Station Murata

Discover the Spirit of Rural Japan at Murata Roadside Station

Nestled in the heart of Murata, a historic town once famed for its vibrant safflower trade, this roadside station stands as a vibrant gateway to local heritage and seasonal abundance. Surrounded by rolling farmland and centuries-old granaries, Murata Roadside Station blends tradition with modern charm, serving as both a cultural hub and a welcoming stop for travelers exploring the region.

Visitors are invited to savor the taste of local pride through the renowned safflower-based delicacies, including safflower udon and refreshing safflower ice cream. Seasonal events like the Autumn Orchid Exhibition and the Harvest Appreciation Festival showcase regional produce and craftsmanship, while the Highakata Market brings in fresh fruits and vegetables from Yamagata Prefecture. With a restaurant housed in a restored warehouse and a bustling marketplace, Murata offers a rich sensory journey into the rhythms of rural life.

Visit Murata roadside station to experience the region’s only seasonal orchid exhibitions, featuring rare Cattleya and other tropical orchids displayed and sold in a historic warehouse setting. Discover the town’s legacy in its signature sozome (soybean) products, including the only locally made sozome ice cream and fresh sozome udon at the Onsen Restaurant, a dish crafted exclusively from heirloom local soybeans. These unique offerings, rooted in Murata’s historic trade, cannot be found anywhere else.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit the roadside station by 9:00 AM on November 2nd to secure a spot at the Highhata Market, where fresh Shinshu Muscat grapes, apples, and Western beans are sold exclusively on the outdoor terrace before they sell out.

• Hidden Gems: Head to the deli counter at the roadside station between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM during the Autumn Orchid Exhibition (October 31 – November 4) to purchase rare cut orchids, particularly Cattleya varieties, which are only available for sale during this event.

• Weekend Special: On November 8–9, arrive by 9:30 AM at the outdoor area to join the Harvest Thank You Festival and receive a limited quantity of hot sweet potato stew made from locally harvested root vegetables—served only until 11:00 AM.

• Must-Try Menu Item: Order the village’s signature Sozome Udon at the Restaurant Shirozane between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM to experience the authentic taste of locally grown sozome beans, served only during lunch hours.

• Event Timing Advantage: Visit the roadside station on November 1–2 between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to access the exclusive East Matsushima Longevity Sales event, where premium local seasonings and condiments are available in limited quantities.

• Best Photo Spot: Take a photo at the old warehouse entrance near the outdoor market on weekends during the Autumn Orchid Exhibition—this area is specifically designated for visitors to enjoy the traditional architecture and floral displays together.

• Avoid the Crowd: Skip the lunch rush at Restaurant Shirozane by dining before 11:30 AM or after 2:00 PM, as the restaurant is closed on Mondays and experiences peak traffic during the 12:00 PM–1:30 PM window.

Spring (March-May): Spring orchid exhibition runs from November, but peak seasonal highlights include fresh bamboo shoots and early harvests of local vegetables.

Summer (June-August): No specific seasonal events or products mentioned for summer.

Autumn (September-November): Harvest celebration features芋煮汁 in November, with seasonal fruits like apples and muscat grapes available at the highhaku market.

Winter (December-February): No specific seasonal activities or products listed for winter.