Discover the Heart of Kii: Where Nature, Culture, and Community Meet
Nestled along the serene banks of the Yoshino River in Yoshino, Yoshinoji Oyodo Information Center stands as a welcoming gateway to the ancient landscapes of the Kii Peninsula. Located just off National Route 169, it serves as a vital regional hub connecting travelers to the rich heritage of Nara Prefecture’s Yoshino and Gokasho areas. Designed with local hinoki cedar, the roadside station embraces sustainability and warmth, its striking roofline inspired by the traditional tokin headwear of Shugendo ascetics.
More than a rest stop, it’s a cultural oasis offering seasonal produce, handcrafted goods like yuzu ponzu and handmade soba noodles, and signature treats such as the beloved roadside banana cake. With a cozy café, informative kiosks, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, it’s the perfect place to pause, recharge, and connect with the spirit of Japan’s natural and historical treasures.
Why Visit
Located at the gateway to Yoshino’s cherry blossoms and UNESCO heritage sites, Yoshinoji Oyodo Information Center stands out for its authentic use of locally harvested Yoshino cedar in its warm, wood-paneled design, reflecting the region’s forest heritage. Visitors can only find the region’s famed hand-rolled番茶素麺 (roasted green tea noodles) here—crafted with local tea and traditional methods—and the exclusive Yoshinoji Oyodo Banana Cake, a moist, house-made treat made with seasonal bananas. The center also offers the rare chance to taste and purchase authentic kaki-no-ha sushi (persimmon leaf sushi) with fresh mackerel and salmon, a local specialty unavailable elsewhere.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at Yoshinoji Oyodo Information Center, where seasonal ingredients meet traditional recipes in a warm, wooden setting.
Yoshinoji Oyodo Information Center Restaurant
道の駅大淀iセンター レストラン
Specialty
Local cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and regional flavors
A cozy dining space offering a warm atmosphere with traditional Japanese wood architecture. The restaurant serves locally inspired meals using fresh, seasonal produce from the surrounding area, creating a genuine taste of the region.
Yoshinoji Oyodo Information Center Cafe
道の駅大淀iセンター 喫茶
Specialty
Light refreshments and homemade baked goods
A relaxed café space offering light meals, drinks, and homemade pastries. Perfect for a quiet break during a road trip, with a welcoming ambiance and a focus on comfort and simplicity.
Yoshinoji Oyodo Information Center Food Stall
道の駅大淀iセンター 食品販売コーナー
Specialty
Fresh local produce and regional specialties
A vibrant food stall offering a variety of fresh, locally sourced ingredients and regional delicacies. Ideal for travelers seeking authentic taste experiences from the area.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional treasures at Yoshinoji Oyodo Information Center, from fresh produce to handcrafted goods.
Yoshinoji Oyodo Information Center General Store
物産売店
A retail shop showcasing and selling a wide range of local agricultural products and regional specialties from the area.
Products
Must-Try Item
Persimmon
Yoshinoji Oyodo Information Center Bakery
道の駅パン工房
A dedicated bakery producing handmade pastries and baked goods using local ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Banana Cake
Yoshinoji Oyodo Information Center Specialty Store
特産品販売コーナー
A specialty shop focused on unique, locally produced souvenirs and regional gifts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Persimmon Leaf Sushi
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like handmade yuzu ponzu, banana cake, and persimmon leaf sushi, all made with local pride.
Banana Cake
道の駅バナナケーキ
An original banana cake made at the roadside station's bakery using fresh ingredients and a special recipe.
Cheesecake (Whole)
道の駅チーズケーキ（ホール）
An original cheesecake crafted at the roadside station's bakery, known for its rich and creamy texture.
Handmade Ponzu Soy Sauce
手づくり ぽん酢しょうゆ
A premium ponzu sauce made with high-quality rice vinegar and natural yuzu juice, crafted with care.
Hand-Drawn Bancha Noodles
手延べ番茶素麺
A unique collaboration between the local fragrant bancha tea and traditional sanwari noodles, creating a distinctive flavor.
Plum Drink
梅ドリンク
A refreshing drink with a pleasant plum aroma and 10% plum juice content, offering a crisp and invigorating taste.
Tea for Congee
茶がゆの茶
A convenient tea bag version of traditional tea for congee, easy to prepare and enjoy.
