Station Kurikara Genpei-no-Sato

Step Into a Legendary Past at the Heart of the Kurokara Pass

Kurikara Genpei-no-Sato, nestled at the historic Kurokara Pass where Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures meet, stands as a living tribute to Japan’s most famous battle—the Genpei War. More than a roadside station, it’s a cultural crossroads where ancient history, regional flavors, and modern comfort converge. Visitors can explore the on-site history museum, home to a detailed replica of the Genpei Kurokara Battle Scroll, and learn about the epic clash that shaped the nation’s past.

This vibrant stop offers more than heritage—it’s a gateway to the region’s bounty. Sample fresh local produce like sweet “Akebi” fruit, seasonal “Makomotake” (wild bamboo shoots), and the famed Ishikawa “Akusei” apples, all available at the farm-to-table market. With a cozy restaurant, a relaxing bathhouse, and seasonal kitchen truck events, Kurikara Genpei-no-Sato delivers a complete experience for travelers seeking connection, comfort, and culture.

Kurikara Genpei-no-Sato stands at the historic Kurikara Pass, the battlefield of the famous Genpei War, offering a rare blend of ancient history and local flavor. Visitors can sample the region’s only artisanal makomotake—a delicate, sweet wild bamboo shoot found only in this mountainous area—alongside freshly pressed stone-ground coffee from local beans. The roadside station’s standout feature is its seasonal Sakura-kinoko mushroom ice cream, made exclusively from foraged wild mushrooms harvested in the surrounding forest. These hyper-local specialties, paired with immersive historical exhibits on the 12th-century battle, create an experience found nowhere else.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure a spot at the deli counter before the morning rush, especially when fresh mako-mo také (young water bamboo shoots) are available—these sell out quickly and are only offered in limited quantities.

• Hidden Gems: Visit the roadside station’s front entrance between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM on weekends to find the Vegetables & Green food truck, which serves handmade tortillas using regional produce and seasonal salsas.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, check the front plaza between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM for the Coffee and Et Cetera food truck, which offers a limited-time Yuzaya Tsubaki Daifuku—a mochi-like confection with sesame paste—only available during their two-hour window.

• Seasonal Product Tip: Purchase the Akebi (Chinese lantern fruit) between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM on weekdays when it’s freshly stocked; the staff recommends eating it chilled for best flavor, and it’s only available in short seasonal batches.

• Bakery Must-Try: Head to the bakery counter by 10:30 AM on weekdays to grab the day’s first batch of milk bread—it sells out by 11:00 AM and is made with locally sourced dairy.

• Specialty Food Counter: At the deli counter, ask for the Kurikara Sake-Infused Pickled Vegetables—these are only available on Fridays and Saturdays and are made with a local sake lees brine, offering a unique tangy-sweet taste not found elsewhere.

• Bike Parking Tip: Reserve the secured bike garage by arriving before 11:00 AM, as only six spaces are available and they fill up quickly, especially on weekends when cyclists stop by after riding the Kurokawa Pass route.

Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available in spring; roadside station features seasonal vegetable markets and historic displays.

Summer (June–August): Limited seasonal events; best for mountain views and access to hiking trails near the pass.

Autumn (September–November): Autumn mushrooms and chestnuts in season; apple harvest (Kiseki variety) from late September.

Winter (December–February): Quiet visits to history museum; occasional kitchen truck events and seasonal snacks.