Step Into Japan’s Industrial Past Along a Historic Silver Carriage Route
Nestled along the historic National Route 312 in the heart of Hyōgo Prefecture’s神河町 (Kamikawa Town), Silver Horse-Drawn Carriage Road・Kogo stands as a living tribute to Japan’s early industrial era. This roadside station honors the "Silver Carriage Road," a pioneering freight route recognized as Japan’s first high-speed industrial road, linking the historic Shōno Silver Mine in Ashiya with the bustling port of Himeji during the Meiji period. Today, visitors can walk the preserved stretch of this ancient path, where horse-drawn carts once carried silver, copper, and vital supplies across the region.
The station is a vibrant hub of local culture and flavor. At the Kanazaki Daikoku Tea House, enjoy regional specialties like the famous Kamikawa sushi rolls, handmade with fresh sea bream and rice, or savor the signature "Silver Carriage Road Set" — a hearty meal featuring a whole tempura-fried sea bream, Buta Kobe-style pork croquette, and grilled chicken from the region. Satisfy your sweet tooth with locally crafted yuzu soft-serve or try seasonal treats like frozen lemon and barley tea. With fresh produce markets, artisanal shops, and a cozy café, Silver Horse-Drawn Carriage Road・Kogo offers a genuine taste of rural Hyōgo, where history, food, and nature come together in perfect harmony.
Why Visit
Visit Silver Horse-Drawn Carriage Road・Kogo to experience Japan’s only preserved stretch of the historic Silver Carriage Road, a Meiji-era industrial route that once linked the famed Shinkyō silver mines to姬路港. Here, you can savor the region’s signature dish—silver horse-drawn carriage meal—featuring a whole fried sea bream, buta no "Momoiro Toiki" pork croquette, and Buta-ken chicken fried to perfection, all served with local rice. The only place to taste this authentic local feast, it’s a meal steeped in the area’s mining heritage.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Silver Horse-Drawn Carriage Road・Kogo, where hearty meals like the signature Silver Horse-Drawn Carriage Road Set are served with pride.
Kanzaki Daikokuya
かんざき大黒茶屋
Specialty
Local cuisine with a focus on rice, seafood, and regional specialties
A cozy dining spot located along National Route 312, offering a variety of meals including udon, set meals, and traditional local dishes. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Udon Stall
うどん
Specialty
Fresh handmade udon noodles served with a variety of toppings
A casual food stall offering freshly made udon noodles with simple, traditional toppings and a light broth.
Sushi Counter
お寿司
Specialty
Fresh sushi and sashimi made with local seafood
A small counter serving fresh, hand-pressed sushi and sashimi using ingredients sourced from nearby waters.
Ice Cream Stand
アイスクリーム
Specialty
Handcrafted soft cream with local fruit flavors
A cheerful stand offering handmade soft cream with a variety of flavors, including seasonal fruits.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional treasures and handmade goods at Silver Horse-Drawn Carriage Road・Kogo’s specialty shops, celebrating local craftsmanship and heritage.
Antenna Shop Kamado
アンテナショップ かまど
A curated shop featuring handmade local delicacies and crafts made from ingredients sourced in Kamikawa Town.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yuzu Mountain Pepper Seasoning
Kanzaki Daikokuya General Store
かんざき大黒茶屋（物販）
A retail space within the roadside station offering a range of local products, snacks, and souvenirs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Silver Horse-Drawn Carriage Set Meal
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature products like yuzu soft cream, handmade sushi, and the famed Takamatsu pork ‘Peach Breath’.
Yuzu Mountain Pepper Seasoning
ゆず山椒
A unique blend of fresh yuzu from Tantakura and mountain pepper from Asakura, ideal for enhancing the flavor of fried foods, soups, and grilled dishes.
Frozen Lemon and Barley Tea
冷凍フローズンレモンと麦茶
A refreshing frozen beverage made from lemon and barley tea, perfect for hot days and available at a discounted price.
Oosanshōuo Pillow
オオサンショウウオ抱き枕
A novelty plush pillow shaped like the rare Oosanshōuo (Japanese giant salamander), a symbol of the region's natural heritage.
Senreicha Tea Bag
仙霊茶のティーバッグタイプ
A premium tea bag version of Senreicha, a 300-year-old brand tea from Kamikawa, known for its deep, rich flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge at Silver Horse-Drawn Carriage Road・Kogo with ample parking, 24-hour restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and EV charging stations.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking lot with 30 spaces, including 7 large vehicle spots, 21 regular vehicle spots, and 2 disabled-accessible spots. EV charging is available.
On-site at the roadside station
Restroom
There are 15 toilets available, including 7 male, 7 female, and 1 multi-purpose toilet. The restrooms are accessible 24 hours a day.
On-site at the roadside station
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless LAN is available for guests to use.
On-site at the roadside station
Information Center
Provides tourism information and rest areas. Open from 9:00 to 18:00, year-round, with extended hours during winter (December–February) from 9:30 to 17:00.
On-site at the roadside station
EV Charging Station
An electric vehicle charging station is available at the parking lot. Note: Temporary service interruption is scheduled for renewal.
On-site at the roadside station
Bike Rental
Bicycles are available for rent to explore local attractions such as historic farmhouses and scenic routes in Kamikawa Town.
On-site at the roadside station
Activities & Experiences
Explore history and nature through seasonal events, cycling tours, and hands-on experiences like animal encounters and farm-to-table workshops.
Horse Cart Road Walking Tour
銀の馬車道を歩く
Walk along the historic Silver Cart Road, a former industrial highway connecting the Shinkan Silver Mine in Chōrō to the Himeji Kajima Port, preserving the original path from the Meiji era.
