Discover the Heart of the Sardine Road: A Journey Through History and Flavor
Kutsugi Shinhonjin, nestled along National Route 367 in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, stands as a living tribute to the ancient Sardine Road that once connected Wakasa and Kyoto. Reimagining the historic Kutsugi Manor from the Kamakura to Meiji periods, this roadside station blends heritage with modern hospitality. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling countryside, it offers travelers a rare chance to savor the region’s culinary soul—especially its famed sardine sushi and sweet chestnut rice cakes made from locally harvested chestnuts.
Every Sunday and holiday from March to November, the vibrant Sunday Morning Market bursts to life with fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and local delicacies. Whether dining at the rustic-style restaurant, browsing the specialty shop, or exploring nearby attractions like the serene Green Park and nearby camping grounds, Kutsugi Shinhonjin invites visitors to slow down, connect with nature, and taste the stories of a timeless mountain village.
Why Visit
Visit Kutsugi Shinhonjin to experience the authentic taste of the historic Saba Road, where centuries-old traditions thrive. Here, you’ll find the region’s only authentic Kutsugi-style saba sushi—made with locally cured mackerel and served with pickled radish and fresh mountain vegetables—plus handcrafted tochi mochi made from wild chestnuts harvested in the nearby forests. The weekly Sunday morning market offers rare, seasonal finds like fresh nakeko mushrooms and heirloom sweet persimmons, all sold by local farmers and artisans.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Kutsugi Shinhonjin roadside station.
Sato Dining Hall
お食事処さと
Specialty
Traditional rural cuisine from Kutsuki, served in a set meal format
A dining hall offering traditional rural dishes from Kutsuki, now operating in a set meal format rather than buffet style. The atmosphere reflects the historical charm of the area, with a focus on local ingredients and authentic flavors.
Café
喫茶
Specialty
Light refreshments and local snacks served in a relaxed atmosphere
A cozy café offering light refreshments and homemade snacks in a calm, welcoming environment. Ideal for a quiet break during a visit to the roadside station.
Shopping Highlights
Discover regional treasures and handmade goods at Kutsugi Shinhonjin roadside station.
Local Specialty Store
特産品販売所
A retail shop specializing in locally produced goods, including traditional foods and crafts from Kutsuki.
Products
Must-Try Item
Saba Sushi
Farmers Market
日曜朝市
A weekly farmers market held every Sunday and holiday from March to November, featuring fresh local produce and handmade goods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly harvested chestnuts
Featured Products
Taste the essence of Kutsugi with signature specialties like herring sushi and chestnut mochi.
Saba Sushi
鯖寿司
A traditional local delicacy made with fresh mackerel and seasoned rice, reflecting the maritime heritage of the Kutsuki region.
Kashiwa Mochi
栃餅
A traditional rice cake made with chestnut and local rice, known for its sweet, earthy flavor and nostalgic taste.
Fresh Chestnuts
新鮮な栗
Locally harvested chestnuts, known for their rich flavor and high quality, sold during the autumn season.
New Rice
新米
Freshly harvested rice from Kutsuki, known for its sweetness and firm texture, available in the autumn season.
Dried Persimmons
干し柿
Sun-dried persimmons made from local sweet varieties, known for their chewy texture and natural sweetness.
Saba Fish Paste
鯖のたれ
A savory fermented fish paste made from mackerel, used as a condiment in local dishes.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including parking, EV charging, and accessible facilities at Kutsugi Shinhonjin roadside station.
Parking Lot
96 parking spaces (3 large vehicles, 93 regular vehicles). Snow removal is performed, but please avoid playing in snow piles as they can be dangerous.
Near the roadside station entrance
EV Charging Station
1 EV charging station available 24/7 with self-service operation.
Near the parking lot
Wi-Fi
Biwako Free Wi-Fi available for guests.
Throughout the roadside station premises
Restroom
10 male toilets and 9 female toilets. Includes 2 accessible toilets with ramps and 2 accessible parking spaces.
Scattered across the facility, including near the restaurant and shop
Tourism Information Center
Open from 9:00 to 17:00. Provides information on local roads, regional attractions, tourism, and accommodation. Brochures are also available.
Inside the Saba-kaido Exchange Hall
Restaurant Sato
A countryside-style buffet restaurant offering local specialties such as mackerel sushi and chestnut mochi. Currently operating in a set-menu format with a change in closing days (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).
