Where Nature Meets Music in the Heart of the Southern Alps
Oku-Ōi Otogei no Sato stands at the gateway to the majestic Southern Alps, nestled in the serene landscape of Kawanehon Town, Shizuoka Prefecture. More than a roadside station, it’s a vibrant cultural sanctuary where the melodies of nature, history, and craftsmanship come alive. Visitors are greeted by the iconic whistle of the steam locomotive on the Oi River Railway—recognized as one of Japan’s 100 most cherished soundscapes—echoing through the mountain air.
At the heart of the station lies an immersive sound experience museum, where guests can create, listen to, and witness music in unique ways. Explore the on-site museum shop featuring handcrafted music boxes, enjoy seasonal events like the upcoming "Oku-Ōi OVERDRIVE 2025" guitar festival, and wander along the scenic "Tea Road" that traces the historic Oi River trail. With easy access to scenic spots like the dreamlike Shin-Ida Suspension Bridge and the tranquil Nagashima Dam, this is a destination where every moment resonates with beauty and discovery.
Why Visit
Oku-Ōi Otogei no Sato stands out as the only roadside station in the region where visitors can experience the iconic sound of the steam locomotive from the Oi River Railway—its whistle, recognized as one of Japan’s 100 Best Soundscapes, echoing through the South Alps foothills just minutes from the station. Beyond the auditory marvel, the site hosts a unique on-site museum shop specializing in handcrafted music boxes, including rare original designs made exclusively from local wood. These are not just souvenirs—they are living pieces of the area’s sonic heritage.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at Oku-Ōi Otogei no Sato, where seasonal ingredients meet rustic charm.
Soba Restaurant
そば処 みずの
Specialty
Traditional soba noodles made with local ingredients
A cozy restaurant specializing in handmade soba noodles, offering a rustic and authentic dining experience with a focus on local flavors and seasonal ingredients.
Local Cuisine Restaurant
地元料理 おおい
Specialty
Regional dishes from the Izu and Kiso mountain areas
A restaurant serving authentic regional cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, with a warm and inviting atmosphere that celebrates the culinary heritage of the area.
Cafe with Local Specialties
カフェ おおい
Specialty
Local snacks and drinks with a modern twist
A charming café offering a selection of local snacks and beverages, blending traditional flavors with contemporary presentation in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Sweets and Tea Shop
お菓子とお茶 みずの
Specialty
Traditional Japanese sweets and tea
A specialty shop dedicated to handmade wagashi and premium tea, offering a serene space to enjoy quiet moments with a cup of tea and delicate sweets.
Food Stall with Local Delicacies
屋台 おおい
Specialty
Quick bites and street-style snacks
A vibrant food stall offering fast, flavorful snacks made with local ingredients, perfect for a quick bite while exploring the station.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique souvenirs and handcrafted treasures at the roadside station's vibrant shop.
Farmers Market
農産物直売所
A market featuring fresh, locally grown produce from nearby farms, including seasonal vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh mountain vegetables
Bakery
パン屋
A small bakery specializing in handmade breads and pastries using local flour and ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Soba Bread
Craft Shop
工芸品店
A shop selling handmade crafts and artisanal goods made by local artisans, including woodwork, textiles, and ceramics.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hand-carved wooden music box
Dairy Shop
乳製品店
A shop specializing in locally produced dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and milk.
Products
Must-Try Item
Mountain Goat Cheese
Souvenir Shop
お土産屋
A shop offering a variety of souvenirs and gifts, including local crafts, food items, and themed merchandise.
Products
Must-Try Item
Oto-gi-themed keychain
General Store
雑貨店
A general store selling everyday items, snacks, drinks, and travel essentials.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local tea blend
Alcohol Shop
酒屋
A shop specializing in local alcoholic beverages, including sake, shochu, and fruit-based liqueurs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Mountain Plum Liqueur
Featured Products
Explore signature crafts and regional specialties that celebrate the area’s artistic soul.
Soba Noodles
そば粉
High-quality buckwheat flour made from locally grown buckwheat, ideal for making authentic soba noodles.
Mountain Vegetable Mix
山菜ミックス
A blend of dried wild mountain vegetables harvested from the region, perfect for soups and stews.
Soba Bread
そばパン
Soft and flavorful bread made with a blend of buckwheat and wheat flour, offering a unique taste.
Soba Cracker
そばせんべい
Crispy, light crackers made from buckwheat flour, ideal as a snack or tea accompaniment.
Mountain Goat Cheese
山羊チーズ
Creamy and slightly tangy cheese made from milk of local mountain goats.
