Discover the Heart of Rural Japan at Agri Park Ryuo
Nestled in the scenic Lake Biwa region of Shiga Prefecture, Agri Park Ryuo is a vibrant roadside station where agriculture, nature, and tradition come together. Located just minutes from the Ryuo Interchange on the Meishin Expressway, it serves as a gateway to the historic and fertile landscapes of the Ryuo Town area, surrounded by mountains and rice fields that have nurtured the region for centuries.
More than a rest stop, Agri Park Ryuo is a living farm experience. Visitors can enjoy fruit picking, hands-on rice planting and harvesting, or stroll through the animal interaction field and the well-preserved田園資料館 (Rural History Museum). With a farm-to-table café, a bakery serving freshly baked bread daily, and a bustling produce market, every visit offers a taste of authentic local life. Whether you're exploring the orchards, renting a swan boat, or savoring a traditional sukiyaki meal, Agri Park Ryuo invites travelers to connect with the land and its people.
Why Visit
Agri Park Ryuo stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering hands-on fruit harvesting from its dedicated orchards, where visitors can pick ripe black soybeans, chestnuts, and seasonal berries. Its signature experience is the rice planting and harvesting tours, allowing guests to walk through terraced paddies and learn traditional farming methods passed down for generations. These immersive, seasonal activities are available nowhere else in the area.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor farm-fresh flavors at Agri Park Ryuo’s cozy eateries, where local ingredients shine in hearty meals and seasonal specialties.
Restaurant Agurichan
レストラン アグリちゃん
Specialty
Traditional Japanese cuisine with a focus on local ingredients
A cozy restaurant offering authentic Japanese meals made with fresh, locally sourced produce. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for families and travelers seeking a genuine dining experience.
Berryberry Cafe
ベリーベリーカフェ
Specialty
Fresh fruit-based beverages and light snacks
A cheerful café offering refreshing drinks and light meals made with seasonal fruits. The relaxed, garden-like setting makes it ideal for a leisurely break.
Shopping Highlights
Discover authentic regional treasures at Agri Park Ryuo’s vibrant market, where farm goods and handmade crafts tell the story of the land.
Farmers Market Dragon-chan
産地直売所 ドラゴンちゃん
A direct farm market selling fresh seasonal produce, including fruits, vegetables, and local rice.
Products
Must-Try Item
Black soybeans
Bakery Dragon Mama
焼き立てパン工房 ドラゴンママ
A daily-baked artisan bakery where local mothers prepare fresh bread using traditional methods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly baked bread
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature products like sweet fruits, freshly baked bread, and premium local rice.
Black Soybeans
竜王黒大豆
High-quality black soybeans grown in the fertile fields of Ryuo, known for their rich flavor and texture.
Freshly Baked Bread
焼きたてパン
Artisan bread baked daily using traditional methods and locally sourced flour.
Local Rice
近江米
Premium rice grown in the fertile fields of Ryuo, known for its sticky texture and delicate flavor.
Persimmon
柿
Sweet, juicy persimmons harvested from the orchards of Ryuo, perfect for snacking or cooking.
Black Soybean Paste
黒大豆味噌
Authentic soybean paste made from locally grown black soybeans, offering a deep umami flavor.
Sweet Potato
さつまいも
Organic sweet potatoes grown in Ryuo’s rich soil, known for their natural sweetness and smooth texture.
Yam
さといも
Fresh, organic yams harvested from local farms, ideal for boiling, roasting, or mashing.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities at Agri Park Ryuo, including spacious parking, EV charging, and accessible restrooms for a seamless visit.
Parking Lot
200 parking spaces available, including 6 large vehicle spots and 194 regular vehicle spots.
Near the main entrance
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle fast charging available. The charging station has been upgraded and is now operational.
Near the main parking area
Wireless LAN
Free wireless LAN access available throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Information & Rest Area
Information desk providing guidance on local roads, regional attractions, and tourism. Brochures and maps are available.
Main information corner
Restrooms
Male toilets: 14 small, 6 large. Female toilets: 17. Includes 5 multi-purpose toilets for people with disabilities.
Scattered throughout the facility, including near the main entrance and information center
Nursing Room
Private room equipped for breastfeeding and baby care, located within the multi-purpose toilets area.
Near the multi-purpose toilets
ATM
One ATM available on-site for visitor convenience.
Near the main entrance
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in hands-on experiences from fruit picking to rice planting, with seasonal events and interactive adventures for all ages.
Peach Picking
桃狩り
Participants will pick fresh peaches from the orchard during the harvest season.
Duration
60 min
Plum Picking
梅狩り
Participants will pick fresh plums from the orchard during the harvest season.
Duration
60 min
Pumpkin Harvesting
さつまいも掘り
Participants will dig up and collect freshly harvested sweet potatoes from the fields.
