Discover the Heart of Rural Osaka at Chihaya Akasaka
Nestled in the serene hills of Chihaya Akasaka Village—the only village in Osaka Prefecture—this charming roadside station offers a refreshing escape just one hour from downtown Osaka. Located along National Route 309, it serves as a vibrant gateway to the region’s rich history, pristine nature, and authentic local culture. More than a rest stop, Chihaya Akasaka is a living hub where visitors connect with rural life, seasonal harvests, and community spirit.
At the heart of the experience is the rooftop café, offering panoramic views of the Kongo Mountains and a menu rooted in local ingredients—from farm-fresh produce to seasonal treats like strawberry parfaits and handmade rice crackers. The station also hosts rotating markets, seasonal workshops like bamboo basket weaving, and cultural events that celebrate the village’s heritage. With its emphasis on sustainability, community engagement, and the “EAT VILLAGE! THINK THE WORLD!” philosophy, Chihaya Akasaka is a true destination for mindful travel.
Why Visit
Chihaya Akasaka stands out as the only roadside station in Osaka Prefecture’s sole village, offering a rare blend of authentic mountain village life and curated local treasures. Its standout feature is the exclusive MURA GELATO—handcrafted seasonal gelato using only organic, pesticide-free fruits from the village and Hokkaido’s non-homogenized milk, made without artificial additives. Equally unique is the Pond Field Curry, a signature dish crafted with rice from the famed Shitakabe Rice Terraces, seasonal vegetables, and a secret blend of 11 spices, all served with a side of village history. Visitors can also enjoy the only stone oven pizza in the area, baked by rotating local artisans on weekends.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor farm-fresh flavors at Chihaya Akasaka roadside station, where seasonal produce and local rice create hearty, authentic meals.
Village Café
村カフェ
Specialty
Seasonal dishes made with local ingredients including rice, vegetables, and fruits
A cozy café located on the second floor of the roadside station, offering panoramic views of the Kinokawa Mountains. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, perfect for enjoying coffee, homemade desserts, and seasonal specialties. The space also features a village library for reading and quiet relaxation.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local crafts and farm-fresh goods at Chihaya Akasaka roadside station’s thoughtfully curated shop.
Village Specialty Store
村ショップ
A retail shop offering handmade crafts, local food products, and seasonal specialties from Chihaya Akasaka Village.
Products
Must-Try Item
MURA GELATO (Village Gelato)
Organic Corner
オーガニックコーナー
A dedicated section selling organic products made without pesticides or fertilizers, including processed foods and ingredients used in the village café.
Products
Must-Try Item
Organic Rice Flour
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the village with signature items like seasonal fruit gelato, organic jams, and handcrafted rice-based treats.
MURA GELATO (Village Gelato)
もったいないから産まれたこだわり！MURA GELATO（村ジェラート）
Artisanal gelato made with seasonal fruits from the village, using no artificial emulsifiers or stabilizers. Made with domestically sourced kuzu powder and non-homogenized milk from Hokkaido.
Kinokawa Mountain Beer
金剛山ビール
A refreshing beer made with rice from the terraced fields of Shimoakasaka and spring water from the Kinokawa Mountain foothills. Ideal as a souvenir or gift.
Eco Bag with Village Concept
道の駅ちはやあかさかコンセプト エコバッグ
A reusable shopping bag featuring the roadside station's slogan 'EAT VILLAGE! THINK THE WORLD!' Designed for sustainable shopping and eco-friendly living.
Organic Rice Flour
有機米粉
Rice flour made from organically grown rice, used in local recipes and available for purchase as a staple ingredient.
Organic Sugar and Salt
有機砂糖・塩
Natural sugar and salt produced without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, used in local cooking and baking.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax with convenient amenities at Chihaya Akasaka roadside station, including restrooms, parking, and a 24-hour phone booth.
Parking Lot
84 parking spaces available (82 regular cars, 2 for disabled persons). Located within the same premises as the community hall and local history museum.
Same premises as kusunoki hall and local history museum
Restroom
Male toilets: 3 small, 2 large. Female toilets: 4. Includes 1 disabled-accessible toilet.
Inside the roadside station
Information Center
Serves as a tourist information office, providing local tourism and specialty product information.
Inside the roadside station
Wi-Fi
Available for visitors at the roadside station.
Inside the roadside station
Play Area
The roadside station hosts various seasonal events and markets such as craft fairs, recycling markets, and seasonal workshops, offering interactive experiences for visitors.
Inside the roadside station
Onsen
Not available at this roadside station.
Bike Rental
Bike rental services are available at nearby facilities: Kira-meki Factory (30 minutes from Kintetsu Nagano Line, Futami Station) and Bicycle Step (20 minutes from Kintetsu Nagano Line, Kawakami Station).
Nearby facilities: Kira-meki Factory and Bicycle Step
Nursing Room
Not mentioned in the provided content.
EV Charging
Not mentioned in the provided content.
