Discover the Ancient Beauty of Hida’s Heartland
Rock Garden Hichisou is a roadside station nestled along the scenic banks of the Hida River, where time-honored landscapes meet natural wonder. Located at the gateway to the Hida-Kiso River National Park in Gifu Prefecture, this station offers breathtaking views of rugged mountains and flowing waters, inviting travelers to pause and reconnect with nature.
What sets Rock Garden Hichisou apart is its remarkable geological heritage—home to the nationally designated natural monument "Pothole Clusters" and one of Japan’s oldest known rock discovery sites, dating back 2 billion years. Visitors can explore these ancient formations while enjoying seasonal scenery that transforms the landscape with each passing month. With a café, information center, and a panoramic observation deck, the station blends education, relaxation, and local charm into a memorable journey.
Why Visit
Visit Rock Garden Hichisou to experience one of Japan’s rarest geological wonders: the nationally designated pot-hole formations along the Hida River, formed over millions of years. Here, you can also taste the region’s only artisanal milk ice cream made from locally raised Jersey cows, served with seasonal mountain herbs. The roadside station’s unique museum displays 2-billion-year-old rocks discovered in the riverbed—experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic regional flavors at Rock Garden Hichisou roadside station.
Hida River View Restaurant
飛騨川展望レストラン
Specialty
Traditional Hida cuisine with views of the Hida River
A restaurant offering authentic Hida regional cuisine, where guests can enjoy local flavors while overlooking the scenic Hida River. The atmosphere blends rustic mountain charm with modern comfort, perfect for a relaxing meal.
Café Hachisou
カフェ はちそう
Specialty
Local coffee and homemade pastries
A cozy café serving locally roasted coffee and freshly baked pastries made with regional ingredients. The warm, inviting atmosphere makes it ideal for a quiet break or casual meeting.
Riverbank Food Stall
河川敷フードスタンド
Specialty
Quick local snacks and street food
A casual food stall offering fast, affordable snacks made with regional ingredients. Perfect for a quick bite while exploring the scenic surroundings.
Shopping Highlights
Discover local crafts and seasonal goods at Rock Garden Hichisou roadside station.
Local Farmers Market
地元農産物市場
A market featuring fresh seasonal produce from local farmers in the Hida region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hida Mountain Vegetables
Hida Craft Shop
飛騨工芸店
A specialty store selling handmade crafts and artisanal goods from the Hida region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hida Wood Carving
Hida Meat & Dairy Store
飛騨肉・乳製品店
A shop specializing in high-quality Hida beef and locally produced dairy products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hida Beef
Souvenir & Gift Shop
おみやげ・ギフトショップ
A shop offering a variety of souvenirs and gifts from the Hida region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hida River Stone Souvenir
Alcohol & Beverage Store
酒類・飲料販売店
A store selling regional alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hida Mountain Sake
Featured Products
Taste signature specialties and unique local treasures at Rock Garden Hichisou roadside station.
Hida River Stone Souvenir
飛騨川石おみやげ
A small, polished stone collected from the Hida River bed, symbolizing the ancient geological history of the region.
Hida Mountain Herb Tea
飛騨山草茶
A blend of wild herbs gathered from the Hida mountains, known for its calming and refreshing taste.
Hida Soba Flour
飛騨そば粉
Premium buckwheat flour made from locally grown Hida buckwheat, ideal for homemade soba noodles.
Hida Bee Honey
飛騨蜜蜂ハチミツ
Pure, raw honey harvested from bees in the pristine Hida forests, with a delicate floral flavor.
Hida Wood Carving Set
飛騨木工セット
A set of hand-carved wooden items including a spoon, fork, and small decorative piece, crafted by local artisans.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, and free Wi-Fi at Rock Garden Hichisou roadside station.
Parking
Provides parking for 15 large vehicles and 54 regular cars. There are 4 parking spaces designated for accessible parking, and a ramp is available.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Restroom
Features 7 male toilets and 5 female toilets. Accessible toilet available with a ramp.
Inside the facility
Free Wi-Fi
Free public Wi-Fi is available for visitors.
Throughout the roadside station
Information Center
Offers an information corner where visitors can obtain local information, maps, and travel guidance.
Inside the facility
Children's Playground
Includes a children's park area for kids to play and enjoy.
Near the park and children's area
EV Charging Station
Equipped with electric vehicle charging facilities for visitors using electric cars.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors to access banking services.
Near the entrance
Information Corner
A dedicated space for providing local information, tourism guides, and event details.
Inside the facility
Park and Children's Area
A scenic park with a children's play area, ideal for family visits.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Museum
Features a museum showcasing local history, natural heritage, and the 2-billion-year-old stone discovery site.
Inside the facility
Viewpoint
Offers a scenic overlook with panoramic views of the Hida River and surrounding mountains.
On the premises
Post Office
A public mailbox is available for sending mail.
Near the entrance
Insider Tips
Unlock local secrets and hidden gems with practical tips for visiting Rock Garden Hichisou roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the bakery counter before the fresh-baked milk bread and seasonal rice crackers sell out by 11:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter between 10:00–10:30 AM to find the limited daily batch of local mountain vegetable pickles, which are only stocked once per day and often sell out by noon
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, check the information board near the entrance by 10:15 AM to see if the “Stone Discovery Tour” is scheduled—this guided walk to the 2-billion-year-old rock site starts at 10:30 AM and requires pre-registration at the information desk
- Parking Strategy: Park in the designated EV charging zone if you're using an electric vehicle, as the 4 reserved parking spots are only available during peak hours (11:00 AM–3:00 PM) and are not accessible to non-EV vehicles
- Information Desk Tip: Ask at the information desk before 1:00 PM to receive a free map of the 2-billion-year-old rock discovery site and the nearby Pot Hole Cluster, which includes a self-guided audio tour available via QR code
- Café Timing: Order the seasonal wild herb tea and local honey toast at the café by 2:00 PM to ensure availability, as the menu rotates daily and these items are only served until 2:30 PM
- Viewing Spot Access: Head to the west-facing overlook at 4:00 PM on weekdays to catch the best sunset views over the Hida River, as the light hits the riverbed and stone formations most dramatically during this time window
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Peak season for viewing the Pot Hole Group, with wildflowers blooming around the 20-billion-year-old stone site.
Summer (June–August): Ideal for cooling off at the riverfront, with fresh mountain vegetables and seasonal fruit available at the roadside station.
Autumn (September–November): Best time for autumn foliage viewing along the Hida River, with chestnuts harvested locally.
Winter (December–February): Quiet season with scenic snow-covered landscapes and rare winter hiking opportunities near the ancient stone site.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Features a dedicated children's playground, stroller-friendly paths, and family-oriented activities. Offers kid-friendly food options and educational elements like the natural heritage museum and scenic viewpoints.
Food Lover Review
Provides a variety of local specialties including regional snacks and fresh produce. Includes a café, light meals, and a well-maintained market area with high-quality seasonal items.
Car Camping Review
Offers basic facilities like restrooms, vending machines, and EV charging. Quiet environment with scenic views, though overnight parking is not clearly permitted or advertised.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by mountain scenery and the Hida River, with outstanding views and photo opportunities. Seasonal beauty is notable, and the site features natural wonders like pot holes and ancient stone sites.