Station Utsunoya Pass (Fujieda Side)

Discover the Heart of the Higashi-Ryō Road

Utsunoya Pass (Fujieda Side) is a uniquely situated roadside station nestled along the historic Edo-era route, where the natural beauty of Shizuoka Prefecture unfolds in every direction. Perched at a mountain pass between Shizuoka City and Fujieda City, it serves as a vibrant cultural crossroads, offering travelers a rare three-part setup with facilities on both sides of the summit—an exceptional configuration found throughout Japan.

Here, visitors experience the authentic flavors of the region through locally sourced specialties like fresh citrus, tender bamboo shoots, mountain yam, and premium green tea. Explore scenic hiking trails such as the winding "Kuzu no Hosomichi," step through the historic Meiji Tunnel, or stroll through the charming "Utsunoya Houses," where traditional eaves and family names whisper stories of the past. It’s more than a stop—it’s a journey through time, nature, and local spirit.

Visit Utsunoya Pass (Fujieda Side) to experience the only roadside station in Japan where you can walk through the historic Meiji Tunnel, a preserved 19th-century railway passage now open to hikers. Here, you’ll also find the region’s only roadside station offering fresh, hand-harvested mountain yam (yamaimo) from local farms, sold alongside rare Fujieda-grown citrus and organic tea grown in the surrounding terraced fields—ingredients you cannot find anywhere else in this area.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure a spot at the tea tasting counter, where fresh-brewed local green tea is served from 9:00 AM daily—served until 11:30 AM and often sells out by then.

• Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter near the entrance to find the limited-edition "Fujieda Mountain Yam Croquette" (山芋コロッケ), made daily using locally grown mountain yam and available only until 1:00 PM.

• Weekend Special: On Sundays, the roadside station hosts a "Local Farmer’s Market" at 10:00 AM in the parking area, where small-scale farmers from the Fujieda region sell freshly picked mikan and seasonal vegetables directly from their trucks—typically lasts until 1:00 PM.

• Best Photo Spot: Take a photo at the "Takara no Hikari" viewing point just behind the main parking lot, where the view of the old Meiji Tunnel entrance and the surrounding forest is most dramatic—best photographed between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when sunlight hits the tunnel arch.

• Must-Try Food: Purchase the "Fujieda Fresh Taro Bread" (山芋パン) at the bakery counter, baked daily from 7:30 AM and sold out by 11:00 AM—available only at the Fujieda-side facility.

• Off-the-Beaten-Path Hike: Follow the "Kadomaki Trail" (蔦の細道) path just south of the roadside station, marked with wooden signs in English and Japanese—this 10-minute walk leads to a quiet forest clearing with a bench overlooking the valley, ideal for a quiet rest.

• Practical Tip: Use the free Wi-Fi at the information corner to download the offline map of the Meiji Tunnel hiking route, which is not available on public apps and is essential for navigating the narrow, unmarked path.

Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market from April through May, coinciding with the peak of the canola flower bloom in late March.

Summer (June–August): Local tea harvest begins in June, with fresh green tea and mountain yam sold at the roadside station.

Autumn (September–November): Mikan citrus fruits harvested from late September, available through November at the roadside station.

Winter (December–February): Limited seasonal offerings; best for visiting the Meiji Tunnel and scenic walking trails.