Station Oyama

Discover the Heart of Aki City at Oyama Roadside Station

Nestled along National Route 55 at the edge of Aki City, Oyama Roadside Station offers a serene gateway to the region’s rich history and natural beauty. Surrounded by rolling farmland and the tranquil Handa Shokichi Prefectural Natural Park, this station is more than a rest stop—it’s a cultural oasis where tradition meets modern comfort.

Step inside to explore local specialties, enjoy regional cuisine at the on-site restaurant, or unwind in the information center with insights into Aki’s heritage. Highlights include the scenic Innerahano Park with its panoramic views from the Tingusho Pavilion, the charming Tsuchi-i Castle-era samurai residences, and the handcrafted Innerahano pottery kilns where visitors can try their own ceramic art. Don’t miss the remarkable Noyaji Clock, a hand-built timepiece crafted over a century ago and still ticking today.

Oyama roadside station stands out for its unique access to the historic soil-walled samurai residences and the rare, handcrafted Wild Timepiece—a fully handmade 120-year-old American-style clock built from scratch by a local farmer’s son in the late 19th century. Only here can visitors see and, during events, hear this remarkable timepiece in motion. Nearby, the Innerahara Park offers panoramic views of the Aki Plain and the Pacific Ocean from the Tingushu Pavilion, while the adjacent Innerahara pottery kilns—home to the region’s only traditional earthenware kilns—offer hands-on ceramic experiences with authentic Aki-fired clay.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM on weekdays to enjoy the full restaurant menu, as the kitchen closes at 14:30 and popular items like the local fish rice bowl sell out by noon
• Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the traffic information booth for fresh local produce such as Anji City's specialty green tea and hand-picked mountain vegetables, available only during the morning hours
• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the pottery experience area near the Innerahano Park to participate in a hands-on pottery workshop using traditional Inahano-fired clay, held every Saturday and Sunday from 13:00 to 15:00
• Best Photo Spot: Head to the Inahano Park's Tensu-tei pavilion, located at the high point of the park, for panoramic views of Anji Plain and the Pacific Ocean—best visited between 15:00 and 16:00 when the sunlight enhances the colors of the landscape
• Unique Local Product: Purchase the Anji City specialty dried plum snacks (umeboshi) at the roadside station’s direct sales shop—they are made using traditional methods and are only available in limited quantities during the summer months
• Practical Tip: Use the universal toilet seat located near the main entrance if you have mobility challenges, as it is the only one equipped with a transfer board and support bars, and it is clearly marked with a blue symbol
• Off-Peak Parking: Avoid the busiest times by parking in the designated large vehicle space on the west side of the station, which is less crowded than the main parking area, especially on weekends when the nearby hiking trails attract more visitors

Spring (March–May): Peak season for 15,000 azaleas in Nogahara Park (late April) and bamboo shoots available at the roadside station market.

Summer (June–August): Ideal for coastal walks and visiting the Nogahara Park observatory with panoramic views of the Pacific.

Autumn (September–November): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned in the content.

Winter (December–February): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned in the content.