Tendo City in Yamagata Prefecture, the town of shogi and fruit. Among them, La France pears are the signature fruit of Tendo, boasting the highest production volume in Japan.

Located inside Roadside Station Tendo Onsen, Tento La France Factory is a specialty shop where visitors can enjoy Tendo-grown fruit in the form of gelato—easy, refreshing, and wonderfully indulgent. While it’s perfect for cooling off in the hot season, the warm wooden interior makes it an ideal place to relax at any time of year.

Here, I’ll introduce a gelato experience filled with the charm of Tendo, along with photos from my visit.

What Is Tento La France Factory?

Tento La France Factory is a shop located inside Roadside Station Tendo Onsen “Morīna Tendo.” It is a popular spot dedicated to showcasing the appeal of Yamagata’s iconic fruit, La France pears. Inside, you’ll find sweets, drinks, and processed products made with La France—along with original menu items available only here.

The stylish, open space is perfect for café use and is also a popular stop during sightseeing. It’s a place where visitors can casually experience Yamagata’s unique fruit culture. Seasonal limited‑edition items often appear, making each visit a new discovery.

Inside Tento La France Factory｜Warm Wood and an Open Atmosphere

Located inside “Morīna Tendo,” Tento La France Factory features a warm, wood‑based design true to its name. The high ceiling gives the space an airy feel, while the gentle lighting and natural wood textures create a relaxing atmosphere.

Although it sits within a lively roadside station, the shop itself feels calm and spacious—comfortable for solo visitors and families alike.

Let’s Buy Some Gelato

To purchase gelato, you first buy a ticket from the vending machine. Choose your size—single, double, etc.—and bring the printed ticket to the counter. Even during busy sightseeing seasons or weekends, the vending machine system helps keep things moving smoothly. Payment is mainly cash, so having coins ready is recommended.

Order at the Gelato Counter

Hand your ticket to the staff, then choose your favorite flavor from the showcase.

The signature La France flavor is a must‑try, and seasonal fruit flavors and milk varieties are also available. I even spotted gelato made with Yamagata’s premium rice brand, Tsuyahime!

The gelato is served with a wooden spoon rather than plastic, which matches the shop’s natural atmosphere nicely.

The showcase is filled with colorful gelato flavors—so many tempting choices. This time, I chose two of Yamagata’s representative fruits: La France and cherry.

Tasting Review: La France & Cherry Gelato

Let’s dig in! The gelato feels airy and light as you scoop it.

The first thing that surprises you is the aroma. The La France flavor has a rich, elegant fragrance—almost like eating perfectly ripened fruit itself. The cherry flavor is packed with sweet‑tart intensity and finishes refreshingly. Both flavors taste natural, highlighting the fruit’s true character rather than artificial additives.

The mouthfeel is incredibly smooth—not icy or grainy, but creamy and rich. In summer, it cools you down gently, and in colder seasons, it’s not “too cold,” making it enjoyable year‑round.

Seasonal Ways to Enjoy Tento La France Factory Gelato

One of the charms of Tento La France Factory is that you can enjoy it in any season.

From spring to summer, seasonal flavors like strawberry are perfect for refreshing yourself. In summer, amanatsu citrus and watermelon gelato were also available. In autumn and winter, you can savor the richness of in‑season La France, or enjoy milk and chocolate flavors in the warm interior.

No matter when you visit, there’s always something seasonal to enjoy. I’d love to return in another season to try different flavors.

Explore “Morīna Tendo” While Enjoying Your Gelato

Another highlight is that you can enjoy Tendo’s culture while eating gelato. Inside Morīna Tendo, there is a shogi exhibition space, adding to the feeling of being on a trip to Tendo.

A Bench with a Shogi Board!

The facility also collaborates with the popular manga “March Comes in Like a Lion” (by Chica Umino), which is set in Tendo. Original illustrations and related items are displayed.

On Sunny Days, Enjoy Gelato Outdoors

On sunny days, enjoying gelato on a park bench is wonderfully refreshing. There’s also a footbath nearby at Roadside Station Tendo Onsen—pairing gelato with a footbath is a uniquely luxurious Tendo experience.

Access & Store Information

Tento La France Factory is about a 5‑minute drive from JR Tendo Station. It is located inside “Morīna Tendo” at Roadside Station Tendo Onsen.

Since it’s within the roadside station, you can also enjoy the footbath and souvenir shops—making it an easy stop during a drive.

Summary

Tento La France Factory is a high‑quality gelato shop where you can enjoy sweets made with Yamagata’s beloved La France pears, cherries, and more. The rich, silky La France gelato is sure to make your trip even more delightful.

If you visit Tendo, be sure to stop by and give it a try.