Duration
60 min
Wear long sleeves and sturdy shoes; bring gloves and rain gear if needed.
Sweet Potato Harvesting
さといも収穫体験
Participants will dig up and collect freshly harvested sweet potatoes from the fields.
Duration
60 min
Wear long sleeves and sturdy shoes; bring gloves and rain gear if needed.
Black Soybean Picking
黒枝豆の摘み取り体験
Participants will pick black soybeans from the plants in the field.
Duration
60 min
Peanut Harvesting
落花生狩り
Participants will dig up and collect freshly harvested peanuts from the ground.
Duration
60 min
Wear long sleeves and sturdy shoes; bring gloves and rain gear if needed.
Rice Planting Experience
田植え
Participants will learn and practice traditional rice planting techniques in a paddy field.
Duration
120 min
Wear waterproof boots and bring rain gear.
Rice Harvesting Experience
稲刈り
Participants will learn and practice traditional rice harvesting techniques in a rice field.
Duration
120 min
Wear long sleeves and sturdy shoes; bring gloves and rain gear if needed.
Fruit Farming Experience
果樹作り
Participants will learn about fruit tree cultivation and care through hands-on activities.
Duration
90 min
Children's Agricultural & Food Experience Tour
体験イベントまるごと竜王産！子どもの農業＆食体験ツアー
Children will participate in a full-day agricultural and food experience tour, including farming, harvesting, and cooking local ingredients.
Duration
180 min
Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes; bring sunscreen and a hat.
Animal Interaction Area
動物ふれあい広場
Participants can interact with and feed various farm animals such as goats, sheep, and chickens.
Duration
60 min
Swan Boat Ride
スワンボート
Participants can rent and paddle swan-shaped boats on the pond.
Duration
30 min
Wear non-slip shoes; avoid boating during strong winds or rain.
Grassland Golf
グランドゴルフ場
Participants can play a relaxed version of golf on a grass field using specially designed clubs and balls.
Duration
60 min
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen.
Traditional Rice Field Museum
田園資料館
Participants can explore a museum dedicated to rice farming history and traditional agricultural tools.
Duration
45 min
Charcoal BBQ
炭焼きバーベキュー
Participants can enjoy a hands-on charcoal barbecue experience with pre-prepared ingredients and equipment.
Duration
90 min
Indoor seating available; bring rain gear if dining outdoors.
Insider Tips
Plan ahead for peak harvests, arrive early to avoid crowds, and check the blog for real-time updates on availability and events.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on weekdays to catch the daily fresh batch of bread from the Bakery Dragon Mama, which is baked by local mothers and often sells out by noon.
- Hidden Gems: Head to the Fruit Harvest Experience area early in the season to pick black branch beans—these are available for harvest with a 100 yen entry fee and sold at 1,300 yen per bag, a unique local specialty not available elsewhere.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, arrive by 10:00 AM to secure a spot at the Berryberry Cafe, which opens earlier than most other facilities and serves seasonal fruit treats that are only available during peak harvest months.
- Best Food Timing: Order the Old-fashioned Sukiyaki at the Restaurant Agurichan between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM on weekends, as this dish is prepared fresh daily and is only available during those hours.
- EV Charging Tip: If using the EV charging station, arrive before 11:00 AM during weekdays, as the station is often fully occupied by early afternoon due to high demand from travelers using the nearby highway exit.
- Best Animal Interaction Time: Visit the Animal Interaction Field between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on weekdays to see the animals fed and active before they settle down later in the day.
- Seasonal Product Alert: Check the Farm Experience page and blog before visiting to confirm availability for Sweet Potato Digging or Yam Harvesting, as these activities require advance booking and are only open during specific weeks of the year.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Peak season for black soybean harvesting and early vegetable picking, with rice planting activities beginning in April.
Summer (June-August): Ideal for fruit picking, especially peaches and plums, and outdoor events with no closures.
Autumn (September-November): Best for sweet potato digging, chestnut gathering, and autumn foliage viewing around the park.
Winter (December-February): Limited seasonal offerings, though the bakery and information center remain open year-round.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a dedicated animal interaction area, child-friendly activities like fruit picking, and a playground. Features kid-friendly food options and stroller-accessible paths. Educational experiences include farming and nature exhibits, enhancing family engagement.
Food Lover Review
Provides diverse dining options including a local restaurant, fruit-themed cafe, and barbecue. Features fresh local produce at the farm stand and handmade bread. Offers unique regional specialties like seasonal fruit picking and traditional rice dishes.
Car Camping Review
Offers ample parking, 24-hour restroom access, and EV charging. Quiet and spacious with natural surroundings, though no designated overnight camping zones. No explicit overnight parking policy noted.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a scenic rural area surrounded by mountains and rice fields. Offers picturesque views, multiple photo spots including the pond and orchards, and seasonal beauty from fruit harvests to autumn foliage.