Discover the Heart of Kyoto’s Culinary Heritage
Nestled along the Kyoto Expressway at the gateway to Kytamba Town, Kyotamba Ajimé no Sato is more than a roadside station—it’s a vibrant celebration of local culture, agriculture, and community. Designed with a warm, traditional roof inspired by old farmhouses, the station welcomes travelers with a spirit of hospitality and authenticity.
Here, visitors experience the essence of Kytamba through its farm-to-table restaurants, where black soybeans and locally grown produce take center stage. The on-site market, Kyotamba Market, offers fresh seasonal vegetables, handmade crafts, and exclusive regional specialties, while the information center, Kyotamba Station, shares stories of the area’s natural beauty and cultural events. With nearby attractions like the legendary Koto-taki Falls and the rare Sizushi Limestone Cave, this is a true destination for discovery.
Why Visit
Visit Kyotamba Ajimé no Sato to experience the only roadside station in the region featuring a dedicated restaurant specializing in Danba black beans, a local staple used in everything from savory dishes to house-made ice cream. Located directly beside the Saltuya Kofun, the station offers a rare view of an ancient burial mound while you enjoy a meal. Its exclusive market, Kyotamba Marushie, sells only locally grown produce and handmade products from the area, including the region’s famed black bean flour and seasonal harvests found nowhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic regional flavors at Kyotamba Ajimé no Sato, where farm-to-table cuisine highlights Danba’s finest ingredients.
Danba Ryozan Restaurant Bonchi
丹波里山レストラン Bonchi
Specialty
A restaurant specializing in local Danba ingredients, particularly black soybeans.
A dining space that offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, focusing on regional cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients from the Danba area. The restaurant emphasizes traditional flavors and seasonal dishes, creating a relaxed and authentic dining experience.
Danba Great Dining Hall
丹波大食堂
Specialty
A casual dining hall serving hearty regional meals using local produce.
A lively food stall offering a variety of hearty, home-style meals made with fresh, locally grown ingredients. The atmosphere is welcoming and family-friendly, perfect for quick, satisfying meals.
Kyotamba Special Products Workshop
京丹波特産品工房
Specialty
A specialty food workshop focused on Danba black soybeans and other local products.
A dedicated space offering a curated selection of regional specialties, emphasizing Danba black soybeans and other locally produced goods. The atmosphere is modern and educational, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and sustainability.
Shopping Highlights
Discover local treasures and seasonal produce at Kyotamba Ajimé no Sato’s vibrant marketplace.
Kyotamba Market
京丹波マルシェ
A direct sales market offering fresh, locally grown vegetables and seasonal produce from the Kyotamba region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly harvested Danba black soybeans
Kyotamba Station
京丹波ステーション
An information center and gift shop offering a wide range of local souvenirs, including traditional crafts, food products, and regional memorabilia.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kyotamba Black Soybean Gift Box
Featured Products
Explore signature items like Danba black beans and handmade crafts, celebrating the heart of Kyotamba’s heritage.
Kyotamba Black Soybean Rice
京丹波黒枝豆ごはん
Premium rice blended with Danba black soybeans, known for its rich flavor and nutritional value.
Kyotamba Black Soybean Miso
京丹波黒枝豆味噌
Authentic miso made from fermented Danba black soybeans, offering a deep umami flavor.
Kyotamba Black Soybean Ice Cream
京丹波黒枝豆アイスクリーム
Creamy ice cream made with naturally sweet Danba black soybeans, offering a unique taste experience.
Kyotamba Black Soybean Pudding
京丹波黒枝豆プリン
Smooth and delicate pudding made with Danba black soybeans, perfect for dessert lovers.
Kyotamba Black Soybean Miso Spread
京丹波黒枝豆味噌スプレッド
A savory, spreadable miso made from Danba black soybeans, ideal for toast or rice.
Kyotamba Black Soybean Soba Noodles
京丹波黒枝豆そば
Handmade soba noodles blended with Danba black soybeans, offering a nutty and earthy flavor.
Kyotamba Black Soybean Curry Mix
京丹波黒枝豆カレーミックス
A ready-to-cook curry blend featuring Danba black soybeans and traditional spices.
Kyotamba Black Soybean Tea
京丹波黒枝豆茶
A naturally brewed tea made from roasted Danba black soybeans, known for its health benefits.
Kyotamba Black Soybean Sake
京丹波黒枝豆酒
A unique sake infused with the essence of Danba black soybeans, offering a rich and complex flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including spacious parking, accessible restrooms, and EV charging at Kyotamba Ajimé no Sato.
Parking Lot
186 parking spaces available, including 36 large vehicle spots and 150 regular vehicle spots. The parking area is accessible 24 hours a day.
Adjacent to the Kyotamba Parking Area on the Kyoto Expressway
Restroom
Men's restroom with 15 small toilets and 8 large toilets; women's restroom with 33 toilets. Accessible facilities include 4 multi-purpose toilets and 4 ostomy toilets.
