Discover the Heart of Gifu’s Culinary Heritage
Nestled at the intersection of National Routes 21 and 475 in Kani City, Kanitte CANITTE is a vibrant roadside station that celebrates the rich agricultural legacy of the region. Surrounded by fertile black volcanic soil known as kurobokudo, the area has long been famed for its high-quality taro, a staple featured in the station’s most beloved dish—crispy, handmade taro croquettes made with locally grown, tender tubers and Kani’s famous Kyōgoku green onions.
Beyond the iconic croquettes, visitors can savor seasonal specialties like taro and persimmon gelato, crafted on-site with ingredients sourced from nearby farms. The on-site restaurant, Natural Kitchen, offers a signature grilled chicken dish—“Chicken-chan”—marinated in a unique miso blend, while interactive experiences like the fruit gacha machine and a curated selection of rare produce bring delight to all ages. With its lively events, farm-to-table philosophy, and deep ties to local history, Kanitte CANITTE is more than a stop—it’s a celebration of community, flavor, and the spirit of the land.
Why Visit
Kanitte CANITTE stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering handmade gelato crafted from locally grown yam, including rare varieties like kurobokudo soil-grown tubers. Its signature dish, the Yam Kuroko, is a crispy, chewy croquette made exclusively with tender local yams and Kani’s famed nine-leaf green onions. Visitors also find the only authentic Chicken-chan Teppanyaki Set, a regional specialty using a proprietary miso marinade, and the unique Sayori Rice in canned form—originally known as “sammy” rice, a nostalgic local treat only available here.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, locally sourced flavors at Kanitte CANITTE’s cozy dining area, where seasonal vegetables and signature dishes like savory yam croquettes delight every palate.
Natural Kitchen
ナチュラルキッチン
Specialty
Local vegetables and specialty products used in dishes
A dining area that features fresh local vegetables and regional specialties, offering a cozy atmosphere with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a vibrant mix of regional produce and handmade goods at Kanitte CANITTE’s roadside station, where every purchase supports local farmers and artisans.
Farmers Market
市場
A market selling fresh produce and regional specialty items directly from local farmers.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yam Potato Croquette
Gourmet Souvenir Shop
お土産店
A shop offering a variety of locally made souvenirs and regional specialties for visitors to take home.
Products
Must-Try Item
Sayori Rice
Gacha Machine Shop
ガチャショップ
A fun shop featuring gacha machines with themed prizes including fresh produce and local goods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Green Produce Gacha
Featured Products
Explore unique local specialties such as yam-based gelato, traditional ‘Sayo rice,’ and heirloom vegetables grown in fertile volcanic soil.
Yam Gelato
里芋ジェラート
A unique gelato made from locally grown yam, known for its creamy texture and earthy flavor.
Sayori Rice
サヨリ飯
A canned rice dish inspired by the traditional 'sayori' fish, known as a local specialty from Kani.
Dai Kama Yam
でかま芋
A large, unique variety of yam found only in the Kani region, known for its size and texture.
Hikari Tsubo
金の俵
A golden-colored, round yam variety that is rare and highly prized in the region.
Hirayu Yam
平芋
A flat-shaped yam variety known for its soft texture and sweet taste.
Toujou Beehive Persimmon Gelato
堂上蜂屋柿ジェラート
A premium gelato made from the famous Toujou Beehive persimmon, a local specialty fruit.
Kani Chicken
鶏ちゃん
A locally raised chicken known for its tender meat and unique flavor, often used in regional dishes.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including spacious parking, clean restrooms, and accessible facilities at Kanitte CANITTE’s welcoming roadside station.
Parking Area
The roadside station has parking space for 16 large vehicles and 50 regular vehicles.
On-site
Restroom
The station has 10 male toilets and 10 female toilets, with a ramp available for accessibility.
On-site
Information Center
An information corner is available for visitors to get details about the area, events, and local products.
On-site
Children's Play Area
A play area includes a gacha machine (coin-operated toy dispenser) with themed prizes such as 'vegetable gacha' and 'adult gacha', popular with visitors of all ages.
Inside the station building
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors at the roadside station.
On-site
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging facilities are available at the station.
On-site
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors' convenience.
On-site
Nursing Room
A dedicated nursing room is provided for mothers with infants.
On-site
Insider Tips
Visit during off-peak hours for a quieter stroll, and don’t miss the rotating monthly gelato flavors inspired by local harvests.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 10:30 AM to secure a seat at the natural kitchen restaurant before the lunch rush, as the chicken chanko teppanyaki set sells out quickly during peak hours
- Hidden Gems: Visit the produce section near the back wall to find rare varieties like "Hirayu" and "Ookamaimo" yams, which are not listed on the main menu but are available seasonally
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the natural kitchen offers a limited-time "Miso Chicken Chanko" lunch set with a special sauce made from locally blended miso, available only until 2:00 PM
- Unique Souvenir: Purchase the "Sayori Rice" canned meal at the gift shop—this unique product is a preserved version of a traditional local dish known as "sanya rice," made with dried fish and rice and ideal for long-term storage
- Special Treats: Order the "Yam Gelato" at the in-house gelato counter, which is a rotating seasonal flavor developed by the station master—check the bulletin board near the entrance for the current month's flavor
- Family Activity: Use the 200-yen "Produce Gacha" machine near the children’s play area, where each pull includes a chance to win a real local vegetable like a "Kuroboku Do" yam or a "Hirayu" potato
- Local Insight: Ask the staff at the information counter about the "Kuroboku Do" soil—this volcanic ash-rich soil is unique to the area and responsible for the exceptional quality of the local yams; they can provide a free soil sample and explanation
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots and young vegetables arrive in early spring, with peak availability from April.
Summer (June–August): Homemade yam gelato and seasonal produce like tomatoes and cucumbers are at their freshest.
Autumn (September–November): The harvest season brings mature yams and local chestnuts, with special menu items featuring these ingredients.
Winter (December–February): Enjoy warming dishes like chicken grills and seasonal yam desserts, with a cozy atmosphere year-round.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
A dedicated play area with unique children's games like the fruit gachapon adds fun. Kid-friendly food options and stroller-accessible facilities enhance family appeal. Educational elements include local produce stories and interactive displays.
Food Lover Review
Features a variety of high-quality dining options, including the popular yam croquettes and chicken grills. Local specialties like yam gelato and 'Sayo Rice' stand out. Fresh produce and seasonal items are prominently displayed.
Car Camping Review
Offers basic facilities including restrooms and vending machines. Parking is available for 50 regular vehicles, though no explicit overnight policy is stated. Quietness and comfort are limited due to daytime activity levels.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by natural landscapes with scenic views from the parking area. The wooden building blends into the environment. Seasonal beauty is enhanced by nearby gardens and forests, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.