Station Ōmi Mother's Home

Discover the Heart of Shiga’s Natural and Cultural Heritage

Ōmi Mother's Home is a vibrant roadside station nestled along the serene shores of Lake Biwa in Miho City, nestled between the majestic Mount Ibuki and the tranquil waters of the lake. More than a rest stop, it’s a gateway to the region’s rich agricultural traditions and cultural legacy, celebrated through the enduring image of "motherhood" rooted in the area’s history.

Visitors enjoy fresh, locally grown vegetables at the Sazanami Agricultural Exchange Hall, savor authentic Ibu soba at the Ono Ibuki restaurant, and explore seasonal events like the Autumn Food Festival. With tennis courts, a playground, and scenic walking paths, the station offers relaxation and recreation amid breathtaking natural surroundings.

Ōmi Mother's Home stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering authentic Ibuki soba made from locally grown, heritage varieties of buckwheat, served in the traditional sara soba style. Visitors can also sample the acclaimed Biwa Lake shrimp senbei, a nationally recognized specialty that won the highest honor at the National Confectionery Exhibition. Perched directly beside Lake Biwa with views of Mount Ibuki, this location provides a rare chance to experience both the taste and the landscape of authentic Shiga countryside.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s first selection of fresh local vegetables at 物産交流館さざなみ, as they are restocked daily and often sell out by 11:00 AM.

• Hidden Gem at the Shop: Purchase the 夢の伊吹そば (Dream Ibu Soba) from 物産交流館さざなみ, which features hand-harvested Ibu local buckwheat with a signature aroma and chewy texture—available only at this location and not sold elsewhere in the region.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, arrive by 11:00 AM to experience the limited-time kitchen truck lineup at the roadside station, which features seasonal dishes like grilled lake fish skewers and local vegetable tempura—only available during weekend events.

• Must-Try Restaurant Menu: Order the 皿そば 奥伊吹 (O-Ibuki Plate Soba) at lunchtime, specifically between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM, when the chef prepares the day’s fresh buckwheat noodles with a seasonal broth; the menu changes weekly and features regional ingredients like mountain vegetables.

• Best Time to Visit the Soba Shop: Go to the 物産交流館さざなみ between 10:00 and 10:30 AM on weekdays to purchase the 久次郎 伊吹そば (Kujirō Ibu Soba) with a fresh batch of dipping sauce, which is prepared daily and not available in pre-packaged form.

• Access Tip for Local Events: Check the official website for the “近江母の郷うまいもんオータムフェスタ 2025” (Omi Mother’s Home Autumn Food Festival) scheduled for November 8, 2025, and arrive early—between 10:00 and 10:30 AM—to access the limited-edition food stalls featuring regional specialties like near-lake ebi senbei and handmade pickled vegetables.

• Avoid Crowds at the Restrooms: Use the multi-purpose toilets located near the parking area during peak hours (12:00 PM to 2:00 PM), as they are less crowded than the main restroom building, which fills up quickly during lunchtime due to nearby dining traffic.

Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market in early spring, with peak vegetable harvests from April through May.

Summer (June–August): Enjoy seasonal produce and outdoor activities at the tennis courts and grassy fields under summer skies.

Autumn (September–November): Visit during the Umami Autumn Festival on November 8, featuring local specialties and fresh harvests.

Winter (December–February): Experience cozy dining at the restaurant and seasonal vegetable offerings during the colder months.