Discover the Heart of Wakasa: Where Nature, History, and Local Flavor Unite
Kanan, a roadside station nestled along National Route 309 in southern Osaka Prefecture, serves as a vibrant gateway between city life and the tranquil countryside. Located at the foot of the Kasuga Mountains and within the scenic Kinokuni-Kinokawa National Park, this station offers more than a rest stop—it’s a cultural crossroads where the rich heritage of the ancient Asuka era meets modern rural vitality.
Here, visitors savor the essence of local agriculture through the on-site farm shop, featuring seasonal specialties like sweet, sun-ripened figs, organic "Kanan Eco Rice," and traditional vegetables such as Hashima cucumbers and Katsuma Nanjing. The station also hosts an active community center with a café and meeting space, making it a hub for both travelers and residents. Nearby, explore historic sites like the Hikawa-ji Temple, the Kinkaku-cho Kofun Park, and the striking modern architecture of the Asuka Museum, all within easy reach.
Why Visit
Visit Kanan roadside station to taste the region’s only fully ripened, sun-ripened figs—harvested at peak sweetness in late summer and sold fresh only here. At the on-site processing facility, sample unique local specialties like millet bread made from native rice and handmade jam from heirloom vegetables such as the rare Nagakura cucumber. This is the only place where you can find these hyper-local products, directly from the fertile fields of the Kawakami Mountains.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, locally grown flavors at Kanan roadside station, where seasonal produce meets traditional recipes.
Café Corner
喫茶コーナー
Specialty
A cozy space for relaxation and socializing, located within the agricultural revitalization center.
A welcoming café area designed for leisurely conversations, meetings, and enjoying light refreshments in a warm, community-oriented atmosphere.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional goods and handcrafted items at Kanan's vibrant roadside station shop.
Agricultural Revitalization Center
農村活性化センター
A retail shop offering fresh local produce and locally made processed goods, emphasizing regional agriculture and sustainability.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fukurokuju Fig
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like ripe figs, premium 'Kanan Eco Rice', and heirloom vegetables from local farms.
Fukurokuju Fig
福禄寿いちじく
A sweet, fully ripened fig grown in the fertile soil and clean water of the region, known for its rich flavor and seasonal availability in summer.
Kananshi Eco Rice Mizukoshi
河南エコ米水越
A premium brand rice cultivated using eco-friendly farming methods in the fertile fields of Kananshi, known for its rich taste and high quality.
Kananshi Traditional Cucumber
毛馬きゅうり
A traditional cucumber variety from the region, known for its crisp texture and refreshing taste, grown using local agricultural practices.
Kananshi Traditional Nanking Cucumber
勝間南京
A unique variety of traditional cucumber with a distinctive flavor and texture, cultivated in the local area using time-honored methods.
Local Millet Bread
地場産米粉パン
A soft, naturally flavored bread made from locally grown millet flour, highlighting regional agricultural products and traditional baking techniques.
Local Jam
地場産ジャム
A fruit preserve made from fresh, locally grown fruits, offering a natural and authentic taste of the region's seasonal harvest.
Local Rice Cake
地場産お餅
A traditional rice cake made from locally grown rice, known for its soft texture and authentic regional flavor.
Local Side Dish
地場産お惣菜
A variety of ready-to-eat side dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering authentic regional flavors.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including spacious parking, accessible restrooms, and free Wi-Fi at Kanan roadside station.
Parking Lot
44 parking spaces available, including 3 large vehicle spots, 40 regular vehicle spots, and 1 disabled-accessible spot.
Located along National Route 309 Bypass
Restroom
Male toilets: 4 small, 2 large; Female toilets: 6; Includes 1 baby changing station.
Throughout the roadside station premises
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless LAN service using Osaka Free Wi-Fi.
Available throughout the roadside station
Information Center
Provides traffic updates, nearby tourist information, weather reports, disaster alerts, medical information, and details about other roadside stations.
Located within the roadside station
Farm Produce Store
Sells local agricultural products, specialty goods, and processed items made on-site. Offers fresh vegetables, fruits, and traditional regional produce such as 'Kanan Eco Rice Mizukoshi', Maema Cucumber, and Katsu-Nanjin. Also features popular products like figs, rice flour bread, jam, mochi, and side dishes.
Inside the roadside station
Insider Tips
Visit early for the best selection of fresh produce and check seasonal events for exclusive local experiences.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 8:45 and 9:15 AM on weekends to secure the first batch of fresh-baked milk bread from the on-site bakery, which sells out by 11:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: Ask at the deli counter for the "河南エコ米水越" rice-based snacks, which are only available during the summer months and made exclusively from locally grown rice
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the agricultural processing hall by 10:00 AM to purchase the day’s limited batch of handmade ichigo jam, made with fresh local strawberries
- Best Purchase Time: Buy the seasonal fresh figs between mid-July and mid-September, as they are only stocked on weekdays and typically sell out by 3:00 PM
- On-Site Experience: Use the free Osaka Free Wifi at the information desk to access the digital guide for the nearby Kofun Park, which includes audio commentary on the 6th-century double-round burial mound with stone coffins
- Local Insight: If visiting during summer, reserve a seat at the café area of the Agricultural Activation Center by 11:30 AM to enjoy a chilled cup of locally made green tea served with seasonal fruit pastries
- Special Access: During the autumn season, enter the West Heian-era memorial hall at the Hongawa Temple Cultural Forest through the side entrance near the parking lot, which is open only during daylight hours and offers a quieter view of the West Heian poet’s grave and original calligraphy display
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms bloom at Hongawa-ji Temple in early April, while fresh bamboo shoots appear at the roadside station market.
Summer (June-August): Ripe figs reach peak season in July, with sweet, fully matured fruit available at the roadside station.
Autumn (September-November): Red leaves at Hongawa-ji Temple create stunning views in late November, ideal for autumn foliage viewing.
Winter (December-February): The roadside station remains open year-round, offering warm local foods and seasonal produce throughout winter.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Kanan offers a baby changing station, stroller-friendly paths, and a welcoming atmosphere. While no dedicated play area exists, nearby attractions like the animal farm and historical sites provide engaging experiences for children. The focus on local produce and interactive farming activities adds educational value for families.
Food Lover Review
Kanan excels in local food quality with fresh produce from its farm center. It features regional specialties like Hanawa Eco Rice, Hashima cucumber, and ripe figs. The shop sells artisanal items such as rice flour bread and jams, and the on-site processing adds authenticity and appeal for food enthusiasts.
Car Camping Review
The station provides 44 parking spaces, including accessible spots, and 24-hour restroom access. While there is no official overnight parking policy, the quiet location and availability of restrooms support short-term stays. However, lack of designated camping facilities limits its suitability for extended car camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
Kanan is situated in a scenic area with views of the Kongo-kinugasa mountain range and surrounding natural landscapes. Seasonal beauty is evident in cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. The nearby historical sites and green spaces offer picturesque photo opportunities and a peaceful, aesthetically pleasing environment.