Discover the Heart of Tsu’s Culinary Heritage
Tsu Kawage, located at the northern gateway to the city of Tsu, is more than a roadside station—it’s a vibrant celebration of local flavor and community spirit. Nestled in the scenic countryside of Mie Prefecture, this bustling hub offers travelers a true taste of regional life, from fresh farm produce to artisanal sweets and savory local specialties.
What makes Tsu Kawage truly special is its commitment to showcasing the best of Tsu. Visitors can savor the famous Matsusaka beef udon, enjoy seasonal delicacies like fresh enoki mushrooms and chestnuts, or treat themselves to award-winning confections like Tokinowa’s Baumkuchen. With a variety of dining options, a lively farmers’ market, and a unique point system to exchange for local goods, every visit is an experience rooted in authenticity and sustainability.
Why Visit
Tsu Kawage stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering a dedicated space for Tsukuba-style fermented bean curd, a rare local delicacy made from heirloom soybeans. Visitors can also savor the exclusive Mushroom & Sweet Potato Croquette—a seasonal specialty made with fresh, locally harvested maitake and red potatoes. These uniquely regional treats, combined with the station’s rotating lineup of artisanal goods like honey-cake and aged local pork, make Tsu Kawage a must-visit for authentic, hyper-local flavors found nowhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, local flavors at Tsu Kawage roadside station, where regional specialties meet seasonal cuisine.
Tsu's Local Kitchen
レストラン津のものキッチン
Specialty
Specialty udon with Matsusaka beef
A restaurant offering a unique dining experience with locally sourced ingredients, focusing on traditional Tsu cuisine with a modern twist. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for a relaxed meal.
Go-Kigen DELI
ごきげんＤＥＬＩ
Specialty
Spicy curry with seasonal ingredients
A casual food stall offering a variety of quick, flavorful meals with a focus on local produce and seasonal flavors. Ideal for a quick lunch or snack.
Shopping Highlights
Discover authentic local goods and seasonal produce at Tsu Kawage roadside station, a treasure trove of regional pride.
Takaya Confectionery
たけや製菓
A shop specializing in traditional Japanese sweets and pastries from Tsu City.
Products
Must-Try Item
Various Japanese and Western confections
Fūgetsudō
風月堂
A traditional confectionery shop offering authentic Japanese sweets.
Products
Must-Try Item
Traditional Japanese sweets
Heiji Senbei
平治煎餅
A shop specializing in handmade senbei (rice crackers), including unique flavors like fresh dorayaki.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh dorayaki senbei
Toraya Honke
とらや本家
A renowned confectionery shop offering classic Japanese cakes and pastries.
Products
Must-Try Item
Pound cake
Yokoyama Foods
横山食品
A shop offering innovative soy-based products, including drinkable and edible soy milk.
Products
Must-Try Item
Edible soy milk
Ito's Mushroom Corner
伊東さんの「なめこ」
A seasonal stall specializing in fresh, locally harvested mushrooms, including enoki and shiitake.
Products
Must-Try Item
Enoki mushrooms
Aji to Mi Honpo Hand Wings
あじとみ本舗手羽先
A specialty stall offering grilled chicken wings and other meat products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Grilled chicken wings
Fresh Fish & Shellfish Market
トラックによる「鮮魚・貝」販売
A mobile market offering fresh fish and shellfish delivered daily by truck.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh fish
Local Produce Market
直売所コーナー
A direct sales corner featuring fresh, locally grown agricultural products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Seasonal vegetables
Featured Products
Explore signature treats like award-winning Tokinowa Baumkuchen and seasonal delights such as fresh matsutake and yuzu-infused sweets.
Tokinowa Baumkuchen
トキノワのバームクーヘン
A famous Japanese layered cake that won the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award at the 28th National Confectionery Exhibition. Packaged in small, convenient bags for on-the-go enjoyment.
Honey Castella
蜂蜜カステラ
A light, fluffy sponge cake sweetened with honey, known for its soft texture and natural sweetness. A popular roadside station favorite.
