Station Kannabe Highland

Discover the Heart of Hyōgo’s Highland Heritage

Nestled in the scenic northern reaches of Hyōgo Prefecture, Kannabe Highland roadside station is a vibrant gateway to one of Japan’s most celebrated alpine retreats. Located just a three-hour drive from the Kansai metropolitan area, it sits at the crossroads of National Route 482 and 312, offering easy access to both natural beauty and cultural treasures. This roadside station stands as a proud hub of local life, where the legacy of famed explorer Nobuyuki Tachikawa—born in nearby Hidaka Town—meets the vibrant rhythms of seasonal agriculture and outdoor adventure.

More than a rest stop, Kannabe Highland offers a full sensory experience. Visitors can savor farm-fresh produce at its bustling market, including seasonal specialties like the famed Kannabe cabbage and watermelon. The on-site restaurant, Kannabe, serves up hearty local dishes such as Butama Chicken Ramen and warming seasonal soba, while the nearby Kannabe Onsen Yutorogi spa invites guests to unwind in naturally heated baths infused with seasonal botanicals. With events like the annual Nezumi Festival and the popular Beer Night, it’s a year-round destination where nature, culture, and community come together.

Located in the heart of Hyōgo’s northern highlands, Kannabe Highland roadside station offers a rare blend of alpine adventure and hyper-local culinary culture. It is the only roadside station in the region where you can savor the famed kannabe soba—a warm, seasonal buckwheat noodle dish made with local mountain-grown buckwheat and served with fresh, seasonal vegetables and handmade pickles—only available from November through spring. Equally unique is the station’s seasonal matsuri events, such as the annual Kannabe Onion Festival, where visitors can experience the traditional Catalan-style grilled onion calçot—a dish not found anywhere else in Japan—alongside locally grown onions, handmade onion bread, and seasonal mountain vegetables. These events, paired with the station’s direct access to the region’s pristine highland farms, make it a destination unlike any other.

• Best Arrival Time for Seasonal Specials: Visit on November 4th to purchase the first day of the seasonal Kannabe Kake Soba at the roadside station, as it is only available starting at 11:00 AM and often sells out by early afternoon.

• Hidden Gems at the Bakery: Buy the Anbutter sandwich from Pain de “A” (Pandō A) on weekdays, as it is only available from November 2025 and sells out quickly; the bakery closes on Wednesdays unless it’s a holiday.

• Best Time to Try the Lunch Buffet: Attend the weekend lunch buffet on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, as it features a rotating selection of local dishes including the Sobu no Sato tofu and fresh pickled vegetables, with the menu updated weekly.

• Must-Visit Event for Local Flavors: Attend the 6th Kannabe Negi Matsuri on November 9th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, when the Grilled Leek Calzott (a Barcelona winter specialty) is available, and purchase the limited-edition Negi Pan from Pain de “A” during the event.

• Optimal Time to Stock Up on Fresh Produce: Visit the farm stand between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM on weekends to get the freshest Kannabe Cabbage, New Rice, and Buta no Kaki (Persimmons), as these are typically sold out by noon during seasonal events.

• Best Time to Enjoy the Onsen with Seasonal Treats: Visit the Kannabe Onsen Yutorogi hot spring between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM on weekends to experience the seasonal Tulip Bath and Begonia Bath, as these themed baths are only available during the fall and early winter months.

• Actionable Tip for Local Food Pairing: Order the Buta-dori Mansai Ramen at Kannabe restaurant on weekdays, as it is a limited-time menu item available only from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and pair it with a Kannabe Kake Soba from the same counter for a full local flavor experience.

Spring (March–May): Late March to April features canola flower blooms, while fresh bamboo shoots appear at the roadside station market.

Summer (June–August): June hosts the Kannabe Highland Cabbage Festival, and August brings the Kannabe Highland Watermelon Festival.

Autumn (September–November): September features the New Rice Fair and the 34th Chestnut Festival, with seasonal treats like roasted sweet potatoes and fresh chestnuts.

Winter (December–February): November offers the 6th Kannabe Onion Festival with special dishes like grilled onion calzone, and hot soba noodles available from mid-November.