ATM
Not mentioned in the provided content.
Pet Area
Not mentioned in the provided content.
Activities & Experiences
Engage in hands-on workshops and seasonal events that celebrate the culture and natural beauty of Chihaya Akasaka.
Bamboo Basket Making Workshop
竹かごづくり教室
Participants will learn to make bamboo baskets at their own pace using traditional techniques.
Duration
120 min
Miso Making Workshop
お味噌づくりワークショップ
Participants will make traditional miso using local ingredients and learn the fermentation process.
Duration
120 min
Bengala Dyeing Workshop
ベンガラ染め
Participants will learn traditional Bengala dyeing techniques using natural pigments.
Duration
120 min
Indigo Dyeing Workshop
藍染め
Participants will experience traditional indigo dyeing using natural indigo and learn about sustainable dyeing practices.
Duration
120 min
Wreath Making Workshop
リース作り
Participants will create handmade wreaths using seasonal natural materials.
Duration
90 min
Bamboo Chopsticks Making Workshop
竹のお箸づくり
Participants will craft their own bamboo chopsticks using traditional tools and techniques.
Duration
90 min
Wood-fired Pizza Baking Experience
石窯ピザ
Participants will enjoy freshly baked wood-fired pizza and can request pizza-making sessions.
Duration
60 min
Closed on rainy days
Guided Village Walk Tour
お散歩ツアーガイド
Participants will explore scenic spots including the Upper Akasaka Castle Ruins, the Akasaka Terraced Rice Fields, and the Nanki Shogun Birthplace.
Duration
120 min
Spring Children's Workshop Festival
そだてる 春のこどもワークショップまつり
A seasonal festival featuring hands-on workshops for children, including crafts and local food activities.
Duration
180 min
Handmade Market: Tsukuruichi
つくる市
A monthly market featuring handmade crafts, local produce, and food stalls including wood-fired pizza and kitchen carts.
Duration
180 min
Recycling & Antique Market: Kurukuruichi
くるくる市
A market offering second-hand goods, vintage items, and unique finds.
Duration
180 min
Market for Curiosity: Wakawaku Market
ワクワクを「育てるマーケット
A seasonal market featuring workshops like wreath making, natural dyeing, and handmade bread, encouraging sustainable shopping.
Duration
180 min
Insider Tips
Visit early for the freshest produce, and check seasonal events for limited-time treats and special experiences.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 9:30 AM on weekdays to meet the daily farmers who deliver fresh produce directly to the roadside station, as their deliveries arrive around this time and you can speak with them before the shop opens.
- Hidden Gems: Check the organic corner in the shop on weekends to find locally made, pesticide-free jams, dried fruits, and processed goods made from produce grown without chemical fertilizers—these items sell out quickly.
- Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the outdoor plaza between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to enjoy freshly baked stone oven pizza from Spring Market Pizza, as this is when the food truck operates and the pies are available for immediate purchase.
- Seasonal Menu Timing: Order the seasonal fruit parfaits—such as strawberry, peach, or fig—only during their designated seasons (strawberry: December to August; peach: June to October; fig: August to October), as they are made exclusively from in-season local harvests and are not available year-round.
- Café Viewing Advantage: Reserve a table on the second floor of Chihaya Akasaka between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM to enjoy panoramic views of the Kinugasa Mountains and the surrounding rice terraces, especially when the sun is high and the scenery is most vivid.
- Event Planning Tip: Confirm upcoming events like the "Wakkuwaku no Iru Maketto" (second and fourth Thursday) or the "Tsukuru Ichi" (first Sunday) by checking the official Instagram (@chiaka_michi) the day before, as pop-up vendors and special food offerings are announced only through social media.
- Takeout & Pre-Order Benefit: Call ahead to the roadside station at 0721-21-7557 to pre-order the farm-to-table lunch set, including the handmade rice ball or the farm-fresh omelet rice, which is prepared fresh upon order and ensures availability during peak lunch hours.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Visit for watercress harvest in late March and cherry blossoms at the Sui-sen Hill in early April.
Summer (June-August): Enjoy seasonal strawberries from June to August and summer events like the beer garden.
Autumn (September-November): Experience the autumn festival with local floats and red maple leaves in late October.
Winter (December-February): See 50,000 narcissus flowers bloom in early February at the Sui-sen Hill.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a children's play area, kid-friendly food options like seasonal treats, and stroller-accessible facilities. The interactive workshops and nature-based activities enhance educational appeal for families.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse local cuisine including seasonal specialties like strawberry parfait and rice-based dishes. Fresh produce, artisanal gelato, and regional beer enhance the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms and parking available 24/7, but lacks designated overnight camping zones. Quiet surroundings during off-hours support short stays, though no explicit camping policy is stated.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by scenic views of Mount Kinugasa and terraced rice fields. Offers panoramic vistas from the second-floor café and seasonal beauty from spring cherry blossoms to winter snowscapes.