Station Totsukawa-Go

Discover the Heart of Nara’s Natural Splendor

Totsukawa-Go is a vibrant roadside station nestled in the serene center of Totsukawa Village, nestled within the lush embrace of the Kii Mountains. More than a rest stop, it’s a cultural gateway where visitors connect with local heritage, nature, and tradition. Surrounded by pristine forests and rivers, the station serves as a welcoming oasis along National Route 168, offering a true taste of rural Japan.

Home to a bustling specialty shop featuring local treasures like yubeshi (sweet sake-infused confections), river fish delicacies, wild mushrooms, and handcrafted woodwork, Totsukawa-Go also hosts the traditional soba restaurant "Kozen," where guests can enjoy freshly hand-cut noodles. Don’t miss the underground cultural hall, a designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, showcasing the village’s rich history. With a relaxing foot bath drawing from a nearby hot spring and 24-hour access to parking and restrooms, it’s the perfect place to pause, recharge, and explore the region’s natural wonders.

Totsukawa-Go stands out as the only roadside station in the region housing a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property—its underground exhibition space preserves the village’s rare traditional woodworking techniques, passed down for generations. Visitors can also savor the only hand-pulled soba in the area, served as a "Mehari Set" in the on-site restaurant, made with flour milled from locally grown buckwheat. Outside, a foot bath fed by natural hot spring water offers a rare, on-site relaxation experience unique to this location.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure the last of the day’s fresh hand-pulled soba noodles at Soba Restaurant "Kōsen," which closes at 3:00 PM and often sells out by early afternoon.

• Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the front entrance for the limited-edition "Yūbesi" (a local fermented soybean paste) only available during April to November, sold in small jars and often depleted by midday.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, arrive by 11:00 AM to enjoy the "Mehari Set" meal at Soba Restaurant "Kōsen," which includes a serving of hand-pulled soba with a side of seasonal mountain vegetable tempura—this special is only offered during the restaurant’s operating hours (11:00 AM to 3:00 PM).

• Free WiFi Access: Use the free Wi-Fi at the roadside station’s information desk to download the official Totsukawa-go mobile app, which includes real-time updates on the availability of seasonal local products like fresh mountain mushrooms and limited-run dried fish.

• EV Charging Tip: Plug in your electric vehicle at the fast-charging station (located near the main parking area) between 1:00 and 2:00 PM when the station is least busy, as the charging spot is frequently occupied during peak hours.

• On-Site Thermal Experience: After parking, walk to the foot bath area located directly in the parking lot to soak your feet in the hot spring water—this is only open during daylight hours and is especially refreshing after a long drive on National Route 168.

• Cultural Insight: Visit the underground exhibition hall (located one floor below the main shop) before 1:00 PM to view the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property display, which features traditional local crafts and tools—this exhibit is open only during the same hours as the shop (8:00–5:30, adjusted in winter).

Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market from late March, with peak canola flower viewing in April.

Summer (June–August): Best time for hiking and visiting the Totsukawa Valley, with cool mountain air and clear streams.

Autumn (September–November): Ideal for harvesting local mushrooms and enjoying the roadside station’s seasonal soba dishes.

Winter (December–February): Cozy visits to the foot bath and hot spring area, with limited hours but peaceful winter scenery.