Discover the Heart of Kansai’s Mountain Passes
Hachi Kita is a welcoming roadside station nestled along National Route 9, where the rugged beauty of the Chūgoku Mountains meets the serene landscapes of the Tōkai region. Located at the gateway to the Hachi Kita Highlands, just beyond the Tōkai Tunnel in Kami, Hyōgo Prefecture, it serves as both a vital rest stop and a cultural crossroads for travelers journeying between Kyoto, Osaka, and the Sea of Japan coast.
More than a pit stop, Hachi Kita offers a true taste of the region’s heritage. Visitors can savor local specialties like Tōkai beef bowls, seasonal mountain vegetable noodles, and traditional hand-pounded chestnut mochi. The on-site shop features organic produce and unique smoked goods, while the cozy café provides warmth in winter—complete with early morning and late-night service. With a snow-resistant parking area, free Wi-Fi, and stunning views of the surrounding peaks, Hachi Kita is a place where nature, community, and travel come together.
Why Visit
Hachi Kita stands at the gateway to the pristine Hachikita Highlands, where the rugged beauty of the Kita Tango mountains meets the serene slopes of the Tachibana River Valley. This roadside station is the only place to sample authentic Tachibana River wild mountain vegetable udon and buttermilk-based ice cream made from local Jersey cows. Winter visitors can experience the region’s rare snowscape firsthand, with the station’s heated parking area and snow-melt system designed for the area’s heavy snowfall.
Restaurants & Dining
At Hachi Kita roadside station, enjoy hearty meals made from local mountain vegetables and authentic Buta beef.
Hachikita Restaurant
ハチ北
Specialty
Light meals and coffee featuring local mountain vegetables and traditional regional flavors
A casual dining space offering light meals and coffee, focusing on seasonal mountain vegetables and authentic local cuisine. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, ideal for travelers seeking a quick, satisfying meal with a taste of the region.
Shopping Highlights
Discover fresh organic produce and unique regional specialties at Hachi Kita’s inviting shop.
Local Produce Market
店舗・売店
Sells homegrown vegetables, organic produce, and various regional specialties. Also features processed products made from Tajima beef.
Products
Must-Try Item
Tajima Beef Processed Products
Featured Products
Savor signature treats like traditional pounded chestnut mochi and smoked local delicacies.
Traditional Mochi Made by Hand
杵つき栃餅
Handcrafted chestnut mochi made using traditional pounding techniques, offering a nostalgic taste of the region's culinary heritage.
Smoked Pickled Cucumber
たくあん
A unique smoked pickled cucumber with a rich, savory flavor, reflecting the area's distinctive food craftsmanship.
Yadata River Soybean Paste
矢田川みそ
A locally produced soybean paste with a deep umami flavor, made using traditional methods and regional ingredients.
Convenient Vinegar
べんりで酢
A convenient, ready-to-use vinegar with a balanced sour-sweet taste, ideal for everyday cooking and dressings.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax with modern amenities including accessible restrooms, ample parking, and 24-hour convenience.
Parking Lot
34 parking spaces (14 large vehicles, 20 regular vehicles), with dedicated space for two-wheelers. The parking lot features a snow-melting system using underground heat and a roof for user convenience and comfort, including a chain removal area.
Adjacent to the roadside station entrance
Restroom
7 male toilets, 4 female toilets, and baby changing facilities available. Accessible toilets are also provided for people with disabilities.
Inside the roadside station building
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless LAN available for visitors.
Throughout the roadside station premises
Information Terminal
An information terminal where users can access information via terminal devices. This facility is planned for future implementation.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Restaurant
Offers light meals, coffee, and original dishes made from local mountain vegetables. Features popular items such as Tajima beef bowl. Open from 9:30 to 17:00, closed on Tuesdays. Winter hours may include late-night and early-morning service.
Inside the roadside station building
Store / Souvenir Shop
Sells locally grown vegetables, organic produce, and various regional specialties. Includes processed products made from Tajima beef. Open from 9:00 to 18:00, closed on Tuesdays, New Year's Day, and the autumn festival day in September.
Inside the roadside station building
EV Charging Station
Not mentioned in the provided content.
ATM
Not mentioned in the provided content.
Nursing Room
Not explicitly mentioned, but baby changing facilities are available in the restrooms.
Inside the restroom area
Play Area
Not mentioned in the provided content.
Onsen
Not mentioned in the provided content.
Bike Rental
Not mentioned in the provided content.
Pet Area
Not mentioned in the provided content.
Insider Tips
Visit during winter for snow-dusted views and plan ahead for extended hours during peak seasons.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the restaurant before the daily batch of Takajima beef bowl sells out, as it is prepared fresh each morning and often sells out by 11:00 AM.
- Hidden Gems: At the shop counter, look for the handmade smoked products such as smoked takuan and smoked miso—these are seasonal specialties available only during the fall and winter months.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the shop between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to catch the limited-time sale of hand-harvested mountain vegetable bundles, which are sold only when fresh harvests are available.
- Winter Visiting Tip: If visiting in winter, use the underground heating system in the parking area to avoid snow buildup—this feature is specifically designed for vehicles without snow chains, and it’s especially useful for early morning or late-night stops.
- Best Food Experience: Order the mountain vegetable udon at the restaurant between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM, when the kitchen prepares the daily batch using freshly foraged local greens, which are not available later in the day.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Access: After visiting the roadside station, drive 15 minutes to the Wood Cathedral to experience the scent of Japanese cedar and sunlight filtering through the timber roof—this is a must-see for visitors seeking natural architecture.
- Information Tip: Use the roadside station’s planned information terminal (currently under development) to check real-time road conditions, snow accumulation levels, and travel advisories for the nearby Hachikita Highland Ski Area, especially during winter months.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh mountain vegetables available at the market, with peak season for bamboo shoots in April.
Summer (June–August): Ideal for visiting the nearby Hachikita Highland Ski Resort, now open for summer hiking and scenic views.
Autumn (September–November): Harvest season for local specialties like smoked takuan and yadata miso, with autumn festivals in September.
Winter (December–February): Best time to experience deep snow and powder skiing at Hachikita Highland Ski Resort.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a spacious parking area with stroller-friendly access, baby beds in restrooms, and a family-oriented atmosphere. The restaurant serves kid-friendly meals like buta don, and nearby attractions provide engaging outdoor experiences for children.
Food Lover Review
Features a diverse menu with local specialties like Tajima beef don, mountain vegetable udon, and buta curry. The shop sells organic produce, regional products, and smoked goods, with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
Car Camping Review
Provides 24-hour restrooms and parking with a large capacity, including space for large vehicles. While no official overnight parking policy is stated, the facility is quiet and accessible, suitable for short stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located at a scenic mountain pass with panoramic views of the Toin River Plain and surrounding peaks. Offers seasonal beauty with snow-covered landscapes in winter and lush greenery in spring, enhanced by well-maintained flower beds and natural surroundings.