Discover the Heart of Ancient Nara’s Floral and Culinary Heritage
Yamatoji Heguri, nestled in the serene countryside of northern Nara Prefecture, stands as a vibrant roadside station at the crossroads of history and nature. Surrounded by the scenic slopes of Mount Ikoma to the west and the Yata Hills to the east, the station lies along the historic Ryūtan River—a stream immortalized in the classic poetry of the Manyoshu. This region, once home to the influential Hei no clan and revered as a spiritual center, is rich with ancient temples, shrines, and burial mounds, including the famed Shingon-ji Temple and Myōkō-ji Temple.
More than a pit stop, Yamatoji Heguri is a celebration of local life. Visitors savor seasonal produce at the fresh farm market, enjoy farm-to-table meals featuring "Heguri-grown vegetables" at Restaurant Hanana, and indulge in unique treats like the "Kotoku-ka Soft Cream" and handmade strawberry candy. The station’s lively gathering plaza hosts local artisans, coffee stands, and seasonal food trucks, creating a warm, community-centered experience. With easy access from major highways and nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites like Horyu-ji Temple, it’s the perfect destination for travelers seeking authentic culture, flavor, and connection.
Why Visit
Yamatoji Heguri stands out as the only roadside station in the region where you can taste the rare Kotokawa strawberry—a locally cultivated variety known for its intense sweetness and deep red hue, available only in limited seasonal batches. The station’s handmade Kotokawa ice cream and Kotokawa mini parfaits, made with fresh-picked berries, are exclusive to this location and cannot be found elsewhere. Equally unique is the Kotokawa jam, crafted in small batches using traditional methods, offering a true taste of the ancient Kōya mountain valley. These locally crafted treats, rooted in the area’s long-standing agricultural heritage, make Yamatoji Heguri a must-visit for food lovers seeking authentic, region-specific flavors.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, local flavors at Yamatoji Heguri roadside station, where seasonal ingredients shine in every bite.
Restaurant hanana
レストランはなな
Specialty
Fresh local vegetables and homemade dishes
A restaurant that emphasizes the natural flavors of freshly harvested vegetables from the region, offering a seasonal 'to-tate lunch' and dishes like homemade curry and chicken katsudon made with local 'Yamato meat chicken'. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, ideal for enjoying regional cuisine with a focus on freshness and tradition.
Shopping Highlights
Discover regional treasures and unique souvenirs at Yamatoji Heguri roadside station’s vibrant marketplace.
Fresh Market
とれたて市（直売所）
A direct sales market offering seasonal fresh produce grown locally in the region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Koto-ka Strawberries
Specialty Goods Store
特産品販売（売店）
A retail store selling regional specialties and products from across Nara Prefecture, including unique roadside station items.
Products
Must-Try Item
Koto-ka Strawberry Products
Made Fresh Workshop
できたて工房
A workshop specializing in freshly made soft-serve ice cream, croquettes, and seasonal limited-edition treats.
Products
Must-Try Item
Koto-ka Soft Serve
Featured Products
Explore signature items like Go-ku-ka fruits, local grapes, and floral specialties unique to this historic region.
Koto-ka Strawberry
古都華いちご
A premium local strawberry variety known for its sweetness and vibrant color, grown in the fertile plains of Hirakawa.
Koto-ka Soft Serve
古都華ソフト
A signature soft-serve ice cream with a unique regional flavor, made from fresh local milk and seasonal fruits.
Koto-ka Mini Parfait
古都華ミニパフェ
A small, elegant parfait featuring layers of local fruit, cream, and Koto-ka strawberry syrup.
Koto-ka Shake
古都華シェイク
A creamy milkshake with a distinct regional flavor, made with fresh ingredients from the area.
Strawberry Candy
いちご飴
Delicate, chewy candy made with real strawberry juice and sugar, perfect as a sweet souvenir.
Koto-ka Grape
古都華ぶどう
A sweet and juicy grape variety cultivated in the region, known for its rich flavor and high quality.
