Station Hirata

Discover the Heart of Fukushima’s Rural Charm

Nestled at the gateway to the Abukuma Highlands, Hirata roadside station sits in the serene village of Hirata, nestled beneath the foothills of Mount Hana-ta. Strategically positioned at the crossroads of National Route 49 and the Abukuma Highlands Expressway’s Hirata Interchange, it serves as a welcoming oasis for travelers exploring the natural beauty and cultural heritage of northern Fukushima.

More than just a pit stop, Hirata stands out for its vibrant local spirit. Visitors can savor freshly hand-pulled soba made from locally grown buckwheat at Takyama restaurant, indulge in the infamous Hell-level Habanero soft serve—famed for its fiery challenge—and browse a lively farm shop offering seasonal produce, medicinal spice products, and handcrafted souvenirs. With its reputation for cleanliness and a passionate commitment to local agriculture, Hirata is a true celebration of community, nature, and flavor.

Hirata roadside station stands out for its bold, locally crafted heat experience—home to the only Hell-Level Habanero Soft in Japan, made from peppers grown in the village’s own fields. The challenge isn’t just spicy; it’s legendary, with over 19,000 attempts recorded and a 12.7% completion rate that speaks to its intensity. Just steps away, the on-site soba restaurant serves hand-pulled soba using 100% locally milled flour from Hirata’s own crops, offering a taste of the village’s agricultural soul.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit by 9:00 AM on weekends to secure a seat at そば処たけやま (Soba Shop Takyama) before the lunch rush, as the hand-pulled soba is served only until 17:00 and often sells out by early afternoon.

• Hidden Gems: Ask at the direct sales counter about the seasonal produce from local farmer Yabuki Kazuya, who grows specialty crops including medicinal herbs and heirloom vegetables available only during harvest periods.

• Food Truck Timing: The food truck at たけやま (Soba Shop Takyama) operates only on weekends from 11:00 to 17:00; arrive before 12:00 to avoid long lines for the popular handcrafted soba bowls.

• Must-Try Special: Order the "Hell-Level" Habanero Soft at the ファストフードジュッピー (Fast Food Juppy) stand before 16:00, as it is only available until the daily order cutoff and is known to sell out quickly due to its extreme heat.

• Best Time for Local Products: Visit the direct sales counter between 10:00 and 11:00 on weekdays to see fresh daily deliveries of locally grown Habanero peppers and medicinal spice products, which are not restocked after midday.

• EV Charging Tip: Use the 24-hour EV charging station located at the rear of the parking lot near the restroom area—this spot is often overlooked but provides consistent power access even during peak hours.

• Special Event Reminder: Check the event calendar for the second harvest festival & wild yam festival on November 24th, which features live demonstrations of traditional yam processing and exclusive tasting of wild yam-based snacks available only during the event.

Spring (March–May): Visit during the芝桜祭り (Fukinotake Sakura Festival) in April to see vibrant carpet-like blooms, with fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.

Summer (June–August): Enjoy the cool mountain air and forest bathing at nearby Jupia Land, where hydrangeas bloom in late June.

Autumn (September–November): Attend the second harvest festival and natural yam festival on November 24, featuring local root vegetables and seasonal produce.

Winter (December–February): Experience the quiet mountain serenity and try the limited-time Hell-level Habanero soft serve, a regional challenge.