Discover the Heart of Woodcraft in Japan’s Hidden Gem
Nestled in the serene hills of Toyama Prefecture, Inami roadside station stands as a cultural sanctuary where tradition meets creativity. Known as the nation’s leading center for wood carving, Inami invites visitors into a world where the rhythmic tap of chisels echoes through centuries-old craftsmanship. At the heart of the station lies Sōyūkan, a vibrant space dedicated to nurturing imagination and fostering community through art, nature, and shared experiences.
Guests can immerse themselves in hands-on sculpture workshops, savor local delicacies like handmade ramen and seasonal produce, or explore unique offerings such as the popular “NAT.BREW” craft beer and nostalgic snacks from the retro-style Inami Store. With rotating events—from Thai food festivals to classic car meetups and seasonal harvest experiences—Inami is more than a stop along the road; it’s a living celebration of rural heritage, artisanal passion, and joyful discovery.
Why Visit
Visit Inami roadside station to experience Japan’s only public wood carving studio where artisans craft intricate sculptures to the rhythm of chisels, surrounded by the scent of cedar and pine. Here, you can try your hand at carving in hands-on workshops or enjoy unique treats like the region’s only handmade milk ice cream made from Jersey cows, served alongside nostalgic “Broiler” candy from the newly opened Inami Store.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at Inami roadside station, where wood-fired treats and seasonal specialties warm your soul.
Takao Great Buddha Croquette Food Stall
高岡大仏コロッケ
Specialty
Famous local croquette made with a unique recipe
A popular food stall offering Takao Great Buddha croquettes, known for their crispy exterior and rich, savory filling. The stall provides a casual, lively atmosphere perfect for quick bites.
Takao Croquette Specialty Shop
高岡コロッケ
Specialty
Authentic Takao-style croquettes with regional ingredients
A dedicated shop specializing in Takao-style croquettes, offering a variety of flavors and packaging options for both local and tourist visitors.
NAT.BREW Craft Beer Brewery
NAT.BREW
Specialty
Locally brewed craft beer with unique regional flavors
A craft beer brewery and tasting bar offering handcrafted beers made from locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, ideal for beer enthusiasts and casual visitors.
Takao Great Buddha Croquette Stand
高岡大仏コロッケ
Specialty
Famous local croquette made with a unique recipe
A bustling food stall serving Takao Great Buddha croquettes, known for their crispy texture and rich, savory filling. The stall offers a vibrant, energetic atmosphere perfect for a quick, satisfying snack.
Takao Croquette Specialty Shop
高岡コロッケ
Specialty
Authentic Takao-style croquettes with regional ingredients
A dedicated shop specializing in Takao-style croquettes, offering a variety of flavors and packaging options for both local and tourist visitors.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique crafts and regional treasures at Inami roadside station’s vibrant market stalls.
Inami Store
イナミ商店
A nostalgic candy shop offering traditional Japanese sweets and retro snacks from the past.
Products
Must-Try Item
Buroyura
Takao Great Buddha Croquette Shop
高岡大仏コロッケ
A specialty shop dedicated to selling Takao Great Buddha croquettes in various packaging options for souvenirs and gifts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Takao Great Buddha Croquette
NAT.BREW Craft Beer Brewery
NAT.BREW
A craft beer brewery specializing in locally brewed, small-batch beers with unique regional flavors.
Products
Must-Try Item
NAT.BREW Original Lager
Kanbuku 100 Selection
昆布百選
A specialty shop offering premium dried kelp (kombu) selected from the best producers across Japan.
Products
Must-Try Item
Premium Kombu
Featured Products
Explore signature items like hand-carved wood art and nostalgic snacks from Inami’s renowned artisans.
Buroyura
ブロイラー
A nostalgic Japanese candy with a crispy outer layer and soft, chewy center, beloved since the 1970s.
Takao Great Buddha Croquette
高岡大仏コロッケ
A famous regional croquette made with a unique recipe, known for its crispy texture and savory filling.
NAT.BREW Original Lager
ナットブリュー オリジナルラガー
A crisp and refreshing lager brewed with locally sourced ingredients, known for its balanced malt and hop profile.
Premium Kombu
昆布百選
High-quality dried kelp selected from the top producers across Japan, ideal for making rich broths and soups.
Wind God 10-Stage Soft Cream
風神10段ソフトクリーム
A multi-layered soft cream with ten distinct flavors stacked in a unique, visually striking way.
Spicy Takao Croquette
スパイシー高岡コロッケ
A spicy version of the classic Takao croquette, enhanced with chili and aromatic herbs.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge with comfortable rest areas, clean restrooms, and helpful visitor services at Inami roadside station.
Information Center
The roadside station features an information center that provides visitors with local tourism information, event details, and guidance about the area.
Main entrance area
Parking
Ample parking space is available for visitors' vehicles at the roadside station.
Near the main entrance
Restroom
Clean and accessible restrooms are available for visitors.
Near the main building
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station for visitors' convenience.
Throughout the facility
Play Area
A dedicated play area is available for children, offering a safe space for them to enjoy and play.
