Station Okabe

Discover the Heart of Saitama’s Agricultural Bounty

Okabe roadside station lies along National Route 17 in northern Saitama Prefecture, nestled near the Fukaya Bypass and serving as a vibrant gateway to the region’s rich farming heritage. Renowned as a premier vegetable and flower hub in Japan, Okabe celebrates the abundance of local produce with fresh, seasonal offerings—from crisp Fukaya onions to vibrant cut flowers and meticulously crafted pickles. Visitors can savor authentic regional dishes like nebou-don stew and chilled tsukudani udon, or enjoy a meal at NOLA, a beloved eatery known for its creative takes on local flavors.

Beyond its culinary delights, Okabe offers easy access to world heritage sites just minutes away, making it a perfect stop for travelers exploring the area. With events throughout the year—from the celebrated Fukaya Onion Festival to seasonal flower fairs—this roadside station blends agriculture, culture, and community in a welcoming, year-round destination.

Visit Okabe roadside station to experience the heart of Saitama’s agricultural heritage, where you can taste the region’s only deep-fried deep-fried vegetable tempura made with locally grown deep-fried deep-fried vegetables. The station is also home to the only in-depth variety of pickled vegetables in the area, featuring over 200 unique local varieties. Don’t miss the signature dish, a warm, savory stewed eggplant and tofu soup served with cold udon, a true taste of the region’s culinary tradition.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit the roadside station between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM to get first access to the fresh deep valley onion and corn from the farmers' market, which are restocked daily and often sell out by midday.

• Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the deep valley onion miso rice balls, available only during the deep valley onion season (October to November), which are not listed on the main menu but are a local favorite.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the NOLA restaurant between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM to try the deep valley onion burger, a seasonal item that sells out quickly and is not available during weekdays.

• Specialty Purchase: Buy the deep valley onion rosette dog (a deep valley onion and mayonnaise-flavored hot dog) only during the deep valley onion festival in October, as it is a limited-time item tied to the seasonal event.

• Local Food Timing: Head to the restaurant counter between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to enjoy the fresh deep valley onion and mushroom bento, which are prepared daily and feature the day’s freshest ingredients.

• Unique Souvenir: Purchase the "Fukaya Nola" branded merchandise at the shop counter before 5:00 PM, as the display rotates weekly and the most popular items are often sold out by late afternoon.

• Event Access: If attending the summer gourmet festival, arrive by 10:00 AM to secure a spot at the food truck lineup, as the best selection is available early and the most popular vendors start selling out by noon.

Spring (March-May): Deep Valley's famous leeks reach peak season in spring, with the Leek Fair held in late October, but fresh leeks are available year-round.

Summer (June-August): Enjoy the SUMMER Gourmet Fair in July and the Cosmos Festival in September, featuring seasonal produce and local food.

Autumn (September-November): The Leek Season runs through November, with special events like the Leek Romesco Dog and mushroom fairs.

Winter (December-February): While no specific events are listed, the roadside station remains open year-round with local specialties and hearty dishes.