Station Miyama Fureai Hiroba

Discover the Heart of Rural Japan at Miyama Fureai Hiroba

Nestled along National Route 162 in the serene village of Miya, Kyoto Prefecture, Miyama Fureai Hiroba is a roadside station where tradition meets modern charm. Surrounded by lush forests and lined with Japan’s finest thatched-roof farmhouses, this destination offers a rare glimpse into the country’s authentic rural heritage. Located just 90 minutes from Kyoto City, it serves as a vibrant gateway to the scenic beauty and cultural richness of the region.

More than a rest stop, this roadside station is a community hub featuring the local market Furatto Miya, where seasonal vegetables, fresh Miya milk, and artisanal products like deer sausage and handmade tofu are sold. The on-site Miya no Megumi Dairy Workshop delights visitors with creamy soft serve and seasonal gelato made from local milk. With a visitor center offering guided tours, bike rentals, and wheelchair access, Miyama Fureai Hiroba is a welcoming destination for all.

Miyama Fureai Hiroba stands as the only roadside station in Japan where you can taste seasonal gelato crafted exclusively from locally produced Jersey cow milk, with daily rotating flavors featuring ingredients like wild mountain herbs and regional berries. Just steps from the pristine Meiyama River, the station is uniquely positioned at the heart of a town with more thatched-roof homes than any other in Japan, offering visitors a rare chance to experience authentic rural Kyoto through its on-site dairy shop, where you can sample fresh milk ice cream made with the same cows that graze in nearby pastures.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s first batch of fresh vegetables at Furatto Miya, as these often sell out by midday, especially during peak seasons.

• Hidden Gems: Ask at the Furatto Miya counter for the daily seasonal specialty, such as the Miya Beef Jerky or Wild Boar Sausage, which are only available on specific days and not listed on the menu.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the Miya no Megumi Milk Factory between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to get the full selection of seasonal gelato, as new flavors like Pumpkin & Honey or Sake-Infused Yogurt are introduced daily and may sell out by 12:30 PM.

• Tour Planning Tip: Stop at the Kyoto Tanba Highlands National Park Visitor Center between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM to request the Hiking Trail Guidebook, which includes detailed maps for the Ashio Primeval Forest and the Miyama River Trail, available only in person.

• Special Equipment: If visiting with mobility needs, go to the Kyoto Tanba Highlands National Park Visitor Center upon arrival to borrow a wheelchair; the center offers wheelchairs for use within the grounds only, and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Best Time to Buy Local Products: Purchase Miya Milk Yogurt and Miya Milk Pudding at Furatto Miya before 12:00 PM, as these dairy products are made fresh each morning and are often sold out by early afternoon.

• Unique Experience: Reserve a spot for the Miya Milk Cheese Making Experience by calling the Kyoto Tanba Highlands National Park Visitor Center at 0771-75-9030 at least one day in advance, as sessions are limited to 10 participants and fill quickly.

Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots and seasonal vegetables available at Furatto Miyama from early spring; cherry blossoms peak in late March.

Summer (June–August): Soft serve and gelato made with Miyama milk at Miyama no Megumi Dairy Farm; river fishing on Myama River begins in summer.

Autumn (September–November): Seasonal gelato features autumn harvest ingredients; local produce remains fresh through early autumn.

Winter (December–February): Miyama milk products and winter vegetables available; gelato selection shifts to hearty, seasonal flavors.