Station Yoka Tajima-gura

Savor the Essence of Kōchi’s Mountain Bounty

Yoka Tajima-gura, a roadside station nestled along National Route 9 in Yabu City’s scenic Kōkawa Town, blends rustic charm with modern convenience. Designed to resemble a traditional granary, this vibrant hub celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage, offering fresh local produce, authentic regional cuisine, and immersive cultural experiences. More than a pit stop, it serves as a community cornerstone—supporting local farmers, students from Tajima Agricultural High School, and regional tourism.

At the heart of the station is the Vegetable Store, where daily harvests of seasonal vegetables, fruits, and artisanal goods arrive directly from nearby farms. Dine on signature dishes like the famed Higashi-ka Pork with mountain sansho miso, or savor locally grown Tajima rice and beef. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the free foot bath, explore the information center with real-time travel updates, or browse thoughtfully curated souvenirs—all within a warm, wood-paneled space designed for comfort and connection.

Yoka Tajima-gura stands out for its exclusive use of Asaiyama Shōshō—a rare mountain pepper native to the region—harvested by local farmers and featured in everything from the signature Shōshō Miso Katsu to a uniquely spiced soft-serve. The roadside station is also the only place where you can sample Yabu-born Haku-ko rice and Yabu-chicken, raised in the pristine mountains of the area, in authentic meals. Its dedicated Asaiyama Shōshō tasting corner and seasonal Koko and Obanzai lunch sets offer a rare, immersive taste of the region’s culinary heritage.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to access the full selection of fresh produce from the Yoka Tajima-gura Vegetable Store, including limited-edition items from students at Tajima Agricultural High School, which are restocked daily at opening.

• Hidden Gems: At the Vegetable Store, look for the seasonal Tajima Agricultural High School student-grown vegetables displayed near the front counter—these are only available during the harvest months and sell out quickly.

• Lunch Timing Advantage: Order the Yoka Tajima-gura signature dish, the "Yakagata Pork Mountain Pepper Miso Cutlet Set," by 12:30 PM on weekends to ensure availability, as it is prepared in limited batches and often sells out by 1:30 PM.

• Tea-Time Special: Purchase the Yoka Tajima-gura "Asoyama Mountain Pepper Roll Cake" at the Souvenir Shop before 11:00 AM, as it is only freshly baked in the morning and is not restocked during the day.

• Foot Spa Access: Use the free foot bath facility between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to avoid crowds, as it is most frequently used during the 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM slot and often has long lines.

• Takeout Priority: Pick up the Yokagata Pork Buns or Asoyama Mountain Pepper Soft Cream at the Takeout Counter before 12:00 PM on weekends to guarantee availability, as both are high-demand items with daily production limits.

• Information Desk Tip: Visit the Information Desk during the 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM window to access the latest regional event flyers and weather updates, as new materials are posted every morning and are often removed by noon.

Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots arrive in April, and the annual canola flower season peaks in late April.

Summer (June-August): Fresh mountain-grown shiso and summer vegetables are available through August.

Autumn (September-November): Harvested shiso and mountain vegetables peak in September, with autumn produce featured in meals.

Winter (December-February): Seasonal rice dishes and butamaru beef are highlighted, and foot baths operate year-round.