Station Udaji Murou

Where History Meets Nature at the Heart of Kansai

Nestled along National Route 165 at the border of Nara and Mie Prefectures, Udaji Murou roadside station stands as a living tribute to Japan’s ancient past and vibrant rural present. Once a bustling stop on the historic Ise Kaido pilgrimage route, this modern hub now thrives as a cultural crossroads where travelers pause to savor local flavors, explore regional heritage, and connect with nature.

Inspired by the graceful form of a bird in flight, the station’s architecture blends seamlessly with its wooded surroundings, while a striking spherical sculpture by renowned sculptor Isao Inoue serves as a meditative focal point in the central plaza. Visitors can enjoy seasonal produce at the “Komorebi Market,” sample regional specialties in the restaurant, or explore curated exhibitions and information booths—all designed to deepen understanding of the area’s unique traditions, from traditional dyeing and local sake to the rare medicinal herb, Yamato Kikyo.

Udaji Murou stands out as the only roadside station in the region where you can experience the legacy of renowned sculptor Isao Inoue, whose monumental sphere sculpture, My Sky Hole: Meditation on Earth, anchors a dedicated contemplative plaza. More uniquely, it is home to the only roadside station in Nara Prefecture offering an extensive range of products made from Yamato Dangui, a rare medicinal herb native to the area—found in everything from savory salt and coffee to traditional kelp soup and edible flakes. This fusion of sacred history, artistic expression, and hyper-local botanical innovation makes Udaji Murou an unparalleled destination.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to experience the full range of fresh produce at the Komorebi Market (farmers’ market), as the morning harvest arrives early and stock is most abundant before midday.

• Hidden Gems: At the information counter, ask for the "My Sky Hole" guided tour map, which highlights the meaning and design intent behind the sphere sculpture by sculptor Takehisa Inoue, and includes points of interest in the surrounding area.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the restaurant between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to secure a seat for the daily special featuring local yuzu-flavored udon, which sells out quickly after 11:30 AM.

• Unique Product Tip: Purchase the "Yamato Koui" series at the specialty goods counter, including the "Yamato Koui rice vinegar" and "Yamato Koui coffee", both newly added and only available at Udaji Murou.

• Event Tip: Attend the weekly kitchen truck event on Wednesdays, as it is the only day when food trucks operate at Udaji Murou, offering seasonal street food not available on other days.

• Sticker Collection Tip: Collect the "Michi no Eki Card" at the shop counter for 200 yen (tax included), and collect cards from other nearby stations to complete your set and earn a special "Complete Card" reward.

• Cultural Experience Tip: Sign up for the ikebana (flower arranging) workshop at the information counter on November 21, which runs from 10:00 AM and includes materials; register by November 19 as spots are limited to five participants.

Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market from April, with wildflowers blooming at Hagiyama Shōbu Garden by late April.

Summer (June–August): Farm produce from the vegetable stand peaks in July, while the kitchen truck operates weekly on Wednesdays.

Autumn (September–November): Harvest season for local vegetables and chestnuts, with the ikebana class held in November.

Winter (December–February): Limited market hours, but winter-themed products like yuzu and hot sake available at the shop.