Discover the Heart of Saitama’s Culinary Spirit
Nestled in the vibrant city of Okegawa, Saitama Prefecture, Benibana no Sato Okegawa stands as a vibrant roadside station where tradition meets modern charm. Located just one minute from the Okegawa North Interchange on the Kanto Expressway, it serves as a gateway to regional culture, offering travelers a refreshing pause amid scenic farmland and historic pathways.
This dynamic hub celebrates Okegawa’s heritage—honoring its legacy as a former post town along the Nakasendo and its famed safflower roots—through a lively mix of local flavors and community spirit. Visitors can savor handmade rice balls cooked in traditional clay pots, indulge in seasonal seafood bowls, enjoy fresh dairy treats made from local Saitama milk, or treat themselves to artisanal baked goods and warm roasted sweet potatoes. With its festive atmosphere, interactive experiences, and a dedicated dog park, Benibana no Sato Okegawa is more than a stop—it’s a celebration of place, people, and the joy of shared meals.
Why Visit
Visit Benibana no Sato Okegawa to experience the only roadside station in the region offering fresh, daily milk ice cream made exclusively from locally sourced Saitama prefecture cow's milk. Savor the unique "Tsubo-yaki Yams," slow-roasted in clay pots to achieve a velvety, dessert-like texture, a specialty found nowhere else. The station’s centerpiece, the "Mushibi no Sato" rice ball stand, serves hand-pressed rice balls using fire-cooked rice and seasonal ingredients like local wagyu beef and fresh sea ingredients—each one a taste of the city’s vibrant festival spirit.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Benibana no Sato Okegawa, where seasonal ingredients meet traditional cooking in a vibrant, community-centered atmosphere.
Benebana no Sato Okegawa
べに花の郷おけがわ
Specialty
Seasonal seafood and set meals served in a festive, communal atmosphere
A lively dining space where guests gather around large barrels, enjoying seasonal seafood bowls and traditional set meals in a vibrant, celebratory setting reminiscent of the Okegawa Gion Festival.
Yakama Rice
羽釜ごはん
Specialty
Freshly cooked rice wrapped with handmade fillings using premium ingredients
A hands-on food stall offering hot rice cooked in traditional clay pots, wrapped with a variety of handmade fillings such as Wagyu beef and fresh seafood, emphasizing care and craftsmanship.
Okay Okegawa Soft & Crepe
オッケー桶川
Specialty
Freshly made crepes and soft drinks using local milk
A cheerful café offering light, sweet treats and refreshing drinks, with a focus on locally sourced milk and seasonal ingredients, creating a fun and inviting atmosphere.
Okay Okegawa Bakery
オッケー桶川
Specialty
Artisanal baked goods made with local ingredients and a playful spirit
A whimsical bakery that blends the charm of Saitama’s local produce with joyful, childlike creativity, offering a delightful experience for adults and children alike.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local crafts and regional specialties at Benibana no Sato Okegawa, a roadside station where culture and commerce come together.
Okegawa Seafood Market
桶川横丁 海鮮市場
A dedicated market corner offering fresh seafood and marine products sourced from nearby waters, emphasizing freshness and local flavor.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh local seafood
Okay Okegawa Milk
オッケー桶川
A specialty shop focused on dairy products made with Saitama-grown milk, offering a range of sweet treats and everyday dairy items.
Products
Must-Try Item
Saitama milk-based sweets
Benebana no Sato Okegawa
べに花の郷おけがわ
A general retail space offering a variety of local goods, seasonal products, and regional specialties from Okegawa City.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local seasonal products
Featured Products
Experience signature treats like fresh dairy delights and handmade sweets, crafted from the finest ingredients of Saitama and the heart of Okegawa.
Baked Sweet Potato
つぼ焼き芋
Slow-roasted sweet potatoes in clay pots, delivering a soft, smooth texture and rich natural sweetness, with a dessert-like consistency.
