Station Izumi Yama Ai no Sato

Discover the Heart of Local Flavor at Izumi Yama Ai no Sato

Nestled in the lush landscapes of southern Osaka Prefecture, Izumi Yama Ai no Sato lies just 25 kilometers from downtown Osaka and a short drive from Kansai International Airport. This roadside station serves as a vibrant gateway to the region’s natural beauty and rich agricultural heritage, set within the scenic boundaries of the Kinokuni-Kongo-Gokō National Park. Surrounded by forests, orchards, and farmland, it’s a haven for travelers seeking authentic connections with local culture and cuisine.

At the heart of the station is a bustling marketplace offering fresh, daily-harvested produce from nearby farms, including the famed Izumi mandarins, artisanal miso, honey from citrus blossoms, and seasonal vegetables. The on-site restaurant, Tsugumi, serves hearty regional favorites like the Mountain Love Bento and a uniquely crafted mandarin soft-serve. Families enjoy the large playground and interactive events, while visitors can explore nearby historic sites such as the ancient Seifuku-ji Temple and the sacred Amidaji, a sanctuary dating back to the Nara period.

Izumi Yama Ai no Sato stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering fresh, farm-direct produce from local growers, including the rare early-harvested 'Yura-Asa' mandarins—known for their delicate balance of tartness and honeyed sweetness. The station’s signature offering, the mandarin-flavored soft serve, is made with honey sourced from bees pollinating these very orchards, delivering a taste uniquely tied to the land. Beyond food, visitors can join seasonal events like the rice festival, where the rare "Niji no Kirameki" variety—grown in volcanic soil—can be purchased in bulk, a rare find outside local harvests.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit by 8:30 AM on weekends to secure the day’s first batch of freshly baked milk bread from the bakery counter, which sells out by 11:00 AM
• Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the "金山寺みそ" (Kanayama-ji miso) and "たけのこの佃煮" (bamboo shoot simmered in soy sauce), both made with local ingredients and available only in limited quantities
• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the "みかんソフトクリーム" (mandarin soft cream) is served with a complimentary mandarin slice on top—ask for it at the restaurant counter before 12:00 PM
• Best Purchase Time: Arrive between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to get the freshest "朝採れ野菜" (morning-harvested vegetables), which are delivered daily from local farms and rotate by season
• Event Tip: During the "お米イベント" (rice event) held from November 1st to 3rd, participate in the "マス盛りチャレンジ" (rice stacking challenge) using the 5kg "にじのきらめき" (Niji no Kirameki) rice sold at ¥3,300, but only if you present a receipt or food voucher totaling at least ¥2,000 from the store or restaurant
• Special Access: Visit the "南部リージョンセンター" (Southern Regional Center) between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to access the free public Wi-Fi and use the library's quiet reading area, which is not open on weekends
• Unique Experience: On weekends, stop by the large play area behind the sales hall to see the "いずみビリケン" (Izumi Biriken) wooden statue, a local mascot made from reclaimed wood from Izu City, and touch its foot for good luck—this feature is highlighted only during special events and holidays

Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots arrive in early spring, and farmers' market features seasonal greens and early vegetables.

Summer (June-August): Peak season for sweet tomatoes and corn, with watermelon available in July.

Autumn (September-November): The highlight is the annual citrus harvest, with early and late varieties of Wakayama-grown mandarins available.

Winter (December-February): Enjoy seasonal vegetables like cabbage and spinach, and participate in the winter flavor festival in December.