Station Dainichidake

Discover the Heart of Gifu’s Countryside at Dainichidake

Nestled at the foot of Mount Dainichidake in the serene highlands of Gifu Prefecture, Dainichidake roadside station is a charming stop that embodies the spirit of rural Japan. Though one of the smallest in the nation, this intimate roadside station packs a big punch with its locally sourced food, fresh produce, and warm hospitality. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling farmland, it offers travelers a peaceful retreat just off the main road.

Visitors are greeted with a vibrant menu featuring hearty ramen, savory curry, and light snacks like fries and nuggets, all made with regional ingredients. Don’t miss the soft serve made from Hiromi Highland milk—creamy, rich, and perfectly refreshing. The station also boasts an excellent selection of local vegetables and specialty products, all proudly showcased and updated regularly on their Instagram. Whether you're fueling up for a journey or simply savoring a quiet moment, Dainichidake delivers a genuine taste of the countryside.

Dainichidake stands out as Japan’s second smallest roadside station, nestled at the foot of Mount Dainichidake, offering an intimate, authentic experience you won’t find elsewhere. Its standout feature is the only artisanal soft cream made from Hirola Ranch’s premium A5-grade wagyu beef tallow, served alongside rich, locally sourced Hirola milk. Visitors also enjoy the region’s only ramen with broth made from mountain-raised local beef, a rare culinary specialty.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the counter during the lunch rush, as the ramen and curry dishes are served fresh starting at 9:00 and often sell out by 11:00 AM.

• Hidden Gems: Check the small display near the entrance labeled "Local Vegetables" every morning—freshly harvested from the nearby fields, these seasonal vegetables are only available during the first hour of operation and are not listed on the menu.

• Must-Try Menu Item: Order the soft-serve ice cream made with Hida Highland milk between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM, when it is freshly made and available in limited quantities; it sells out quickly and is not restocked.

• Tea Time Tip: If you're visiting on a weekday, arrive just before 2:00 PM to catch the staff serving homemade matcha-flavored baked goods from the in-house bakery, which are only available during this window.

• Cashless Convenience: Use QR code payment at the counter—this is the fastest method, as cash and card transactions take longer due to the small size of the station and limited staff.

• Takeout Strategy: If you're planning to grab lunch to go, place your order at the counter by 12:30 PM to ensure the ramen and curry are still hot and freshly prepared; after this time, only pre-packaged items are available.

• Instagram-Only Offer: Follow the official Instagram @dainichi.1709 for daily updates on special farm-fresh produce drops—on Fridays, a limited batch of locally grown heirloom tomatoes is available for purchase only during the 12:00–1:00 PM window.

Spring (March–May): Fresh local vegetables available from spring through early summer, with peak harvest in April.

Summer (June–August): Soft serve made from Hida Highland cow milk is a summer staple, enjoyed daily.

Autumn (September–November): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned in the content.

Winter (December–February): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned in the content.