Station Kita no Sekijuku Aki-Takada

Discover the Heart of Chugoku’s Rural Heritage

Kita no Sekijuku Aki-Takada is a vibrant roadside station nestled in the rolling hills of Aki-Takada, Hiroshima Prefecture, where history, nature, and local craftsmanship converge. Positioned along the historic Kōshū Kaidō route, it offers travelers a rare glimpse into rural Japan’s enduring spirit. More than just a rest stop, this station serves as a cultural crossroads where visitors can connect with the region’s traditions through seasonal markets, artisan workshops, and local storytelling.

What sets Kita no Sekijuku Aki-Takada apart is its commitment to authenticity. Guests can savor regional specialties like handmade udon and locally brewed sake, browse handcrafted goods from nearby artisans, and explore rotating exhibitions featuring photography from the Dream Road Renaissance Contest. With its warm hospitality, scenic views, and deep ties to community life, it’s a destination that invites slow travel and meaningful connection.

Kita no Sekijuku Aki-Takada stands out as the only roadside station in the region featuring a working artisanal dairy farm on-site, where visitors can sample freshly made Jersey cow milk ice cream—a rare treat available nowhere else. Its signature experience includes guided tours of the farm’s sustainable pastureland, offering views of rolling hills dotted with grazing cattle and traditional wooden barns. This unique blend of rural heritage and hands-on agriculture creates an authentic, immersive journey into the heart of local farming life.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure the limited-edition Aki-Takada Milk Bread, which is freshly baked daily and sells out by 11:00 AM
• Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to find the seasonal Aki-Takada Forest Berry Jam, available only during spring and early summer
• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, stop by the craft market stall near the entrance between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to purchase hand-thrown pottery from local artisans featured in the "Dream Road Renaissance Photo Contest" exhibition
• Best Photo Spot: Position yourself at the west-facing viewing platform just before 4:30 PM to capture the golden-hour light reflecting off the Aki-Takada River, a popular subject in the ongoing photo contest displays
• Must-Try Product: Sample the Aki-Takada Forest Herbal Tea at the information desk before noon—this seasonal blend is made from locally foraged plants and is only available from April to June
• Event Timing: Check the bulletin board near the entrance every Friday to see if the Dream Road Renaissance Photo Contest display has been updated with new winning entries, as changes occur weekly
• Parking Tip: Use the rear parking area (located behind the gift shop) during peak hours to avoid congestion in the main lot, as it provides easier access to the riverwalk and photo exhibit area

Spring (March–May): Canola flower viewing peaks in late March to April; fresh bamboo shoots available at the market from early spring.

Summer (June–August): Local rice and summer vegetables harvested; ideal for enjoying seasonal farm produce.

Autumn (September–November): Chestnuts and persimmons ripen; harvest festivals feature regional specialties.

Winter (December–February): Snowy landscapes enhance scenic views; warm local dishes available at the roadside station.