Station Ai no Tsuchiyama

Step into History and Harmony at the Heart of Japan’s Tea Country

Nestled along National Route 1, just halfway between Nagoya and Osaka, Ai no Tsuchiyama stands as a living testament to Japan’s rich Edo-period heritage. Once a bustling post town on the historic Tokaido Road, this roadside station honors its legacy while embracing modernity. Set in the heart of Shiga Prefecture’s renowned tea-growing region, it serves as a vibrant cultural and agricultural hub where tradition meets community.

More than a pit stop, Ai no Tsuchiyama offers travelers a sensory journey—savoring locally crafted tea, sampling seasonal specialties like matcha soft serve and salt bean mochi, and exploring exhibitions at the nearby history and folk museum. With free tea service, a cozy tatami lounge, and a range of farm-to-table dining options, it’s a place where every visit feels like a moment of quiet renewal.

At Ai no Tsuchiyama roadside station, experience the only place in Japan where you can savor a "盛り放題茶ソフト" — a limitless soft serve made with locally grown matcha and sencha, crafted from the region’s renowned tea. Indulge in the rare Salt Bean Dumpling, made with organic mochi rice from the area’s premier tea-growing district, a seasonal specialty exclusive to this station. The site’s historic roots as the 49th post town on the Tōkaidō, combined with its role as the heart of Shiga’s tea culture, make it a uniquely authentic stop for travelers seeking both flavor and heritage.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the tea-serving counter before the daily tea service ends at 11:00 AM, as the free soil tea is offered only until then and often draws lines by 10:30 AM.

• Hidden Gems: Head to the western corner of the shop area to find the seasonal salt bean dango (salt bean dango) at the dedicated Mame no Ya stall—this limited-time item is only available during specific months and sells out quickly.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the Macha Tsubo café between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM to try the overflow tea soft with a special seasonal flavor—this limited-edition version uses fresh local matcha and is only available for two hours.

• Dining Strategy: Order the seasonal rice cake at Ikuno restaurant before 12:00 PM, as the menu changes daily and the most popular seasonal variety is often sold out by 1:00 PM.

• Free Experience: Use the information kiosk in the main hall to access the free Wi-Fi and request the regional history guidebook—this includes detailed maps of the Tamura Shrine and Aino-oka Cultural Park, which are only available in the digital format.

• Parking Tip: If the main parking lot is full, use the gravel lot on the east side of the station—this is clearly marked and accessible even when the main lot is at capacity, avoiding long walks to the entrance.

• Specialty Purchase: Buy the tea uirou and tea manju at the shop counter before 3:00 PM on weekdays to ensure availability, as these items are handmade daily and often sell out by 4:00 PM.

Spring (March–May): Peak tea harvest season begins in April, with fresh土山茶 available at the roadside station.

Summer (June–August): Enjoy the盛り放題茶ソフト and seasonal events like kitchen car markets and summer festivals.

Autumn (September–November): Late harvest tea and fresh seasonal vegetables available at the roadside station.

Winter (December–February): Cozy visits with warm茶うどん and seasonal specialties like salt bean dango.