Taste the Heart of Japan’s Premier Beef Country
Nestled along National Route 9 in the lush highlands of Hyōgo Prefecture, Muraoka Farm Garden stands as a vibrant roadside station where alpine beauty meets agricultural tradition. Surrounded by 1,000-meter peaks and flanked by the Yada and Yuzumi rivers, this scenic haven offers travelers a rare glimpse into the sustainable farming heritage of the Tajima region—the birthplace of Japan’s celebrated Tajima beef.
More than just a pit stop, Muraoka Farm Garden is a cultural and culinary destination. Visitors savor authentic Tajima beef in a variety of forms—from steaks and sukiyaki to innovative dishes like shabu-shabu with four customizable flavors. The on-site shop offers premium beef cuts, local delicacies like thousand-year water kintsuba, and handcrafted treats, all made with pride from regional ingredients. With year-round events, a spacious meeting hall, and easy access from major highways, it’s a true gathering place for locals and travelers alike.
Why Visit
Muraoka Farm Garden stands out as the only roadside station in the region where you can savor butagyu steak and butagyu sukiyaki made from cattle raised in the UNESCO-recognized Butagyu farming system. Its signature offering, the Butagyu World Geobug Set, features premium cuts sourced directly from the local herd. Visitors also find exclusive items like Butagyu Koshimaki (smoked beef) and Butagyu Gyoza, unavailable elsewhere. The station’s European-style red-roofed design and mountainous backdrop create a distinctive setting unmatched by other roadside stations.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Muraoka Farm Garden roadside station, where Butako beef and mountain vegetable dishes take center stage.
Restaurant
レストラン
Specialty
Local cuisine featuring Kobe beef and mountain vegetables
A cozy dining spot offering traditional local dishes made with high-quality Kobe beef and fresh mountain vegetables. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for travelers seeking a relaxing meal in a scenic rural setting.
Café
喫茶
Specialty
Light snacks and beverages with a local touch
A relaxed café serving light snacks, tea, and coffee. Ideal for a quick break or a quiet moment with a view of the surrounding mountains.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional treasures and fresh farm goods at the roadside station’s bustling market stalls.
Specialty Products Store
特産品売場
A retail shop offering a variety of local products, including premium Kobe beef, traditional sweets, and regional delicacies.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kobe Beef Smoked
Kobe Beef Specialty Store
但馬牛専門店 牛将
A dedicated store specializing in high-quality Kobe beef, offering fresh cuts and premium products for home cooking.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kobe Beef Steaks
Featured Products
Sample signature specialties like Butako beef steak, smoked beef, and traditional kinzakura pastries made from local ingredients.
Kobe Beef Steak
但馬牛のステーキ
Premium Kobe beef steak, known for its rich marbling and tender texture. Perfect for grilling at home.
Kobe Beef Smoked
但馬牛スモーク
Slow-smoked Kobe beef with a delicate flavor and smoky aroma, ideal for cold cuts or appetizers.
Kobe Beef Gyoza
但馬牛すごまん
Handcrafted gyoza filled with premium Kobe beef, known for its juicy and savory filling.
Kobe Beef Cutlet
但馬牛コロッケ
Crispy fried cutlet made with tender Kobe beef, served as a snack or side dish.
Thousand-Year Water Kinzubu
千年水きんつば
Traditional Japanese sweet made with rice flour and sweet bean paste, known for its delicate texture and natural sweetness.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including spacious parking, accessible restrooms, and free Wi-Fi throughout the roadside station.
Parking Lot
Provides parking for 68 vehicles, including 4 large trucks, 60 regular cars, and 2 accessible parking spaces. Available 24 hours a day.
Adjacent to the roadside station entrance
Restroom
Male toilets: 8 units; Female toilets: 9 units; Accessible restroom: 1 unit with a ramp.
Inside the roadside station building
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless LAN available throughout the facility.
Throughout the roadside station
Information Center
Offers road information and tourist guidance. Serves as a hub for local tourism and route planning.
Front desk area of the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging station available on-site.
Near the main parking area
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and farm-to-table experiences celebrating local culture.
Seasonal Harvest Events
イベント広場
Participants will join themed events centered around local food during the spring to autumn harvest seasons.
Duration
120 min
Workshop on Buta-ma Beef Cuisine
但馬牛専門店 牛将
Participants will learn how to prepare various dishes using high-quality Buta-ma beef, including sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and regional specialties.
Duration
90 min
Indoor activity; suitable for all weather conditions.
Buta-ma Beef Tasting Experience
但馬牛物語 歴史について
Participants will taste different cuts of Buta-ma beef and learn about its history, breeding, and unique characteristics.
Duration
60 min
Traditional Buta-ma Beef Cooking Demonstration
但馬牛物語 村岡ファームガーデンのこだわり
Participants will observe and learn traditional cooking methods used to prepare Buta-ma beef, emphasizing regional techniques and flavor profiles.
Duration
75 min
Indoor activity; suitable for all weather conditions.
Insider Tips
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and explore nearby attractions like the giant Buddha temple and forest learning center.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the restaurant before the 11:00 AM opening, as the butama beef steak and butama beef katsudon sell out quickly during peak hours
- Hidden Gems: At the special products counter, look for the butama beef smoked sausage and butama beef gyoza—these are only available during the winter season and sell out by midday
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the restaurant between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM to try the limited-time butama beef shabu-shabu set, which includes four different sauces and is only served until 1:30 PM
- Best Value Purchase: Buy the butama beef mince and butama beef katsu curry set from the special products counter before 3:00 PM on weekdays to avoid the weekend price increase, as these items are discounted during the week
- EV Charging Tip: Use the EV charging station located near the main entrance and plug in before 9:00 AM to ensure access during peak hours, as the two charging spots are often occupied by 10:00 AM
- Local Insight: Visit the deli counter between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM on weekdays to get the day’s fresh butama beef steak, which is prepared and displayed only once daily at that time
- Event Timing: Attend the harvest-themed event at the event plaza on the second Sunday of each month, which begins at 11:00 AM and features live cooking demonstrations of butama beef dishes using seasonal mountain vegetables
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Peak season for fresh mountain vegetables and buta-maki (butama) at the roadside station; cherry blossoms bloom in late April.
Summer (June–August): Fresh bamboo shoots available in June; summer festivals and evening events held at the event plaza.
Autumn (September–November): Buta-maki and butama harvests peak; autumn foliage enhances views of the surrounding mountains.
Winter (December–February): Winter-exclusive buta-maki and sukiyaki dishes featured; snow-dusted landscapes surround the roadside station.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station features a large parking area with accessible facilities, stroller-friendly paths, and multiple restrooms. While no dedicated play area is listed, the scenic natural surroundings and nearby attractions like the forest hall offer educational value for children.
Food Lover Review
The station offers a wide variety of high-quality local cuisine centered on Tajima beef, with over 50 menu options including steak, sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and specialty dishes. The specialty shop sells premium local products like beef jerky and regional sweets.
Car Camping Review
The station provides ample parking for 68 vehicles, including large and disabled spots, and has 24-hour restroom access. While there is no official overnight parking policy, the quiet location along National Route 9 allows for comfortable rest stops.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by mountains at 1,000 meters and near rivers, the station offers stunning natural views. The red-roofed European-style buildings contrast beautifully with the landscape, and seasonal changes enhance the scenic appeal throughout the year.