[Ruins Touring] Bike trip to the former Torikou factory site! An emotional journey that gives you a sense of nostalgia and weathering.

Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, I would like to introduce you to the site of the former Toriko Factory, which I toured by bike from central Tokyo. The site of the former Toriko Factory is one of the ruins in Sakae Village, Nagano Prefecture, and was the site of a dairy farm called Toriko Farm during the Showa era. In this article, we will tell you what the former Toriko factory site is, the route we took to get there, what to see, and where to park your bike. Now, let’s explore the charm of the former Toriko factory site.

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What is the site of the former Torikou factory?

The site of the former Toriko Factory is an abandoned building located in Sakai Gohogi, Sakae Village, Shimounouchi District, Nagano Prefecture. A dairy farm called Toriko Farm was established in this area in the 1950s. At that time, it was one of the largest in Japan, producing dairy products such as milk and cheese. However, in the 1960s, it fell into financial difficulties and gradually declined. It was finally closed in the 1970s.

The site was then left abandoned and fell into disrepair over time. Parts of the building are now collapsing. However, the spacious scenery reminds me of what a pasture farm used to be, and I feel something close to moving. The surrounding area is rich in nature, with mountains, rivers, and forests. This contrast creates a unique atmosphere at the site of the former Torika factory.

Route to the former Torikou factory site

The route to the former Toriko factory site is as follows.

To get to the site of the former Torikou factory, take the Shuto Expressway’s Inner Loop Line from central Tokyo and transfer to the Kanetsu Expressway at Takebashi JCT. Take the Takashimadaira exit onto Edo-Momiji Street, enter the Shin-Omiya Bypass, turn left at the Matsunokijima intersection, and proceed onto the Tokyo Gaikan Expressway. At Oizumi JCT, take the Kanetsu Expressway towards Niigata, exit at Yuzawa IC and enter the general road. Enter Prefectural Route 507 via National Route 353 and National Route 117, then take the village road Nagase Akiyama Line to reach your destination. This route takes approximately 5 and a half hours, but please be aware that toll sections of the expressway and village road Nagase Akiyama Line are closed. The site of the former Toriko factory is preserved as a historical building.

Highlights of the former Torikou factory site

The highlights of the former Toriko factory site are as follows.

  • Ranch Buildings: Ranch buildings are made of wood, corrugated iron, and other materials that have weathered over time. It is dangerous to get close to it as there is a risk of it collapsing, but looking at it from a distance gives you an indescribable sense of the passage of time. You can get a glimpse of what the dairy farm was like in the past by looking at the building. The silos that look like the center of a farm give off a feeling of being overseas, rather than Japan.
  • Natural scenery: The site of the former Toriko factory is located in a place surrounded by nature. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, and forests, you can enjoy the scenery of each season. The autumn leaves are especially beautiful, and the contrast with the ruins of the factory stands out. There is also farming going on around the factory site, and you can observe the fields.

Motorcycle parking lot at the site of the former Toriko factory

There is no dedicated parking lot for motorcycles at the site of the former Toriko factory. However, there is a large space within the factory grounds, so you can park your bike there. However, please note that some parts of the site are in disrepair.

Summary

This time, we introduced the site of the former Toriko Factory, which we toured by bike from central Tokyo. The site of the former Toriko factory is the ruins of a dairy farm that flourished during the Showa era, and its desolate landscape and rich natural environment are impressive. You can also see the history and products of Toriko Farm in the factory building and memorial hall. The site of the former Torikou factory is a perfect spot for touring on a motorcycle. You can experience the contrast between the ruins and nature and the history of Toriko Farm. If you are also interested in the site of the former Toriko factory, please come and visit it by bike. It’s sure to be an unforgettable memory.

The above was sent to you by _hiroyuki.ta. Next time, we will introduce some attractive spots for touring by motorcycle. looking forward to!

*The site of the former Torikou Factory is called Former Torikou Factory Site in English.