Station Oku-Kawachi Kuromaro no Sato

Discover the Heart of Rural Osaka at Oku-Kawachi Kuromaro no Sato

Nestled in the lush, green expanse of southern Osaka’s Oku-Kawachi region, Oku-Kawachi Kuromaro no Sato is a vibrant roadside station where nature, culture, and community converge. Located in Kawachinagano City, this destination offers travelers a complete experience—where fresh local produce, hands-on workshops, and seasonal events come together in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.

Visitors can savor farm-to-table meals at the buffet restaurant, sample artisanal bread and juices from the on-site workshop, or shop for seasonal vegetables and regional specialties at the direct farm market. With nearby attractions like the Osaka Prefecture Flower Culture Garden, the Kinkonkan Forestry Center, and the Furusato History Learning Center, the station serves as a gateway to immersive experiences in agriculture, craftsmanship, and local heritage—all easily accessible from major highways or public transit.

Visit Oku-Kawachi Kuromaro no Sato to experience the only roadside station in the region featuring a dedicated farm-to-table buffet restaurant serving dishes crafted exclusively from hyper-local harvests, including seasonal mountain vegetables and heirloom rice. Here, you can also sample the area’s only artisanal milk ice cream made from Jersey cows raised in nearby pastures—a rare treat found nowhere else.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the musa-sabi bread workshop and cafe before the morning bread batch sells out, as the bakery opens at 9:00 AM and often fills quickly.

• Hidden Gems: Stop at the JA Osaka South Agricultural Direct Sales Store "Asukatekurude" between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM on weekdays to view the daily fresh produce display, where you can find seasonal items like newly harvested sweet potatoes and heirloom tomatoes from local farms.

• Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the Buffet Restaurant Okukawachi between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM to enjoy the seasonal "Autumn Tempura Fair" menu, which features locally caught vegetables and fish prepared in the restaurant’s signature style.

• Experience Booking Tip: Book hands-on workshops such as flower arrangement or woodcraft through the Okukawachi Visitor Center or the asoview! website at least 48 hours in advance, as these programs often fill up quickly, especially during peak months like October and November.

• Local Food Insight: Purchase the "Kawachi Rice Festival" rice at the Okukawachi Visitor Center during the October 11–November 10 event period, as this limited-edition rice is only available at the roadside station during the festival and is sold in 1-kilogram packages.

• Parking Strategy: Use the "considerate parking spaces" (2 spots) located near the entrance to the Okukawachi Visitor Center if you plan to visit the musa-sabi bread workshop and cafe, as these spots are reserved for visitors with mobility needs and are closest to the entrance.

• Event Timing: Attend the TCH Market on December 14 at the Bazaar Plaza, which takes over the entire outdoor area and features a variety of local artisans selling handmade goods including preserved flower offerings and handmade towels—arrive by 10:00 AM to avoid the midday crowd.

Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available April–May; seasonal canola flower viewing peaks in late April.

Summer (June–August): Summer vegetable harvests and outdoor events at the riverbank; peak for fresh produce at the farm stand.

Autumn (September–November): New rice fair begins mid-October; autumn tempura festival features seasonal ingredients.

Winter (December–February): Special winter events and holiday markets; hot drinks and seasonal treats available.