Station Sekijuku

Step Back in Time at a Living Piece of Japanese History

Sekijuku, nestled in the heart of Kameyama City in Mie Prefecture, stands as a gateway to one of Japan’s most preserved historic towns. Located just minutes from the well-preserved Edo-period streetscape of Sekijuku, this roadside station blends traditional architecture with modern hospitality. Its townhouse-style design evokes the atmosphere of a bygone era, making visitors feel as though they’ve stepped into a living history book.

At the heart of the experience is the on-site restaurant, where local B-class specialties like miso-grilled udon and the acclaimed Kameyama ramen—winner of the Gurunavi Local Ramen Grand Prix—offer a true taste of regional pride. With a visitor information desk and illustrated maps, guests can easily explore the nearby Important Traditional Building Preservation District. Whether seeking a peaceful rest, a flavorful meal, or a journey through history, Sekijuku delivers an authentic and unforgettable journey.

Sekijuku is the only roadside station where you can savor authentic miso-baked udon, a regional B-class specialty perfected in the heart of the historic Kameyama town. Its unique townhouse design, inspired by the nationally designated Important Traditional Building Group Preservation District, immerses visitors in Edo-era ambiance. The station also features the only on-site tasting of the ramen that won the Gurunabi Local Ramen Grand Prix, made with locally sourced ingredients and served in a centuries-old atmosphere.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the restaurant mimukura before the lunch rush, as the miso grilled udon and Kameyama ramen are consistently sold out by 12:30 PM

• Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter near the information desk between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to purchase the limited daily batch of fresh milk bread, which is baked on-site and only available until 11:00 AM

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the market stall labeled “Local Produce Corner” near the entrance between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to buy the day’s first harvest of Kameyama-grown strawberries, which are only stocked during these hours

• Must-See Feature: Use the illustrated map at the information counter to locate the preserved Edo-period townhouses in the Sekijuku Historic District; walk the 5-minute route along Route 1 to reach the main street of the traditional building complex, which is best viewed between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM when the light enhances the wooden architecture

• Best Food Experience: Order the Kameyama ramen at mimukura restaurant between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to enjoy the dish at its peak freshness, as it is prepared in small batches every hour and the last batch is served at 1:00 PM

• Free Access Tip: Use the free Wi-Fi at the information corner between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the network is least crowded; this is the ideal time to download the official Kameyama tourism app for offline access to local walking routes

• Off-Peak Shopping: Visit the souvenir shop during weekday afternoons between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to browse the full inventory of local crafts without crowds, as most visitors are either at the restaurant or exploring the historic district

Spring (March–May): Canola flowers bloom in late March to April, and fresh bamboo shoots are available at the market.

Summer (June–August): Summer festivals feature local food stalls and evening illuminations in the historic town.

Autumn (September–November): Chestnuts are harvested and sold at the roadside station in October.

Winter (December–February): Hot miso grilled udon and ramen are served at the restaurant during cold months.