Sosha Wachigai

Sosha Wachigai is a cultural dining establishment located in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture, positioned at the foot of the Northern Alps along the historic Shiomichi (Salt Road) trading route. The venue occupies a traditional Japanese building that reflects the architectural heritage of this mountain town, which has long served as a gateway to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and the Hakuba Valley area.

The restaurant specializes in authentic local cuisine that showcases Omachi's historic food culture and utilizes the region's renowned pure mountain water sourced from the Northern Alps. Visitors can experience traditional hospitality dishes originally served to overnight guests during festivals at nearby Wakaicho Oji Shrine. The venue features galleries displaying works by local artists within its traditional Japanese-style setting, creating a unique combination of culinary and cultural experiences. Behind the main restaurant, a converted storehouse hosts rotating art installations, adding contemporary artistic elements to the historic space.

Sosha Wachigai offers an immersive cultural experience through hands-on cooking classes conducted in English, available for one group per day by advance reservation. These workshops provide visitors the opportunity to learn traditional Omachi cooking techniques using local ingredients. The restaurant serves both as a dining establishment and cultural center, preserving and sharing the region's culinary heritage with domestic and international visitors. The relaxing atmosphere allows guests to appreciate the intersection of traditional Japanese architecture, local gastronomy, and regional art.

The venue is located along the main shopping street of Shinano-Omachi, directly adjacent to the Otokoshimizu water fountain, one of the town's historic natural spring water sources. From Shinano-Omachi Station, the starting point for buses to Ogizawa Station on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Sosha Wachigai is approximately 4 minutes on foot. Visitors exploring the shopping arcade can easily include this stop as part of a walking tour through Omachi's historic district. Reservations are required for the hospitality meals and cooking classes, which can be arranged through local tourism offices or directly with the establishment.