Discover the Heart of Kyoto’s Rural Heritage
Nestled along the historic West Sardine Road, Woody Keihoku is a roadside station located just 60 minutes from Kyoto’s city center in the scenic town of Keihoku, right in the heart of the Kamo River basin. Surrounded by ancient forests, pristine streams, and rolling farmland, this vibrant hub celebrates the rich natural and cultural legacy of the region. More than a rest stop, it serves as a gateway to local life, offering visitors a chance to connect with the land and its people.
At Woody Keihoku, the scent of cedar and cypress fills the air, echoing the area’s deep ties to forestry and sustainable living. Visitors can savor farm-fresh vegetables, regional specialties like cedar sushi, and unique local soft-serve made from ingredients like black soybean, yuzu, and roasted sweet potato. With a renowned food court, a bustling farmers’ market, and nearby attractions like the serene Utsu Gorge Park and the ancient Futoji Cedar Grove, this roadside station is a true destination for nature lovers, food enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike.
Why Visit
Visit Woody Keihoku to experience the only roadside station in the region featuring a 600-year-old ceremonial yagura cedar, transported from a local mountain and displayed at the heart of the facility. Beyond its historic timber, the station offers the only place to sample authentic Kyo-Kitan-style saba sushi, a local specialty made with fresh, regionally caught mackerel. Visitors also discover exclusive seasonal soft creams, including the unique kuromoji tea flavor made from locally harvested, powdered kuromoji leaves, and the rare miso soft cream crafted with Kyoto school lunch–sourced Kyo-Kitan "Mogokoro Miso."
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, locally sourced ingredients at Woody Keihoku’s cozy eatery, where regional flavors meet rustic charm.
Café and Dining Corner
喫茶お食事コーナー
Specialty
Local vegetables and rice-based dishes
A cozy dining area offering meals made with fresh, locally sourced vegetables and rice, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere focused on regional cuisine.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local goods and seasonal produce at Woody Keihoku’s vibrant marketplace.
Local Produce and Specialty Goods Store
直売所/お土産
A retail space offering fresh local vegetables, processed foods, and regional specialty items such as woodcrafts and traditional snacks.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kyoto Kita-Kitan Soba
Yagura Cedar Exhibition
象微木（やぐら杉）
A display of a historic 600-year-old yagura cedar tree, originally from the Oono district of Kyoto, now preserved as a cultural and natural landmark.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yagura Cedar Woodcraft
Kita-Kitan Soba Specialty Store
京北すえひろ
A specialty shop dedicated to traditional Kita-Kitan soba and local delicacies, including the famous Sugi Sushi.
Products
Must-Try Item
Sugi Sushi
Kita-Kitan Soybean Center
山国さきがけセンター
A dedicated center focused on high-quality domestic soybeans, offering safe and reliable soy-based products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kita-Kitan Mago-koro Miso
Featured Products
Explore signature items like cedar sushi and handmade soybean treats, crafted with pride from Kyoto’s京北 region.
Kyoto Kita-Kitan Soba
京北そば
Traditional soba noodles made from locally grown buckwheat, known for their rich flavor and firm texture.
Sugi Sushi
杉鮓
A unique regional delicacy that combines the savory taste of the sea with the aromatic essence of mountain cedar, creating a distinctive flavor profile.
Kita-Kitan Mago-koro Miso
京北まごころみそ
A premium miso made from locally grown soybeans, known for its rich umami and use in school lunches across Kyoto.
Kuromoji Tea Powder
くろもじ茶パウダー
Powdered tea made from locally harvested kuromoji leaves, known for its refreshing forest aroma and subtle taste.
Butternut Squash Puree
バターナッツかぼちゃペースト
A smooth, naturally sweet puree made from locally grown butternut squash, ideal for soups and desserts.
Large Red Bean Paste
大納言小豆ペースト
Premium red bean paste made from large, high-sugar red beans known for their rich flavor and glossy finish.
Black Soybean Edamame
黒大豆枝豆
High-quality black soybeans used as edamame, known for their firm texture and rich sweetness.
Cedar Wood Craft Set
杉木工品セット
Handcrafted wooden items made from locally sourced cedar wood, perfect as souvenirs or home décor.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including 24-hour restrooms, parking, and EV charging at Woody Keihoku.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking lot with 34 spaces, including 3 large vehicle spots and 31 regular vehicle spots. The parking lot is available 24 hours a day.
Adjacent to the roadside station entrance
Restroom
The restroom includes 7 male toilets and 9 female toilets. It also features 1 multi-purpose toilet for people with disabilities.
Inside the roadside station building
Information Center
The roadside station provides information on local roads, tourism, and nearby attractions. It also offers assistance with access and local events.
Main building, near the entrance
EV Charging Station
The station has one standard EV charger and one fast charger for electric vehicles. The charging facilities are available for use during operating hours.
Near the main parking area
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station for visitors.
Inside the main building and common areas
Insider Tips
Visit early to secure popular items like seasonal soft-serve, and plan your trip around nearby forest and river experiences.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit by 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure the last of the day’s fresh-baked milk bread from the bakery, which sells out by 11:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the Kuromoji Tea Soft Cream—made with powdered leaves from locally harvested kuromoji trees, known for its distinctive forest-like aroma and refreshing taste
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays, arrive before 11:30 AM to purchase the limited-run Mogokoro Miso Soft Cream, made with Kyoto school lunch-approved Kyoto Mogokoro Miso from the Yamaguni Saki-gake Center, as it often sells out by noon
- Best Time for Fresh Produce: Go to the direct sales counter between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM to pick up the day’s first harvest of Kyoto Kozōbōimo (a regional specialty yam), which is only available in limited quantities and is sold out by 12:00 PM
- EV Charging Tip: Use the fast-charging station between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM when the charging cables are less likely to be in use, as demand spikes during peak visiting hours
- Soft Cream Timing: Purchase the Butternut Squash Soft Cream between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, as it is one of the most popular seasonal flavors and often sells out by 1:00 PM
- Avoid the Rush: Skip the 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM window at the restaurant, as the Sugi Sushi (Kyoto-style cedar sushi) and other lunch items are only available until 1:00 PM and the kitchen closes early on weekdays
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market in early spring; the nearby Yuzuka River offers excellent trout fishing.
Summer (June–August): Soft serve ice cream featuring seasonal flavors like red shiso and black soybean is available from June through August.
Autumn (September–November): Harvest of butternut squash and large adzuki beans peaks in late September; local soft serve highlights these seasonal ingredients.
Winter (December–February): Soft serve ice cream is unavailable; however, the forested surroundings offer serene winter walks near the historic cedar grove.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Features include multiple restrooms, stroller-friendly paths, and a large parking area. While no dedicated play area exists, the nearby nature trails and forested surroundings offer natural engagement. The soft-serve ice cream and local food options are appealing to children.
Food Lover Review
Offers a diverse menu featuring locally sourced vegetables, rice, and unique regional specialties like kuromoji tea and miso soft serve. The direct market sells fresh produce and artisanal goods. The restaurant emphasizes regional ingredients and seasonal variety.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms and parking available 24/7, with no overnight parking policy listed. The site is quiet during operating hours, but no dedicated camping facilities or designated overnight zones are available. Not recommended for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a scenic forested area near the Kyo River with views of mountains and natural landscapes. The large yagura cedar tree and nearby hiking trails enhance the aesthetic appeal. Seasonal beauty is evident in cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.