Station Ramie Weaving Village Showa (からむし織の里しょうわ)

Discover the Living Legacy of Ramie Weaving Village Showa

Nestled in the pristine highlands of Fukushima Prefecture, Ramie Weaving Village Showa offers a rare glimpse into Japan’s untouched rural heritage. This roadside station stands at the heart of Showa Village, a community where time seems to pause, and nature remains untouched by modern development. More than a stopover, it is a cultural sanctuary dedicated to preserving the centuries-old art of ramie weaving—a craft once vital to Japan’s textile tradition.

Here, visitors encounter a living museum, artisan workshops, and a vibrant marketplace showcasing handwoven textiles, locally foraged delicacies, and exclusive crafts inspired by the region’s iconic kusumi grass. Highlights include the famed kusumi grass embroidery, premium ramie towels made with patented fabric technology, and seasonal treats like handmade mochi and mountain udon pickled in soy. With each season bringing new wonders—from fiery autumn foliage to deep winter snowscapes—Ramie Weaving Village Showa invites travelers to experience the soul of rural Japan, one handmade treasure at a time.

At Ramie Weaving Village Showa, discover the only roadside station in Japan where you can experience the centuries-old craft of ramie weaving, using fibers from the village’s native karamushi plants. The station is home to the only authentic ramie fabric products made on-site, including the famed "Showa Kasmisou" embroidered bath towels and handcrafted wallets using traditional techniques. For a truly unique souvenir, try the limited-edition handmade cookie tin made with local rice and seasonal mountain ingredients—each one a one-of-a-kind creation.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure the limited weekly batch of 昭和村手作りクッキー缶 (Shimoyama Village Handmade Cookie Tin), which is only available in 10-canned batches and sells out by noon.

• Hidden Gems: Head directly to the deli counter near the entrance to find the 昭和せんべい (Shimoyama Senbei) in the five seasonal flavors—shoyu, togarashi, aonori, goma, and norimaki—with the 10-piece set (two of each flavor) available only at the roadside station and not sold online.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the cooking station at 11:00 AM to watch the live preparation of 山うどたまり漬 (Mountain Udon Marinated in Soy Sauce), which is only made fresh on-site and sold in limited quantities during the day.

• Must-Buy Item: Purchase the 浅野撚糸✕からむし バスタオル (Asano Yarn × Karamushi Bath Towel) at the main sales counter before 1:00 PM, as this premium towel with the Shimoyama Kasmusou embroidery is only restocked once daily and often sells out by mid-afternoon.

• Seasonal Timing: Visit the deli counter on October 11th or the following weekend to find the 昭和村産天然舞茸＆天然なめこ (Shimoyama Village Wild Matsutake & Nama Ko Mushrooms), which are only available for a short window after the autumn harvest and are featured in daily specials.

• Specialty Product Access: Ask staff at the karamushi craft corner for the からむし小銭入れ (Karamushi Coin Purse) with a wide opening, which is handcrafted from natural karamushi fiber and genuine leather and is only available in the roadside station—not through the online shop.

• Exclusive Experience: Join the monthly handmade workshop (held on the second Sunday of each month) at the Karamushi Artisan Hall, where visitors can create their own kasmusou-inspired pin using real dried kasmusou flowers—reservations are required and limited to 10 participants per session.

Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market; spring harvest of wild mountain vegetables begins.

Summer (June-August): Peak season for wild mushrooms like shiitake and enoki; summer festivals feature traditional crafts.

Autumn (September-November): Vibrant fall foliage at shirakabasou; seasonal harvest of wild mushrooms and chestnuts.

Winter (December-February): Snow-covered landscape with 2 meters of snow; winter specialty dishes feature local ingredients.