Station Higashi-Omi Aitou Margaret Station

Discover the Heart of Shiga’s Countryside at Higashi-Omi Aitou Margaret Station

Nestled along National Route 307 in eastern Shiga Prefecture, Higashi-Omi Aitou Margaret Station is a vibrant roadside station where rural charm meets modern hospitality. More than just a pit stop, it’s a celebration of local agriculture, craftsmanship, and community spirit. From farm-fresh produce to artisanal treats, every corner reflects the dedication of nearby farmers and artisans.

At the heart of the station lies the newly revitalized Tenyen Life Hall, home to a curated selection of regional souvenirs, dried flowers, and handmade crafts. Visitors can immerse themselves in hands-on experiences—from creating floral arrangements at Flower Workshop Mimosa to baking gluten-free pizza in the Kitchen Studio Rosemary. Seasonal highlights include blooming flower fields perfect for photography and采摘, and the popular Rapty café, where locally sourced fruits and milk transform into refreshing gelato and baked goods. Whether you’re seeking a quiet retreat or an interactive journey through Shiga’s rural heritage, this station offers a truly memorable experience.

Higashi-Omi Aitou Margaret Station stands out for its unique blend of agricultural craftsmanship and hands-on creativity. Visitors can savor the region’s only artisanal gelato made from milk of local Jersey cows and fresh seasonal fruits at Rapty, a rare treat found nowhere else. Equally distinctive is the on-site flower studio, where guests can create custom dried flower arrangements using blooms grown by nearby farmers—a direct experience in the heart of the region’s floral heritage.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit the Rapty shop between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s first selection of seasonal gelato, as popular flavors like strawberry-honey and yuzu-milk often sell out by 11:30 AM.

• Hidden Gems: Look for the limited-edition "Rapty Special Blend" jam at the Rapty counter—available only during the summer months and sold in small batches, usually from mid-July to mid-August.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the kitchen studio Rosemary between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to join the monthly "Millet Pizza Making Experience," which requires advance registration via the station’s website and sells out within 24 hours of posting.

• Best Time for Fresh Produce: Go to the Aitou Direct Sales Market between 9:00 AM and 9:45 AM on weekdays to pick up the day’s first harvest of local peaches and plums, which are displayed only during the morning and are frequently sold out by 11:00 AM.

• Experience Priority: Reserve your spot at the flower workshop mimosa at least 48 hours in advance for the "Dry Flower Wreath Making Experience," as slots are limited to 10 participants per session and are filled quickly during seasonal events like the autumn flower festival.

• Off-Peak Shopping: Visit the Aitou Eco Plaza Canola House between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM on weekdays to browse the full selection of recycled craft items and seasonal eco-kits, which are often cleared by midday on weekends.

• Seasonal Treats: On days when the Cosmos flower garden is open (typically from late September through early November), visit the Rapty shop between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM to purchase the limited "Cosmos Scented Jelly" gelato, available only during the garden’s peak bloom and sold in packs of three.

Spring (March-May): Canola flowers bloom in late March to April, offering ideal viewing and picking opportunities at the flower garden.

Summer (June-August): The flower garden features blooming cosmos from mid-August, with summer events and picnic areas active.

Autumn (September-November): Cosmos reach peak bloom in September, with flower picking and seasonal events including the autumn festival.

Winter (December-February): Limited seasonal activities, but the flower garden remains open with winter-themed displays and indoor experiences.