Discover the Heart of Ibaraki’s Rural Charm
Nestled just off the Ken-Ō Expressway’s Go-ka Interchange, Goka roadside station stands as a vibrant gateway to Ibaraki Prefecture’s western frontier. Surrounded by lush farmland and rolling hills, it blends the tranquility of nature with the energy of local culture. More than a mere pit stop, Goka is a living hub where travelers and locals connect through food, festivals, and community spirit.
Home to a bustling farmers’ market featuring over 50 seasonal products from 140 local producers, Goka celebrates regional pride with specialties like Go-ka’s own eight-headed vegetable croquettes and the acclaimed “Kawakaze” soba shochu. Seasonal events—from charcoal-roasted dango and chestnut roasting demonstrations to the annual Soba Festival and live Andean music performances—bring the community to life. With a café, artisanal shops, and even a street sports park nearby, Goka offers a full day of discovery, connection, and delight.
Why Visit
Visit Goka roadside station for two standout experiences unique to this location. First, savor the region’s only artisanal milk ice cream made from Jersey cows, a rich, creamy treat crafted in collaboration with local dairies. Second, explore the seasonal spotlight on Five-Sparrow’s signature "Yatsu-tou" (eight-headed greens), featured in a signature croquette and seasonal vegetable displays. These hyper-local specialties, combined with live cooking events and the nearby Street Sports Park, make Goka a destination unlike any other roadside station.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, local flavors at Goka roadside station, where seasonal ingredients meet traditional craftsmanship.
Nakapan's Good Luck Charcoal-Grilled Dumpling Shop
なかぱんの開運☆炭火焼き団子屋さん
Specialty
Charcoal-grilled dumplings with a traditional flavor
A seasonal food stall offering handmade dumplings grilled over charcoal, known for their smoky aroma and authentic taste. Perfect for a quick, satisfying snack with a festive atmosphere.
Le Lien Kitchen Baby Castella Shop
Le Lien Kitchen☆ベビーカステラ屋さん
Specialty
Soft, fluffy baby castella cakes
A charming food stall specializing in delicate, light castella cakes made with care. Ideal for a sweet treat with a nostalgic, homely feel.
Wheat Kitchen Taiyaki Shop
小麦Kitchenのたい焼き屋さん
Specialty
Traditional taiyaki with seasonal fillings
A nostalgic food stall serving classic taiyaki with a crisp exterior and warm, soft interior. Offers a variety of seasonal fillings for a unique taste experience.
BAKERY El Camino
BAKERY El Camino
Specialty
Artisan bread and pastries baked fresh daily
A cozy bakery offering freshly baked breads, pastries, and coffee. Known for its warm, inviting atmosphere and high-quality ingredients sourced from local producers.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local goods and seasonal treats at Goka roadside station’s vibrant shop.
Farmers Market
直売所
A fresh produce market featuring seasonal vegetables and fruits from local farmers in the region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Seasonal Turnips
Cassava Chips Chocolate
茨城セイワ☆芋けんぴチョコ
A popular snack combining sweet potato chips with milk and white chocolate.
Products
Must-Try Item
Milk and White Chocolate Cassava Chips
Kakama Chestnut Puree Mont Blanc
茨城産笠間栗の生搾りモンブラン
A premium dessert made with fresh chestnuts from Kakama, known for its rich, creamy texture.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh-Pressed Chestnut Mont Blanc
Local Brand Store
直売所
A general retail shop offering a variety of local products, including branded goods and household items.
Products
Must-Try Item
Gokarin Character Merchandise
Yakult and Kewpie Store
キユーピーやヤクルトの商品取り扱い
A retail section featuring well-known national brands such as Yakult and Kewpie.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yakult
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like Goka’s signature eight-head croquette and local sake made from autumn buckwheat.
Gokarin-shaped Manju
ごかりん焼
A unique manju shaped like Gokarin, the official mascot of GoKa, combining local charm with delicious taste.
Gokarin Character Merchandise
ごかりんキャラクターお土産グッズ
Official merchandise featuring Gokarin, the beloved mascot of GoKa, perfect as a souvenir or gift.
Kakama Roasted Chestnuts
笠間の焼き栗
Freshly roasted chestnuts from Kakama, known for their rich flavor and smooth texture.
Izumomai Sweet Potato Chips
いもっピー
Crispy sweet potato chips made from Red Azuma sweet potatoes, a regional favorite.
Gokarin-themed Soba Shochu
川霞
A unique shochu crafted using local Ibaraki autumn soba, offering a smooth, earthy flavor.
Gokarin-themed Turnip Croquette
八つ頭コロッケ
A savory croquette made with local turnips, a specialty of the region, shaped like the Gokarin mascot.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, EV charging, a nursing room, and free Wi-Fi at Goka roadside station.
Road Information Center
Provides information about the surrounding area, roads, and local attractions.
Inside the roadside station
Breastfeeding Room
A private space for mothers to breastfeed their infants.
Inside the roadside station
EV Fast Charger
High-speed electric vehicle charging station available for visitors.
Near the roadside station entrance
Accessible Toilet
Toilet facilities designed for people with disabilities.
