Station Chikatsu Asuka no Sato Taishi

Walk Where Ancient Japan Began

Chikatsu Asuka no Sato Taishi, nestled along National Route 166 in the heart of Nankai District, Osaka Prefecture, is more than a roadside station—it’s a portal to Japan’s earliest imperial era. Situated at the foot of Mount Nigami, a site celebrated in the Man'yōshū, this historic village was once the stronghold of the Soga clan and the hub of the nation’s first official road, the Takenouchi Kaidō. Here, the legacy of ancient diplomacy, continental culture, and the revered Prince Shōtoku unfolds in every stone and tree.

Visitors can explore the sacred Mebachi Mausoleum—believed to house the tombs of emperors and Prince Shōtoku—while strolling the preserved path of the ancient road. The station offers fresh local produce, including sweet grapes and citrus from nearby orchards, and serves as a gateway to nearby cultural treasures like the Takenouchi Kaidō Historical Museum and the serene Nigami Mountain Man'yō Forest. This is where history breathes, and every journey feels like a step through time.

Chikatsu Asuka no Sato Taishi stands at the heart of Japan’s oldest official road, the Nakatokai Street, where ancient history meets modern charm. Visitors can explore the only roadside station in the region offering direct access to the Mebachi Mausoleum—site of emperors and the tomb of Prince Shōtoku—and walk the preserved path of a 6th-century route that once linked Nara and Osaka. Here, you’ll find the only local grape variety, Shinshu Mascat, sold straight from the orchard, alongside rare heirloom mandarins grown in the volcanic soil of the region.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to access the full selection of fresh grapes—particularly DelaWear, Giant, and Shine Muscat—before they sell out by midday.
• Hidden Gems: At the direct sales counter, ask for the seasonal vegetable box that includes locally grown heirloom tomatoes and daikon radishes, available only from late August through early October.
• Weekend Special: On the second Saturday of each month, visit the roadside station’s “Marushide Tai-shi” market stall (located near the parking area) to purchase limited-edition handmade pottery from local artisans, which sells out quickly.
• Historical Access: Walk 2 minutes from the roadside station to the Takainaka Street Historical Materials Museum, which opens at 9:00 AM and features exhibits on the ancient Takainaka Street—the oldest official road in Japan—and includes original artifacts from the Asuka period.
• Seasonal Produce Tip: In late November, visit the roadside station’s “Ueno Orchard” information booth to sign up for the annual “Citrus Picking Experience,” held on the first and third Sundays of the month at the actual orchard just 300 meters east of the station.
• Event Timing: Attend the monthly “Takainaka Street Lantern Festival” (scheduled for October 25, 2025) by arriving before 5:00 PM to secure a spot near the main path where lanterns are lit and traditional music performances begin.
• Parking Advantage: Use the designated handicapped parking spaces (located near the main entrance) if visiting during the “Fureai Taishi 2025” market event—these spaces are reserved for early arrivals and provide direct access to the main exhibition area.

Spring (March–May): Cherry blossoms peak in early April; the annual Shōtoku Taishi Festival in April features fire rituals and street stalls.

Summer (June–August): Fresh grapes from the local vineyards are available at the roadside station from late July through August.

Autumn (September–November): Citrus harvest season begins in October, with mandarin orange picking available at nearby orchards.

Winter (December–February): The annual Takainaka Street Lantern Festival is held in late November, illuminating the historic road.