Taste the Heart of Japanese Farming at Its Finest
Agri no Sato Kuritsu, nestled in the serene countryside of Kuritō, Shiga Prefecture, is more than a roadside station—it’s a vibrant celebration of local agriculture and community. Located just minutes from Kuritō Station and accessible via the Meishin Expressway, it serves as a welcoming gateway to the region’s rich farming heritage. Surrounded by lush fields and rolling hills, the station thrives as a hub where farmers and visitors connect through fresh produce, hands-on experiences, and seasonal events.
What sets Agri no Sato Kuritsu apart is its immersive atmosphere: witness the crafting of local specialties like tofu, soba, and seasonal sweets in transparent workshops, savor farm-to-table meals featuring regional vegetables, and explore rotating festivals from autumn harvest celebrations to summer ice cream fairs. With accessible facilities, ample parking, and a warm, inclusive design, it offers a seamless experience for all ages and abilities. This is rural Japan at its most inviting—where food, nature, and tradition come together.
Why Visit
Visit Agri no Sato Kuritsu for its rare, hands-on food craftsmanship unique to the region. Witness and taste the only authentic kari-ki makizushi—a traditional rolled sushi made with local rice and seasonal vegetables—crafted daily in the on-site workshop. Equally distinctive is the seasonal Shinkansen View, where visitors can enjoy fresh meals while watching the sleek Shinkansen bullet trains glide past the roadside station’s panoramic windows. These immersive experiences, rooted in local heritage and agriculture, cannot be found anywhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor seasonal farm-to-table cuisine at Agri no Sato Kuritsu's restaurant, where local vegetables and house-made tofu, udon, and soba take center stage.
Restaurant
レストラン
Specialty
Seasonal dishes using local vegetables and products made at the on-site processing facility
A cozy dining space offering seasonal menus featuring fresh local vegetables and handmade tofu, udon, soba, and other regional specialties. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, ideal for enjoying farm-to-table cuisine in a relaxed setting.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated selection of local farm goods and artisanal products at the roadside station's vibrant market stalls.
Local Produce Corner
物産品コーナー
A retail space offering a variety of local agricultural products and specialty goods, including processed items made on-site.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kuritsu Ichijiku (Kuritsu Fig)
Tofu Workshop
豆腐工房
A dedicated workshop producing fresh tofu using traditional methods and local soybeans.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Homemade Tofu
Bread Workshop
パン工房
A workshop specializing in handmade breads using locally sourced ingredients and traditional baking techniques.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kuritsu Ichijiku Bread
Mochi Workshop
もち工房
A craft workshop producing traditional mochi using local rice and seasonal ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kuritsu Ichijiku Mochi
Gelato Workshop
ジェラート工房
A gelato workshop producing artisanal frozen desserts using fresh local ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Three-Color Gelato
Featured Products
Sample signature specialties like Kuroto persimmon sushi, handmade mochi, and regional rice, crafted with pride from fresh local ingredients.
Kuritsu Ichijiku (Kuritsu Fig)
栗東いちじく
Fresh, locally grown figs known for their sweet flavor and juicy texture, harvested during the autumn season.
Kuritsu Aguri Rice
栗東アグリ米
High-quality rice grown in the Kuritsu region, known for its soft texture and rich flavor.
Kuritsu Ichijiku Bread
栗東いちじくパン
Fresh bread made with locally grown figs, offering a sweet and chewy texture with a natural fruit flavor.
Kuritsu Ichijiku Mochi
栗東いちじく餅
Traditional mochi made with fresh local figs, combining the chewy texture of mochi with the sweetness of figs.
Three-Color Gelato
三色ジェラート
Artisan gelato with three distinct flavors—strawberry, lemon, and melon—offering a refreshing and vibrant taste experience.
Shaved Ice with Strawberry
いちごかき氷
A refreshing shaved ice dessert topped with fresh strawberry syrup, perfect for hot summer days.
Shaved Ice with Lemon
レモンかき氷
A tangy and refreshing shaved ice dessert with lemon syrup, ideal for cooling down on warm days.
Shaved Ice with Melon
メロンかき氷
A sweet and refreshing shaved ice dessert with melon syrup, offering a tropical flavor profile.
Osechi Set (3-tier)
おせち料理 3段重
Traditional New Year's meal set with three tiers, featuring a variety of symbolic dishes for prosperity and good fortune.
Osechi Set (2-tier)
おせち料理 2段重
Compact New Year's meal set with two tiers, offering a selection of traditional dishes for the holiday season.
Osechi Set (Special 1-tier)
おせち料理 スペシャル1段重
Premium New Year's meal set with a single tier, featuring high-quality ingredients and special presentation.
Kuritsu Fig Jam
栗東いちじくジャム
Homemade jam made from fresh local figs, with a rich, sweet flavor and natural fruit texture.
Kuritsu Rice Cake
栗東餅
Traditional rice cake made with local rice, known for its soft texture and delicate flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including spacious restrooms, accessible parking, and EV charging stations for a seamless visit.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking lot with 46 spaces, including 3 large vehicle spots, 41 regular vehicle spots, and 2 disabled-accessible spots.
