Discover the Heart of Nature and Tradition at Wara Roadside Station
Nestled along National Route 256, just halfway between the historic town of Gifu’s Gifu and the famed hot springs of Kanna, Wara Roadside Station stands as a vibrant gateway to the serene beauty of northern Gifu Prefecture. Surrounded by lush forests and the pristine waters of the Wara River, this destination offers more than a place to rest—it’s a celebration of rural life, local heritage, and natural wonder.
Wara is renowned for its beloved "Longevity Dango," a unique sweet made from tofu and flavored with mizu-ame syrup, a local favorite that draws visitors from afar. The station features a fully equipped tennis court, a spacious campground, and a cozy restaurant serving regional specialties. With its rich biodiversity—home to the prized Wara trout, giant salamanders, and glowing fireflies—Wara invites travelers to connect with nature while exploring nearby legends and scenic spots like the sacred Katsuragidake rock formations and the ancient Konkō-ji Temple’s Demon’s Head rock.
Why Visit
Visit Wara roadside station to savor the region’s only Chōjū Dango—a unique sweet made from tofu and glazed with traditional mitsumame syrup, a signature treat found nowhere else. Nestled along National Route 256 between Gifu’s Gujo-Hachiman and the hot springs of Takayama, Wara also offers access to the pristine Wara River, where rare giant salamanders and fireflies thrive in its untouched, forested watershed—a rare ecological gem.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic regional flavors at Wara roadside station, where cozy eateries serve hearty dishes made from local ingredients.
Restaurants
レストラン
Specialty
Traditional Japanese cuisine with local ingredients
A cozy dining space offering authentic regional dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for a relaxing meal after exploring the area.
Café
喫茶
Specialty
Light snacks and beverages with a local twist
A casual café serving refreshing drinks and light meals in a peaceful, rustic setting. Ideal for a quick break or a quiet moment with a view of the surrounding nature.
Food Stall
軽食
Specialty
Local street food and quick bites
A vibrant food stall offering fast, delicious snacks made with regional specialties. Perfect for on-the-go dining with a taste of local culture.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique crafts and local goods at Wara’s roadside station, blending tradition with modern charm.
Farmers Market
物産販売所
A marketplace featuring fresh local produce, handmade goods, and regional specialties from the area.
Products
Must-Try Item
Longevity Dango
Bakery
パン屋
A small bakery specializing in traditional Japanese bread and pastries made with local ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Rice Flour Croissant
Craft Shop
工芸品店
A shop offering handmade crafts and artisanal products created by local artisans.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hand-carved wooden spoon
Dairy Shop
乳製品販売所
A shop specializing in locally produced dairy products, including cheese and yogurt.
Products
Must-Try Item
Farm-fresh cheese
Souvenir Shop
お土産屋
A shop offering unique souvenirs and gifts that reflect the culture and natural beauty of the region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Miniature river stone set
General Store
一般販売所
A general retail shop selling everyday essentials and local products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local rice crackers
Alcohol Shop
酒販売所
A shop specializing in local alcoholic beverages, including traditional sake and regional brews.
Products
Must-Try Item
Mountain spring sake
Featured Products
Taste the famous longevity dango, a tofu-based treat with a sweet miso glaze, and explore other regional specialties.
Longevity Dango
長寿だんご
A traditional sweet made from tofu and coated in a sweet miso-based sauce. Known for its unique texture and health benefits, it is the most popular product at the roadside station.
Local Rice Crackers
地元お菓子
Crispy rice crackers made from locally grown rice, offering a light and savory taste perfect for snacking.
Mountain Spring Sake
山の水お酒
A premium sake brewed using water from the pristine mountain springs of the region, known for its clean and refreshing flavor.
Hand-carved Wooden Spoon
手彫り木のスプーン
A beautifully crafted wooden spoon made by local artisans using sustainably sourced wood. Each piece is unique and functional.
Farm-fresh Cheese
地元チーズ
Artisan cheese made from fresh milk produced in local farms, offering a rich and creamy texture with a subtle regional flavor.
Miniature River Stone Set
川石ミニセット
A set of small, polished river stones collected from the pristine waters of the Wara River, ideal as a decorative or souvenir item.
Sourdough Bread
自家製パン
Freshly baked sourdough bread made with natural fermentation and local flour, known for its tangy flavor and chewy texture.
Rice Flour Croissant
米粉クロワッサン
A delicate croissant made with rice flour, offering a gluten-free alternative with a light and flaky texture.
Handwoven Textiles
手織り布
Traditional textiles woven by local artisans using natural fibers, showcasing regional patterns and craftsmanship.
