Station Sakai

Discover the Heart of Ibaraki’s Agricultural Heritage

Nestled along the banks of the scenic Tone River, Sakai roadside station is a vibrant cultural and culinary gateway in Ibaraki Prefecture. More than a rest stop, it’s a dynamic hub where local traditions meet innovation, celebrating the region’s abundant harvests and pioneering spirit. From the first sip of locally crafted sake to the bold flavors of Okinawan-inspired cuisine, every experience reflects the town’s commitment to nurturing community and sharing its bounty.

Home to the unique Okinawa Prefecture Kunigami Village Public Market and the acclaimed S-PROJECT initiative, Sakai offers travelers a rare fusion of distant island culture and rural Japanese charm. Highlights include the signature SAKAI SAND, artisanal wines from the SAKAI FARM & WINERY, and a diverse food terrace featuring everything from handmade gelato to craft beer brewed with local shima tea. This is where nature, flavor, and community converge.

Sakai roadside station offers a rare cross-cultural experience, home to Japan’s only dedicated Okinawa Kunigami Village public market and restaurant, where visitors can taste authentic regional specialties like Okinawan cha-han and fresh tropical fruits. Equally unique is its on-site winery, where the first local wine made from Ibaraki-grown grapes—Sakaimachi Red—is crafted using traditional wooden barrel fermentation, a pioneering effort in the region.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s fresh batch of milk bread from Kashi-no-Eki Bakery, which sells out by 11:30 AM.
• Hidden Gems: At the deli counter in the Product Shop, look for the daily fresh produce box featuring locally grown vegetables from the morning’s delivery, available only until 2:00 PM.
• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the Okinawa Prefecture Kunadomaru Market stand between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to sample the limited-time pineapple festival items, including the new “Pineapple Sawa” drink.
• Seasonal Treat: Purchase the seasonal “Oodoburu Sandwich” at SAKAI SAND between April and June, as it features fresh spring produce and is only available during that window.
• Special Event: Attend the wooden barrel assembly demonstration at the SAKAI FARM & WINERY on the first Sunday of each month between October and November to see the traditional “Kibuki” method used in crafting the first local wine, “Sakaimachi Red.”
• Unique Drink: Try the “Sakai Tea Smoothie” at SHED, available only from April through June, made with fresh Sashima tea harvested from the local tea fields.
• Must-Try Food Truck: Visit the Pizza-La Style stand on Thursdays between 4:00 and 6:00 PM to get the weekly “STYLE SET” pizza, which includes a custom-made topping selection not available on other days.

Spring (March–May): Sake-machi Red wine launch in October, but spring highlights include the annual Sake-machi Tea Festival in May and fresh seasonal produce at the roadside station.

Summer (June–August): Enjoy limited-time cold dishes at SHED and the annual Sake-machi River Fireworks Festival in August.

Autumn (September–November): The Sake-machi Wine Festival celebrates the first vintage wine, with events like the 6th Anniversary Festival of Okinawa’s Kunigami Market in November.

Winter (December–February): Sake-machi Wine Bar hosts seasonal tastings, and the roadside station offers warm local dishes and holiday-themed events.