Station Sakai

Discover the Heart of Fukui’s Agricultural Heritage

Sakai roadside station is a vibrant gateway to the rich farming traditions of Fukui Prefecture, nestled in the fertile heart of the Sakai Plain. More than just a rest stop, it serves as a dynamic cultural and agricultural hub where local farmers, visitors, and community members connect through the bounty of the land. Located at the center of a region renowned as one of Japan’s premier rice-growing areas, the station celebrates the rhythm of the seasons with fresh, seasonal produce and authentic regional flavors.

At the core of the experience is the “Inesu Market,” where you can find locally grown rice, fresh vegetables, and handcrafted goods. The on-site restaurant proudly uses 100% locally sourced soybeans, offering a taste of true regional authenticity. With 24-hour restrooms, a convenient information center, and a range of souvenirs including unique stamp and ticket sets, Sakai roadside station is the perfect stop for travelers seeking an immersive, sustainable, and deeply local Japanese countryside experience.

Visit Sakai roadside station to experience the only on-site soy milk ice cream made from 100% locally grown, stone-ground soybeans in the region. Wander through the vast fields of the Fukui grain belt, where golden wheat fields in summer contrast with emerald rice paddies in spring, creating a living landscape unique to this part of Japan. Here, the rhythm of the seasons is written in the land itself.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM on weekdays to get the freshest batch of the day’s handmade tofu from the "inesu i" market, which is typically restocked early and sells out by midday.

• Hidden Gems: At the deli counter in the "inesu i" market, look for the seasonal pickled vegetables made from locally grown cucumbers and daikon, available only during summer months and sold in small glass jars.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays, visit the "inesu i" market by 11:00 AM to purchase the limited-edition rice crackers made with local rice and sea salt, produced exclusively for the weekend farmers’ market.

• Best Photo Spot: Head to the open grassy area just south of the roadside station’s main entrance, where the golden wheat fields of the Sakai Plain are visible in the background—ideal for photos between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM when the light is most golden.

• Exclusive Merchandise: Visit the inesu office during its open hours (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding Mondays) to purchase the limited-run "Sakai Town Harvest" stamp set, only available at the roadside station and not sold online.

• Local Food Hack: Order the "Sakai-style tofu curry" at the restaurant between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to enjoy it with the day’s fresh batch of steamed rice, which is prepared daily using locally grown Sakai rice and served immediately after cooking.

• Parking Tip: Use the west-side parking lot near the restroom building to access the "inesu i" market entrance directly—this route avoids the main gate and is less crowded during peak visiting times.

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

Summer (June-August): Late June sees ripe strawberries harvested and watermelon available from July.

Autumn (September-November): October brings golden rice fields and fresh chestnuts from late September.

Winter (December-February): December offers roasted sweet potatoes and seasonal soybean dishes at the restaurant.