Station Fujikawa-shuku

Step Into 400 Years of History at a Living Heritage Stop

Fujikawa-shuku, a roadside station nestled in the heart of Okazaki City, stands as a vibrant bridge between Edo-era tradition and modern travel. Once a bustling post town on the historic Tōkaidō Highway, it flourished in 1601 as the 37th station, marked by the iconic Fujikawa Pine Alley, remnants of ancient gateways, and the preserved Waki-honjin—the former host of travelers and officials. Today, this storied site has transformed into a dynamic cultural hub where history comes alive.

Visitors are greeted by authentic architecture, seasonal markets, and local cuisine that honor the region’s legacy. The roadside station offers a unique blend of heritage and hospitality, with a charming restaurant, fresh farm produce, and outdoor food stalls featuring regional specialties. Whether exploring nearby historical sites or enjoying a quiet moment beneath the pines, Fujikawa-shuku invites travelers to connect with Japan’s past while embracing the present.

Visit Fujikawa-shuku roadside station to experience a living piece of Edo-era history, where the original 17th-century murasaki wheat fields once thrived and the historic Kromatsu pine avenue—home to 90 ancient trees—still stands as a rare, preserved corridor along the ancient Tōkaidō route. Here, you can taste the only locally crafted Fujikawa-style wheat flour dumplings, made with heirloom grains grown in the same soil for centuries, and explore the restored Wakihonjin inn, one of the few remaining Edo-period gatehouses in the region.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the food truck serving fresh local tofu pancakes, which are only available from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM and often sell out by midday.

• Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter near the entrance to pick up the limited-edition "Fujikawa Shuku Harvest Bread," a sourdough loaf made with locally milled wheat and available only during the autumn harvest season.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the roadside station’s open-air food stalls feature "Murasaki Wheat Noodles" made from traditional purple barley flour, served with a seasonal broth that changes monthly—check the event board near the parking area for the current menu.

• Best Souvenir Purchase: Buy the "Kakishibu Dye Kit" at the souvenir shop before 12:00 PM, as it is restocked only once daily and often sells out by early afternoon.

• Photography Spot: Position yourself at the edge of the covered walkway near the "Wakihonjin" historic gate at 3:00 PM on weekdays to capture the golden-hour light filtering through the 90 original cypress trees of the Fujikawa Pine Avenue.

• Event Timing: If attending the monthly "Historic Walk & Taste" event, arrive by 10:15 AM to join the guided tour of the original roadside inn grounds before the 10:30 AM start time—tickets are sold at the front desk and limited to 20 per session.

• Parking Tip: Use the west-side parking lot near the mini-stop if you plan to visit the outdoor food stalls, as it offers direct access to the vendor area and is less crowded than the main lot during peak hours.

Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available April–May; canola flowers bloom in late March to early April.

Summer (June-August): Local melons harvested July–August; evening markets feature seasonal vegetables.

Autumn (September-November): Chestnuts and sweet potatoes in season from October; autumn foliage peaks in early November.

Winter (December-February): Hot roasted sweet potatoes sold December–February; winter festivals held in December.