Station Futakami Park Taima

Discover the Heart of Kongo-Gokomaru: Nature, History, and Local Flavors

Nestled at the foot of the majestic Nijo Mountain within the Kongo-Gokomaru-Kizuna National Park, Futakami Park Taima stands as a vibrant roadside station in the quiet, historic town of Taima, Kawachi City, Nara Prefecture. Situated along National Route 165, it serves as a gateway to the region’s rich cultural heritage, including its ancient roots as a birthplace of sumo wrestling.

More than a rest stop, this roadside station offers a true taste of local life. Visitors can savor seasonal farm-to-table cuisine, including the beloved Kehaya Set meal and handmade udon, while exploring the expansive park, children’s playground, and scenic lookout with panoramic views of the Kongo Mountains. The on-site shop, Taima no Ie, features unique regional specialties like miso, koji pickles, dried vegetables, and fresh wheat cakes—perfect souvenirs of your journey. With hands-on experiences like potato harvesting and udon-making workshops, Futakami Park Taima invites travelers to connect deeply with the land and its people.

Futakami Park Taima stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering hands-on access to the birthplace of sumo, where visitors can tour the historic Ke Hayashi Sumo Hall and even participate in children’s sumo classes. Its unique selling point is the on-site production of traditional Ke Hayashi pickled vegetables and regional miso, made using time-honored methods in the station’s own processing facility. For a truly local experience, sample the seasonal sweet potato digging—available only during autumn—followed by a warm bowl of handmade wheat flour mochi or a refreshing matcha-flavored soft serve made with local ingredients.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s first batch of handmade yomogi daifuku (mugwort rice cakes), which are available only until midday and often sell out by 12:30 PM.

• Hidden Gems: At the Taima no Ie specialty shop, look for the three-color inari sushi (red ginger, takuan, and shiitake) sold in a single pack—this limited-edition item is available daily but frequently sells out by lunchtime.

• Weekend Special: On weekends and holidays, visit the soft cream corner between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to try the seasonal yomogi daifuku grilled mochi, a unique treat only available during spring and early summer months.

• Best Time for Seasonal Produce: Stop by the Taima no Ie shop between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM on weekdays to get the freshest seasonal vegetables and powdered dried vegetables, which are restocked early and often sell out by midday.

• Unique Experience: Take the 456-step climb to the viewpoint on the west side of the park, where you can ring three differently pitched bells that offer a unique auditory experience while enjoying panoramic views of the Nijo Mountains.

• Must-Try Food: Order the kehayaya udon at the restaurant between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM, as it is the only time the freshly made udon is served daily, and it is not available after 12:00 PM.

• Avoid Disruptions: When visiting the Taima no Ie shop or walking through the park, be mindful of the swallow nests above the entrance and walkways—especially during peak hours between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when bird activity is highest and droppings are more frequent.

Spring (March–May): Enjoy fresh bamboo shoots and seasonal vegetables at the roadside station, with cherry blossoms in full bloom around the park.

Summer (June–August): Try handcrafted soft cream and seasonal treats like yomogi dango, with hiking access to Nijo-zan.

Autumn (September–November): Participate in sweet potato digging experiences from September through November.

Winter (December–February): Visit during New Year celebrations for free zenzai and enjoy warm local specialties like miso and wheat cakes.