Discover the Heart of Rural Aichi: Nature, Culture, and Warmth at Donguri no Sato Inabu
Nestled along National Route 153 in the serene countryside of Toyota City, Donguri no Sato Inabu is a roadside station where tradition meets tranquility. Situated on the historic Nakama Kaido and Salt Road, it serves as a welcoming gateway to the rich natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Inabu region. Surrounded by ancient forests, flowing streams, and seasonal wonders—from cherry blossoms at Zui Ryūji Temple to winter ice formations in Menomiki Primeval Forest—this is a destination for those who seek both adventure and peace.
At the heart of the station lies the popular Inabu Onsen, featuring spacious open-air baths and a rejuvenating hot spring experience. Visitors can savor locally crafted delights at the Don’guri Yokocho, where handmade rice flour bread, seasonal vegetable preserves, and blueberry jam highlight the region’s agricultural bounty. Whether enjoying a bowl of traditional rice and mountain vegetable rice cake or exploring nearby attractions, every visit to Donguri no Sato Inabu offers a genuine taste of rural Japan.
Why Visit
Donguri no Sato Inabu stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering a genuine mountain village experience centered around local heritage and nature. Visitors can savor the unique Inabu Rice Pancakes made with locally grown "Mine Asahi" rice and fresh mountain vegetables, a specialty only found here. The station’s highlight is its expansive outdoor hot spring bath, where guests soak in natural mineral water surrounded by forested hills, with views of seasonal cherry blossoms at Shidare Sakura in Ryūryū-ji Temple just minutes away. This rare combination of authentic regional cuisine, mountain wellness, and accessible natural beauty makes Donguri no Sato Inabu a destination unlike any other.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor seasonal flavors at Donguri no Sato Inabu, where local ingredients meet rustic charm in every bite.
Donkey's Alley Restaurant
どんぐり食堂
Specialty
Traditional local cuisine featuring rice and mountain vegetables
A cozy dining spot offering authentic regional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including ancient rice and mountain vegetables. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for a relaxing meal after exploring the surrounding natural beauty.
Shopping Highlights
Discover handcrafted goods and regional specialties at the vibrant roadside station shops.
Donkey's Alley Market
どんぐり横丁
A retail market offering a variety of locally produced goods, including fresh vegetables, rice, and handmade food products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Blueberry Jam
Inabu Rice Shop
稲武産みねあさひ（お米）
Specializes in selling high-quality local rice from the Inabu region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Inabu Rice
Mountain Vegetable Pickle Shop
山ごぼう漬け
Sells traditional pickled mountain vegetables, made using local ingredients and traditional methods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Mountain Vegetable Pickle
Blueberry Jam Shop
ブルーベリージャム
Specializes in handmade blueberry jam made from locally grown blueberries.
Products
Must-Try Item
Blueberry Jam
Black Ink Fish Shop
からすみ
Sells traditional Japanese black ink fish (a type of dried fish), known for its rich flavor and long shelf life.
Products
Must-Try Item
Black Ink Fish
Inabu Castella Shop
いなぶカステラ（抹茶）
Sells locally made castella cakes, including a popular matcha flavor.
Products
Must-Try Item
Matcha Castella
Featured Products
Explore signature treats like mountain vegetable pickles, blueberry jam, and the famed Inabu Castella.
Blueberry Jam
ブルーベリージャム
Handmade jam made from fresh, locally grown blueberries. Known for its rich, natural flavor and smooth texture.
Mountain Vegetable Pickle
山ごぼう漬け
Traditional pickled vegetables made with mountain-grown ingredients, offering a unique, slightly tangy flavor.
Black Ink Fish
からすみ
A traditional Japanese dried fish with a deep, savory flavor, ideal for seasoning or as a snack.
Inabu Rice
稲武産みねあさひ（お米）
High-quality rice grown in the Inabu region, known for its soft texture and rich flavor.
Matcha Castella
いなぶカステラ（抹茶）
A delicate castella cake infused with matcha green tea, offering a balanced sweet and earthy taste.