Koto-ka Chrysanthemum
小菊
A delicate and fragrant chrysanthemum flower grown locally, often used in traditional crafts and tea.
Koto-ka Rose
バラ
A fragrant and vibrant rose variety cultivated in the region, ideal for floral arrangements and gifts.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge with spacious parking, accessible restrooms, and free Wi-Fi at Yamatoji Heguri roadside station.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking lot with 105 spaces, including 3 large vehicle spots and 102 regular vehicle spots. The parking lot is available 24 hours a day.
Adjacent to the roadside station entrance
Toilets
The facility includes 7 male toilets, 4 female toilets, and a baby changing station. There is also a wheelchair-accessible toilet and designated parking spaces for people with disabilities and shared parking.
Near the main entrance and information center
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) is available throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the premises
Information Center
The information center is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and provides local tourism and specialty product information. It is staffed by a tourism concierge.
Main building, near the entrance
Fureai Plaza (Community Plaza)
A lively, welcoming outdoor space designed for community interaction. It features outdoor stalls selling local specialties such as handmade tofu, fresh produce, coffee, and socks. Kitchen trucks (offering crepes, hot sandwiches, etc.) operate on weekends. The plaza is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Outdoor area near the main building
Insider Tips
Visit early for the freshest produce and check seasonal events for limited-time treats and local favorites.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure the limited daily batch of handmade tofu from the fureai广场 (festival plaza), which is only available during morning hours and often sells out by 11:30 AM.
- Hidden Gems: Stop at the made-to-order counter in the made-to-order shop (created fresh) between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM on weekdays to get the day’s first batch of the seasonal "Kotokawa Soft" (a limited-time soft serve made with local milk and seasonal fruit), which is not available after 1:00 PM.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the fureai广场 (festival plaza) between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to catch the rotating food truck lineup, including the popular crepe and hot sandwich vendors that only operate on weekends.
- Must-Try Product: Purchase the "Kotokawa Strawberry" (a local variety of strawberry) at the toretateichi (farmers’ market) before 12:00 PM, as this seasonal fruit is only available from mid-April to early June and often sells out by early afternoon.
- Best Time for Coffee: Order the locally roasted coffee at the outdoor café stand in the fureai广场 (festival plaza) between 8:30 AM and 9:15 AM, when the morning batch is freshly brewed and the shop has the largest selection of seasonal pastries.
- Avoid the Rush at Hanana: Order your "Toretate Lunch" at the restaurant hanana by 11:30 AM on weekdays to avoid the lunchtime crowd, as the kitchen stops accepting orders at 12:00 PM and the menu items are served in limited quantities based on daily harvests.
- Lunchtime Bonus: On weekdays, visit the made-to-order shop (created fresh) between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM to get the day’s only serving of the “Kotokawa Mini Parfait,” which is only available during this time and not listed on the regular menu.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Peak season for fresh strawberries and cherry blossoms; the roadside station features seasonal "Kokudo-ka" strawberries and spring vegetable markets.
Summer (June–August): Enjoy sweet summer melons and cool homemade soft serve, including limited-edition "Kokudo-ka" flavors.
Autumn (September–November): Harvest season for grapes and chrysanthemums; the station offers fresh grape tastings and autumn floral displays.
Winter (December–February): Visit for cozy "Kokudo-ka" hot chocolate and seasonal cakes, with limited kitchen car events on weekends.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a spacious play area with a lively children's zone, stroller-friendly paths, and multiple restrooms with baby beds. Features family-oriented food options and interactive local heritage exhibits.
Food Lover Review
Boasts diverse dining with fresh local produce, regional specialties like 'Kotokawa' strawberries and seasonal fruit, and unique treats such as homemade soft serve and limited-time parfaits.
Car Camping Review
Provides 24-hour parking and basic facilities including toilets and vending machines. While not designed for extended stays, quiet hours and available space make it suitable for short overnight stops.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located between mountain ranges with scenic views of the Yotagawa River and seasonal landscapes. Offers picturesque viewpoints and a serene atmosphere reflecting the natural beauty of the region.