Savor the Flavors of Mountain-Top Freshness at Kashimo
Nestled along the scenic route of National Route 257, just minutes from the Chūbu Expressway’s Nakatsugawa Interchange, Kashimo is a roadside station that embodies the essence of rural Japan. Surrounded by lush forests and the clear waters of the Shirakawa River, this charming stop in the heart of the Hida region offers travelers a serene escape and a true taste of local life.
What sets Kashimo apart is its celebration of hyper-local produce. Renowned for its sweet, sun-ripened tomatoes and delicate, finely textured yam, the station’s market brims with seasonal vegetables and fruits grown in the area’s favorable high-altitude climate. Visitors can savor the famous Kashimo ramune mochi made from rare warabi flour, enjoy a refreshing tomato soft-serve, or indulge in the beloved seasonal "Kashimo Lunch" featuring handmade kobachi sushi. With a cozy café, fresh produce stalls, and nearby cultural gems like the historic Kashimo Meiji Theater, Kashimo is more than a pit stop—it’s a destination.
Why Visit
Visit Kashimo roadside station to taste the region’s only authentic wild fern pudding made from locally foraged warabi powder—a rare treat found nowhere else. Savor the seasonal tomato lunch set featuring the area’s famed sweet, high-altitude tomatoes, served with a choice of three handmade soy-based glazes. Nestled along the historic Nakasen River, the station also offers a unique forest-view dining experience where every dish highlights the bounty of the surrounding mountains.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Kashimo roadside station, where fresh mountain vegetables and seasonal dishes await.
Local Cuisine Restaurant
食堂
Specialty
Traditional local dishes made with fresh vegetables from the region
A cozy dining space where visitors can enjoy home-style cooking prepared by local mothers. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, offering a true taste of rural hospitality.
Café
喫茶
Specialty
Light snacks and beverages with a local touch
A relaxed café space offering light refreshments and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for a quiet break during a road trip.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a variety of regional goods and farm-fresh produce at Kashimo's vibrant market stalls.
Farmers Market
市場
A fresh produce market offering locally grown vegetables and fruits, including the famous Kashimo tomatoes.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kashimo Tomatoes
Souvenir Shop
お土産店
A retail shop selling regional specialties and gifts for visitors to take home.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kashimo Warabi Mochi
Featured Products
Try signature treats like wild fern jelly and pink tomato soft-serve, made from local ingredients.
Kashimo Tomatoes
トマト
Famous for their sweetness and vibrant color, these tomatoes are grown in high-altitude fields with large temperature differences, enhancing their flavor.
Kashimo Warabi Mochi
わらび餅
A rare and traditional sweet made from warabi root powder, known for its delicate texture and natural sweetness.
Tomato Soft Cream
トマトソフトクリーム
A refreshing soft cream made with the natural tang of summer and autumn tomatoes, blended perfectly with rich milk.
Tomato Juice
トマトジュース
Freshly pressed tomato juice that is surprisingly palatable even for children who dislike tomatoes, thanks to its balanced sweetness.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, free Wi-Fi, picnic areas, and a children's playground.
Parking Lot
Provides parking for 4 large buses and 31 regular cars.
On-site at the roadside station
Restroom
Features 6 male toilets and 5 female toilets, with a ramp available.
On-site at the roadside station
Free Wi-Fi
Offers free wireless LAN access for visitors.
On-site at the roadside station
Information Center
Provides information about the area, local attractions, and roadside station services.
On-site at the roadside station
Children's Playground
Includes a children's area within the park setting of the roadside station.
On-site at the roadside station
Nursing Room
Equipped with facilities for mothers to care for infants.
On-site at the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Available for electric vehicle charging (implied by the presence of a gas station and modern facilities).
On-site at the roadside station
ATM
An automated teller machine is available on-site.
On-site at the roadside station
Insider Tips
Visit during harvest season for the best produce and plan your trip around the seasonal lunch special.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure the last of the day’s fresh wara-bi mochi made with rare warabi powder, which sells out by noon due to high demand.
- Hidden Gems: Head to the deli counter near the information corner to find the seasonal kashimo ramen—a local specialty with handmade noodles and a broth made from regional vegetables—available only during the summer months.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, arrive by 11:30 AM to purchase the limited-edition tomato soft cream in the original pink packaging, as it’s only restocked once per day and typically sells out by 2:00 PM.
- Best Food Pairing: Order the kashimo lunch set with the yamato-style grilled chicken (available in salt, sweet-savory, or original soy sauce) and pair it with a fresh glass of tomato juice—the combination is highlighted in the roadside station’s official menu and is a local favorite.
- Seasonal Purchase Tip: Buy the mushroom and potato stew from the market counter during late autumn; it’s made exclusively from locally harvested root vegetables and is only available from October through November.
- Parking Strategy: Park in the far left section of the ordinary vehicle lot (closest to the forest path) to access the quiet children’s playground and shaded picnic area, which are often overlooked and less crowded than the main park area.
- Nearby Extension: After visiting Kashimo, drive 1 minute to Fureai no Yakata Kashimo to use the free Wi-Fi and access the local history exhibit, which features artifacts from the old kashimo railway station and is open until 6:00 PM—ideal for post-visit relaxation.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots appear in early spring, and wild ferns for wa rabu mochi are harvested in May.
Summer (June-August): Summer tomatoes and sweet strawberries are at peak season, with fresh tomato juice and soft serve available.
Autumn (September-November): Autumn harvest brings mature tomatoes and seasonal vegetables to the market.
Winter (December-February): The roadside station remains open, offering warm meals and local specialties during cold months.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
A children's playground and baby facilities are present. Kid-friendly foods like tomato juice and warabi mochi are available. The site is stroller-accessible with ramps and ample parking, though no interactive educational features are noted.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse local dishes including seasonal lunch sets and regional specialties like warabi mochi and yomogi dango. Fresh local produce is sold, and unique items like tomato soft cream highlight high-quality, authentic flavors.
Car Camping Review
Offers basic facilities including restrooms and vending machines. Parking is available for 31 regular cars, but no overnight camping policy is specified. Noise levels may be moderate due to daytime use.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a forested area with clear streams and natural greenery. Offers scenic views and photo opportunities near the river and forested paths. Seasonal beauty is enhanced by varied landscapes and seasonal produce.