Station Zen no Sato

Discover Serenity and Flavor at the Heart of Fukui

Zen no Sato, nestled along National Route 416 in the tranquil永平寺町, is more than a roadside station—it's a gateway to the natural and cultural soul of eastern Fukui Prefecture. Surrounded by lush forests and the serene flow of the Nine Dragons River, it offers travelers a peaceful retreat where rural charm meets modern comfort.

This vibrant roadside station features a rejuvenating hot spring bath with multiple pools, including a free footbath, perfect for easing travel fatigue. Visitors can savor locally sourced vegetables, handmade curries, and artisanal gelato at the on-site café, or explore a well-curated shop featuring regional specialties. With panoramic views from the observation deck and easy access to nearby attractions like the historic Eiheiji Temple and the ancient Matsugata Kofun Cluster, Zen no Sato is a must-stop for those seeking authentic experiences in the heart of Japan’s countryside.

Visit Zen no Sato to experience the only roadside station in the region featuring a natural hot spring with a unique white broth bath, drawn from the high-quality, low-salinity mineral waters of the永平寺温泉. Savor the exclusive seasonal wild mountain vegetable curry, made with ingredients foraged from the surrounding九頭竜川 valley, and sample handmade gelato crafted from Jersey cow milk sourced directly from local farms—flavors you won’t find anywhere else.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit the special product sales counter by 9:15 AM on weekdays to secure the day's fresh batch of local pickled vegetables, which are restocked daily at 9:00 AM and often sell out by 11:00 AM.

• Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the daily special of "Fukui-style vegetable curry" served only between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM—this limited-time offering uses locally grown seasonal vegetables and is not listed on the menu board.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, arrive by 10:15 AM to purchase the day’s first batch of handmade “Zen no Sato” milk bread, available exclusively from 10:00 AM until sold out—typically by 11:30 AM.

• Best Access for Parking: Use the designated large vehicle parking spots (2 spaces) near the entrance if you're driving a van or larger vehicle, as the standard parking area fills quickly during weekend mornings.

• Free Feature to Use: Take advantage of the free foot bath located just outside the main entrance—open 24 hours and accessible even when the main facility is closed, ideal for relieving foot fatigue after a long drive.

• Timing for the Hot Springs: Visit the hot spring facility before 5:00 PM on weekdays to experience the full range of bathing options, including the heartful bath for people with mobility challenges, which is reserved for early visitors and often fully booked by late afternoon.

• Information Hub Tip: Use the information terminal near the entrance to print out a free map of the nearby historical sites—especially useful for finding the exact route to the Shōgō Kofun Group, which is not well marked on standard navigation apps.

Spring (March–May): Visit for fresh bamboo shoots harvested in April and the peak of canola flowers in late March to early April.

Summer (June–August): Enjoy river fishing for ayu and sakura salmon along the Jōkōryū River from June through August.

Autumn (September–November): Experience the autumn foliage around the Kofun burial mounds and harvest season for local vegetables.

Winter (December–February): Relax in the high-quality hot spring waters of the Zen no Sato hot spring, especially effective for relieving winter fatigue.