Station Ryuuou Kagami no Sato

Discover the Heart of Shiga’s Heritage and Flavor

Ryuuou Kagami no Sato, nestled along National Route 8 in the historic town of Ryuuou, stands as a vibrant roadside station where ancient tradition meets rural vitality. Once the famed post town of Kagami-juku on the historic Tōkaidō and Nakasendō, it carries the legacy of Minamoto no Yoritomo—known as Ushimaru in his youth—whose coming-of-age ceremony is said to have taken place here. Today, the station celebrates this rich past while showcasing the bounty of the region.

Visitors are welcomed with a diverse array of local delights: fresh produce from Ryuuou’s fertile fields, premium Ōmi beef, handmade bread from the on-site bakery, and authentic regional specialties. The attached restaurant, Goki Kagami no Sato, offers an unforgettable dining experience with its succulent Ōmi beef dishes. With a welcoming café, an information center, and a dog-friendly space, Ryuuou Kagami no Sato is more than a stop—it’s a destination for food, history, and connection.

Ryuuou Kagami no Sato stands at the heart of the historic Kagemura post town, where Minamoto no Yoritomo—known as Ushiwakamaru—supposedly underwent his coming-of-age ceremony. This roadside station offers a rare chance to taste the region’s only artisanal milk ice cream made from Jersey cow milk, alongside fresh, sun-ripened strawberries grown in the nearby fields. The highlight is the exclusive "Ryuu no Mai" premium rice, cultivated in the fertile soil of the area and available only here. Visitors can savor it in seasonal dishes at the on-site restaurant, making this a destination uniquely tied to the land’s heritage and flavor.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the fresh batch of kakigori-style shaved ice made from local fruits, which is sold daily from 9:00 AM and often sells out by 11:00 AM.

• Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter near the entrance between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to find the daily limited "Kagami no Sato Special Bento", a locally crafted box lunch that includes pickled vegetables and grilled fish from the region.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays, visit the bakery corner at 10:00 AM to purchase the "Ryuuou Milk Bread", a soft, locally baked loaf made with fresh milk from nearby farms—available only during morning hours and frequently sold out by noon.

• EV Charging Tip: Use the single EV fast charger located just past the main parking area, and arrive before 1:00 PM to avoid peak usage times; the charger is accessible 24 hours, but peak demand occurs during lunch hours.

• Best for Local Produce: Buy the "Tsuru no Mai" brand strawberries and "Kamitsuru" melons from the fresh produce section before 12:00 PM, as these seasonal fruits are replenished only once daily and often sell out by early afternoon.

• Dining Tip: Order the "Kagami no Sato Beef Bowl" at the restaurant (Ogaki Kaganosato branch) by 1:00 PM to guarantee the full menu selection, as the kitchen stops preparing new orders at 1:30 PM and only offers leftover portions after that time.

• Specialty Purchase: Pick up the "Ryuuou Sake-Infused Soy Sauce" at the souvenir shop before 4:00 PM, as this limited-edition condiment is restocked only once per week and is frequently unavailable after mid-afternoon.

Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots appear in early spring, and the roadside station offers seasonal produce from local farms.

Summer (June–August): Late summer brings peak availability of fresh fruits and vegetables, including strawberries from nearby farms.

Autumn (September–November): Harvest season features new rice, known as "Ryūno Mai," available from September onward.

Winter (December–February): Winter months highlight hearty local dishes and seasonal specialties from the region's farms.