Savor the Heart of Shiga at Biwako Ohashi Rice Plaza
Nestled along National Route 477 near the iconic Biwako Ohashi Bridge, Biwako Ohashi Rice Plaza is a vibrant roadside station that celebrates the rich agricultural heritage of Shiga Prefecture. Located in the historic town of Iwakura, it offers travelers a refreshing pause with panoramic views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding Hiei Mountains. More than just a rest stop, it serves as a cultural and culinary gateway to the region’s traditions.
At the heart of the station is its renowned direct sales market, where visitors can sample and purchase premium local rice, seasonal vegetables, and artisanal products from Shiga’s farmers and producers. The on-site restaurant highlights regional ingredients in its diverse menu, from hearty local cuisine to quick bites and coffee. With free Wi-Fi, EV charging, a spacious picnic lawn, and a rooftop viewing platform, Biwako Ohashi Rice Plaza invites travelers to slow down, connect with nature, and experience the authentic flavors of Shiga.
Why Visit
Visit Biwako Ohashi Rice Plaza to experience the only roadside station in Shiga Prefecture where you can sample and purchase freshly milled, regionally grown Koshihikari rice directly from local farmers, including limited-edition heirloom varieties. The 2nd-floor balcony offers the only public vantage point along the Biwako Ohashi Bridge with unobstructed views of the entire northern stretch of Lake Biwa and the Byora Mountains, perfect for capturing the iconic "Kanada no Rakugan" landscape.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Biwako Ohashi Rice Plaza, where fresh, regionally sourced ingredients shine in every dish.
Local Harvest Restaurant
地産地消レストラン
Specialty
Seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients from Shiga Prefecture
A cozy dining space offering a variety of meals crafted from fresh, regional produce. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for travelers seeking authentic local flavors.
Biwako View Café
びわ湖ビューカフェ
Specialty
Scenic views of Lake Biwa with light meals and beverages
A relaxed café located on the second-floor balcony, offering panoramic views of Lake Biwa and the Hiei Mountains. Ideal for afternoon tea or a quiet break.
Seasonal Delights Food Stall
旬の味食堂
Specialty
Quick, affordable meals using seasonal ingredients
A casual food stall offering fast, delicious meals made with fresh, seasonal produce from Shiga. Perfect for a quick bite while exploring the station.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated selection of local crafts, seasonal produce, and regional specialties at Biwako Ohashi Rice Plaza’s vibrant shop.
Local Produce Market
直売所
A dedicated market selling fresh, locally grown agricultural products from Shiga Prefecture, including vegetables, fruits, and rice.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Shiga Rice
Souvenir & Gift Shop
お土産
A shop offering a wide variety of souvenirs and gifts from Shiga Prefecture and Kyoto, perfect for visitors looking to take home a piece of the region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Shiga Rice Cake
Bakery Corner
ベーカリー
A small bakery specializing in fresh bread, pastries, and traditional Japanese sweets made with local ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Matcha Croissant
Craft & Local Art Shop
工芸品
A shop featuring handmade crafts and traditional art from Shiga Prefecture, including pottery, textiles, and woodwork.
Products
Must-Try Item
Shiga Pottery Set
Dairy & Meat Specialty Store
乳製品・肉類
A specialty store offering high-quality dairy and meat products from local Shiga farms.
Products
Must-Try Item
Shiga Beef
Alcohol & Beverage Shop
酒類・飲料
A shop specializing in local alcoholic beverages and drinks, including sake, shochu, and regional soft drinks.
Products
Must-Try Item
Lake Biwa Sake
Featured Products
Explore signature items like premium Inaba rice and handcrafted local goods, celebrating the rich heritage of Shiga Prefecture.
Shiga Rice
近江米
Premium short-grain rice grown in the fertile fields of Shiga Prefecture, known for its sticky texture and rich flavor.
Shiga Rice Cake
近江餅
Traditional rice cake made from locally milled rice, with a soft texture and subtle sweetness.
Lake Biwa Sake
びわ湖の酒
A premium sake brewed using water from Lake Biwa and locally grown rice, offering a clean, crisp taste.
Shiga Matcha Green Tea
近江抹茶
High-quality matcha tea made from shade-grown tea leaves cultivated in Shiga Prefecture.
Shiga Pottery Set
近江陶器セット
Handcrafted ceramic set made by local artisans in Shiga, featuring traditional designs and durable craftsmanship.
Shiga Beef Jerky
近江牛せんべい
Dried beef jerky made from premium Shiga beef, seasoned with local spices for a savory, chewy snack.
Shiga Pickled Vegetables
近江漬物
Traditional pickled vegetables made using local vegetables and time-honored methods from Shiga.
