Discover the Heart of Lake Biwa’s Heritage at Shinotsu Kaido Adikama no Sato
Nestled at the northernmost tip of Lake Biwa, Shinotsu Kaido Adikama no Sato stands as a vibrant roadside station along National Route 8, once a vital corridor linking the Sea of Japan to Kyoto’s inland regions. This cultural crossroads honors its past through preserved history, including the ancient Shinsaka Kaido trail and the nearby Shima-mono Water Source Forest, a haven for rare flora. The station’s name, “Adikama,” evokes the region’s deep connection to wild ducks that winter on the lake’s shores, symbolizing harmony between nature and community.
Visitors are welcomed with authentic local flavors at its on-site restaurant and bustling market, where seasonal produce, fresh lake fish, and signature dishes like grilled duck soba and traditional carp sushi are celebrated. With interactive information centers, seasonal events, and easy access by car or bicycle from nearby train stations, this roadside station offers more than a pit stop—it’s a gateway to the stories, tastes, and landscapes of northern Shiga Prefecture.
Why Visit
Shinotsu Kaido Adikama no Sato stands at the northern tip of Lake Biwa, where the historic Shinotsu Kaido highway meets the Japan Sea. Here, visitors can taste the region’s only authentic buna-zushi tea-meshi—a traditional fermented carp sushi made exclusively from wild nigorobuna caught in the pristine waters of northern Lake Biwa. At the same time, the roadside station offers a rare chance to try duck soba with grilled mallard duck from local farms, a dish deeply rooted in the area’s culinary heritage.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Shinotsu Kaido Adikama no Sato, where seasonal ingredients meet traditional recipes in a warm, inviting setting.
Omi Biwa Lake Water Station
奥びわ湖水の駅
Specialty
Local ingredients used in traditional Japanese cuisine
A Japanese-style restaurant that features locally sourced ingredients, offering a warm and authentic dining experience with a focus on regional flavors and seasonal produce.
Fish Assistant
魚助
Specialty
Fresh lake fish and seafood dishes
A specialty dining spot focused on fresh fish and seafood from Lake Biwa, serving traditional and seasonal preparations in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
Lake Fish Fish Victory
湖魚 魚勝
Specialty
Lake Biwa fish and local seafood
A dedicated fish restaurant offering a variety of fresh catches from Lake Biwa, emphasizing traditional cooking methods and regional authenticity.
Duck Noodles
そば処 鴨そば
Specialty
Grilled duck soba noodles
A casual food stall specializing in soba noodles topped with grilled duck, served with a savory soy-based broth that enhances the natural umami of the ingredients.
Street Food Stalls
屋台
Specialty
Seasonal street food and local snacks
A collection of temporary food stalls offering a variety of seasonal and regional snacks, perfect for a quick bite while exploring the station.
Shopping Highlights
Discover regional treasures and fresh produce at the roadside station’s vibrant market, where every purchase supports local farmers and artisans.
Bakery Hana Rimi
パン工房 花里夢
A local bakery specializing in handmade breads and pastries using regional ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Rice-based Baumkuchen
Lake Fish Shop
湖魚
A shop dedicated to selling fresh and processed fish products from Lake Biwa, including smoked and dried varieties.
Products
Must-Try Item
Smoked Bream
Local Rice
近江米
A shop offering premium local rice, including organic and special cultivation varieties from the Lake Biwa region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Koshihikari Rice
Local Vegetables
特産野菜
A market selling fresh, locally grown vegetables and seasonal produce from nearby farms.
Products
Must-Try Item
Organic Vegetables
Local Wine and Sake
地酒
A shop specializing in regional alcoholic beverages, including local sake and traditional rice wine.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Sake
Seedlings and Plants
野菜苗・花苗
A shop selling seedlings and young plants for gardening, including vegetables and flowers.
Products
Must-Try Item
Tomato Seedlings
Souvenirs and Local Specialties
お土産・銘産品
A gift shop offering a wide range of local products and souvenirs, perfect for taking home a piece of the region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Rice-based Baumkuchen
Vegetables and Woodcraft
野菜・木工品
A shop combining fresh local vegetables with handmade wooden crafts, showcasing regional artisanship.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handmade Wooden Spoon
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature specialties like fresh bass sushi, duck soba, and handmade jams crafted from local harvests.
Rice (Koshihikari)
お米（コシヒカリ）
High-quality rice grown in the clean waters of Lake Biwa's source, certified as environmentally friendly and known for its safety, freshness, and exceptional taste.
