Discover the Living Landscape of Northern Harima
Kita Harima Eco Museum, nestled along National Route 175 in Nishiwaki City, serves as the gateway to the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage. More than a roadside station, it functions as a dynamic hub for the Kita Harima田园 Space Museum—a living, open-air museum where the entire landscape becomes a showcase of local history, traditional crafts, and sustainable agriculture.
Visitors can explore a vibrant array of regional specialties, from handcrafted textiles to farm-fresh produce, and savor authentic cuisine made with local ingredients like Blackfield Station Wagyu beef and Hyōgo Hundred-Day Chicken. The on-site restaurant “Tanyoshi” offers hearty, seasonal dishes, while the shop features unique local products such as artisanal almond spread and premium sesame ponzu. With free Wi-Fi, EV charging, and seasonal events, this roadside station invites travelers to slow down, connect with the land, and experience the soul of rural Japan.
Why Visit
Visit Kita Harima Eco Museum roadside station to experience the only roadside station in the region where you can savor the Nebula Burger—a signature burger featuring locally raised Hanshū Hyakunichi Dori chicken and handmade almond spread from Bellde-Veille, a staple of the area’s famed breakfast culture. Here, you’ll also find the exclusive "Japan’s Navel” Sesame Ponzu, crafted entirely from locally grown Kinharima sesame, a rare variety celebrated for its rich aroma and flavor. These are not just local treats—they are regional culinary treasures found nowhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic regional flavors at Kita Harima Eco Museum roadside station, where local ingredients shine in hearty, home-style meals.
Tani Shi
たにし
Specialty
Local cuisine using regional ingredients from Kita Harima
A restaurant offering hearty, traditional Kita Harima dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, providing a genuine taste of the region's agricultural and culinary heritage.
Stars Burger
スターズ
Specialty
Handcrafted burgers using local ingredients
A casual food stall offering fresh, handcrafted burgers made with high-quality regional ingredients, including Blackfield Farm Wagyu beef and local chicken.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated selection of local treasures and handmade goods at the roadside station's vibrant shop.
Local Specialty Products Corner
特産品販売コーナー
A retail area showcasing a wide variety of locally produced goods from the Kita Harima region, including food, crafts, and agricultural products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Almond Spread from Verdé Vé
Verde Vé Almond Spread
ベルデ・ヴェールのアーモンドスプレッド
A specialty shop offering homemade almond spread made from locally sourced almonds, known as a top-tier breakfast staple in the region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Almond Spread
Kinpomari Sesame Ponzu
「日本のへそ」のゴマぽん酢
A premium sesame ponzu sauce made exclusively from locally grown gold sesame seeds, known as 'Kinpomari', produced by a long-established local manufacturer.
Products
Must-Try Item
Gold Sesame Ponzu
Harima Hundred-Day Chicken Rice Ingredients
播州百日どり とりめしの具
A shop specializing in high-quality chicken ingredients for traditional Harima-style chicken rice, made from locally raised, free-range chickens.
Products
Must-Try Item
Harima Hundred-Day Chicken Rice Ingredients
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like golden sesame ponzu and artisanal almond spread, crafted from the region's finest ingredients.
Almond Spread
アーモンドスプレッド
A rich, homemade almond spread made from locally sourced almonds, known as a favorite breakfast companion in the Kita Harima region.
Gold Sesame Ponzu Sauce
金ごまぽん酢
A premium ponzu sauce made with 100% locally grown 'Kinpomari' gold sesame seeds, known for its rich aroma and deep flavor.
Harima Hundred-Day Chicken Rice Ingredients
播州百日どり とりめしの具
Authentic ingredients for traditional Harima-style chicken rice, made from free-range chickens raised for 100 days in the region, with no additives.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including spacious parking, accessible restrooms, and free Wi-Fi throughout the roadside station.
