Discover the Heart of Oze and the Spirit of Hinoemata
Oze Hinoemata roadside station is a vibrant cultural and natural gateway nestled in the serene highlands of southern Aizu, nestled in the heart of Hinoemata Village, Fukushima Prefecture. More than a rest stop, it serves as a dynamic hub where the rhythms of rural life meet the wonders of nature, offering travelers a deep connection to the region’s heritage and landscapes.
Visitors are welcomed by a thoughtfully curated mix of local experiences: explore the woodcraft exhibition and wooden materials museum, savor regional specialties like mountain pickled vegetables, river trout miso, and local honey, and plan your journey through the pristine Oze wetlands. With a dedicated mountain travel information center and easy access to nearby trails, hot springs, and campsites, Oze Hinoemata is the perfect starting point for authentic adventures in one of Japan’s most cherished natural regions.
Why Visit
Oze Hinoemata stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering an authentic taste of traditional mountain life. Visitors can sample Yama-nin-zuke, a locally crafted pickled vegetable made from wild mountain greens, and Iwana miso, a rich, earthy stew featuring freshwater trout from the pristine streams of Oze. The station also houses the only dedicated woodcraft exhibit in the area, showcasing hand-carved items from native Japanese cedar, each piece reflecting the craftsmanship of local artisans.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Oze Hinoemata roadside station, where mountain-inspired dishes and fresh regional ingredients come together.
Oze Hinoemata
尾瀬檜枝岐
Specialty
Local cuisine from Oze and Hinoemata
A full-service restaurant offering traditional regional dishes with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, reflecting the natural beauty of the Oze area.
Café at Oze Hinoemata
カフェ
Specialty
Local coffee and light refreshments
A cozy café offering locally roasted coffee and light snacks in a relaxed, rustic setting. Ideal for a quiet break during your visit to the Oze area.
Oze Specialty Food Stall
特産品販売所
Specialty
Regional specialty foods
A small food stall offering a variety of local delicacies and seasonal treats, perfect for quick bites and on-the-go snacks.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique crafts and regional goods at Oze Hinoemata roadside station, blending tradition with local craftsmanship.
Woodcraft Exhibition and Sales Store
木工品展示販売所
A shop specializing in handcrafted wooden products made by local artisans using sustainable wood from the Oze region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hand-carved wooden spoon
Oze Wood Materials Museum
木の資料館
A museum showcasing the history, types, and uses of wood in the Oze region, with educational displays and interactive exhibits.
Products
Must-Try Item
Wood sample collection
Oze Hinoemata Souvenir Market
物産館
A souvenir shop offering a wide range of locally produced goods, including food, crafts, and memorabilia from the Oze and Hinoemata region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Oze Mountain Pickles
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like mountain pickles, ayu miso, and pure local honey, crafted with care from Oze’s natural bounty.
Mountain Pickled Vegetables
山人漬け
Traditional pickled vegetables made with local mountain herbs and seasonal vegetables, known for their unique flavor and long shelf life.
Ayu Miso Grilled Fish
岩魚味噌
Fresh ayu fish grilled over charcoal and served with a rich miso sauce, a regional specialty of Oze.
Local Honey
はちみつ
Pure honey harvested from wildflowers in the Oze region, known for its natural sweetness and floral aroma.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities at Oze Hinoemata roadside station, including restrooms, baby facilities, and EV charging stations.
Parking
The roadside station has a parking area with 5 large vehicle spots, 55 standard vehicle spots, and 5 disabled-accessible spots.
Near the main entrance of the roadside station
Restroom
Restrooms are available at the roadside station, including accessible toilets for people with disabilities.
Inside the facility
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available at the roadside station for visitors.
Throughout the facility
Tourism Information Center
The roadside station features a tourism information center, known as 'Oze Hiwaki Mountain Travel Information Center,' providing local and Oze area tourism information, event details, and assistance with travel planning.
Inside the facility
Play Area
A play area is available for children within the facility.
Inside the facility
Hot Spring
The roadside station includes a hot spring facility for visitors to enjoy relaxing baths.
Inside the facility
Bike Rental
Bike rental services are available at the roadside station for visitors exploring the surrounding area.
Near the entrance
Nursing Room
A nursing room is available for mothers with infants, providing a private and comfortable space.
Inside the facility
EV Charging Station
An electric vehicle charging station is available at the roadside station for electric vehicles.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitors to withdraw cash.
Near the entrance
Pet Area
A designated pet area is available for visitors with pets, allowing them to keep their animals safe and comfortable.
Outside the main building
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around local events and seasonal offerings to make the most of your time at Oze Hinoemata roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:00 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the counter of the restaurant, where the daily special of mountain vegetable and wild fish stew is served only until 11:30 AM and often sells out early.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the woodcraft exhibition and sales area before 12:00 PM to speak directly with local artisans about custom wood carvings made from native hinoki cedar, available only during their on-site crafting sessions.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, check the information board near the entrance for the 11:00 AM woodcraft demonstration at the woodcraft exhibition hall—only one session is held per day and lasts 45 minutes.
- Must-Try Product: Purchase the “Yama-nin-zuke” (mountain pickle) from the shop counter between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, as it is restocked only once daily and is frequently sold out by noon.
- Best Viewpoint Access: Enter through the southern entrance and walk to the back of the wooden structure to access the hidden viewpoint overlooking the valley—this spot is not marked on maps but is clearly visible from the back deck.
- On-Site Event Timing: Join the free guided tour of the woodcraft exhibit at 1:00 PM on Fridays and Sundays; the tour lasts 30 minutes and includes a hands-on demonstration using traditional tools.
- Special Purchase Window: Buy the limited-edition hinoki wood keychain with a carved “Oze Hinoemata” logo at the gift shop between 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM, as it is only available during this time and is not restocked.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at roadside station stalls in early spring; canola flowers bloom in late April.
Summer (June–August): Peak season for mountain vegetables and fresh river fish; ideal for hiking to Oze National Park.
Autumn (September–November): Best time for wild mushroom foraging and maple foliage viewing; local events feature autumn harvest goods.
Winter (December–February): Snow-covered scenery enhances winter visits; nearby ski resort offers skiing from December to February.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Oze Hinoemata offers a baby bed, stroller-friendly paths, and a family-friendly atmosphere. While no dedicated play area exists, the on-site woodcraft museum and local cultural exhibits provide educational value for children.
Food Lover Review
The roadside station features a restaurant, café, and high-quality local specialties like mountain pickle, ayu miso, and honey. Fresh produce and artisanal food products are available, enhancing the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Oze Hinoemata has restrooms and vending machines, but no designated overnight parking or camping facilities. The area is quiet during off-peak hours, though it lacks official car camping policies or overnight accommodations.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near Oze National Park, the roadside station offers scenic views of natural landscapes and seasonal beauty. The surrounding forest and mountain scenery provide excellent photo opportunities and a serene atmosphere.