Shiga Green Tea Ice Cream
近江抹茶アイス
Creamy ice cream infused with high-quality matcha from Shiga, offering a refreshing and rich flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including spacious parking, accessible restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and EV charging at Biwako Ohashi Rice Plaza.
Parking Lot
172 parking spaces (149 regular vehicles, 19 large vehicles, 4 accessible spaces)
Outside the roadside station
Restrooms
Total of 46 toilets (24 male, 22 female), including 1 indoor and 1 outdoor restroom
Inside and outside the roadside station
Information Center
Located on the 2nd floor, provides tourism information, local attractions, and regional specialty product details. Staffed by tourism concierges.
2nd floor
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless LAN available throughout the facility
Throughout the roadside station
EV Charging Station
1 electric vehicle charging station available
Outside the roadside station
Nursing Room
Equipped with 1 baby warming water heater and 1 baby bed for breastfeeding
Inside the roadside station
Outdoor Sculpture and Lawn Area
Grass green space with sculptures placed outdoors, offering a relaxing area with views of Lake Biwa and Mount Hiei
Outside the roadside station
Restaurant
Offers locally sourced, regionally produced menu items including seasonal dishes, set meals, noodles, and fast food. Takeout available.
Inside the roadside station
Gift Shop and Farmers' Market
Features local souvenirs, fresh produce, processed goods, and products from Shiga Prefecture, including rice and vegetables. Open during store hours.
Inside the roadside station
Indoor Exhibition
Displays include the 'Omi History Corridor', a screen guide to Shiga's famous landmarks, and panels on Lake Biwa's water and wildlife.
Inside the roadside station
Viewing Platform
2nd-floor balcony offering panoramic views of Lake Biwa and the Hiei mountain range
2nd floor balcony
Activities & Experiences
Engage in seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and cultural experiences that bring Shiga’s traditions to life.
Harvest Festival
収穫祭
Participants can enjoy the celebration of the harvest season, including local food tastings, traditional performances, and interactive activities with farmers.
Duration
180 min
Rice Weighing Sales
お米の量り売り
Visitors can purchase freshly harvested rice by weight, allowing them to choose their preferred quantity directly from the store.
Duration
30 min
Insider Tips
Plan your visit during off-peak hours for a quieter experience, and don’t miss the panoramic views from the second-floor balcony.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit by 9:30 AM on weekdays to purchase the day’s fresh rice from the direct sales counter, as the 2025 harvest new rice is available only until midday and often sells out by 11:00 AM.
- Hidden Gem at the Direct Sales Counter: Ask for the "Mochi Rice" (a short-grain variety unique to Shiga Prefecture) at the direct sales counter—this is only available during the seasonal rice harvest period and is not stocked in the gift shop.
- Weekend Special: On Sundays, the restaurant offers a limited-time "Bamboo Steam Rice Bowl" using locally grown rice and seasonal vegetables—this dish is only available from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and is not listed on the standard menu.
- Best View Spot: Head to the second-floor balcony overlooking the Biwako Bridge and Lake Biwa between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM on weekdays to enjoy the most peaceful views with minimal crowds, especially when the sun hits the surface of the lake.
- Free Wi-Fi Access: Use the free Wi-Fi at the information desk on the second floor by selecting the network named "Michi-no-eki_Biwako" and entering the password provided at the front counter—this is required for accessing the station’s digital guide maps and event schedule.
- Seasonal Event Tip: Attend the annual Harvest Festival on November 9 (as announced in the 2025 news) to sample exclusive rice-based snacks made by local farmers—these are only available at the event and not sold elsewhere in the plaza.
- EV Charging Tip: Plug in your electric vehicle at the single EV charger located near the main entrance only between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, as the station shuts down the charger after 5:00 PM daily and does not allow overnight charging.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available April–May; seasonal rice planting activities begin in April.
Summer (June-August): Peak season for fresh local vegetables; ideal for cycling along the Biwako route.
Autumn (September-November): New rice harvest in October; harvest festival held on November 9.
Winter (December-February): Limited seasonal offerings; quiet visits with warm restaurant meals.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers stroller-friendly paths, a play-friendly green space, and a dedicated nursing room with baby bed. Child-friendly food options and interactive exhibits enhance the experience, though no dedicated play area is present.
Food Lover Review
Features a wide selection of local dishes using fresh, regionally sourced ingredients. Offers high-quality direct sales of rice, vegetables, and processed foods, with strong emphasis on authentic Shiga specialties and seasonal variety.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and an EV charger, with ample parking. While quiet during off-peak hours, it lacks designated overnight camping zones and has limited privacy for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Offers excellent views of Lake Biwa and the Hiei Mountains from the second-floor balcony. The green lawn with outdoor sculptures and seasonal landscape changes enhance its visual appeal and photo opportunities.