Duration
60 min
Animal Feeding Experience
エサやり体験
Feed various animals including horses, goats, and sheep at Yodel Forest, a rural park located just 10 minutes by car from the roadside station.
Duration
30 min
Outdoor activity; may be affected by heavy rain or extreme heat.
Animal Interaction Experience
ふれあい体験
Interact with friendly farm animals such as goats, sheep, and horses at Yodel Forest, offering a hands-on experience with livestock.
Duration
30 min
Outdoor activity; may be affected by heavy rain or extreme heat.
Horseback Riding Experience
乗馬体験
Enjoy a guided horseback riding experience at Yodel Forest, where visitors can ride a horse named Suji-chan, the honorary station master.
Duration
20 min
Outdoor activity; may be affected by heavy rain or extreme heat.
Seasonal Pizza Making Workshop
季節のピザ作り
Participate in a seasonal pizza-making workshop at Yodel Forest, where you can create and enjoy fresh, locally inspired pizzas.
Duration
60 min
Indoor activity; weather does not affect participation.
Ice Cream Making Workshop
アイスクリーム作り
Learn how to make fresh ice cream using local ingredients at Yodel Forest, with seasonal flavors available.
Duration
45 min
Indoor activity; weather does not affect participation.
Farm Buffet Dining Experience
農村バイキング
Enjoy a farm-style buffet meal at Yodel Forest, featuring locally sourced dishes and seasonal produce.
Duration
90 min
Indoor dining; weather does not affect participation.
Barbecue Experience
バーベキュー
Enjoy a traditional barbecue experience at Yodel Forest, using fresh local ingredients and seasonal vegetables.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor activity; may be affected by rain or extreme heat.
Bicycle Rental
レンタサイクル
Rent a bicycle to explore local historic homes, scenic routes, and nearby attractions in Kamikawa Town.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor activity; may be affected by rain or extreme heat.
Hydrangea Viewing Season
猪篠のアジサイ
View a vibrant display of hydrangeas along the Izasu River in the Izasu village, stretching for about 2 kilometers near the Yodel Forest parking area.
Duration
60 min
Outdoor activity; best viewed on clear days.
Hiking in Togami Plateau
砥峰高原 峰山高原リゾート
Hike through the scenic Togami Plateau, known as a filming location for the drama series 'Norwegian Wood' and offering panoramic views of the changing seasons.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor activity; weather conditions may affect trail accessibility.
Skiing and Snowboarding Experience
峰山高原リゾート ホワイトピーク
Enjoy skiing and snowboarding at White Peak, a European-style winter resort with two lifts, three gentle slopes, and a large kids' park.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor activity; weather conditions and snow quality may affect availability.
Insider Tips
Visit on weekends for live food stalls, arrive early for limited-edition snacks, and check seasonal highlights like the yuzu harvest and hydrangea blooms.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the counter for the popular "Buta no Kōshoku" (Peach-colored Breath) pork croquette, which sells out by midday due to high demand.
- Hidden Gems: Ask at the kanzaki daikokuya counter for the "Shin menu" item—roasted chicken with tulip seasoning—available only on weekdays and often sold out by 2 PM.
- Best Value Meal: Order the "Ginnobasyamichi Set" (1,380 yen) between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM on weekdays to get the full meal with the large sea bream tempura, Buta no Kōshoku pork croquette, and Buta no Kōshoku chicken karaage—plus free local rice as part of the "all-you-can-eat rice" offer.
- Specialty Product Purchase: Buy the "Yuzu Shamo" spice blend (a mix of Yuzu from Tantai and Asakura mountain pepper) at the kanzaki daikokuya counter before 4:00 PM on weekdays, as it’s only stocked in limited quantities and often sells out by late afternoon.
- Unique Souvenir: Pick up the "Oosanshoouou" (giant salamander) plush pillow at the antenashop kamado counter before 5:00 PM on weekends, as new designs are released monthly and frequently sell out.
- Seasonal Access: During late June to early July, visit the pig-sickle (Izasaki) neighborhood just off the Nishi-Kanzaki Interchange to see the famous hydrangeas along the Izasaki River, which stretch for about 2 kilometers and are highlighted in the station’s seasonal updates.
- Free Wi-Fi Tip: Use the free Wi-Fi at the information counter during the 10:00–16:00 window on weekends, as the signal is strongest and most stable during this time due to lower traffic on the network.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Late April to early May brings blooming hydrangeas at Izasu village, with the peak viewing period around June.
Summer (June-August): Buttock-colored pork collops and grilled chicken are available, with the popular buttermilk fried chicken all-you-can-eat during Golden Week.
Autumn (September-November): Fresh yuzu from the region is used in seasonal soft serve and the new yuzu sansho spice blend, available from late summer.
Winter (December-February): The roadside station operates with reduced hours, but local tea and warm snacks remain available.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a play-friendly environment with nearby animal experiences at Yodel Forest, stroller-accessible paths, and child-oriented food like soft ice cream. The presence of a multi-purpose toilet and clear signage enhances accessibility for families.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse local dishes including signature Ginno Basyamichi set meals, fresh sushi, and regional specialties like yuzu soft serve. The variety of local produce and artisanal products adds strong culinary appeal.
Car Camping Review
Provides 24-hour toilet access and ample parking with EV charging. Though no overnight camping policy is stated, the quiet location and nearby green spaces make it suitable for short stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located along a historic route with scenic views of rural landscapes. Offers seasonal beauty with hydrangeas in summer and proximity to forested hills and mountain vistas.