Station Fudegaki no Sato Koda

Savor the Essence of Aichi’s Agricultural Heritage

Nestled along the scenic National Route 23 bypass in the heart of Kōta Town, Fudegaki no Sato Koda stands as a vibrant roadside station celebrated for its deep connection to local farming and seasonal abundance. Renowned nationwide for its premium "Fudegaki" persimmons—the top-producing variety in Japan—this station transforms the harvest season into a sensory celebration. Visitors can pick fresh persimmons, sample unique treats like persimmon wine and persimmon naresu curry, and explore seasonal events such as persimmon picking and sweet potato digging.

Beyond its signature fruit, the station offers a curated selection of locally grown vegetables, seasonal produce, and artisanal goods, including handmade dry fish and fresh honey. With a welcoming restaurant serving farm-to-table meals, a bustling farmers’ market, and family-friendly activities, Fudegaki no Sato Koda delivers a genuine taste of rural Japan—where nature, tradition, and community come together.

Fudegaki no Sato Koda stands out as the only roadside station in Japan where you can harvest and process the unique fudegaki persimmon—the nation’s top-producing variety—during seasonal events. Visitors can pick the fruit directly from orchards and participate in the rare, hands-on selection process that separates sweet from astringent varieties, a tradition exclusive to this location. The station also offers the region’s only kaki wine, made from locally grown persimmons, and a seasonal Kaki Miso flavor, a bold local twist on traditional miso.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the restaurant before the 9:00 AM opening, as the "筆柿なすカレー" (Persimmon Eggplant Curry) and "筆柿天丼" (Persimmon Tempura Donburi) are often sold out by noon.

• Hidden Gems: Head to the south-side refrigerated display near the "干物屋さん" (Dried Fish Shop) to find handcrafted, fully sun-dried, and chemical-free dried fish from the Funato Bay region—only available during summer and early autumn.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the "茶屋" (Tea House) between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to try the limited-time "幸水梨ソフトクリーム" (Shinshu Pear Soft Cream), which is made with locally grown Shinshu pears and only available for a short season.

• Seasonal Product Tip: During October, visit the direct sales counter between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM to purchase the "化粧箱入りの筆柿" (premium persimmons in decorative boxes) from the annual persimmon judging competition—these are available only during the "筆柿まつり" (Persimmon Festival) and sell out quickly.

• Family Activity Tip: On weekends in October, join the "里芋掘り体験会" (Yam Digging Experience) by pre-registering at the direct sales counter or by calling 0564-63-5171; the event takes place on nearby farmland and requires no prior experience.

• Food & Drink Insider: Order the "筆柿ワイン" (Persimmon Wine) at the shop counter during the 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM window, as this is when the staff often offer a complimentary taste sample to customers who purchase the wine.

• Best Time for Free Food: Arrive at the roadside station between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM during the "収穫祭" (Harvest Festival) on November 1st and 2nd to receive a free bowl of "おしるこ" (red bean soup), which is served on a first-come, first-served basis and runs out by 11:00 AM.

Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available in early spring; local produce like early strawberries and leafy greens appear at the market.

Summer (June-August): Peak season for fresh peaches, greenhouse mandarins, and watermelons; summer fruit and vegetable sales peak.

Autumn (September-November): Harvest season for persimmons, sweet potatoes, taro, and chestnuts; special events include persimmon picking and harvest festivals.

Winter (December-February): Seasonal treats include roasted chestnuts and sweet red bean soup; winter produce like winter melon and root vegetables available.