Saitama Milk-based Sweets
オッケー桶川 ミルク
Delicious sweets crafted using locally sourced Saitama milk, designed to be enjoyed daily as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Seasonal Seafood Box
桶川横丁 海鮮市場
A curated selection of fresh, seasonal seafood sourced from nearby coastal areas, ideal for home cooking or gifting.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities at Benibana no Sato Okegawa, including spacious parking, accessible restrooms, and a pet-friendly dog run.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking lot with approximately 280 standard vehicles, 43 large vehicles, 5 roofed spaces for disabled and pregnant visitors, and 1 EV charging station.
Near the city center, accessible from the Shirozama Park Entrance Intersection along National Route 17
Restroom
Restrooms are available at the roadside station for visitor use.
Throughout the facility
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
The roadside station features an information center to assist visitors with inquiries, maps, and event details.
Main entrance area
Dog Run
A dog run is available for pets, open from 9:00 to 17:00. Owners must supervise their pets at all times, clean up after them, and refrain from bringing food or playing frisbee or balls to avoid disturbing others.
Outdoor area near the facility
EV Charging Station
One EV charging station is available for electric vehicles.
Parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors to use.
Near the main entrance
Insider Tips
Visit early to enjoy fresh daily specials, and check the event schedule for limited-time activities and seasonal treats.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:00 AM to secure a spot at the Okegawa Okayu Bakery before the first batch of freshly baked milk bread sells out—stock is replenished only at 11:00 AM and again at 1:00 PM, with no guarantees on availability.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the Okegawa Okayu Soft & Crepe counter between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to enjoy the limited daily batch of seasonal crepes made with fresh local fruit—these often sell out by noon.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, head to the Okegawa Okayu Milk counter between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to sample the exclusive "Seasonal Milk Float" drink, available only during weekend events and not listed on the regular menu.
- Best Time to Try the Yakitori: Order the Buniku Yakitori (chicken skewers) at the Okegawa Okayu Yakitori Corner at 12:30 PM, when the grill opens for the second session of the day—this is the only time the grilled skewers are served fresh after the morning batch.
- Dining Strategy: Reserve a seat at Benibana no Sato Okegawa's Kumo Maru Dai Shokudō during lunch hours (11:30 AM – 1:30 PM) to enjoy the rotating seasonal set menu, which includes a special "Sakura Salmon Bento" available only on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- Unique Experience: Join the "Milk Milking Experience" held on the first Sunday of each month from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM—this exclusive event allows visitors to observe the milking process and sample fresh, unpasteurized milk directly from the cow, with tickets available only at the front desk.
- Late-Day Snack Tip: Visit the Tsubo Yaki Iyokan (baked sweet potato) stand at 3:00 PM to enjoy the final daily batch of hot, soft sweet potatoes, which are baked in clay pots and often sell out by 4:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Canola flowers bloom in late March to April, creating a vibrant yellow landscape ideal for photo walks.
Summer (June–August): Fresh sea urchin and seasonal seafood are featured at the Seafood Market from July to August.
Autumn (September–November): Baked sweet potatoes are available in October and November, served hot and sweet.
Winter (December–February): Enjoy warm milk-based treats and seasonal sweets from the milk café and bakery.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Features a dog run, play-friendly layout, and multiple kid-oriented food options. Stroller access and safety are well maintained with ample parking and clear signage. Educational elements include seasonal food experiences and local culture displays.
Food Lover Review
Offers diverse, high-quality dining with local specialties like seasonal seafood bowls and handmade rice balls. Fresh produce from the nearby market and artisanal products, including regional milk and baked goods, enhance the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, vending machines, and ample parking, including dedicated spaces for large vehicles. Quiet during daytime hours, though no explicit overnight parking policy is stated. Limited comfort for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Situated in a scenic rural area with well-maintained grounds and seasonal landscaping. Offers photo-worthy views of the surrounding countryside and themed food areas. The atmosphere blends local charm with vibrant cultural elements.