Discover the Heart of Tanba at Tanba Markets
Tucked along the intersection of National Routes 9 and 27 in Kyoto’s scenic Kitanakagusuku region, Tanba Markets is a unique roadside station that blends rural charm with modern convenience. More than just a pit stop, it’s a vibrant community hub where local life thrives. Inspired by the Danish word for market, this roadside station stands out as one of Japan’s rare shopping centers integrated with a traditional rest stop, offering everything from fresh local produce to regional delicacies.
Visitors can explore the lively food court with 450 seats, savor authentic Tanba cuisine, or stroll through the bustling retail street featuring handcrafted souvenirs and seasonal farm goods. Don’t miss the towering, centuries-old ginkgo tree or the nearby scenic beauty of Mejo Falls and the expansive Kitanakagusuku Nature Park. With ample parking, EV charging, and bike rentals available, Tanba Markets invites travelers to slow down, connect with nature, and experience the authentic spirit of rural Kyoto.
Why Visit
Tanba Markets is home to the only artisanal milk ice cream in the region, crafted daily from fresh Jersey cow milk sourced from a single local farm. Just steps away, the historic, century-old fused enoki tree—where multiple trunks grow as one—offers a rare natural landmark perfect for photos. Visitors can also explore the only roadside station in the area with a full-scale farmer’s market, where daily harvests of organic kohlrabi and heirloom carrots are sold directly from the fields.
Restaurants & Dining
Tanba Markets offers a vibrant food scene with local flavors and fresh ingredients.
Tanba Market Restaurant
丹波マーケスレストラン
Specialty
Local cuisine with a modern twist
A cozy dining space offering a variety of regional dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxed meal after exploring the area.
Kamome Soba
かもめそば
Specialty
Handmade buckwheat noodles
A traditional Japanese soba restaurant specializing in freshly made buckwheat noodles served in a light broth or dry. The setting is simple and authentic, emphasizing the craftsmanship of the noodles.
Kamome Soba
かもめそば
Specialty
Quick buckwheat noodle snacks
A casual food stall offering fast, delicious buckwheat noodles for on-the-go dining. Ideal for a quick bite with a traditional touch.
Tanba Market Cafe
丹波マーケスカフェ
Specialty
Local coffee and pastries
A relaxed café serving locally roasted coffee and handmade pastries. The interior features rustic wooden decor and a peaceful ambiance ideal for reading or meeting friends.
Yamato Sushi
やまと寿司
Specialty
Fresh sushi made with local seafood
A dedicated sushi counter offering fresh, high-quality fish and rice prepared daily. The space is minimalist and focused on the art of sushi-making.
Tanba Market Ramen
丹波マーケスラーメン
Specialty
Rich tonkotsu ramen
A fast-service ramen stall serving hearty, flavorful tonkotsu broth with tender noodles. The atmosphere is casual and energetic, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Kamome Soba
かもめそば
Specialty
Quick buckwheat noodle snacks
A casual food stall offering fast, delicious buckwheat noodles for on-the-go dining. Ideal for a quick bite with a traditional touch.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a variety of local goods and everyday essentials at Tanba Markets' bustling shops.
Local Vegetable Market
朝採り野菜市
A daily market featuring fresh, locally grown vegetables harvested in the morning. Offers seasonal produce from nearby farms.
Products
Must-Try Item
Morning-harvested vegetables
Tanba Craft Market
丹波クラフトマーケット
A shop showcasing handmade crafts and artisanal goods from local artisans. Features pottery, textiles, and wooden crafts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handcrafted ceramic bowls
Tanba Dairy Shop
丹波乳業
A dedicated dairy shop offering fresh milk, yogurt, and cheese made from local cow's milk. All products are produced on-site.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local cow's milk cheese
Tanba Meat Market
丹波肉市場
A specialty meat shop offering high-quality beef and pork from local farms. Known for its marbled texture and rich flavor.
Products
Must-Try Item
Marbled beef steak
Tanba Souvenir Shop
丹波お土産館
A gift shop offering a wide range of local souvenirs, including food, crafts, and regional specialties.
Products
Must-Try Item
Tanba dried persimmons
Tanba Alcohol Shop
丹波酒場
A shop specializing in local alcoholic beverages, including sake, shochu, and regional wines.
Products
Must-Try Item
Tanba craft sake
Tanba Bakery
丹波ベーカリー
A traditional bakery offering fresh bread, pastries, and seasonal cakes baked daily using local ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local wheat bread
General Market
一般市場
A general store offering everyday essentials, snacks, drinks, and travel supplies.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local snacks
Featured Products
Savor signature specialties and authentic regional products crafted with pride.
Tanba Dried Persimmons
丹波柿の干し
Premium dried persimmons made from locally grown fruit, known for their sweet, chewy texture and rich flavor.
Tanba Craft Sake
丹波クラフト酒
Artisanal sake brewed using traditional methods and local rice, offering a smooth, balanced taste.
