Station Furusato Center Daito

Discover the Heart of Wakayama’s Natural Heritage

Furusato Center Daito is a roadside station nestled in the lush, serene landscape of Tsuru City, Wakayama Prefecture, where pristine forests meet clear streams and rolling farmland. Once part of the historic Ootou Village, this vibrant hub celebrates rural life with a focus on sustainability, local craftsmanship, and seasonal beauty. Surrounded by nature, it offers visitors a peaceful retreat with year-round appeal—from spring foraging for wild vegetables and azalea walks, to autumn hikes through red-leafed valleys and winter mountain treks.

More than a rest stop, Furusato Center Daito serves as a cultural bridge between city and countryside. Its standout feature is the on-site shop, where guests can find handcrafted wooden goods made from local timber, along with regional specialties like shiitake mushrooms, dried tea, pickled plums, and seasonal mountain vegetables. With camping facilities, a youth travel village, and nearby attractions like Densan Dam and the scenic Hyakumai Mountain Gorge, it’s a perfect base for exploring Wakayama’s untouched natural wonders.

Furusato Center Daito stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering handcrafted woodwork made from locally harvested cypress and cedar, reflecting the area’s deep forestry heritage. Visitors can sample freshly made shimeji and shiitake mushrooms from nearby farms, and discover rare, small-batch mountain vegetable pickles unique to the Daito Valley. The station is also the sole access point for guided hikes to the protected Kemono deer habitat, providing rare wildlife viewing opportunities in a pristine natural setting.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the last of the day's fresh shiitake mushrooms, which are typically sold out by noon when the local farmers' supply arrives at the shop

• Hidden Gems: Visit the wooden crafts section near the front entrance to find hand-carved wooden spoons and bowls made from local cedar, available only during seasonal craft fairs held on the 1st and 15th of each month

• Weekend Special: On Sundays, the local vendor at the deli counter offers a limited batch of handmade yuzu and plum pickles, sold exclusively from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM—arrive early to avoid missing them

• Best Photo Spot: Stand at the wooden bridge adjacent to the roadside station’s main entrance to capture the full view of the clear stream flowing beneath, especially striking during early morning light before 9:00 AM

• Off-the-Beaten-Path Hike: Use the station’s information desk to request the official trail map for the Otsuyama Ravine, which includes a marked path leading to the hidden waterfall accessible only from the station’s backside trailhead

• Pro Tip for Families: Reserve one of the two wheelchair-accessible parking spots near the entrance (designated for large vehicles) if visiting with mobility challenges—these spots provide direct access to the ramp and accessible restroom

• Local Special: Ask the staff at the information desk about the monthly "Forest Harvest" event, where visitors can purchase freshly foraged mountain vegetables like wild garlic and fern shoots during the spring and early summer months

Spring (March–May): Peak season for mountain vegetable harvesting and azalea viewing (late March–early May).

Summer (June–August): Ideal for fishing at Denzan Dam and camping in the scenic hills.

Autumn (September–November): Best time for viewing maple leaves and exploring the 3km stretch of Bai-kenzan Gorge.

Winter (December–February): Prime season for mountain hiking with clear views of the surrounding landscape.