Station Arakawa

Discover the Heart of Oyama: A Taste of Rural Japan

Arakawa roadside station lies nestled along the serene Arakawa River in the lush foothills of Oyama, offering a serene escape into the natural beauty of northern Saitama. Surrounded by forests and seasonal wildflowers like fritillary and snowdrop, it’s a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat from city life.

More than a stopover, Arakawa is a celebration of local culture and craftsmanship. Visitors can savor handcrafted soba noodles, sample rare mountain garlic known as goyou ninjin, and enjoy fresh produce directly from local farms. The adjacent Mountain Nature Hall invites guests to explore interactive exhibits and participate in seasonal workshops, while the cozy restaurant, Suzuhiro-an, serves up dishes featuring regional ingredients like wild mushrooms and seasonal fruits. With its authentic charm and deep connection to the land, Arakawa offers a true taste of rural Japan.

Visit Arakawa roadside station to experience the region’s only roadside station offering freshly harvested, locally grown wild garlic—known as sho-garlic—sold directly from farmers with their names and photos displayed. Here, you’ll also find the only kobu soba karaage (crispy fried soba fritters) made from hand-ground local buckwheat, and seasonal soft serve made with whole seasonal fruits. The adjacent Mountain Nature Hall hosts hands-on workshops in traditional crafts, making it a rare destination for immersive rural experiences.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s fresh batch of handmade soba manjuu, which are restocked daily at opening and often sell out by noon.

• Hidden Gem at the Sales Counter: Look for the "shojo ninniku" (wild garlic) displayed in the sales area—this locally sourced product is only available at Arakawa roadside station and is sold in small glass jars; it’s best used in soups or as a pickled condiment.

• Seasonal Specialty: During March and April, visit the roadside station to buy fresh fujibakama (a type of wildflower) and katanakuri (a rare early spring bulb) that are harvested locally and sold in small bundles near the entrance to the mountain trail access point.

• Restaurant Timing: Order the seasonal fruit whole soft cream at 鈴ひろ庵 (Suzuhira An) before 1:00 PM, as the daily supply of fresh fruit is limited and typically sold out by early afternoon.

• EV Charging Alert: Avoid planning a long stay between December 9 and the end of the year, as the standard EV charging station at Arakawa roadside station is temporarily offline due to equipment replacement.

• Nature Experience Access: Join the weekend nature workshop at 山里自然館 (Yamazato Natural Hall) by signing up in person at the front desk before 10:30 AM, as spots are limited and reserved on a first-come basis.

• Post-Visit Tip: If visiting in winter, drive to 大滝三十槌の氷柱 (Ootaki Sanjitsuchi Ice Columns) within 30 minutes of leaving Arakawa roadside station, as the ice formations are visible from the roadside viewing area and are most impressive during daylight hours from mid-January to early February.

Spring (March–May): Peak season for cherry blossoms at Seunji Temple (late March to mid April) and wildflowers like fujibakama and katakuri in the surrounding hills.

Summer (June–August): Ideal for visiting the natural beauty of the Arakawa River and nearby Shonyudo cave, with hiking and forest walks available.

Autumn (September–November): Perfect for enjoying the scenic views of the Sakuura Lake and the vibrant foliage in the surrounding mountains.

Winter (December–February): Best time to see the famous Mitsotsuchi Ice Columns, with the peak viewing from early January to mid February.