Station Happuri no Sato Tomika

Step into a Living History of Rural Japan

Happuri no Sato Tomika, nestled along National Route 418 in the historic town of Tomika, is more than a roadside station—it’s a portal to Japan’s ancient past. Located in Gifu Prefecture, this unique destination stands on the grounds of the famed “Mino Kuni Hanaburi Koseki,” the oldest surviving household registry in Japan, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the nation’s early administrative heritage.

The station’s design draws inspiration from the ancient Asuka period, with earthy tones and traditional motifs that evoke timeless rural life. At its heart is a vibrant multipurpose plaza where seasonal events, local crafts, and community gatherings bring the area to life. Visitors can savor farm-fresh produce at the specialty market, enjoy hearty meals featuring Mino Healthy Pork at “Kyo no Daidokoro,” or sample handcrafted “Tomika Wakkapan” from the on-site bakery. With modern amenities like EV charging and free Wi-Fi, Happuri no Sato Tomika seamlessly blends tradition and convenience.

Happuri no Sato Tomika stands out as the only roadside station in Japan dedicated to the nation’s oldest surviving户籍, the "Mino Kuni Hanburi Census," offering visitors a rare glimpse into ancient governance through interactive exhibits and seasonal heritage events. At the heart of the experience is the “Tomika Wakkapan Bakery,” where you can sample the region’s only traditional wheat-based flatbread, baked daily using heirloom grains from local farmers.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the "Ko no Daidokoro" restaurant before the 10:00 AM lunch rush, as the pork miso stew bento and tonkatsu set sell out quickly.

• Hidden Gems: Visit the "Tomika no Wakkapan" bakery counter between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to find the limited-edition seasonal rice bread, which is only available on Fridays and Saturdays.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays, stop by the information corner between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM to attend the free local history talk about the "Mino Kuni Hanaburi Koseki," the oldest existing household register in Japan, which is hosted by a local heritage volunteer.

• Parking Strategy: Park in the designated EV charging spot near the main entrance if you’re using an electric vehicle, as the station offers free charging and is often the only spot available during peak hours.

• Dining Timing: Order the pork miso stew bento at "Ko no Daidokoro" between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to avoid the 1:00 PM lunch rush, when the kitchen stops serving.

• Specialty Product: Purchase the "Mino Healthy Pork" jerky at the specialty shop counter just before closing at 4:30 PM, as it is only restocked once daily and often sells out by 4:00 PM.

• Event Access: Check the event board near the multi-purpose plaza every Friday at 4:00 PM to learn about the upcoming weekend cultural performance, as the schedule is posted only on that day and includes details on seating and participation.

Spring (March–May): Peak season for fresh bamboo shoots and canola flower viewing (late March–April).

Summer (June–August): Enjoy seasonal fruits and local produce at the roadside station.

Autumn (September–November): Harvest season for regional crops and special autumn events.

Winter (December–February): Visit for warm meals and seasonal specialities like roasted chestnuts.