Savor the Freshness of the Heartland
Clair Hirota is a vibrant roadside station nestled along the scenic banks of the clear-flowing Nagara River in Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture. Perched on a riverbank embankment, it offers travelers a refreshing stop where the rhythm of rural life meets modern convenience. Renowned for its daily haul of farm-fresh vegetables harvested at dawn, the station delivers exceptional quality at affordable prices, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Beyond its bustling farmers’ market, Clair Hirota features the beloved Kaiju Cafe, where locally sourced ingredients inspire seasonal dishes and artisanal desserts. With free parking, EV charging stations, and nearby attractions like the historic Ochidome Inari Shrine and the expansive Mikosan River Park, it’s more than a pit stop—it’s a gateway to authentic regional experiences.
Why Visit
Clair Hirota stands out as the only roadside station along the Long River where visitors can buy freshly harvested vegetables straight from local farms at sunrise prices. Its standout feature is the exclusive seasonal produce lineup, including rare heirloom varieties grown only in the Sea Town region. At the KAIJU CAFE, guests can savor a signature dessert: a rich, house-made milk ice cream made from locally raised Jersey cows, a treat available nowhere else in the area.
Restaurants & Dining
At Clair Hirota, savor fresh, locally sourced meals at KAIJU CAFE, where farm-to-table dining meets regional charm.
Kaiju Cafe
カイジュウカフェ
Specialty
Local ingredients and regional cuisine
A cozy café that emphasizes local sourcing and regional promotion, offering a variety of dishes and desserts made with fresh, locally produced ingredients. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, perfect for a peaceful break during a drive or bike ride.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a vibrant selection of local produce and handmade goods at Clair Hirota’s roadside station, perfect for unique souvenirs.
Farmers Market
農産物直売所
A direct sales market offering fresh, locally harvested vegetables and agricultural products from nearby farms.
Products
Must-Try Item
Morning-harvested fresh vegetables
Souvenir Shop
お土産販売
A shop specializing in regional specialty products and souvenirs made from local agricultural and livestock products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kusa Mochi
Featured Products
Explore signature items like seasonal vegetables and traditional treats such as kusa-mochi, celebrating the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
Kusa Mochi
草もち
A traditional rice cake made with glutinous rice and herbs, known for its unique texture and natural flavor.
Local Vegetable Mix
地元野菜セット
A curated selection of fresh, seasonal vegetables harvested in the morning from local farms, ideal for cooking and enjoying regional flavors.
Sixth Industry Product Set
六次産業化商品セット
A collection of value-added products made from local agricultural and livestock goods, supporting regional development and sustainable farming.
Local Honey
地元ハチミツ
Pure, natural honey harvested from local beekeepers, known for its rich flavor and high quality.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, EV charging stations, and scenic benches for a relaxing stop along your journey.
Parking Area
The roadside station has parking space for 17 large vehicles and 68 regular vehicles.
Toilet
Clean toilets are located on the north side next to the information center and on the south side next to the restaurant.
North side next to the information center, south side next to the restaurant
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors.
Information Center
The information center provides various tourism information and serves as a place to relax with benches. It is located on the north side of the station.
North side of the station
Play Area
The nearby Hirata Riverside Plaza features fun bicycles for children, barbecue areas, water play, and riverbank walking paths.
Hirata Riverside Plaza, about 5 minutes by car
EV Charging Station
EV charging facilities are available for visitors to charge their vehicles while shopping.
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitor convenience.
Nursing Room
A nursing room is available for parents with infants.
Insider Tips
Visit early for the freshest harvests and plan your trip around local events for the full regional experience.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 8:30 AM on weekdays to secure the freshest selection of morning-harvested vegetables, which are restocked daily and often sell out by 10:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter near the north restroom to find the limited-edition seasonal vegetable stew made daily using ingredients sourced from local farms
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the KAIJU CAFE serves a special farm-to-table lunch menu featuring grilled local vegetables and rice from nearby fields—order before 11:30 AM to guarantee availability
- EV Charging Tip: Use the EV charging station located beside the south-side restaurant entrance, which operates only during the station’s open hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), and arrive before 4:30 PM to ensure full charging time
- Best Photo Spot: Take a photo at the wooden viewing platform on the long, winding section of the Nagara River embankment, which offers panoramic views of the river and the surrounding rice fields—best visited in the late afternoon between 3:30–5:00 PM
- Local Product Alert: Purchase the “Hirata Harvest Mix” vegetable bundle at the direct sales counter—this curated selection of seasonal vegetables from the region’s farms is only available during the peak harvest months (April to October)
- Free Rest Stop: Use the free rest area near the information booth with shaded benches and water fountains—ideal for stretching legs during a long drive or bike ride along the Nagara River route
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market from early spring, with peak vegetable harvests in April.
Summer (June–August): Summer vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers at their peak, ideal for roadside station visits.
Autumn (September–November): Seasonal harvests include sweet potatoes and autumn greens, with cooler temperatures for comfortable strolling.
Winter (December–February): Limited fresh produce, but warm KAIJU CAFE offers seasonal comfort food.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Clair Hirota features a riverside park with playful bicycles, clean restrooms, and stroller-accessible paths. The nearby River Side Plaza offers child-friendly activities, and the café serves kid-friendly options, enhancing its family appeal.
Food Lover Review
The roadside station offers fresh, locally sourced seasonal vegetables at low prices, along with unique regional products like grass rice cakes. The KAIJU CAFE provides locally inspired meals and desserts, enhancing the food experience.
Car Camping Review
With ample parking for 68 regular and 17 large vehicles, clean restrooms, and an EV charging station, Clair Hirota supports overnight stays. However, no explicit overnight parking policy is listed, limiting its camping appeal.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located on the bank of the clear Nagara River, Clair Hirota offers serene natural views and scenic riverfront benches. Seasonal beauty and well-maintained surroundings enhance its tranquil atmosphere.