Edible Soy Milk
食べる豆乳
A unique, savory soy milk product that can be eaten like a snack. Known for its sweet, rich taste and surprising ease of consumption.
Drinkable Soy Milk
飲む豆乳
A refreshing, naturally sweet soy milk drink, ideal for a healthy, on-the-go beverage.
Enoki Mushrooms
なめこ
Fresh enoki mushrooms with a smooth, delicate texture and rich umami flavor. A seasonal favorite enjoyed by many.
Shiitake Mushrooms
椎茸
Fresh shiitake mushrooms with a deep, aromatic flavor and hearty texture. Perfect for soups, stir-fries, and grilling.
Frozen Pork Meat
冷凍豚肉
High-quality frozen pork meat, available as a reward for collecting points at the roadside station. A popular local product.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including ample parking, restrooms, and a welcoming space for travelers to relax and recharge.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a main parking area with space for 57 regular cars, 14 large vehicles, 2 medium vehicles, and 2 disabled parking spots. Additional second and third parking areas are also available.
Main parking area and additional second and third parking areas
Restroom
Restrooms are available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
An information center is available to assist visitors with inquiries about the station, local attractions, events, and services.
Front desk area
Play Area
A play area is available for children to enjoy and relax during their visit.
Near the front plaza
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors using electric cars.
Parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors to withdraw cash.
Near the entrance
Nursing Room
A private nursing room is available for mothers to care for their infants.
Inside the restroom area
Insider Tips
Visit on weekends for special limited editions, and use the point card to exchange for local favorites like premium pork.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure the limited daily batch of Tokinowa’s award-winning Baumkuchen, which sells out quickly and is only available in small individual packets for on-the-go enjoyment.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to find the seasonal "Ito’s Namaoko" (fresh enoki mushrooms), a fall favorite that consistently sells out by early afternoon.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, order the limited-time "Matsusaka Beef Udon" at the restaurant kitchen—available only during those days and best enjoyed with black rice for a traditional tea-bath-style finish.
- Food Waste Initiative: Stop by the counter near the bean milk display between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to try and purchase "drinking soy milk" and "eating soy milk" at discounted prices—these are special offers on items nearing their expiration date as part of the roadside station’s food waste reduction program.
- Local Produce Pickup: Check the produce section every Friday afternoon for the arrival of fresh "Hachimaki" (a local variety of radish) and "shiso" (perilla), often available only for a short window before selling out.
- Point Redemption Tip: Use your roadside station loyalty points to exchange for frozen pork meat—this is one of the most popular redemption items and is often sold out by mid-afternoon on weekends.
- Seasonal Snack Strategy: Head to the confectionery counter between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to find the seasonal "honey castella" and "yam-based sweets" from Idoan, which are only available during the autumn months and are not restocked after their initial batch.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market, with canola flower picking peaking in late March and April.
Summer (June-August): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned in the content.
Autumn (September-November): Fresh enoki mushrooms and shiitake mushrooms featured, with limited-time curry from Go-ki-Gen DELI available until November.
Winter (December-February): No specific seasonal products or events listed in the content.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Tsu Kawage offers a play area and child-friendly food options like sweets and snacks. Facilities include stroller-friendly paths and accessible restrooms. Interactive elements include seasonal food displays and local product stories.
Food Lover Review
The roadside station features diverse dining options, including local specialties like Matsusaka beef udon and honey castella. Fresh produce and seasonal items like enoki mushrooms are available. High-quality local products and unique regional treats enhance the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Tsu Kawage provides restrooms, vending machines, and ample parking for cars. The site is relatively quiet during off-peak hours, suitable for short overnight stays. Overnight parking is permitted, though not explicitly advertised.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a scenic rural area with views of surrounding fields and hills, Tsu Kawage offers pleasant natural surroundings. Photo opportunities include the front plaza and seasonal displays. The site maintains a calm, welcoming atmosphere year-round.