Station Taiei

Discover the Heart of Rural Japan at Taiei Roadside Station

Nestled in the serene countryside of Minamiboso, Taiei Roadside Station is more than a pit stop—it’s a vibrant gateway to local culture, nature, and community. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling farmland, this charming destination offers travelers a peaceful retreat with authentic regional charm.

What sets Taiei apart is its dedication to preserving local heritage while embracing innovation. The station hosts rotating art exhibitions, including the acclaimed Dream Road Renaissance Photo Contest, showcasing the beauty of Japan’s rural landscapes. Visitors can enjoy fresh, locally sourced produce, handmade crafts, and seasonal specialties that reflect the area’s agricultural roots. Whether you're seeking a quiet moment in nature or a taste of authentic regional life, Taiei delivers an unforgettable experience.

Taiei roadside station stands out as the only stop in the region where you can sample handcrafted sake brewed from locally grown heirloom rice in a traditional stone-fermenting tank. Nearby, the station hosts rotating exhibitions of award-winning photography from the Dream Road Renaissance Contest, showcasing rare visual stories of rural Japan. Visitors also find the area’s sole artisanal honeycomb jelly, made from wildflower nectar gathered from nearby mountain meadows.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure the day’s first batch of fresh-baked milk bread from the in-house bakery, which sells out by 11:00 AM
• Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the entrance for the limited-edition seasonal pickled vegetables made from local radishes, available only from April to June
• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the food truck parked at the east parking area serves handmade udon with a unique miso broth, open from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM
• Photo Opportunity: Stop by the indoor exhibition area to view the rotating display of winning entries from the Dream Road Renaissance Photo Contest, currently featuring coastal landscape shots from the Seto Inland Sea region
• Local Product Tip: Purchase the "White Rabbit Mountain" branded honey at the main counter—it is made from wildflowers gathered in the nearby mountain trails and is only available in 200g jars
• Parking Strategy: Use the extended east parking lot during peak hours (12:00–3:00 PM) as it has more spaces and is closer to the restaurant area than the main lot
• Sustainability Practice: Bring your own container to refill the bulk-bought organic soy sauce at the self-service station near the shop entrance—this reduces waste and saves 20% on price

Spring (March-May): Late March to April features peak canola flower viewing and fresh bamboo shoots available at the roadside station market.

Summer (June-August): July brings the annual Dream Street Renaissance photo exhibition showcasing local scenery and seasonal events.

Autumn (September-November): October offers the best harvest of regional vegetables and fruits at roadside station markets.

Winter (December-February): January and February feature cultural exhibitions and seasonal crafts at the roadside station.