Rice Flour Bread
米粉入りパン
Freshly baked bread made with locally sourced rice flour, offering a light and airy texture.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax with spacious parking, accessible restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and convenient EV charging stations.
Parking Area
The roadside station provides parking for 12 large vehicles and 108 regular vehicles.
At the roadside station premises
Restrooms
There are 9 male toilets and 8 female toilets available. One of the toilets has a wheelchair-accessible stall with a ramp.
Within the roadside station facility
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless LAN is available for visitors.
Throughout the roadside station
Information Center
The roadside station serves as an information hub, offering details about local history, culture, tourism sites, and regional road information via multimedia displays.
Inside the roadside station
Dongurinosato Onsen
A natural hot spring with an open-air bath. The onsen includes a high-temperature sauna (currently closed due to equipment issues) and a low-temperature sauna (rock bath), both temporarily unavailable. The onsen is open from 10:00 to 21:00 (last entry at 20:00), with a regular closure on Thursdays (or the next day if a holiday).
On-site, within the roadside station complex
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging facilities are available at the roadside station.
At the roadside station premises
Activities & Experiences
Engage in seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and nature walks amid scenic mountain landscapes.
Harvest Festival
どんぐり横丁『収穫祭』
Enjoy seasonal mushrooms and taste mushroom soup offered for sale.
Duration
120 min
Children's Scavenger Hunt
『子どもスタンプラリー』
Solve mysteries around Dongurinosato Inabu by completing a stamp rally.
Duration
90 min
Good Bath Day
どんぐりの湯『いい風呂の日』
Participate in a special bath day event featuring discounted bath coupons.
Duration
120 min
Insider Tips
Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds and enjoy extended hours during peak harvest seasons.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00–10:00 AM on weekends to secure the fresh batch of rice flour bread and mountain vegetable pickles, which are typically sold out by 11:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter for the limited-edition Inabu Castella (Matcha), available only in-store—no online or third-party sales are permitted
- Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the Donuguri Yokocho food stall between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to sample the seasonal wild mushroom soup during the Harvest Festival event (October 26, 2025)
- Best Value Bath Experience: Arrive before 5:00 PM on weekdays to enjoy the full range of bath facilities, including the 2nd-floor hot spring bath, as the high-temperature sauna is currently closed and the lower-temperature sauna is also unavailable
- Free Parking Tip: Use the designated parking spots near the entrance marked "EV Charging" during off-peak hours (before 11:00 AM or after 4:00 PM) to avoid congestion near the main lot
- Local Product Hack: Purchase the Blueberry Jam and Mountain Bamboo Pickles together—they are sold as a bundled set at a 10% discount, available only at the Donuguri Yokocho counter
- Event Timing: Participate in the Children’s Stamp Rally (November 1–30, 2025) by collecting stamps at the information corner and Donuguri Yokocho—complete the full route by 3:00 PM to receive a free traditional rice flour dumpling at the Donuguri Dining Hall
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms bloom at Shidare Sakura in early April, and fresh mountain vegetables are available at the market.
Summer (June-August): Fireflies appear in the clear streams of Oihei Park from late June to early July.
Autumn (September-November): Red leaves peak in Oihei Park by mid-November, and the Harvest Festival celebrates seasonal mushrooms.
Winter (December-February): Tree ice and ice bursts form in the mountain valleys during cold snaps.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a children's play area, interactive nature activities, and family-friendly food like rice cakes and local snacks. Stroller-accessible paths and safe, well-lit facilities enhance comfort for families.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse local cuisine including rice flour noodles, mountain vegetable rice, and seasonal specialties like wild mushroom soup. Fresh produce and artisanal goods from regional farms are prominent.
Car Camping Review
Provides ample parking, clean restrooms, and vending machines. While not designed for extended stays, quiet hours and a peaceful setting support short overnight visits.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by natural beauty with seasonal highlights including cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, and winter ice formations. Scenic viewpoints and forest trails enhance the aesthetic appeal.