Persimmon Leaf Sushi (20-piece Set, Mackerel)
柿の葉寿司20個セット(鯖）
Traditional persimmon leaf sushi featuring mackerel slices placed on seasoned rice, wrapped in fresh persimmon leaves.
Persimmon Leaf Sushi (7-piece Set, Salmon and Mackerel Combo)
柿の葉寿司7個セット(鮭鯖コンビ）
A mixed set of persimmon leaf sushi featuring both salmon and mackerel, offering a balanced taste of the sea.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge with full amenities at Yoshinoji Oyodo Information Center, including restrooms, parking, and 24-hour access.
Parking Lot
61 parking spaces available, including 3 large vehicle spots, 56 regular vehicle spots, and 2 disabled-accessible spots.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Restrooms
Male toilets with 7 fixtures, female toilets with 8 fixtures, and 1 baby changing bed available.
Inside the roadside station
Information Center
Provides regional information on history, culture, tourism, transportation, weather, events, and accommodation. Also offers guidance on major routes (National Route 168, 169, 309).
Central plaza area
Restaurant
Offers coffee and light meals. Open daily from 8:00 to 17:00, including Sundays and holidays.
Inside the roadside station
Local Products Store
Sells local agricultural products and specialty goods from the area, including pears, persimmons, persimmon leaf sushi, tofu, konjac, and ayu fish. Open from 9:00 to 17:30 on weekdays and 8:30 to 17:30 on weekends and holidays.
Inside the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging facility available at the roadside station.
Adjacent to the parking lot
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around the seasonal harvests and check the schedule for special events and limited-edition products.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 10:00 AM on weekdays to ensure availability of the fresh-baked banana cake from the 道の駅パン工房, as it sells out daily by midday and is not restocked after 11:00 AM.
- Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the restaurant entrance for the handcrafted ponzu soy sauce, which is a top-selling item and only available in limited quantities at the roadside station—order early to avoid missing it.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, arrive by 10:30 AM to secure one of the 20-piece 鈴木鯖セット (mackerel version) of 柿の葉寿司, as this item sells out quickly and is not restocked during the day.
- Seasonal Tip: If visiting in late autumn, request the hand-rolled番茶素麺 (hand-rolled green tea noodles) at the shop counter—this item is a seasonal specialty tied to the local harvest and is only available during the fall months.
- Best Purchase for Travelers: Buy the 梅ドリンク (plum drink) in the 195g size for a compact, refreshing drink to carry in your car—this is the most popular drink at the roadside station and is sold out by 3:00 PM on busy days.
- Avoid Wait Times: Use the restaurant’s 8:00 AM opening on weekends to order the 道の駅チーズケーキ (original cheesecake) as a takeaway—this large cake is baked fresh daily and is not available for order after 12:30 PM.
- Insider Access: Visit the information desk between 8:30 and 9:00 AM on weekdays to ask for the latest updates on local events, as staff often share upcoming seasonal activities like the 梨狩り (pear picking) at 大阿太高原, which is only open during specific periods.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms peak in April at nearby Yoshino Mountain, while fresh bamboo shoots and seasonal vegetables arrive at the market.
Summer (June-August): Local summer specialties like fresh persimmons and grilled ayu fish are available at the roadside station.
Autumn (September-November): Persimmon picking begins in October at nearby Ootai Highlands, with dried persimmon treats sold at the center.
Winter (December-February): Seasonal highlights include handmade ponzu soy sauce and warming tea blends, ideal for colder months.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers stroller-friendly access, baby beds, and multiple restrooms. Includes a children's play area and interactive exhibits on local culture and nature, enhancing educational value. Kid-friendly food options like banana cake are available.
Food Lover Review
Features a dedicated café and diverse local specialties including yuzu ponzu, persimmon leaf sushi, and handmade tofu. Offers fresh seasonal produce and premium artisanal products, with strong regional authenticity and quality.
Car Camping Review
Provides 24-hour restroom and parking access, with 61 spaces including accessible spots. While not designed for overnight stays, the quiet location and basic facilities make it suitable for short stops. No explicit overnight parking policy is stated.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located along the Yoshino River with scenic views of natural landscapes. Offers excellent photo spots near the riverbank and seasonal beauty from cherry blossoms in spring to autumn foliage. The wooden building blends harmoniously with the surroundings.