Mountain Plum Liqueur
山梅リキュール
A sweet and aromatic liqueur made from wild plums grown in the region.
Hand-carved Wooden Music Box
手彫り木製オルゴール
A beautifully crafted wooden music box with a traditional melody, made by local artisans.
Oto-gi-themed Keychain
音戯テーマキーホルダー
A collectible keychain featuring the theme of the roadside station, perfect as a souvenir.
Local Tea Blend
地元茶ブレンド
A unique blend of local green tea and mountain herbs, offering a refreshing and aromatic taste.
Soba Mochi
そば餅
A traditional sweet made with buckwheat flour and sweet red bean paste, wrapped in a bamboo leaf.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, and accessible pathways.
Parking Area
Provides parking for 85 regular vehicles and 3 large vehicles.
Near the main entrance
Restroom
Features 9 male toilets and 7 female toilets, with a ramp available for accessibility.
Inside the station building
Information Center
Offers tourism information and guidance about the area, including nearby attractions and events.
Main facility area
Play Area
Available for children's enjoyment, located within the station grounds.
Near the main building
Specialty Products Sales Store
Sells local specialty products and features an 'Orchestra Shop' selling music boxes.
Inside the station building
Experience Facility
Offers hands-on experiences related to music and local culture, such as the 'Sound Workshop' (note: temporarily suspended as of July 2025).
Within the station complex
Wi-Fi Access
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors.
Throughout the station premises
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in hands-on workshops and seasonal events that bring local culture to life.
Steam Locomotive Sound Experience
蒸気機関車（ＳＬ）の汽笛体験
Participants can listen to the sound of a steam locomotive (SL) as it passes by, experiencing the iconic sound of the South Alps foothills that has been selected as one of Japan's 100 best soundscapes.
Duration
30 min
Mystery Solving Game
謎解きゲーム
Participants can enjoy a new story-based mystery-solving game with two different scenarios, exploring the area through clues and interactive challenges.
Duration
60 min
Guitar Event
ギターイベント「奥大井OVERDRIVE2025」
A seasonal guitar event featuring live performances and musical activities celebrating the region's connection to music and nature.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor activities may be affected by rain; check event status in advance.
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around train whistle times and seasonal festivals for the best experience.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 10:15 AM on weekends to secure a spot at the guitar workshop, which begins at 10:30 AM and fills up quickly during event periods
- Hidden Gems: Visit the Oto Gikou (Sound Workshop) display area near the information counter to see the original handcrafted musical instruments used in the annual "Ooku-Oi OVERDRIVE" guitar event
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the Oto Gikou Café serves limited-time "SL Steam Whistle" coffee, available only from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM when the steam train whistle is heard from the nearby railway line
- Experience Timing: Join the Sound Garden audio walk at 11:00 AM daily, as the guided audio experience starts precisely on the hour and lasts 25 minutes
- Product Availability: Purchase the exclusive "South Alps Steam Whistle" Oto Gikou souvenir at the museum shop before 3:00 PM, as it sells out by 4:00 PM on weekends
- Best Photo Spot: Stand at the west-facing edge of the roadside station’s terrace at 4:00 PM to capture the full view of the South Alps mountain range illuminated by sunset behind the large stone monument
- Event Access: To attend the "Ooku-Oi OVERDRIVE 2025" guitar concert, register in advance at the information desk before 10:00 AM on the event day, as seating is limited to 60 people
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Canola flowers bloom in late March to April, and fresh bamboo shoots are available at the market during spring.
Summer (June–August): The guitar event "Oku-Ōi OVERDRIVE 2025" takes place in July, featuring live music and performances.
Autumn (September–November): No specific seasonal activities or products mentioned in the content.
Winter (December–February): No specific seasonal activities or products mentioned in the content.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a music-themed experience museum with interactive elements ideal for children. Features stroller-friendly paths, accessible restrooms, and nearby family attractions like the SL train and scenic bridges. No dedicated play area, but educational value is strong.
Food Lover Review
Features a well-curated local specialty shop with unique handmade musical instruments and regional products. Offers fresh produce and high-quality artisan goods. Limited dining options but strong focus on authentic local flavors and craftsmanship.
Car Camping Review
Provides basic facilities including restrooms and vending machines. Parking available for 85 standard vehicles, though not designated for overnight stays. Quiet location with scenic views, but lacks specific camping amenities or overnight policies.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located at the gateway to the Southern Alps with stunning natural surroundings. Offers excellent photo opportunities near the large bridge and river. Seasonal beauty enhanced by forest and mountain views, with a peaceful, immersive atmosphere.