Inside the roadside station
Wireless LAN
Free Wi-Fi access available throughout the roadside station.
Inside the roadside station
Parking Lot
Parking space available for visitors and travelers.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Street Sports Park GOKA
A sports park adjacent to the roadside station featuring skateboarding, slacklining, and 3x3 basketball areas.
North side of the roadside station, within a retention pond area
Shop
A retail store offering local products, including regional specialties, souvenirs, and branded items like 'Gokarin' merchandise.
Inside the roadside station
Dining Area
An area with multiple food options including meals, light snacks, and coffee.
Inside the roadside station
Activities & Experiences
Join seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and live performances at Goka roadside station.
Charcoal-Baked Dango Booth
なかぱんの開運☆炭火焼き団子屋さん
Participants can enjoy freshly made dango cooked over charcoal at a special booth held every weekend and holiday in November.
Duration
60 min
Cassia Roasted Chestnut Live Demonstration and Sales
笠間の焼き栗実演販売
Witness and purchase roasted chestnuts from Kasama in a live demonstration event held on specific dates in November.
Duration
90 min
Baby Castella Booth
Le Lien Kitchen☆ベビーカステラ屋さん
Enjoy freshly made baby castella at a special booth held on specific dates in November.
Duration
60 min
Andes Ethnic Music Live Performance
アンデス民族音楽☆ルパイLIVE
Experience live Andes ethnic music performance by the group Lupa on specific dates in November.
Duration
120 min
Taiyaki Booth
小麦Kitchenのたい焼き屋さん
Try freshly made taiyaki from wheat kitchen at a special booth held on a specific date in November.
Duration
60 min
Meiji Health Support Event (Bone Density Check & Free Tasting)
明治☆健康応援イベント（骨密度測定＆無料試飲会）
Participate in a free bone density check and sample various Meiji products at this health-focused event.
Duration
45 min
Bakery El Camino Bread Festival
道の駅ごか☆パンまつり（BAKERY El Camino）
Join the roadside station's annual bread festival featuring fresh bread and baked goods from BAKERY El Camino.
Duration
180 min
Art Performer Fighter
アートパフォーマー☆ファイター
Watch an artistic performance by the performer known as Fighter at the roadside station on a specific date in November.
Duration
60 min
Ibaraki Autumn Soban Festival 2025
五霞産常陸秋そば☆新そば祭り2025
Celebrate the new harvest of Ibaraki autumn soba with local food, activities, and cultural events.
Duration
180 min
Monkey Performance Show
モンキーパフォーマンスショー
Enjoy a lively monkey-themed performance show at the roadside station on a specific date in November.
Duration
60 min
Insider Tips
Visit during the autumn buckwheat festival or check for pop-up vendors to experience the best of Goka.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit on Sundays between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to catch the live baking of Le Lien Kitchen's baby castella, which is only available during their weekend pop-up events.
- Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the entrance for Kasama chestnut fresh-pressed mont blanc, available only on select dates from November 15 to 30, with limited daily batches that sell out quickly.
- Weekend Special: On the third Saturday of each month, attend the Nakapan no Kaimen☆Charcoal-Baked Dango Shop event, where handmade dango with seasonal fillings like red bean and matcha are sold exclusively at the roadside station.
- Best Food Truck Pickup: Arrive by 10:00 AM on November 22 to secure a spot at the Le Lien Kitchen's baby castella pop-up, which runs from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and often sells out by noon.
- Seasonal Product Alert: Purchase the Ibuki Soba Sake "Kawakaze" during the New Soba Festival on November 23, as it is only available on that day and is made from locally grown Ibaraki autumn soba.
- Special Event Timing: Visit on November 16 to experience the Bakery El Camino Pan Festival, where fresh artisan breads are baked on-site and sold from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with exclusive varieties like sourdough with local chestnut.
- Unique Local Snack: Buy the Gokarin-shaped manju (called Gokarin Yaki) at the shop counter, available only during the New Soba Festival and limited to 50 pieces per day.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market; new soba harvest begins in late November.
Summer (June-August): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned in the content.
Autumn (September-November): Peak season for fresh chestnuts and the annual New Soba Festival on November 23.
Winter (December-February): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned in the content.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a playground-like atmosphere with diverse events like puppet shows and child-friendly food stalls. Includes a nursing room, stroller-friendly paths, and interactive activities. No dedicated play area, but strong family engagement through seasonal events and kid-oriented food like 'Gokarin Yaki'.
Food Lover Review
Features a wide variety of local specialties including sweet potato treats, chestnut puree mont blanc, and regional sake. Offers fresh seasonal produce and unique regional products like 'Kawakura' soba shochu. High-quality vendors and frequent pop-up food events enhance the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, vending machines, and EV charging stations. Located near a highway interchange, offering convenient access. While not designed for overnight stays, the area is relatively quiet with limited noise during off-peak hours. No explicit overnight parking policy mentioned.
Scenic Beauty Review
Situated near a well-maintained pond with seasonal landscapes and scenic viewpoints. Offers photo opportunities with event setups and natural surroundings. Features seasonal beauty from autumn festivals to spring produce. The overall aesthetic combines rural charm with modern facility design.