Inside the roadside station
Information Center
The Kyotamba Station provides information about local natural attractions, cultural sites, and nearby tourism events. Open daily from 9:00 to 18:00.
Kyotamba Station, located within the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Fast EV charging stations available—one on each direction of the Kyoto Expressway.
Located on the Kyoto Expressway, adjacent to the Kyotamba Parking Area
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station for visitors.
Throughout the facility
Local Specialty Store
Kyotamba Market offers fresh local vegetables, original products from Kyotamba, and traditional Kyoto souvenirs. Open daily from 6:00 to 21:00.
Inside the roadside station
Restaurant and Food Court
Features multiple dining options including Danba Risan Restaurant Bonchi, Danba Great Canteen, and Kyotamba Special Products Workshop. Specializing in black soybeans from Danba. Open daily from 10:00 to 20:00.
Located with a view of Shioya Kofun Park
Nursing Room
A private room for nursing mothers, located within the restroom area.
Near the restroom facilities
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors' convenience.
Inside the roadside station
Activities & Experiences
Engage in hands-on experiences from seasonal harvests to cultural workshops in a scenic rural setting.
Black Soybean Harvest Experience
黒枝豆収穫体験
Participants will harvest black soybeans in the on-site farm, learning about traditional farming practices and enjoying the seasonal harvest in a hands-on activity.
Duration
60 min
Outdoor activity; weather-dependent. Please check the website for updates.
Ancient Tomb Classroom
古墳教室
Attendees will learn about the history and significance of the nearby Shiotani Kofun burial mound through guided educational sessions and interactive presentations.
Duration
90 min
Local Culture and History Lecture
歴史教室
Participants will attend an educational talk on historical figures such as Tokugawa Ieyasu and his retainers, with connections to popular historical dramas.
Duration
120 min
Folk Music Event with Yumi Simons
シモンズゆみさんと歌う 味夢の里 フォーク
Enjoy a live folk music performance by singer Yumi Simons, celebrating local culture and traditional melodies in a relaxed, community atmosphere.
Duration
150 min
BBQ Area Access
BBQ営業について
Guests can use the designated BBQ area for grilling, with facilities available for outdoor cooking. Reservations are not accepted.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor activity; weather-dependent. Please check for updates during rainy or extreme weather.
Bike Rental and Town Tour
味夢の里レンタサイクルで町内を走ってみま
Rent bicycles to explore the surrounding town and nearby natural attractions, including parks and scenic routes.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor activity; recommended for fair weather. Check for availability and conditions.
Insider Tips
Visit early for the freshest produce and check seasonal events for unique local encounters.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to access the full range of seasonal produce at the Kyotamba Marushie fresh produce counter before midday sales begin to deplete stock.
- Hidden Gems: At the Kyotamba Marushie counter, look for the limited-edition black soybean (Danba Kuro) jam and the handmade pickled vegetables labeled “Special Harvest 2025,” available only during the summer harvest season.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, head to the Danba Daisyojo food hall by 10:30 AM to secure a seat at the counter serving Danba black soybean miso soup with locally baked rice bread, which sells out by 12:30 PM.
- Information Desk Tip: Visit the Kyotamba Station information desk between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM to receive a free printed guide to the nearby Shiotani Kofun Park, including walking paths and details on upcoming ancient burial site lectures.
- EV Charging Window: Use the EV fast charger on the upperbound lane of the Kyoto Expressway between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM to avoid peak usage, as the station reports high demand during late afternoon hours.
- Dining Strategy: Order the Danba Kuro Soybean Noodles at Bonchi Restaurant at 11:15 AM to guarantee a table before the lunch rush begins at 11:30 AM, as seating fills quickly during peak hours.
- Local Experience: Join the free weekly “Kofun Classroom” at Shiotani Kofun Park, held every Saturday at 10:00 AM, to learn about the history of the burial mound directly adjacent to the roadside station.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Late March to April features peak canola flower viewing and black soybean harvest experiences.
Summer (June–August): June to August offers fresh bamboo shoots and seasonal fruits from local farms.
Autumn (September–November): September to November brings chestnuts and maple foliage at nearby scenic spots.
Winter (December–February): December to February features warm meals using regional black soybeans and cozy seasonal events.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station features multiple restrooms with accessible facilities, ample parking, and nearby attractions like a children's playground and nature parks. Though no dedicated play area is mentioned, the surrounding parks and educational events enhance family appeal.
Food Lover Review
The station offers diverse dining options including restaurants specializing in local black beans, a fresh farmers market, and a wide selection of regional specialties. High-quality local produce and unique branded products elevate the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
The station provides ample parking, clean restrooms, and vending machines, supporting overnight stays. However, it lacks dedicated camping zones or clear overnight parking policies, limiting its suitability for extended car camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near scenic attractions like Salt Valley Burial Mound and nearby nature parks, the station offers pleasant views of surrounding hills and forests. Seasonal landscapes and well-planned viewpoints enhance its visual appeal.