Near the main building and outdoor area
Nursing Room
A private nursing room is provided for mothers to care for their infants in a comfortable and quiet environment.
Near the restroom area
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors using electric cars.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitors to withdraw cash.
Near the main entrance
Pet Area
A designated pet-friendly area is available for visitors with pets, allowing them to walk and relax with their animals.
Outdoor area near the entrance
Activities & Experiences
Engage in hands-on experiences from wood carving to seasonal harvests, bringing Inami’s culture to life.
Sweet Potato Harvest Experience
さつまいも収穫体験
Participants will harvest sweet potatoes from the field. The activity includes learning about the harvesting process and enjoying roasted sweet potatoes afterward.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor activity; please dress appropriately for the weather.
Snow-Under Vegetable Harvest Experience
雪下野菜収穫体験
Participants will harvest vegetables stored under snow, learning about traditional winter preservation methods and enjoying the fresh produce.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor activity in snowy conditions; warm clothing and waterproof footwear recommended.
Sculpture Experience
彫刻体験
Participants will try their hand at wood carving under guidance, creating their own small sculpture using traditional techniques.
Duration
90 min
Thai Festival at Inami Wood Carving Village
タイフェス南砺in木彫りの里
A cultural festival celebrating Thai cuisine and traditions, featuring food stalls, performances, and cultural activities.
Duration
300 min
Outdoor event; check weather forecast and prepare accordingly.
Classic Car Meet-up
クラシックカーミィーティング in 道の駅井波
An event for classic car enthusiasts to gather, display their vehicles, and share stories about vintage automobiles.
Duration
360 min
Outdoor event; bring layers for variable temperatures.
Inami Store (Candy Shop) Opening
駄菓子屋『イナミ商店』がOpen
A nostalgic candy shop opens, offering traditional Japanese snacks and sweets from childhood, perfect for families and collectors.
Duration
60 min
Nanto City Ice Festival ★ Curry Lovers Festival
南砺市アイスフェス ★なんとカレー愛すフェス★
A unique festival combining ice-themed treats with a special focus on curry, featuring food vendors and live entertainment.
Duration
480 min
Outdoor event; weather may affect attendance; check updates.
La Festa Primavera
La Festa Primavera(ラフェスタ プリマベラ）
A spring celebration featuring music, art, food, and cultural performances, highlighting local talent and seasonal themes.
Duration
420 min
Outdoor event; bring a light jacket or umbrella.
NAT.BREW Craft Beer Launch
NAT.BREW (ナット・ブリュー)のクラフトビール醸造・販売所
A special event to launch a new craft beer brewery, offering tastings and insights into the brewing process.
Duration
120 min
Insider Tips
Visit on weekends for special events, and arrive early to enjoy limited-edition offerings at Inami roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit on the second or fourth Wednesday of the month to avoid the closure, as the roadside station is closed on those days and most visitors plan trips around them
- Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the entrance for the limited-edition "NAT.BREW" craft beer, which is only available at the roadside station and not sold elsewhere
- Weekend Special: Attend the monthly "10th of the Month" event on the first Sunday of each month to receive a free gift from the "Inami Store" vending machine—children receive candy or stationery, and the selection changes monthly
- Unique Experience: Sign up for the "Sculpture Experience" workshop, held on weekends, where visitors can carve wood using traditional tools and take home their creation
- Seasonal Tip: Visit on October 26 to enjoy the "Thai Festival in Inami," featuring authentic Thai street food, cultural performances, and special drinks from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Must-Try Food: Order the hand-made takoyaki at the roadside station’s front entrance, available only on Sundays starting at 11:00 AM, served with a new homemade tartar sauce
- Special Purchase: Buy the "Broiler" snack at the Inami Store, a nostalgic Japanese candy from the 1970s that has been a long-standing favorite since its 2023 reopening
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Visit in late March to early April for the La Festa Primavera event and the opening of the nostalgic Inami Store, offering traditional Japanese candies.
Summer (June-August): No specific seasonal events or products mentioned for summer.
Autumn (September-November): Enjoy the 10th anniversary of the Thai Festival on October 26, the 10th Anniversary Thank You Festival on October 19, and the annual sweet potato harvest experience.
Winter (December-February): Experience snow-covered vegetable harvesting on February 12 and enjoy the unique winter festival atmosphere during the South Takaoka Ice Festival in early March.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers regular children's events, monthly giveaways, and interactive experiences like wood carving and potato harvesting. Features a dedicated play area with a stuffed animal gacha machine. Stroller-friendly with accessible facilities and safe, engaging activities for kids.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse dining options including a nostalgic candy store, local specialties like highland vegetable dishes, and seasonal events like the Thai Festival. Offers fresh produce, artisanal craft beer, and unique regional snacks with strong local flavor.
Car Camping Review
Provides basic facilities including restrooms and vending machines. Offers a quiet, scenic location suitable for short overnight stays. However, no explicit overnight parking policy is mentioned, limiting its reliability for extended camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a picturesque town known for wood carving, with natural surroundings enhanced by seasonal events and cultural landscapes. Offers beautiful views of the countryside and well-designed scenic viewpoints, especially during festivals and harvest seasons.