Discover the Heart of Hida’s Heritage at Rasten Horado
Nestled along the historic mountain passes of Gifu Prefecture, Rasten Horado is more than a roadside station—it’s a living tribute to the region’s pastoral charm and culinary pride. Inspired by the old post-road tea houses, this revitalized stop offers travelers a serene retreat amid lush forests and rolling hills. Located in the scenic village of Mino-Tougo, it serves as a cultural crossroads where visitors connect with local traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and the spirit of rural Japan.
What sets Rasten Horado apart is its celebration of Tougo’s signature kiwifruit. From tangy kiwi wine to refreshing kiwi sherbet, the station’s specialty treats are a must-try. Don’t miss the popular hillside chicken, available only on weekends and holidays. With a vibrant market, cozy café, and panoramic views, every visit feels like a journey through the soul of Hida.
Why Visit
Rasten Horado stands out as the only roadside station in the region where you can savor handmade kiwi wine and kiwi sherbet crafted from locally grown, sun-ripened kiwi fruits—available nowhere else. The station’s signature dish, "Touge no Hanezake" (mountain pass chicken wings), is a seasonal specialty served only on weekends and holidays, made with a unique regional spice blend. Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Hida mountains, it offers a rare blend of authentic mountain village charm and culinary innovation centered around the area’s prized kiwi harvest.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at Rasten Horado, where fresh kiwi-inspired dishes and seasonal specialties delight every palate.
Kiwi Wine and Kiwi Sherbet Specialty
キウイワイン、キウイシャーベット
Specialty
Featured kiwi wine and kiwi sherbet
A specialty food stall offering unique kiwi-based beverages and desserts, highlighting the region's famous kiwi fruit.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional treasures and handmade goods at Rasten Horado’s vibrant market stalls.
Local Specialty Products Store
特産品販売コーナー
A retail space dedicated to selling regional specialties and souvenirs from the area.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kiwi Fruit Products
Café Corner
喫茶コーナー
A cozy café area offering light meals and desserts, with a focus on kiwi-themed treats.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kiwi Desserts
Featured Products
Indulge in signature kiwi wines, shavers, and authentic local miso—crafted with pride from the heart of the region.
Kiwi Fruit Jam
キウイフルーツジャム
A sweet and tangy jam made from locally grown kiwi fruit, perfect for bread or desserts.
Kiwi Fruit Miso
キウイフルーツ味噌
A unique fermented soybean paste infused with the flavor of kiwi fruit, ideal for soups and marinades.
Kiwi Fruit Sake
キウイフルーツ日本酒
A distinctive rice wine enhanced with the natural sweetness of kiwi fruit, crafted using traditional methods.
Kiwi Fruit Tea
キウイフルーツティー
A refreshing herbal tea blend featuring the natural flavor of kiwi fruit, perfect for any time of day.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge with modern amenities including free Wi-Fi, EV charging, accessible restrooms, and spacious parking.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a main parking area with space for 47 regular cars, 3 large vehicles, and 2 accessible parking spots. There is also a second parking area available.
Main parking area and second parking area
Restroom
There are 18 toilets in total, including male, female, and multi-purpose toilets, all equipped with flush systems.
Inside the facility
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless LAN is available for visitors.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
An information corner provides tourism information, and there is also an 80-inch multi-touch display for visitor use.
Inside the facility
EV Charging Station
One fast electric vehicle charging station is available for use.
Parking area
Insider Tips
Visit on weekends to enjoy the famous hilltop chicken and explore nearby hidden gems with local insights.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure the fresh batch of "Kiwifruit Shave Ice" (Kiwishaver) before it sells out, as it is only available during weekend mornings.
- Hidden Gems: Check the back corner of the souvenir shop near the entrance for the limited-edition "Kiwifruit Wine" gift set, which is only restocked every third Friday and sells out quickly.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the deli counter between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM to try the "Pass Mountain Chicken Wings" (Kamisaka Tebasa), which are only available during weekend lunch hours and are known for their smoky flavor.
- Best Photo Spot: Position yourself in front of the Kiwifruit-themed monument just outside the main entrance at golden hour (around 4:30 PM in summer) for the best natural lighting and backdrop.
- Free Wi-Fi Access: Use the free Wi-Fi at the information corner located near the entrance; the network name is "RastenHorado_Free" and it remains active even when the main shop is closed.
- EV Charging Tip: If you're using an electric vehicle, plug in at the dedicated charging station located in the far right section of the parking lot—this spot is reserved for EVs and is rarely occupied, even during peak times.
- Local Product Tip: Purchase the "Kiwifruit Miso" (Kiwimiso) from the specialty section before 2:00 PM, as it is only prepared once daily and is typically gone by early afternoon.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Peak season for fresh kiwi fruit harvest and kiwi wine tastings begin in April.
Summer (June-August): Fresh kiwi fruit and kiwi sherbet available daily; ideal for enjoying mountain air.
Autumn (September-November): Kiwi harvest ends; seasonal produce and local soups available through October.
Winter (December-February): Limited hours; enjoy warm drinks and seasonal treats during short winter days.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers multiple restrooms including a multi-purpose one, stroller-friendly access, and a spacious parking area. Though no dedicated play area is mentioned, the scenic setting and engaging food options provide child-friendly appeal.
Food Lover Review
Features a variety of local specialties like kiwi wine and kiwi sherbet, along with kiwi-based desserts and regional miso. The food market offers fresh, high-quality produce and unique artisanal products.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, drinking water, and EV charging, but lacks clear overnight parking policies. The site is quiet with green surroundings, though no dedicated camping zones or overnight facilities are available.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by lush greenery and mountain views, the roadside station offers a peaceful, scenic atmosphere. The location and natural surroundings create strong photo opportunities and seasonal visual appeal.