Parking
53 parking spaces (3 large vehicles, 50 regular vehicles)
Adjacent to the roadside station
Restroom
11 restrooms (6 male, 4 female, 1 disabled-accessible, 1 ostomy-friendly, and 1 baby changing station)
Throughout the facility
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station
Throughout the facility
EV Charging Station
1 standard EV charger and 1 rapid EV charger available
Near the parking area
Information Center
The main information center for the Kitaharima Eco-Museum, offering exhibits and information on local natural resources, history, culture, and traditional industries.
Main building
Leisure Area
The station's seminar room is opened as a cool rest area during summer holidays (until August 31), offering a place to rest and enjoy light meals. It also serves as a picnic area for visitors bringing their own food and drinks.
Seminar room
Nursing Room
A multi-purpose restroom with facilities for people with disabilities, ostomy users, and baby changing stations.
Near the restrooms
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and unique experiences celebrating Kita Harima’s culture and nature.
Summer Holiday Special Corner
道の駅 夏休み特別コーナー
Relax and enjoy a cool break in the air-conditioned workshop room during summer vacation. Visitors can rest, bring their own lunch and drinks to enjoy as a light meal, and take a refreshing pause during their trip.
Duration
120 min
Air-conditioned indoor space available; ideal for hot weather.
Special Exhibition 2025
北はりま田園空間博物館 特別展2025が開催。
Explore the cultural and natural heritage of the Kita-Harima region through an open-air museum experience. This special exhibition showcases tangible and intangible local resources, including traditional industries, history, and natural landscapes.
Duration
90 min
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around seasonal highlights and local events for the most authentic roadside station experience.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the restaurant "Tani Shi" before the lunch rush, as it often fills up by 12:00 PM.
- Hidden Gems: Look for the handmade "Kanbashi" pickled vegetables and "Kin-Harima" sesame ponzu in the special product sales section—these are made exclusively from local ingredients and are only available at this roadside station.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the "Stars" burger stand before 1:00 PM to try the limited-time "Navel Burger," which features a juicy beef patty made with local "Hanshū Hyakunichi Dori" chicken and fresh vegetables.
- Free Wi-Fi Access: Use the free Wi-Fi at the station’s information desk to access the official "Kita Harima Eco-Museum" website and download the digital guide to the regional heritage trails, which includes maps and historical notes not available elsewhere.
- Summer Cool-Down Tip: During summer months, enter the station’s training room (located near the restroom) between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to use the air-conditioned rest area—open only during the summer break and ideal for cooling off after long drives.
- Local Food Specialty: Purchase the "Belde-Veille Almond Spread" directly from the product counter—this homemade almond paste is the top-selling item and only available in limited quantities; it sells out by late afternoon.
- Souvenir Packing Tip: When buying packaged items like "Hanshū Hyakunichi Dori" chicken stew ingredients or "Kin-Harima" sesame ponzu, ask the staff to wrap them in insulated packaging if you plan to transport them in hot weather—this prevents spoilage during travel.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Late March to April features peak canola flower viewing, with fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.
Summer (June–August): Summer vacation special events and cool indoor rest areas operate through August 31.
Autumn (September–November): No specific seasonal activities mentioned in the content.
Winter (December–February): Limited seasonal offerings; restaurant closed on Tuesdays.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a climate-controlled rest area for children during summer, stroller-friendly paths, multiple accessible toilets with baby beds, and educational exhibits on local culture and agriculture, making it highly suitable for families.
Food Lover Review
Features a restaurant using local ingredients like Himekawa Black Chicken and Kobe beef, plus a variety of regional specialties such as almond spread and sesame ponzu, with fresh produce and artisanal products available for purchase.
Car Camping Review
Provides ample parking, 24-hour restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and EV charging, though no explicit overnight camping policy or designated quiet area is mentioned, limiting its suitability for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a rural agricultural landscape with seasonal variety, offering scenic views of fields and nearby nature, and several photo-worthy spots, especially during festivals and special exhibitions.