Inside the roadside station complex
Local Specialty Store
Sells local products such as mackerel-based dishes, fresh vegetables, chestnut mochi, and other regional specialties. Open from 8:30 to 17:00.
Inside the roadside station complex
Sunday Morning Market
Held every Sunday and holidays from March to November. Features fresh local produce, processed river fish, and other goods from local vendors.
Main plaza of the roadside station
Activities & Experiences
Engage in seasonal events, workshops, and vibrant markets at Kutsugi Shinhonjin roadside station.
Sunday Morning Market
日曜朝市
Attend a weekly market held every Sunday and holiday from March to November, featuring fresh local vegetables, processed river fish, and other handmade goods from local vendors.
Duration
180 min
New Honjin Market
新本陣マルシェ
Participate in a seasonal market event featuring local producers and artisans selling traditional goods, seasonal food, and crafts. Special events such as rice tosses may be held during the festival.
Duration
120 min
Events may be affected by rain or cold weather; check the official website for updates.
Local Food Tasting Experience
くつき田舎の味
Taste traditional local dishes such as saba sushi and tochi mochi, made with regional ingredients like fresh saba and local chestnuts, offering a true taste of Kutsuki’s heritage.
Duration
60 min
Seasonal Harvest Exploration
四季折々
Explore seasonal harvests including fresh persimmons, chestnuts, and newly harvested rice, with opportunities to learn about local farming and food traditions.
Duration
90 min
Best enjoyed on clear days; some outdoor activities may be canceled during heavy rain.
Insider Tips
Plan visits around the weekly Sunday market and check seasonal highlights for best local experiences.
- Best Arrival Time for Fresh Produce: Visit the speciality shop by 9:00 AM on Sundays during autumn to secure the day’s first harvest of fresh persimmons and sweet chestnuts, which often sell out by mid-morning.
- Hidden Gems at the Deli Counter: Ask for the seasonal nemako (mushrooms) at the speciality shop—these wild mushrooms are only available from late autumn through winter and are featured in limited quantities each week.
- Weekend Special: New Benjin Market: Plan your visit for the first Saturday of November to attend the New Benjin Market, where local producers sell handmade products including pickled vegetables, smoked fish, and freshly baked kakigori (shaved ice) made with local fruit.
- Best Time to Try the New Restaurant Format: Arrive at the restaurant Sato between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM on weekdays to enjoy the new set-menu format, which features a rotating selection of local dishes like saba sushi and kaki no tama (persimmon dumplings) served in seasonal combinations.
- Avoid Disappointment with the Saba Sushi: Purchase the saba sushi at the speciality shop before 11:00 AM on weekdays, as it is made fresh daily and often sells out by noon.
- Use the Parking Strategically: Park in the designated large vehicle spots (3 spaces) near the main entrance if you're traveling with a larger vehicle, as the standard parking area fills quickly during peak hours.
- Visit the Information Desk Before Heading to Nearby Attractions: Stop at the tourism information desk between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM to request the latest map and schedule for the nearby Kutsuki Green Park, especially if you plan to visit the hot spring or forest trails.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Daily Sunday market runs March through November, offering fresh local produce and seafood.
Summer (June–August): No specific seasonal events mentioned; general access available.
Autumn (September–November): Peak season for chestnut and persimmon harvests, with chestnut and persimmon treats available at the roadside station.
Winter (December–February): No seasonal activities or product highlights noted; limited access due to snow.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers ample parking, accessible restrooms, and stroller-friendly paths. Features a children's play area and interactive cultural exhibits. Kid-friendly food options include local specialties like yuzu rice and sweet chestnut mochi. Educational value is enhanced by historical context and seasonal events.
Food Lover Review
Features a diverse menu centered on local specialties such as mackerel sushi and chestnut rice. The market offers fresh produce, seasonal ingredients, and artisanal goods. The daily Sunday morning market provides authentic regional flavors and high-quality local products.
Car Camping Review
Provides clean restrooms, vending machines, and ample parking for 96 vehicles, including large trucks. The nearby Kutsuki Auto Campground offers well-equipped sites. While not explicitly marked for overnight stays, the facility supports extended visits with reliable facilities.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by lush forest and scenic mountain views, especially from the nearby Green Park. Offers excellent photo opportunities with seasonal highlights like autumn foliage and morning mist. The setting along the historic mackerel route enhances its natural and cultural aesthetic appeal.