Rice Baumkuchen
お米バウムクーヘン
A unique Baumkuchen made with special cultivation rice from the region, combining the softness of wheat flour with the chewy texture of Koshihikari rice.
Handmade Jam
手作りジャム
Freshly made jam using locally sourced fruits such as strawberries, summer tangerines, figs, and persimmons, crafted with care and natural ingredients.
Bream Sushi Tea
鮒ずし茶漬け
Traditional fermented bream sushi served with green tea, made from naturally caught bream from the northern part of Lake Biwa, preserving an ancient Japanese culinary tradition.
Grilled Duck Noodles
鴨そば
Soba noodles topped with grilled duck breast, served with a rich soy-based broth that enhances the natural umami of the ingredients.
Single-portion Mackerel Sushi
鯖一本寿司
A thick-cut mackerel sushi made with premium local rice, offering a perfect harmony of texture and flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy comfortable amenities including 24-hour restrooms, ample parking, and free Wi-Fi, all designed for a seamless travel experience.
Parking Lot
86 parking spaces available, including 12 large vehicle spots and 74 standard vehicle spots. The parking lot is accessible 24 hours a day.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Restroom
Male toilets with 12 fixtures, female toilets with 9 fixtures. Includes baby changing tables and baby chairs. Accessible toilets for people with disabilities (2 fixtures). The restroom is available 24 hours a day.
Throughout the roadside station premises
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi hotspot available throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the roadside station premises
Information Center
The 'Water Station Exchange Hall' provides local tourism information, meeting room facilities, and interactive touch panel displays for regional information.
Water Station Exchange Hall
Insider Tips
Visit on weekends for lively festivals, arrive early to secure parking, and explore nearby nature trails for quiet moments among the local beauty.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the Soba Shop "Duck Soba" before it fills up, as the restaurant opens at 9:00 AM and popular dishes like Duck Soba often sell out by 11:00 AM.
- Hidden Gems: Check the "Pancake Workshop" section near the Flower Dream Bakery during the "Omi Lake Station Festival" on March 9 or October 26, when local bakers offer limited-time, handmade pancake tastings using seasonal ingredients like fresh figs and summer citrus.
- Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the "Fish Helper" food stall between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to try the "Pond Eel Sushi Rice Bowl", a seasonal lunch special that is only available during weekend lunch hours and sells out quickly.
- Best Time to Buy Local Produce: Arrive before 10:00 AM on weekdays to purchase the "Handmade Jam" from the "Local Fruit Jam" counter, as the fresh fruit-based batches (especially summer citrus and fig) are restocked daily and often sell out by midday.
- Unique Food Experience: Order the "Pond Eel Sushi Rice Bowl" at the "Fish Helper" stall during the "Omi Lake Station Festival" on March 9 or October 26 to enjoy a special seasonal menu item not listed on regular menus.
- Optimal Visit for Seasonal Events: Attend the "Jumbo Pumpkin Contest" on September 14 to participate in the pumpkin carving activity and taste the "Pumpkin Tofu Dessert", a limited-time treat only available during the event.
- Best Time for Local Knowledge: Use the "Water Station Exchange Hall" information desk between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on weekdays to speak with the station manager, who personally shares stories about the "Shinotsu Kaido" route and historical sites like "Shinokawa Ancient Road" and "Yamamono Water Source Forest".
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Visit during the March 9 regional festival for local crafts and food, and enjoy fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.
Summer (June-August): Experience the July 27 summer festival and taste seasonal produce like summer squash and fresh berries.
Autumn (September-November): Attend the September 14 giant pumpkin contest and sample autumn harvest fruits such as persimmons and figs.
Winter (December-February): Explore the serene landscape during the off-season, with the annual New Year's sales and relaxed atmosphere.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers ample parking, stroller-friendly paths, and baby facilities. Features a children's play area and interactive elements like the information kiosk. Kid-friendly food options include local specialties such as duck soba and rice-based desserts.
Food Lover Review
Features multiple restaurants and stalls offering regional specialties like duck soba, carp sushi, and mackerel sushi. Fresh local produce and handmade jams are available. High-quality ingredients and authentic regional cuisine enhance the dining experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides 86 parking spaces, 24-hour restrooms, and vending machines. Quiet surroundings with scenic views support overnight stays. No explicit overnight parking policy, but facilities are suitable for short-term camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located at the northern tip of Lake Biwa with scenic views of the lake and surrounding natural landscapes. Offers photo opportunities at viewpoints and seasonal beauty, especially during cherry blossom season along the parkway.