Station Oribe no Sato Motosus

Discover the Legacy of a Samurai, Scholar, and Master Potter

Oribe no Sato Motosu, nestled along National Route 157 just south of the Motosu Tunnel in Gifu Prefecture, stands as a vibrant roadside station rooted in history and local pride. Named in honor of the legendary 16th-century figure Kōdai Oribe—renowned warrior, tea master, and ceramicist—this station celebrates his birthplace with cultural depth and authentic regional charm.

Visitors are welcomed by fresh, daily-harvested produce from local farms, including the famed Toku-ya chili and delicate Tamashiro-moyashi mushrooms. The on-site restaurant, Wabi-an, offers a seasonal menu featuring regional ingredients and a popular morning service with fresh toast and salad. Explore the Oribe Exhibition Hall and Yamamon Gallery to learn about the station’s namesake, then stroll through nearby attractions like the famed Tamashiro Sakura and the serene Bonsai Forest Park. Oribe no Sato Motosu is more than a stop—it’s a journey into the heart of Gifu’s heritage.

Oribe no Sato Motosu stands as the only roadside station in Japan where visitors can sample the rare "Dezawa chili pepper," a local specialty known as the "phantom chili," alongside freshly harvested Tanmoku-moyogata mushrooms. Home to the region’s largest selection of fresh Hoshikawa persimmons—grown in the very soil where the famed tea master Oribe once lived—this station offers a unique culinary journey. The on-site bakery delivers warm, handmade bread daily, while the Oribe Ware shop showcases authentic ceramics from the historic period, all made with traditional techniques passed down through generations.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure fresh-baked bread from the "パン工房" (Bakery), which sells out quickly—especially the milk bread that is released at opening and is unavailable after 11:00 AM
• Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the "徳山唐辛子" (Tokuyama chili peppers), known locally as "the phantom chili," available only during the seasonal harvest and often sold out by midday
• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the "和美庵" (Wabi-An) restaurant offers a limited-time "ジビエランチ" (venison lunch special), available only between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM—arrive early to avoid missing it
• Seasonal Product Tip: Purchase the "早生富有柿" (early-season sweet persimmons) starting October 20th, as they are only available from mid-October to mid-December and are sold daily without interruption during that period
• Best Photo Spot: Visit the "織部展示館" (Oribe Exhibition Hall) located inside the roadside station between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM when natural light through the skylight enhances the display of authentic "織部焼" (Oribe ware) ceramics
• Local Food Hack: Order the "和美庵" mooring breakfast service (available only until 11:00 AM) and request the "地元トマト" (local tomato) side salad—this seasonal item is only available during summer months and is not listed on the menu
• EV Charging Tip: Use the EV charging stations located at the northeast corner of the parking area; the charging kiosks are only active during operating hours (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM), and the station does not accept external payment apps—only the on-site card reader

Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots and early strawberries available at the roadside station.

Summer (June-August): Peak season for local tomatoes and fresh produce from regional farms.

Autumn (September-November): Rich harvest of early and late-season figs, with abundant fresh produce.

Winter (December-February): Special sale of early and late varieties of sweet richly flavored persimmons.