Station Tajima Rakuza

Savor the Essence of Japan’s Premier Wagyu at Tajima Rakuza

Nestled along National Route 9 in Yōfu, Hyōgo Prefecture, Tajima Rakuza stands as a vital rest stop and cultural gateway for travelers exploring the scenic landscapes of the San'in and Tajima regions. More than just a roadside station, it’s a destination where the rich heritage of Tajima beef, natural beauty, and authentic local hospitality converge. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests, this vibrant hub offers travelers a seamless blend of relaxation, adventure, and culinary excellence.

At the heart of the experience is the renowned Tajima beef, celebrated as the origin of Japan’s most famous beef brands. Guests can savor it in its finest forms—from delicate shabu-shabu to expertly grilled steaks—at the on-site restaurant or enjoy it in a hearty beef bowl. Complementing the feast is the soothing waters of Yūkai Onsen, a natural hot spring with Japan’s highest radon content, inviting visitors to unwind after a day of exploration. With accommodations, dining, and wellness all under one roof, Tajima Rakuza transforms a simple stop into a memorable journey.

Tajima Rakuza stands apart as the only roadside station in the region where visitors can experience authentic Tajima beef—Japan’s ancestral breed behind renowned brands like Kobe and Matsusaka—served in its purest form. Here, the signature dish, a rich beef grilled to order with a perfectly torched egg yolk, is available only at the on-site restaurant, Yabu Pasture. Complementing this, the station’s 24-hour access to Japan’s highest-latitude radon-rich hot spring, Yuka Onsen, offers a rare chance to soak in therapeutic waters with mineral levels unmatched elsewhere.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM to secure a seat at the buta-yaki (grilled beef) counter at the Yabu Pasture restaurant, as it opens for lunch service at 11:00 AM and fills up quickly due to its popular buta-yaki menu.

• Hidden Gems: Purchase the Buta-yaki Set with grilled beef and miso soup at the Yabu Pasture restaurant for 1,200 yen—it’s available only during lunch hours (11:00–14:00) and not listed on the main menu.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the Yabu Pasture restaurant between 17:00 and 18:30 to enjoy the exclusive "Buta-yaki with Egg" dish, which features a grilled beef patty topped with a warm, slow-cooked egg—only served during evening hours and not available on weekdays.

• Parking Strategy: Use the two designated handicapped parking spots near the bathhouse entrance if you plan to visit the Yuka Onsen, as the main parking area fills up by 10:00 AM during peak season and these spots are less likely to be taken.

• Food Truck Tip: The food truck serving Buta-yaki rice bowls operates daily from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the parking lot near the restaurant entrance—arrive by 11:15 AM to avoid the line and try the limited-time Buta-yaki donburi.

• Bakery Timing: Head to the Yamazaki Shop at 7:15 AM to buy the fresh daily batch of milk bread, which is baked on-site and sells out by 10:00 AM—this is the only time you can get the original milk bread made at the roadside station.

• Onsen Access: Enter the Yuka Onsen through the main entrance between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM to avoid the midday rush; the bathhouse is busiest between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, and arriving early ensures access to private changing rooms and the quieter upper-level soaking area.

Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market; cherry blossoms peak in early April.

Summer (June-August): Butama beef steak and grilled dishes at the restaurant; peak season for outdoor activities.

Autumn (September-November): Best time for viewing red leaves at Yōto Shrine; autumnal harvest of local produce.

Winter (December-February): Hot spring bathing at Yōkai Onsen; winter menu featuring butama beef stews.