Nagasaka Apiary

Founded in 1935, Nagasaka Apiary has been raising honeybees along the shores of Lake Hamana for generations. At its shop in Mikkabi, visitors can browse a wide range of products-from primarily domestic Japanese honey to honey-based sweets, foods, and cosmetics.

The shop’s signature treat is its honey soft-serve ice cream, made by kneading honey directly into the mix. With the natural sweetness of milk, the rich depth of honey, and an irresistibly smooth texture, it’s a standout favorite. The finishing touch is the generous drizzle of extra honey added as the cone is handed over-a detail many fans come specifically for. On busy days, the shop can sell more than 2,000 cones. Alongside local Mikkabi varieties such as mandarin honey and wildflower honey, the lineup includes several types of pure Japanese honey-like renge (milk vetch) and acacia-as well as popular original blends created by the second and third generations of beekeepers. The selection of original honey sweets, including cookies, rusks, and pudding, is also impressively varied. Beehives visible through the windows add to the charm.

If arriving by train, the nearest station is Oku-Hamanako Station on the Tenryu Hamanako Railroad. With good timing, you might even catch a ride on the charmingly wrapped “Bunbun-go” train, decorated with the shop’s mascot characters Bunbun and Runrun. Be sure to check the railway’s website for operating schedules.