Discover the Heart of Kanagawa’s Rural Heritage
Ashigara Kintaro no Furusato, nestled in the serene countryside of Minamikatsura City, serves as a vibrant gateway to the rich traditions and natural beauty of the Ashigara Plain. More than a roadside stop, this roadside station celebrates the legendary tale of Kintaro while spotlighting local craftsmanship, agriculture, and culinary excellence. Surrounded by lush forests and fertile farmland, it stands as a cultural hub where visitors connect with authentic regional life.
The station shines through its dedication to local products, offering a curated selection of regional specialties including premium Ashigara beef, aromatic Ashigara tea, and creative dishes crafted from Kanagawa’s finest ingredients. With a modern restaurant, a bustling shop, and welcoming facilities—including accessible restrooms and free Wi-Fi—this roadside station offers comfort and convenience for travelers. Whether sampling a juicy garlic steak or browsing handcrafted souvenirs, every visit embodies the warmth and pride of a community rooted in tradition and innovation.
Why Visit
Visit Ashigara Kintaro no Furusato for its exclusive foot-long, garlic-grilled steak made from locally raised Ashigara beef, a rare regional specialty only available here. This roadside station also features the only on-site shop in the area dedicated to handcrafted products using Ashigara tea and local pork, offering unique souvenirs like tea-infused ramen and savory pork pastries.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor the rich flavors of Ashigara with locally crafted dishes featuring premium Ashigara beef and regional specialties.
Ashigara Kintaro no Furusato
足柄・金太郎のふるさと
Specialty
Local cuisine featuring Ashigara beef and regional ingredients
A full-service restaurant offering a warm and inviting atmosphere where visitors can enjoy high-quality regional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including premium Ashigara beef and fresh produce from the area.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local treasures and handcrafted goods at Ashigara Kintaro no Furusato’s vibrant marketplace.
Ashigara Specialty Goods Store
物販店
A retail shop offering a wide range of locally produced goods, including food products, crafts, and souvenirs that highlight the culture and natural beauty of Ashigara.
Products
Must-Try Item
Ashigara Tea
Featured Products
Explore signature products like Ashigara tea and premium local beef, crafted with pride from the region’s finest ingredients.
Ashigara Tea
足柄茶
A premium green tea grown in the Ashigara region, known for its rich aroma and smooth, refreshing taste.
Ashigara Beef Jerky
足柄牛せんべい
Dried beef jerky made from high-quality Ashigara beef, offering a savory and chewy snack with a distinctive regional flavor.
Ashigara Beef Bento Box
足柄牛弁当
A ready-to-eat lunch box featuring Ashigara beef and seasonal vegetables, perfect for on-the-go meals.
Ashigara Beef Sausage
足柄牛ソーセージ
Handcrafted sausage made from Ashigara beef, seasoned with local herbs and spices for a bold, authentic taste.
Ashigara Beef Ramen
足柄牛ラーメン
A rich and flavorful ramen with a broth made from Ashigara beef, served with fresh noodles and seasonal toppings.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, Wi-Fi, baby beds, and accessible facilities for a comfortable visit.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking area with 8 large vehicle spots and 65 standard vehicle spots (including 2 for disabled persons).
Adjacent to the roadside station entrance
Toilet
The toilets are located inside the building, at the back of the central corridor in the 'Information Dissemination Facility'. They are available 24 hours a day.
Inside the building, at the back of the central corridor in the 'Information Dissemination Facility'
Wi-Fi
Free wireless LAN is available throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
The roadside station features an information center that provides guidance and support for visitors, including local tourism information and assistance.
Central corridor of the 'Information Dissemination Facility'
Onsen (Hot Spring)
There is no hot spring facility available at this roadside station.
Bike Rental
Bike rental services are not available at this roadside station.
Nursing Room
A baby bed is available for use within the facility, located in the 'Information Dissemination Facility'.
Inside the 'Information Dissemination Facility'
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging facilities are available at the roadside station.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for use at the roadside station.
Near the entrance
Pet Area
Pets are allowed only on the terrace next to the restaurant and on outdoor benches. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Pets are not allowed inside the facility, except for guide dogs, service dogs, and hearing dogs.
Terrace next to the restaurant and outdoor benches
Insider Tips
Plan your visit during off-peak hours to avoid parking congestion and use the left turn at Takematsu Intersection.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 10:00 AM to secure a seat at the restaurant before the lunch rush, as the foot traffic increases significantly after 11:00 AM due to the nearby tourist attractions.
- Hidden Gems: At the deli counter near the information hub, look for the limited-edition Ashigara Tea & Kagawa Beef Combo Box, a seasonal product made exclusively with local Ashigara tea and Kagawa beef, available only during the spring and summer months.
- Pet-Friendly Access: Bring your dog to the terrace just outside the dining area or to the outdoor benches, but do not enter the building—pets are not allowed inside any facility, including the restroom or shop, except for service animals.
- Parking Strategy: When the parking lot is full, enter from the left turn at the Takezawa Intersection, as right turns are blocked during peak times; this route is clearly marked and avoids congestion at the main entrance.
- Payment Efficiency: Use PayPay or auPAY at the restaurant counter to avoid long lines, as these digital payment methods are prioritized and processed faster than cash during lunch hours.
- Wi-Fi Access: Connect to the free Wi-Fi network "Michinoeki-Ashigara" in the central information corridor—this is the only spot with reliable signal, ideal for checking maps or sharing photos from the nearby scenic overlook.
- Souvenir Purchase Tip: Buy the "Kintaro’s Treasure Box" (a curated selection of Ashigara tea, local honey, and a golden key-shaped bookmark) at the shop before 3:00 PM, as it sells out daily by early afternoon and is only restocked once per week.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots are available at the roadside station in early spring, with peak season in April.
Summer (June–August): Enjoy seasonal dishes featuring local produce, including fresh fruits and vegetables from the region’s farms.
Autumn (September–November): Harvest season brings regional specialties like chestnuts and autumn vegetables to the roadside station.
Winter (December–February): Warm meals featuring local beef and seasonal root vegetables are featured in the menu.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a baby bed, clean restrooms, and stroller-friendly access. Though no dedicated play area, the food options include kid-friendly dishes and local specialties. The facility is well-organized for families with young children.
Food Lover Review
Features a dedicated restaurant serving high-quality local dishes like Ashigara beef garlic steak. Offers diverse, fresh regional products, including Ashigara tea and premium local meat. The food experience is both authentic and varied.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms and free Wi-Fi, with sufficient parking. No overnight parking policy is stated, and no designated camping area exists. Quiet hours are not mentioned, limiting suitability for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a naturally scenic area with views of the Ashigara plain and surrounding hills. Offers a peaceful atmosphere and pleasant surroundings. Seasonal beauty is enhanced by the regional landscape and greenery.