Station Yamada Nishiki Birthplace Town Taka

Discover the Heart of Japan’s Rice and Craft Heritage

Nestled along National Route 427 in the serene hills of Hyōgo Prefecture, Yamada Nishiki Birthplace Town Taka stands as a vibrant roadside station celebrating its legacy as the origin of Japan’s most esteemed sake rice, Yamada Nishiki. More than a rest stop, this cultural gateway invites travelers to explore a region where tradition meets innovation. As the birthplace of the famed rice, the first-ever "Respect for the Elderly Day," and the renowned handmade paper "Sugihara Paper," the station embodies a deep-rooted commitment to preserving and promoting local heritage.

Visitors can savor authentic local flavors at the on-site shop, offering premium Yamada Nishiki rice, handwoven Bisan-ori textiles, and seasonal delicacies like rice dumplings, millet donuts, and deer burgers. The station also hosts a special concert each October 1—Japan’s Sake Day—featuring limited-edition sake crafted from the region’s prized grain. With nearby attractions including terraced rice fields, ancient burial mounds, and scenic parks, this roadside station is a perfect hub for discovering the soul of rural Japan.

Visit Yamada Nishiki Birthplace Town Taka roadside station to taste the only rice wine made exclusively from the region’s famed Yamada Nishiki rice, aged in traditional clay pots and released each October during the national sake festival. Savor the station’s signature rice flour doughnuts, crafted from locally grown Yamada Nishiki and baked fresh daily. These are the only ones available anywhere.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM on weekdays to purchase fresh batches of mountain rice-based mochi and rice crackers, which are restocked daily at opening and often sell out by midday.

• Hidden Gems: Ask at the information counter about the monthly "Yamada-nishiki Rice Tasting Event" held on the first Saturday of each month, where visitors can sample rare regional sake made exclusively from multi-year-old Yamada-nishiki rice.

• Weekend Special: On Sundays, the roadside station hosts a limited-time "Bizen Weaving Demonstration" in the craft corner from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, where local artisans display traditional weaving techniques using Bizen textile patterns.

• Food Truck Alert: Check the bulletin board near the rest area for the rotating food truck schedule—on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, a mobile vendor serves homemade grilled yakitori using local chicken from Taka’s farm, available only from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

• Best Time to Buy Sake: Purchase the limited-edition "Yamada-nishiki Harvest Release Sake" during the first two weeks of October, as it is only available at this roadside station and sells out quickly after the October 1st National Sake Day event.

• EV Charging Tip: Use the 24-hour EV rapid charging station located near the eastern parking area, but note that it is equipped with a CCS2 connector only—confirm your vehicle compatibility before arrival.

• Information Desk Hack: Visit the information desk before 11:00 AM to request a free printed guide to the nearby Higashiyama Kofun Cluster Park, which includes a detailed map of the 16 burial mounds and a list of the most accessible routes for families with children.

Spring (March–May): Peak season for canola flower viewing in late March to April, with fresh mountain vegetables available at the roadside station market.

Summer (June–August): Best time to see fireflies in the summer months and enjoy the scenic rice terraces at the Iwazakami Rice Paddy.

Autumn (September–November): Ideal for sampling newly harvested Yamada Nishiki rice and attending the October 1 Japan Sake Day concert featuring local sake.

Winter (December–February): Visit for warm seasonal treats like deer meat burgers and enjoy the roadside station’s extended hours.