), and Shigesato Itoi (Chairman of Hobonichi Co., Ltd.).
Information regarding the grand opening will be updated periodically on the 'Hobonoeki AKAGI' webpage and social media accounts. https://www.1101.com/hobonoeki_akagi/
● About Hobonoeki AKAGI
Mt. Akagi in Gunma Prefecture was once traversed by a cable car, and the 'Akagi Sancho Station' was located at Torii-toge in the summit area. In the 1980s, the old station building was operated as a restaurant that took advantage of the view and has since been designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
Hobonichi Co., Ltd. inherited this location and held an 'alpha opening' (trial opening) in November 2025 as 'Hobonoeki AKAGI'. Although it was originally a terminal station, the name 'Station' (eki) was kept based on the image of a 'station for departing towards hope,' with the sentiment that 'from here, you can go anywhere you want to go.'
'Hobonoeki AKAGI' is a place where visitors can spend their time freely. It is operated as a spot where those visiting the summit area can take a break—enjoying the scenery that changes its expression with the seasons, relaxing while eating delicious food, or shopping for Hobonichi goods. Highlights of the Hobonoeki AKAGI Grand Opening
● 'Akagi Uma-Tonjiru' (Indian style), Blueberry Cheese Parfait, and Special Station Bento Box are joining the lineup! We look forward to serving you with a fulfilling menu.
Under the theme of 'pork and cabbage,' we have created a pork miso soup packed with various ingredients in collaboration with the Japanese restaurant 'Yamaguchi' in Roppongi, Tokyo. Following the popularity of the 'Japan' (Japanese style) and 'Italian' (tomato-based) versions during the alpha opening, 'Indian' (curry flavor) is now being added. It has a rich dashi base that is mellow yet features a spicy kick that is addictive. You can enjoy it as either pork miso soup or curry, and it goes perfectly with rice.
'Akagi Blueberry Cheese Parfait,' made using our popular 'Akagi Soft Serve,' also makes its debut. This parfait uses local ingredients, such as cheese from Three Brown, which produces the milk for our soft serve, and blueberries from Hanabusa Organic Farm, which makes our blueberry muffins. Furthermore, a station bento box will be born, using pork from Kondo Swine Pork, a pig farm on the southern foot of Mt. Akagi, and Akagi apples. The well-seasoned pork and the texture of the apples serve as accents, and it is also available for takeout.
From the alpha opening, you can continue to enjoy classic menu items such as the satisfying 'Mutchiri Tonburg' (hamburg steak) made with 100% pork from the southern foot of Mt. Akagi, and the 'Akagi Soft Serve' made with milk from Brown Swiss cattle from the local 'Three Brown' farm.
*All menu items are available in limited quantities.
● Original products like the 'UFO Jiyujizai' conceived by Shigesato Itoi and ticket-motif items are making their debut.
At Hobonoeki AKAGI, you can also purchase Hobonichi items. We sell popular products and items easy to use in nature, such as 'Hobonichi Techo,' stationery, 'Yasashii Towel,' goods from the camping brand 'yozora,' and food products. We have also prepared original 'Hobonoeki AKAGI' socks, acrylic stands, and ticket-motif goods that can only be bought here. At the time of the grand opening, the 'UFO Jiyujizai,' conceived by Shigesato Itoi, which can make a 'UFO' appear in any location, will also be released. The original seasoning 'Cabbage Koji: Make Everything Taste Good!,' which is used as a secret ingredient in the Hobonoeki AKAGI pork miso soup, will also be available for purchase at the store.
● We have also prepared projects to help you enjoy 'Hobonoeki AKAGI' even more.
New forms of play that let you enjoy the view from Akagi are also starting. The 'Playable Live Camera,' which allows you to see the current state of the location 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, triggers various changes in the real-time video when you press a button on the webpage. You can shout 'Yahoo!', or call birds or balloons. There is even a button where a UFO appears!? Depending on the time of day, there might be items that appear or rare occurrences. Please come and press the button casually as if you were drawing an omikuji fortune.
We are also planning to hold fieldwork projects for you to enjoy the nature of Akagi. Details will be announced on the Hobonoeki AKAGI webpage and social media as soon as they are finalized. Additionally, regarding visits with dogs, which we have received inquiries about since the alpha opening, this will be possible, though limited to the terrace area only.
● [Opening Project] Magic Hour Roundtable: Kazuto Ataka x Kazumichi Fujii x Shigesato Itoi
In commemoration of the grand opening of 'Hobonoeki AKAGI,' we will hold a talk event against the backdrop of the beautiful scenery from the windows at dusk. The speakers include Kazuto Ataka, author of the bestseller 'Issue Kara Hajimeyo' (Start with the Issue) and leader of the 'Wind Valley' project searching for a sustainable future for Japan. Joining him is Kazumichi Fujii, a 'soil researcher' who digs through soil around the world with a shovel in hand, uniquely unraveling everything from its origins to food issues. And finally, the initiator of 'Hobonoeki AKAGI' and Chairman of Hobonichi Co., Ltd., Shigesato Itoi. While interweaving stories about 'regions' and 'soil,' they will discuss the theme, 'Why do our interests fly and jump around?' Please look forward to seeing what kind of conversation will be exchanged on Mt. Akagi during the magic hour.
Talk Event 'Why do our interests fly and jump around?'
Speakers: Kazuto Ataka, Kazumichi Fujii, Shigesato Itoi
Date and Time: Friday, April 24, 2026, Start 18:00 (Doors open 17:40, Scheduled to end 19:30)
Venue: Hobonoeki AKAGI
Tickets: Free (Advance application required, reservation necessary)
*Details will be announced on the 'Hobonoeki AKAGI' webpage in early April.
*As there is no public transportation operating during those hours on the day, applications are limited to those who can come by themselves, such as by car. Please be aware of this in advance.