Discover the Heart of Rural Kobe at Awago Roadside Station
Nestled along the scenic Sanuki-Sanda Road in northern Kobe, Awago Roadside Station offers a peaceful retreat just 45 minutes from the city center. Set in the serene countryside of Awago Town, this beloved destination blends natural beauty with local culture, making it a perfect stop for travelers seeking authentic experiences. As Kobe’s first roadside station, Awago has become a vital hub for regional revitalization, connecting urban visitors with the rhythms of rural life.
What sets Awago apart is its commitment to farm-to-table freshness and tradition. Visitors can savor handmade soba noodles made with 100% local buckwheat at the on-site restaurant, or explore the vibrant farm market showcasing seasonal vegetables, bamboo crafts, and locally grown flowers. Just a short walk away, the ruins of Awago Castle offer sweeping views of the surrounding farmland, blending history with scenic charm. Whether you're refueling on a journey or exploring the region’s quiet beauty, Awago delivers a welcoming, sustainable experience rooted in community and nature.
Why Visit
Awago is the only roadside station in Kobe where you can savor authentic 100% buckwheat "jūwari" hand-pulled soba made with locally milled flour, served in a rustic dining space overlooking the surrounding farmland. The station uniquely offers fresh mountain bamboo shoots and seasonal wild vegetables harvested daily from the nearby slopes, unavailable elsewhere. Visitors can also explore the ruins of Ogo Castle, where panoramic views of the historic river terraces and traditional farming landscapes unfold just a five-minute walk away.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Awago roadside station, where handmade soba made from 100% domestic buckwheat takes center stage.
Ogo Soba Restaurant
淡河そば
Specialty
100% buckwheat handmade soba using locally sourced ingredients
A cozy restaurant offering handmade soba made from 100% buckwheat, emphasizing seasonal local ingredients such as fresh vegetables, bamboo shoots, and other regional produce. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxing meal during a road trip.
Shopping Highlights
Discover fresh regional produce and unique crafts at Awago’s vibrant market, celebrating the spirit of local agriculture and craftsmanship.
Local Produce Market
農産物直売コーナー
A market selling fresh local vegetables, bamboo shoots, rice, flowers, and agricultural processing products made in the area.
Products
Must-Try Item
Bamboo shoots
Souvenir Shop
おみやげ
A shop offering local specialty products such as bamboo crafts and bamboo charcoal as souvenirs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Bamboo charcoal
Featured Products
Explore signature items like fresh mountain vegetables, seasonal flowers, and handcrafted bamboo products unique to Awago’s countryside heritage.
Bamboo Charcoal
竹炭
High-quality bamboo charcoal made from locally sourced bamboo, known for its natural air-purifying properties and long burn time.
Bamboo Shoots
筍
Freshly harvested bamboo shoots from the local region, known for their crisp texture and delicate flavor.
Local Rice
米
Premium rice grown in the surrounding farmlands of Ogo, known for its excellent taste and texture.
Bamboo Crafts
竹細工
Handcrafted bamboo products made by local artisans, including baskets and decorative items.
Seasonal Flowers
花卉
Fresh seasonal flowers grown in the local fields, ideal for home decoration or gifting.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities at Awago, including spacious parking, accessible restrooms, and a welcoming public phone for travelers.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking lot with 55 spaces, including 2 designated spaces for wheelchair users, 2 for large vehicles, and 51 for regular vehicles. The parking area is one-way, and pedestrians may cross at certain points. Please observe the designated parking spots and proceed with caution near crosswalks.
Front of the roadside station
Restroom
The restroom includes 5 male toilets, 5 female toilets, and 1 multi-purpose toilet with a baby bed. All toilets are available 24 hours a day.
Inside the roadside station building
Information Center
The roadside station provides information about local attractions, cycling maps, and regional tourism spots such as the Ogo Castle Ruins and the Kobe Fruit & Flower Park Oozu. The center also offers details on nearby facilities and events.
Inside the roadside station building
Restaurant
The restaurant serves 100% buckwheat handmade soba and seasonal local ingredients such as fresh vegetables, bamboo shoots, and seasonal side dishes. It operates from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Wednesdays and during New Year holidays.
Inside the roadside station building
Farmers' Market
The farmers' market sells fresh local produce such as vegetables, bamboo shoots, rice, flowers, and local agricultural products including bamboo crafts and bamboo charcoal. It is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed during New Year holidays.
Inside the roadside station building
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available at the roadside station for visitors. The service is accessible throughout the facility.
Throughout the roadside station
EV Charging Station
The roadside station provides electric vehicle charging facilities for visitors. The charging station is available 24 hours a day.
Front parking area
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitor convenience. It operates 24 hours a day.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Play Area
The surrounding area includes scenic views and walking paths near the Ogo Castle Ruins, offering a peaceful environment for families and children to enjoy. The ruins are a 5-minute walk from the station.
Adjacent to Ogo Castle Ruins (5-minute walk)
Insider Tips
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, and bring a picnic to enjoy the scenic views from the nearby ancient castle ruins.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 10:15 AM to secure a seat at the restaurant before the 10:30 AM opening, as the tenkatsu (tempura) and seasonal soba dishes often sell out by midday
- Hidden Gems: Visit the agricultural product counter between 10:00–10:30 AM to find freshly harvested bamboo shoots and locally grown tomatoes, which are typically not stocked later in the day
- Weekend Special: On weekends, purchase the bamboo charcoal and bamboo crafts from the local artisan display at the product counter—these are only available on Saturdays and Sundays and sell out quickly
- Best Seating Strategy: If visiting during peak hours, head directly to the back corner of the restaurant where the six-person tables are located, as they are less likely to be reserved than the front-facing seats
- Parking Navigation: Enter the parking lot from the west entrance and follow the one-way route clockwise; avoid the area near the bamboo grove entrance, as it is a blind spot and frequently congested
- Foodie Priority: Order the seasonal vegetable small plates at the restaurant within the first 30 minutes of opening to ensure availability of the day’s freshest produce, which changes weekly
- Local History Access: After visiting the roadside station, walk the 5-minute path to the Asahi Castle Ruins to view the panoramic view of the surrounding farmland—this scenic overlook is best experienced in the late morning when light is clear and crowds are minimal
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market in April, with peak season for local vegetables and spring flowers.
Summer (June–August): Summer vegetables and seasonal fruits available at the roadside station.
Autumn (September–November): Harvest season for local rice and autumn flowers, with special seasonal dishes at the restaurant.
Winter (December–February): Limited availability; open during the holidays with seasonal bamboo and preserved vegetables.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a baby bed, multiple restrooms including accessible ones, and stroller-friendly paths. While no dedicated play area exists, the nearby historic site and natural surroundings provide educational value for children.
Food Lover Review
Features a dedicated restaurant serving 100% buckwheat soba and a well-stocked farm shop with fresh local vegetables, seasonal produce, and unique regional products like bamboo crafts and bamboo charcoal.
Car Camping Review
Provides ample parking and 24-hour restroom access, though no overnight parking policy is specified. The location is quiet and scenic, but lacks dedicated camping facilities or designated overnight zones.
Scenic Beauty Review
Offers panoramic views of rural landscapes from the adjacent Tanegashima Castle Ruins. The surrounding farmland, seasonal flowers, and natural surroundings enhance the aesthetic appeal and provide excellent photo opportunities.