At the roadside station premises
Restroom
There are 10 toilets (5 for men, 5 for women) with baby changing beds. The disabled-accessible restroom has 1 toilet.
Throughout the facility, including accessible areas
Information Center
The roadside station provides information on roads, local areas, tourism, and accommodation. Brochures are available. Open from 9:30 to 18:00.
Inside the roadside station
EV Charging Station
EV charging facilities are available in the parking lot. Note that the charging station was temporarily closed from September 8 to mid-October 2025 for equipment replacement.
Parking lot
Activities & Experiences
Engage in hands-on workshops and seasonal events, from harvesting to crafting, celebrating the rhythm of rural life.
Morning Market
朝市開催
Participants can experience a traditional morning market held every Wednesday from 8:00 to 9:00, offering fresh local produce and handmade goods.
Duration
60 min
Medaka Scooping and Sales Event
メダカすくい＆販売会
Participants can scoop and purchase small fish called medaka, a popular seasonal activity held during various festivals throughout the year.
Duration
60 min
Best enjoyed on sunny days
Autumn Harvest Festival
秋の行楽フェア
A seasonal celebration featuring fresh local fruits such as pears, grapes, and persimmons, along with new rice and special food items.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor event; best in mild weather
Summer Cool-down Fair
暑中お見舞いフェア
A summer event offering refreshing treats like shaved ice, tapioca ice, and colorful gelato to enjoy during hot weather.
Duration
120 min
Perfect for hot days
Persimmon Festival
栗東いちじく祭り
A seasonal festival celebrating local figs, with limited-time special pricing and fresh produce available for purchase.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor event; best in warm weather
New Rice Festival
長月感謝祭
A seasonal event celebrating the harvest of new rice, featuring special discounts and seasonal food items.
Duration
120 min
Best enjoyed during harvest season
Thanksgiving Festival
霜月感謝祭
A seasonal festival offering special food items such as rice balls, lunch boxes, and local specialty snacks.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor event; best in cool, dry weather
New Year's Osechi Meal Reservation
2026年 おせち料理 ご予約のお知らせ
Participants can reserve traditional New Year's osechi meals in three varieties, available for pickup in early January.
Duration
30 min
Reservations required; pickup during winter
Insider Tips
Visit during festival weeks for limited-edition treats and take advantage of early morning access to the farmers' market.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s first batch of fresh bread from the bread workshop, which sells out quickly and is not restocked during the day.
- Hidden Gems: Stop by the deli counter between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM on weekends to purchase the limited-edition Kuritsu Ichijiku Mochi (Kuritsu persimmon mochi), available only during seasonal festivals like the Shimotsuki Kansha Sai.
- Weekend Special: Attend the Kuritsu Ichijiku Matsuri on August 16–17 to enjoy the exclusive 100-pack limited sale of fresh Kuritsu persimmons at a special discount price, available only at the roadside station.
- Special Event Timing: Arrive by 9:00 AM on the first Saturday of each month to participate in the weekly Asaichi (morning market) held in the workshop area, where local farmers sell fresh produce directly from their farms.
- Restaurant Timing: Order the Restaurant Special Onigiri or Lunch Box between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM during seasonal festivals like the Shimotsuki Kansha Sai or Shokuzai Matsuri, as these items are only available during those events and sell out by 1:30 PM.
- EV Charging Note: Avoid using the EV charging station between September 8 and mid-October, as it will be offline due to replacement work; plan your visit accordingly if you rely on charging.
- Seasonal Purchase: Reserve your Osechi Ryori (New Year’s box meal) for 2026 by December 27, as the 3-tier, 2-tier, or special 1-tier options are only available through phone or in-person order during this period and must be picked up on December 31 between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available in early spring; seasonal menus feature spring vegetables and new rice.
Summer (June-August): Peak season for fresh figs and melons; enjoy cooling treats like shaved ice and 3-color gelato.
Autumn (September-November): Harvest festivals highlight new rice, figs, and persimmons; events include medaka scooping and autumn flavor fairs.
Winter (December-February): Special holiday offerings include 2026 osechi cuisine and year-end gift sets.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a spacious restroom with baby beds and accessible facilities. The site features hands-on experiences like meadow fishing and seasonal workshops. Though no dedicated play area exists, the open, farm-like setting and engaging activities suit families well.
Food Lover Review
Features a restaurant serving seasonal dishes made from local vegetables and products from on-site workshops. Offers diverse local specialties like persimmon bread, tofu, soba, and seasonal festivals with unique food items. Fresh produce and artisanal goods are well represented.
Car Camping Review
Provides 46 parking spaces, restrooms, and 24-hour access. However, no official overnight parking policy is stated. The site is not designed for camping, lacks quiet zones, and lacks dedicated facilities for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a peaceful rural landscape with open farmland views. Offers scenic photo opportunities, especially from the Shinkansen view area. Seasonal beauty is enhanced by fruit harvest events and well-maintained gardens with natural surroundings.