Tanba Local Cow's Milk Cheese
丹波地元牛乳チーズ
Handcrafted cheese made from fresh milk sourced from local farms, with a creamy texture and mild flavor.
Tanba Handmade Ceramic Bowls
丹波手作り陶器ボウル
Artisan ceramic bowls made by local potters, each unique with natural glaze and earthy tones.
Tanba Fresh Milk
丹波新鮮牛乳
Fresh, unpasteurized milk sourced directly from local farms, known for its rich, creamy taste.
Tanba Marbled Beef Steak
丹波マーブルビーフステーキ
Premium beef with excellent marbling, ideal for grilling and known for its tenderness and flavor.
Tanba Local Wheat Bread
丹波地元小麦パン
Bread made from locally milled wheat flour, offering a hearty texture and natural flavor.
Tanba Seasonal Fruits
丹波季節果物
Fresh, seasonal fruits harvested from local orchards, including peaches, apples, and pears.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including ample parking and accessible restrooms.
Parking Lot
542 standard vehicle spaces and 8 large vehicle spaces.
Located at Tanba Markesu roadside station
EV Charging Station
1 charging unit available, located on the east side of the market. Available 24 hours, pay-per-use (card only).
East side of the market
Wireless LAN
Available in certain areas of the station.
Part of the station premises
Information Center
Provides regional tourism and local specialty product information through tour guides.
Located at Tanba Markesu roadside station
Restrooms
Male: 9 large, 17 small; Female: 26; includes 2 baby changing stations. The Uruoi Kan restroom is available 24 hours.
Throughout the station, including Uruoi Kan
Nursing Room
One room available from 9:00 to 20:00.
Located at Tanba Markesu roadside station
ATM
ATMs available for Kyoto Bank, Yucho Bank, and JA.
Located at Tanba Markesu roadside station
Bike Rental
Bicycles available for rent at the tourism association (Uruoi Kan).
Uruoi Kan, tourism association
Activities & Experiences
Explore seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and nature walks nearby.
Hiking at Mt. Meiko
美女山登山
Hike up Mt. Meiko, which has an elevation of 482 meters. The round-trip hike takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Duration
180 min
Photography at the Giant Oak Tree
マーケス横のエノキ
Take photos in front of a unique giant oak tree formed by multiple trees merging into one. The tree is over 100 years old.
Duration
30 min
Bicycle Rental
レンタサイクル
Rent bicycles from the tourism association (Uruoi Kan) for exploring the surrounding area.
Duration
120 min
Bicycles are not recommended in rainy or snowy weather.
Insider Tips
Visit during market days for fresh produce and local insights from staff.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays to catch the fresh produce at the morning vegetable market, which starts at 9:00 AM and often sells out by 10:30 AM
- Hidden Gems: Head to the deli counter in the food court between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to get the first selection of the day’s handmade Danba-style pickled vegetables, available only during the morning shift
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the eastern side of the parking area by 11:00 AM to secure a spot at the seasonal food truck that sets up near the EV charging station, offering local chestnut rice balls and roasted sweet potato skewers
- Best Photo Spot: Take a photo at the giant co-mingled elm tree located just south of the main entrance; it’s easily visible from the parking lot and makes for a unique backdrop with its massive trunk and ancient roots
- Best Lunch Timing: Order lunch at the restaurant "Makoto" between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM on weekdays to enjoy the daily special of grilled river fish from the Yodo River, served with locally grown rice
- Pro Tip for Families: Use the baby changing station in the restroom near the food court entrance, which has two baby beds and is open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM—ideal for families with infants during peak hours
- Must-Visit Nearby: After visiting Tanba Markets, drive 6 minutes to Kotoyama Waterfall to see the 40-meter waterfall flowing like a 13-stringed koto; park at the small lot just before the trailhead and walk the 5-minute path to the viewing platform
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Peak season for canola flower viewing (late March–April) and fresh bamboo shoots available at the morning market.
Summer (June–August): Fresh mountain vegetables and local fruits harvested at the market; ideal for hiking nearby Mt. Bijo.
Autumn (September–November): Harvest season for chestnuts and persimmons; perfect for visiting during autumn foliage.
Winter (December–February): Cozy visits to the food court; warm local dishes available during cold months.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Tanba Markets offers ample parking, stroller-friendly paths, baby beds, and a dedicated nursing room. The food court and shops cater to children with varied options, and the nearby scenic spots provide engaging outdoor activities for families.
Food Lover Review
The food court features 450 seats and diverse local restaurants offering authentic regional dishes. Fresh produce from the daily market and unique local specialties enhance the culinary experience, supported by high-quality ingredients and seasonal offerings.
Car Camping Review
The roadside station has 542 car parking spaces and 24-hour restrooms, including a 24-hour facility. While it lacks dedicated camping zones, the quiet surroundings and access to basic facilities make it suitable for short overnight stops.
Scenic Beauty Review
Tanba Markets overlooks scenic landscapes with notable views of the ancient enoki tree and nearby mountains. The area offers photo opportunities, seasonal beauty, and peaceful natural surroundings, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.