Yogurt
ヨーグルト
Fresh, creamy yogurt made from locally produced milk, known for its rich taste and natural probiotics.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities at Wara roadside station, including restrooms, free Wi-Fi, EV charging, and outdoor courts.
Parking Area
Provides parking for up to 3 large vehicles and 73 standard vehicles.
Near the main entrance of the roadside station
Restroom
Features 9 male and 7 female toilets with a ramp available for accessibility.
Inside the facility complex
Free Wi-Fi
Offers wireless LAN access for visitors.
Throughout the roadside station premises
Information Center
Provides information about local attractions, events, and tourism in the area.
Near the entrance and main reception area
Children's Playground
Includes a park and children's play area for family visitors.
Adjacent to the main parking and entrance area
EV Charging Station
Equipped with electric vehicle charging facilities for visitors.
Near the parking area
Shower Facility
Offers shower access for visitors, particularly useful after outdoor activities.
Near the tennis court and camping area
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in local culture through seasonal festivals, fishing, and guided nature walks along the serene Wara River.
Longevity Dango Making Experience
長寿だんご作り体験
Participants will learn how to make traditional tofu-based dango with mitsumashi flavor, a local specialty of Wara.
Duration
60 min
Wara River Nature Walk
和良川自然散策
Explore the scenic and ecologically rich Wara River, known for its clear waters and habitats of giant salamanders and fireflies.
Duration
90 min
Wear waterproof footwear; trails may be slippery after rain.
Local Heritage Discovery Tour
和良のミステリー発見ツアー
Join a guided tour to uncover local legends and historical mysteries, including the legend of the stacked rocks at Tokoyama Shrine and the鬼の首 at Nenkyo-ji Temple.
Duration
120 min
Bring a jacket; some sites are outdoors and exposed to wind.
Camping Experience
キャンプ体験
Enjoy an overnight camping experience with access to a fully equipped campsite, including fire pits and restrooms.
Duration
1440 min
Camping is not available in January and February; check weather forecast before arrival.
Tennis Play
テニスコート利用
Play tennis on an all-weather court with racquet rentals available on-site.
Duration
120 min
Court is covered and usable in light rain; avoid use during heavy storms.
Local Community Symposium
地域づくりシンポジウム
Attend a community-driven symposium to learn about local development, sustainability, and regional revitalization efforts in Wara.
Duration
180 min
Wara Ayu Festival Stage Event
和良鮎まつりステージイベント
Participate in or enjoy live performances, traditional music, and cultural activities during the annual Wara Ayu Festival.
Duration
120 min
Event may be held outdoors; bring rain gear if needed.
Insider Tips
Visit during off-peak hours for a peaceful experience, and don’t miss the seasonal dango festival in autumn.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the restaurant before the morning rush, as the restaurant opens at 8:00 AM and fills up quickly.
- Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the "Longevity Dango" made with tofu and served in a sweet miso glaze—this is the most popular item and often sells out by midday.
- Weekend Special: On Sundays during the "Wara Ayu Festival 2025," arrive by 10:00 AM to catch the live stage performances and sample grilled ayu fish at the food stalls set up near the parking area.
- Best Time for Tennis: Play between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM to use the free tennis courts with available rackets—reservations are not required, but rackets are limited and often taken by early morning players.
- Camping Tip: If visiting the campsite, book your spot in advance through the official website for the summer season, as the site operates only from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is fully booked on weekends.
- Best Photo Spot: Walk to the snake cave (5-minute walk from the roadside station) during late afternoon, as the sunlight filters through the trees and creates dramatic shadows on the rocks—ideal for photography.
- Local Insight: Use the free Wi-Fi at the roadside station to access the live river camera feed on the official site, which shows real-time water conditions on the Wara River—useful for planning a visit to the riverbank area.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the roadside station in early spring, with peak harvest in April.
Summer (June–August): Best time for fishing in the clear Wara River, especially for ayu trout.
Autumn (September–November): Annual Wara Ayu Festival held in October, featuring local cuisine and live events.
Winter (December–February): Limited access to outdoor facilities; roadside station operates with reduced hours.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a children's playground, stroller-friendly paths, and a variety of kid-friendly food options. The onsite tennis court and nature-based activities provide engaging experiences for families.
Food Lover Review
Features a diverse range of dining options including a restaurant and specialty stalls. The popular longevity dango made from tofu is a unique local treat with high quality and strong regional appeal.
Car Camping Review
Provides basic camping facilities with restrooms and showers. While the site allows overnight stays, there is no explicit parking policy. Quiet hours are not clearly defined.
Scenic Beauty Review
Situated along the scenic Wara River with lush natural surroundings. Offers excellent photo opportunities at viewpoints and seasonal beauty throughout the year, especially during spring and autumn.