Station Katsura

Discover the Heart of Ibaraki’s Natural Heritage

Katsura is a roadside station nestled along the serene banks of the Naka River in western Ibaraki Prefecture, surrounded by lush forests and rolling farmland. Situated near the scenic Okumiyama Prefectural Natural Park, it offers breathtaking views of nature and a peaceful retreat from the everyday rhythm of city life. Established in 1992 as Ibaraki’s first official roadside station, Katsura blends history and hospitality in a thoughtfully preserved building that evokes nostalgia while serving as a vibrant hub for local culture.

Visitors can savor authentic regional cuisine such as freshly made Ibaraki autumn soba, enjoy farm-fresh produce, and browse handcrafted goods made by local artisans. The station also features a popular handmade wagashi called Katsudora, perfect as a souvenir or gift. At Katsura, every visit is an invitation to connect with nature, tradition, and the warm spirit of rural Ibaraki.

Katsura roadside station stands as Japan’s first official roadside station, born in 1993, nestled along the pristine Naka River within the serene Ibaraki Prefecture’s Mount Maki Natural Park. Its unique charm lies in the rare, handmade Katsudora—a locally crafted wagashi made with sweet red bean paste and a delicate rice cracker base, available only here. Dine on the signature Tenzaru Soba, made exclusively with regional Ibaraki autumn buckwheat, served in a traditional wooden bowl with a refreshing broth. The station’s historic wooden structure, surrounded by lush riverfront forests, offers an authentic, time-worn experience unmatched by modern roadside stations.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s first batch of freshly made Katsura Soba noodles, which are served only once daily at the cafeteria and often sell out by 11:30 AM.

• Hidden Gems: Check the back corner of the produce section near the entrance for the seasonal wild mountain vegetables sold by local farmers—these are only available during the spring and early summer months and are not listed on the main menu.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays, visit the small craft booth near the parking lot between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to meet the artisan who makes the handmade Katsura Dorayaki (a type of sweet bean pancake), which is only available on weekends and sold directly from the booth.

• Best Food Experience: Order the Ten Zaru Soba at the cafeteria using the seasonal Koshihikari rice-based buckwheat flour—this is the only location where you can try the original recipe made with locally milled buckwheat from the Ibaraki Prefecture.

• Souvenir Tip: Purchase the Katsura Dorayaki at the main counter before 3:00 PM to ensure availability, as they are made in limited batches each day and are frequently sold out by late afternoon.

• Parking Advantage: Park in the farthest lot on the east side of the roadside station to access the quiet viewing platform overlooking the Naka River—this vantage point offers the best photo opportunity of the river and the surrounding natural park, especially during golden hour.

• Local Insight: Ask the staff at the information desk about the “Green River Walk” trail map, which is only available in paper form at the roadside station and includes access points not marked on public maps.

Spring (March-May): Late March to April features peak canola flower blooms, with fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.

Summer (June-August): July brings peak season for fresh mountain vegetables and cooling river views along Naka River.

Autumn (September-November): October highlights the harvest of Ibaraki autumn soba, served as seasonal specialty at the restaurant.

Winter (December-February): December sees the debut of handmade wagashi, including Katsudora, ideal for festive gifts.