Station Tsukude Handmade Village

Discover the Heart of Craft and Community in Aichi

Tsukude Handmade Village is a vibrant roadside station nestled in the scenic countryside of Nisshin City, Aichi Prefecture, where tradition meets creativity. More than a rest stop, it’s a living cultural hub celebrating local craftsmanship, agriculture, and the spirit of rural life. Located near the historic Kameyama Castle Ruins and just minutes from the charming Kikubo Community Plaza, the station offers travelers a unique opportunity to connect with the land, people, and heritage of the region.

At Tsukude Handmade Village, visitors can savor fresh, locally grown tomatoes in a delicious Hayashi Rice, explore hands-on workshops in woodworking and textile arts, and enjoy seasonal farm-to-table cuisine. The highlight is the free mini steam train that runs every fourth Sunday (March to November), gliding along a 160-meter track pulled by a human-powered freight car—perfect for families and train enthusiasts alike. With EV charging, spacious parking, and a dedicated space for local artisans, it’s a true destination for authentic Japanese rural experience.

Visit Tsukude Handmade Village to taste the region’s only tomato-based Hayashi rice, crafted daily from fresh, locally grown tomatoes harvested in the area. The highlight is the monthly Mini-SL model train ride on a 160-meter track, where visitors can freely ride a human-powered freight car in the central grassy plaza. This unique blend of agricultural heritage and hands-on heritage experiences—like making traditional gobo and sanshō pickles or crafting with local wood—can only be found here.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the deli counter for the daily batch of fresh-baked milk bread, which sells out by 11:00 AM and is only available during the first two hours of opening.

• Hidden Gems: Visit the "Yūyū Plaza" handcraft corner between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM on weekdays to observe local artisans demonstrating traditional weaving techniques using locally grown hemp fiber.

• Weekend Special: On the fourth Sunday of each month from March to November (excluding December to February), arrive by 10:00 AM to ride the mini-SL train on the 160-meter track at the central grassy field, which operates only during this event and runs every 15 minutes.

• Seasonal Product Alert: Purchase the seasonal tomato-based Hayashi Rice at the main food counter in June and July, as it is only available during the peak tomato harvest season and features tomatoes grown directly in the local fields.

• EV Charging Tip: Use the EV charging station located near the entrance between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM to avoid peak usage times, as the station is most frequently occupied during the morning and evening hours.

• Best Experience for Families: Bring children to the "Tonchin Hall" craft workshop on Wednesday afternoons between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to participate in a hands-on pottery session using locally sourced clay.

• Free Access Perk: Take advantage of the free rest area near the parking lot, which includes shaded seating and drinking water, and is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM—ideal for a midday break before exploring the on-site farms.

Spring (March–May): Late March to April features peak canola flower viewing and harvesting, with fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.

Summer (June–August): August brings the seasonal highlight of the model train festival on the 4th Sunday, with free rides on the 160-meter mini railway.

Autumn (September–November): October sees the harvest of local tomatoes used in signature Hayashi Rice, while 4th Sunday events continue through November.

Winter (December–February): Closed on the 4th Sunday from December to February, but winter offers quiet visits to experience handmade crafts and seasonal agricultural products.