Station Ichimaigano

Discover Nature’s Masterpiece at Ichimaigano

Tucked along National Route 371 in the serene heart of Kusakawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, Ichimaigano roadside station offers a rare blend of natural wonder and local flavor. Just steps from the station, the towering, naturally formed Ichimaiiwa—a 100-meter-high, 500-meter-wide monolith—rises dramatically across the clear waters of the Kusakawa River, a designated national natural monument that leaves visitors in awe.

More than a pit stop, Ichimaigano celebrates the region’s rich biodiversity and culinary heritage. Visitors can savor expertly crafted game meat burgers and fresh ayu fish dishes, all made with ingredients sourced directly from the surrounding mountains and rivers. With free Wi-Fi, an EV charging station, and panoramic views of the river and rock formation, it’s a perfect place to pause, recharge, and connect with the spirit of rural Japan.

Visit Ichimaigano roadside station to experience the region’s only roadside station offering authentic game meat burgers made from locally hunted wild boar and deer, served alongside fresh ayu fish grilled over charcoal from the nearby Kusagawa River. The station’s most striking feature is its panoramic view of the National Natural Monument Ichimaiiwa—a towering 100-meter monolithic rock spanning 500 meters—visible from the dining area, creating a dramatic backdrop unmatched anywhere else.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:00 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the deli counter before the first batch of grilled yamabushi (local wild boar) skewers sells out—these are only available during morning hours and often sell out by 11:30 AM.

• Hidden Gems: Visit the small wooden display near the entrance labeled "Local Crafts Corner" to find hand-carved river stone figurines made by artisans from the nearby village—these are only restocked on Wednesdays and are not available for purchase elsewhere.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the roadside station’s rooftop terrace opens at 10:00 AM and offers a free panoramic view of the Kogawa River and the one-piece rock formation—arrive by 10:15 AM to get the best vantage point before the crowd builds.

• Must-Try Food Item: Order the "Yamabushi Burger" at the food counter before 12:00 PM—it is only served on weekdays and is made with locally sourced wild boar meat, which is not available on weekends.

• Best Time to Use EV Charging: Plug in your vehicle at the fast-charging station between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM on weekdays, as this is when the station is least busy and the charger is most reliably operational.

• Off-the-Beaten-Path Trail Access: Use the small trailhead located just behind the parking area (marked with a red wooden sign) to access the walking path to the Inugai Rock—this hidden route is only open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM and leads directly to a viewpoint with a close-up view of the rock’s honeycomb surface.

• Information Desk Tip: Ask the staff at the information counter about the upcoming "Sakura Festival" at Shichikawa Dam—this event occurs only on the first Saturday of April, and advance registration is required through the local town office. They will provide a printed schedule and shuttle details.

Spring (March–April): Visit during the Sakura Festival at Shichigawa Dam (mid-March to early April) for cherry blossoms and local events.

Summer (June–August): Enjoy fresh ayu fish dishes and cool mountain air near the clear waters of Kozagawa River.

Autumn (September–November): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned in the content.

Winter (December–February): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned in the content.