Station Udaroji Ōuda

Discover the Heart of Kansai’s Natural and Cultural Heritage

Udaroji Ōuda is a vibrant roadside station nestled along the scenic routes of Nara Prefecture, where ancient traditions meet modern sustainability. Located at the crossroads of rural charm and regional development, it stands as a testament to the area’s commitment to preserving natural landscapes while fostering community vitality.

More than a rest stop, Udaroji Ōuda offers visitors a rich sensory experience with locally sourced agricultural products, seasonal delicacies, and artisanal crafts. Its thoughtfully designed spaces reflect a deep respect for the environment, incorporating eco-friendly architecture and interactive exhibits on regional infrastructure and disaster resilience. Whether sampling regional specialties or learning about sustainable construction through educational programs, every visit reveals a deeper connection to the land and its people.

Udaroji Ōuda stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering hands-on experiences with traditional riverbed soil crafts, using material sourced directly from the nearby Ōuda River. Visitors can sample the station’s signature fermented soybean paste, made using a centuries-old local recipe passed down through generations. Its unique combination of sustainable infrastructure education and authentic regional craftsmanship creates an experience found nowhere else.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM on weekends to secure the limited-edition grilled fish rice bowl, which is only available during this window and sells out quickly.

• Hidden Gems: Head to the northeast corner of the roadside station to find the seasonal fruit jam stand, where you can purchase small jars of locally made yuzu and strawberry jam made from ingredients sourced from nearby farms.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays, the on-site bakery offers a special batch of milk bread with a golden crust, baked fresh every morning at 7:00 AM—arrive by 8:30 AM to get the first batch.

• Local Product Highlight: Purchase the "Udaroji Premium Pickle" at the main counter—these cucumbers are pickled using a traditional method developed by the local agricultural cooperative and are only available in 200g jars.

• Best Time to Visit the Outdoor Viewing Platform: Go to the elevated observation deck just before sunset (around 5:30 PM) on weekdays to enjoy unobstructed views of the nearby river basin without crowds.

• Free Activity Tip: Join the free "Innovation in Infrastructure" guided tour at 11:00 AM on Wednesdays—this tour, hosted by the station’s staff, includes a walk through the interactive model of the regional road network and lasts 45 minutes.

• Must-Try Food: Order the "River Basin Ramen" at the food counter—it features a broth made from fish stock sourced from local river fisheries and is only served from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM daily.

Spring (March–May): Peak season for canola flower viewing (late March to early April) and fresh bamboo shoots available at the roadside station market.

Summer (June–August): Ideal for cooling off with local summer fruits and enjoying seasonal river activities.

Autumn (September–November): Best time for harvesting persimmons and experiencing vibrant fall foliage along nearby trails.

Winter (December–February): Visit for winter road safety demonstrations and seasonal hot food offerings.