Savor the Essence of a Tea-Hearted Village
Nestled in the serene embrace of the mountains and the flowing Kizu River, Ocha no Kyoto Minami-Yamashiro-mura stands as a vibrant roadside station at the crossroads of Kyoto, Nara, and Mie prefectures. This unique destination is more than a rest stop—it’s a living celebration of rural craftsmanship, where the traditions of南山城村 come alive through food, tea, and community. Surrounded by nature and steeped in local heritage, the station offers travelers a rare glimpse into authentic village life.
At the heart of the experience is the "nomon market," a curated marketplace showcasing farm-fresh produce, handmade goods, and seasonal specialties from nearby regions. Savor locally crafted matcha desserts at Murachaya, dine on seasonal dishes at Tsuchinoubu restaurant, or explore the village’s spirit through its carefully selected products. Every visit is a journey into the unadorned, genuine flavors of a place where tea, land, and people are deeply intertwined.
Why Visit
Ocha no Kyoto Minami-Yamashiro-mura stands out as the only roadside station in Kyoto dedicated entirely to the village’s single-origin tea culture. Here, visitors can taste and purchase rare, single-estate matcha from local farms, including the region’s only cold-brew matcha served with traditional wagashi. The station’s signature offering—matcha soft-serve made with village-grown tea—cannot be found anywhere else. Alongside seasonal produce from neighboring Mie, Nara, and Shiga, the “nomon ichiba” market showcases farm-to-table goods with transparent sourcing, making it a rare destination for authentic, hyper-local flavors.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor the essence of南山城村 at Ocha no Kyoto Minami-Yamashiro-mura roadside station, where seasonal ingredients and traditional flavors come together in every bite.
Earth's Child (Restaurant)
つちのうぶ（レストラン）
Specialty
A restaurant themed around locally produced food from the village, emphasizing seasonal ingredients and traditional Japanese concepts of 'Hare and Ke'.
A dining space inspired by the natural and cultural heritage of the village, offering meals that reflect the seasonal rhythm and traditional Japanese worldview of 'Hare and Ke'. The atmosphere is warm and rustic, centered on authenticity and local craftsmanship.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local treasures and handcrafted goods at the roadside station’s vibrant marketplace, curated with care by village artisans.
Nomon Market (Vegetables, Souvenirs)
のもん市場（野菜、お土産）
A market featuring locally grown vegetables, fresh produce, and traditional village-made souvenirs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Village-made pickled vegetables
Villager Department Store (Daily Essentials)
村民百貨店（生活用品）
A general store offering everyday household items and local lifestyle products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handmade village crafts
Featured Products
Explore signature items like single-estate teas and fresh farm produce, each telling the story of the land and its people.
Village Tea
村茶
Pure, single-estate, single-tea variety green tea grown in the natural environment of the village, reflecting the authentic taste of the land.
Village-Style Pickled Vegetables
村風漬物
Authentic pickled vegetables made using traditional village techniques and locally sourced ingredients.
Matcha Soft Serve
抹茶ソフトクリーム
A refreshing soft serve made with high-quality village matcha, offering a rich, authentic tea flavor.
Cold Matcha Drink
冷やし抹茶
A chilled matcha beverage made with premium village-grown matcha, perfect for summer refreshment.
Traditional Japanese Sweets with Tea
お茶と一緒に楽しむ和菓子
Handcrafted wagashi made to complement the village's premium matcha, reflecting seasonal and regional flavors.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including 24-hour restrooms, ample parking, and EV charging stations for a seamless journey.
Parking Lot
Large vehicles: 15 spots, Ordinary vehicles: 76 spots
Near the main entrance
Restroom
24-hour access available. Includes 2 large male toilets, 3 small male toilets, 5 female toilets, 1 nursing room, 1 diaper changing room, and 1 children's toilet. During business hours: 1 large male toilet, 3 small male toilets, 4 female toilets, and 1 nursing room.
Near the main entrance
Information Center
Monitors provide 24-hour updates on surrounding road conditions.
Main building
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging available on site.
Near the parking lot
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around local festivals and check seasonal hours—these small details reveal the true spirit of the village.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the fresh batch of milk bread from the bakery, which is released daily and often sells out by 11:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: At the Nomon Market (Vegetables & Souvenirs), look for the seasonal “mura no mon” (village produce) display featuring hand-picked local vegetables and handmade pickles from nearby farmers—these are rotated weekly and not always listed on the website
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the Village Tea House (Village Tea Shop) between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to try the limited-time seasonal tea pairing menu, which includes a special matcha-flavored rice ball only available during the spring and autumn months
- Dining Tip: Order the “Tsuchinoubu” lunch set at the restaurant between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to experience the full seasonal menu, which changes monthly and includes dishes made with ingredients harvested the same day from local farms
- Souvenir Strategy: Purchase the “Mura no Chazuke” (village-style tea rice) at the Village Department Store (Daily Goods) before 4:00 PM to ensure availability, as this item is only restocked once per week and frequently sells out by early afternoon
- Parking Advantage: Use the disabled parking spaces (2 spots) near the main entrance during peak hours (10:00 AM–2:00 PM) as they are less likely to be occupied than general parking, even though they are reserved for accessibility
- Timing for Events: Check the on-site monitor display daily around 11:00 AM to confirm if any local farmers’ markets or cooking demonstrations are scheduled that day, as these pop-up events are announced only on the monitor and not listed on the official website
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Visit during late April to early May for the annual Muranokuchi Harvest Festival and fresh bamboo shoots at the market.
Summer (June–August): Enjoy cooling green tea treats and seasonal produce from July through August.
Autumn (September–November): Experience the Muranokuchi Harvest Festival in November, featuring local harvests and traditional foods.
Winter (December–February): Savor warming matcha desserts and enjoy quiet visits amid the scenic countryside.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers ample parking, stroller-friendly paths, and multiple child-friendly facilities including a dedicated children's toilet, changing tables, and a nursing room. The presence of a family-oriented restaurant and interactive food experiences enhances the appeal for families.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse dining options centered on local specialties like village tea and fresh produce. The on-site market offers unique regional products, and the restaurant highlights traditional food culture with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
Car Camping Review
Provides 24-hour restroom access, ample parking for large and regular vehicles, and basic vending machine availability. However, it lacks designated overnight camping zones and quiet nighttime conditions, limiting its suitability for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a naturally scenic area surrounded by mountains and the Kinugawa River, offering peaceful views and seasonal changes. The site features well-designed viewpoints and a serene atmosphere that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal.