Discover the Heart of Japanese Craft and Tradition
Nestled along National Route 427 in the serene hills of Taka, Hyōgo Prefecture, Sugihara Washi no Sato Taka stands as a cultural gateway where centuries-old heritage meets modern travel. This roadside station is the proud home of three legendary origins: the birthplace of Japan’s finest sake rice, "Yamada Nishiki," the origin of the renowned handmade washi paper "Sugihara Washi," and the creation of Japan’s "Respect for the Elderly Day." Visitors are invited to explore this living legacy through hands-on experiences, local cuisine, and breathtaking natural surroundings.
At the heart of the station lies the vibrant restaurant "Sharaman," where guests savor the region’s famed "Harima Hyakunichi Chicken" in a variety of dishes, including the popular chicken set meal. The adjacent craft shop, "Kami Kōchi," offers authentic Sugihara Washi paper, local rice, eggs, and seasonal treats. Just steps away, the Sugihara Washi Research Institute welcomes visitors to try traditional papermaking—a rare and immersive cultural experience. Surrounded by lush forests, terraced rice fields, and the majestic Kanzaki Peak, this roadside station is more than a stop—it’s a journey into Japan’s rural soul.
Why Visit
Visit Sugihara Washi no Sato Taka to experience the only roadside station in Japan where you can savor the region’s famed Hanshū Hyakunichi Dori chicken in a full-course meal at the on-site restaurant, Sharaman, while standing just steps from the historic papermaking center of Japan’s most renowned handmade washi paper. This is the only place where you can witness traditional Sugihara Washi papermaking and even try it yourself, surrounded by the original paper-making facility and museum.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Sugihara Washi no Sato Taka, where the star dish is the famous Hyougo Hyakunichi-dori chicken, served in hearty, traditional meals.
Sharaman
車留満（シャルマン）
Specialty
Local chicken dishes with a focus on Hyougo Hyakunichi Tori
A cozy restaurant offering traditional Japanese cuisine with a local twist, featuring fresh ingredients from the region. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxing meal.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated selection of regional treasures at the roadside station’s shop, blending local crafts, fresh produce, and unique gifts.
Kami Kōchi
物産館「かみ高地」
A local specialty shop offering a variety of regional products, including agricultural goods, handmade crafts, and traditional foods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hyakunichi Chicken Rice Ingredients
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like handmade Shigihara paper, premium Kyojima rice, and flavorful Hyougo Hyakunichi-dori meal kits, crafted with pride.
Kiyoshima Rice
きよしま米
High-quality rice grown in the Takako region, known for its excellent taste and texture.
Hyakunichi Chicken Rice Ingredients
とりめしの具
A ready-to-use set of ingredients for making traditional chicken rice, featuring locally sourced chicken and seasonings.
Sugihara Washi Paper
杉原紙
Authentic handmade Japanese paper, known for its durability and traditional craftsmanship.
Sourdough Bread
天然酵母入りパン
Freshly baked bread made with natural yeast, offering a rich, slightly tangy flavor.
Hyakunichi Chicken Meat (Frozen)
播州百日どり冷凍精肉
Premium frozen chicken meat from locally raised Hyakunichi chickens, ideal for home cooking.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including 24-hour restrooms, EV charging, free Wi-Fi, and accessible parking for a seamless journey.
Parking
20 parking spaces available, including 4 large vehicle spots and 16 regular vehicle spots.
EV Charging Station
Fast charging station available 24 hours a day.
Free Wi-Fi
Hyogo Free WiFi available for free wireless LAN access.
Restroom
5 male toilets and 5 female toilets available. One accessible toilet is also provided.
Information Center
Open daily from 9:00 to 17:00 (8:00 to 17:00 on Sundays). Closed on Wednesdays and during year-end holidays.
Nursing Room
Baby Station available for nursing and baby care.
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in hands-on experiences such as traditional washi paper making, seasonal festivals, and outdoor adventures in nature.
Handmade Washi Paper Experience
杉原紙の手漉き体験
Participants will experience traditional handmade washi paper production using natural materials and techniques passed down through generations.
Duration
60 min
Camping
キャンプ
Enjoy camping in a scenic natural setting with designated camping sites, including BBQ areas and facilities for outdoor relaxation.
Duration
120 min
Weather-dependent; may be suspended during heavy rain or snow.
River Play
川遊び
Enjoy safe and fun river activities such as wading and exploring the natural stream in a family-friendly environment.
Duration
90 min
Activity may be suspended during heavy rainfall or flooding.
Scenic Walk
散策
Take a leisurely walk through the surrounding natural landscapes, including nearby forests, fields, and historic sites.
Duration
45 min
Insider Tips
Visit early to avoid crowds, check seasonal event schedules, and pair your stop with nearby attractions like the ancient cedar grove and lavender park.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 8:30 AM on Sundays to secure a seat at the restaurant "Sharaman" before the morning rush, as the breakfast menu is only available until 10:00 AM and fills up quickly.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the "Kami Kōchi" souvenir shop between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to find the limited-edition "Kiyoshima Rice" bundles, which are only restocked once daily and often sell out by midday.
- Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the restaurant "Sharaman" between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM to enjoy the special "Hanshū Hyakunichi Dori" lunch set, which is only available during this time and includes a free side of pickled vegetables.
- Best Time for Paper Experience: Book the washi paper-making experience at the Sugihara Paper Research Institute between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM on weekdays to avoid crowds and ensure availability of the full hands-on workshop with a dedicated guide.
- Nearby Hidden Spot: Walk one minute from the roadside station to the Aoyama Shrine to see the seven ancient cedar trees designated as a prefectural natural monument, especially stunning during early morning light.
- Best Value Purchase: Buy the "Chirimen Dori" (chicken ramen ingredients) kit from the "Kami Kōchi" shop during the 2025 New Year campaign (January 4 onward), when it is offered with a 200 yen discount coupon.
- Avoid Wait Times: Order your meal at the "Sharaman" restaurant before 2:00 PM to avoid the late afternoon rush, as the kitchen stops accepting orders at 3:00 PM and the staff begins cleaning up after closing.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms peak in early April, and fresh bamboo shoots are available at the market.
Summer (June-August): Fireflies appear in July, and the river is open for swimming.
Autumn (September-November): New rice "Kiyoshima" is available from September, and autumn foliage is vibrant in November.
Winter (December-February): Snowfall occurs, and the restaurant offers seasonal "chicken rice" dishes.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a baby station, stroller-friendly paths, and nearby playgrounds. Children can enjoy paper-making experiences, and the restaurant provides kid-friendly meals. The site is safe and accessible with ample parking.
Food Lover Review
Features a dedicated restaurant serving regional specialties like Hyougo Hundred-Day Chicken. The shop offers diverse local products, including fresh rice, eggs, and handmade bread. Quality and variety are strong.
Car Camping Review
Provides 24-hour restroom and EV charging access, with a nearby campsite. Limited parking and no explicit overnight policy reduce comfort. Quiet location supports camping but lacks dedicated facilities.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by rural landscapes, terraced fields, and mountain views including Chikagamine. Offers scenic photo spots and seasonal beauty from cherry blossoms to autumn foliage. The natural setting is serene and visually rich.