Station Aogaki

Discover the Heart of Danba: Where Nature, Tradition, and Taste Unite

Nestled along the scenic route of the main local road Aogaki-Kashiwara, just minutes from Aogaki Interchange on the Kinki Expressway, the roadside station Aogaki offers a timeless gateway to the rural charm of Hyōgo’s Danba region. Surrounded by lush forests and the clear waters of the upper reaches of the Kako River, this wooden-clad station stands as a welcoming oasis for travelers seeking authentic experiences. More than a rest stop, Aogaki is a cultural hub where the legacy of Danba Cloth—a National Intangible Cultural Heritage—comes to life.

Visitors can explore the Danba Cloth Heritage Hall, where traditional weaving and spinning are demonstrated, or savor local delicacies like hand-cut soba, giant grape soft serve, and rich red bean ice cream made from regional natto soybeans. With fresh produce from local farms, seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts, and a vibrant community calendar featuring festivals and markets, Aogaki invites travelers to slow down, connect with nature, and taste the soul of Danba.

At Aogaki roadside station, discover the only place in the region where you can taste丹波布-embroidered soft serve made from local milk and丹波大納言小豆, a rare heirloom bean variety. The station’s highlight is its exclusive丹波布伝承館, where visitors can witness and participate in the living tradition of weaving the nationally designated intangible cultural heritage,丹波布, using centuries-old looms. These unique experiences—alongside seasonal treats like丹波栗 andあまご甘露煮—can only be found here.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to access the fresh batch of Danbo regional vegetables at the farm produce sales counter before they sell out, as the counter opens at 8:00 AM but peak availability occurs shortly after opening.

• Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the Danbo yam (Danbo Mountain potato) and Danbo red bean products, which are seasonal highlights available only from December 4th onward and are sold exclusively at Aogaki.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the outdoor food truck area between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM where Tukinowa Cafe sets up shop to serve their signature crepes, a popular local favorite.

• Must-Try Food: Order the honey-glazed giant grape soft cream at the café counter—available daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM—and request the “extra grape” option for a more generous serving, as it’s a crowd favorite that often sells out by 3:30 PM.

• Special Experience: Visit the Danbo Cloth Heritage Hall between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM on weekdays to participate in a free hand-spinning demonstration using traditional looms, as these sessions are scheduled only during non-holiday weekdays and not on weekends.

• Off-Peak Shopping: Purchase the amaru koi pickled amasagi (amaru koi pickled amasagi) and Makuchan konnyaku from the souvenir counter between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM on weekdays to avoid crowds, as these items are frequently sold out by late afternoon.

• Seasonal Treat: On August 1st through August 31st, visit the café counter to try the cool Danbo large adzuki bean dessert fair special, where the creamy adzuki soft cream (450 yen) is available daily and features a rich, 60% milk cream base with generous amounts of real Danbo adzuki beans.

Spring (March-May): Late March to April features peak canola flower viewing, while fresh bamboo shoots are available at the market.

Summer (June-August): The summer festival is held in mid-July, and the famous giant grape soft cream is available from late June.

Autumn (September-November): Danba chestnuts are sold from mid-September, with the popular "cooling Dainagon azuki sweets fair" running through August.

Winter (December-February): Dainagon azuki sweet treats are available from November, and the roadside station offers seasonal specialties throughout the season.