Discover the Heart of Wakayama’s Natural and Cultural Heritage
Kino-kawa Manyo-no-sato is a scenic roadside station nestled along the pristine Kinokawa River in Katsuragi Town, where rolling hills like Miko-yama and Sei-yama rise in gentle embrace. Named after the ancient Manyo-shu poetry collection, which references this land 15 times, the station offers breathtaking views and a peaceful retreat for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers. It serves as both a cycling hub and a cultural gateway, with a well-maintained riverside trail perfect for leisurely rides or dog walks.
Visitors are drawn to its vibrant farm shop, where seasonal fruits and vegetables from Katsuragi’s renowned orchards are sold daily. Don’t miss the on-site restaurant, Mahoroba, which features regional specialties like persimmon leaf sushi. Just minutes away, explore the famous string persimmons of Kushigaki, the sacred Niu-Tuhime Shrine, or enjoy year-round fruit picking in this true fruit kingdom.
Why Visit
Visit Kino-kawa Manyo-no-sato to experience the only roadside station in the region offering freshly made kaki-ya sushi—crafted with local persimmons and rice from nearby farms, a tradition rooted in the area’s historic connection to the Manyōshū. The station also overlooks the clear Kinokawa River and the scenic Mt. Imo and Mt. Sei, providing a rare vantage point for both walking and cycling along the riverbank.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Kino-kawa Manyo-no-sato roadside station.
Mahoroba Restaurant
まほろば
Specialty
Traditional Kino-kawa-style cuisine with seasonal ingredients
A revitalized dining spot offering a cozy atmosphere with views of the Kino-kawa River and surrounding mountains. The restaurant features a modernized layout with increased seating capacity and focuses on local, seasonal ingredients, especially regional specialties.
Shopping Highlights
Discover fresh regional produce and unique souvenirs at the roadside station.
Local Produce Market
物産品販売所
A retail shop offering fresh local agricultural products and regional souvenirs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Persimmon Sticks (Kushigaki)
Kushigaki Specialty Store
串柿の里
A dedicated shop specializing in traditional dried persimmon sticks, a local specialty.
Products
Must-Try Item
Dried Persimmon Sticks
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like persimmon leaf sushi and seasonal farm-fresh fruits.
Dried Persimmon Sticks
串柿
Traditional dried persimmon sticks, a famous local specialty from Kino-kawa, known for their sweet, chewy texture and natural orange color.
Kino-kawa River Trout Sushi
紀の川の鮎寿司
A unique sushi made with fresh trout from the Kino-kawa River, preserved with traditional methods and served in a convenient ready-to-eat pack.
Persimmon Jam
柿のジャム
Handcrafted jam made from locally grown persimmons, rich in flavor and ideal for toast or desserts.
Local Vegetable Mix
地元野菜ミックス
A curated mix of fresh, seasonal vegetables from Kino-kawa farms, perfect for cooking or salads.
Kino-kawa Mountain Tea
紀の川山茶
A light, fragrant tea made from wild herbs and leaves gathered from the slopes of Mount Miko and Mount Seiyo.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including ample parking and accessible restrooms.
Parking Lot
108 parking spaces available, including 16 large vehicle spots, 85 regular vehicle spots, and 7 disabled-accessible spots.
Adjacent to the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging available at the roadside station.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Wi-Fi
Wireless LAN available for visitors.
Throughout the roadside station
Restrooms
Male restrooms with 19 fixtures, female restrooms with 12 fixtures, and 2 disabled-accessible restrooms.
Throughout the roadside station
Information Center
Information facility open from 8:30 to 17:00, providing visitor information and assistance.
Main building of the roadside station
Restaurant
Restaurant named 'Mahoroba' offering local cuisine, including kaki-no-ha sushi. Open from 10:00 to 16:00.
Inside the roadside station
Park
A park area available for walking, cycling, and relaxation, with scenic views of Miya-yama and Sei-yama mountains.
Near the riverbank and cycling route
Activities & Experiences
Participate in seasonal harvests and cultural workshops throughout the year.
Fruit Picking
フルーツ狩り
Participants can pick seasonal fruits such as jabara (January), strawberries, plums, peaches, tomatoes, grapes, pears, chestnuts, apples, persimmons, and mandarins throughout the year.
Duration
120 min
Walking along the Clear River Kinokawa
清流紀の川と妹山、背山、船岡山眺望
Walk along the scenic Kinokawa River while enjoying views of Mount Ima, Mount Sei, and Mount Funakata, perfect for relaxation and nature appreciation.
Duration
60 min
Best enjoyed on clear days for optimal views.
Cycling Tour
サイクリングルート
Ride along the designated cycling route on the river embankment, ideal for leisurely exploration of the surrounding natural scenery.
Duration
90 min
Cycling recommended on dry, sunny days.
Local Produce Shopping
新鮮な農産物
Explore and purchase fresh seasonal agricultural products from local farmers, including vegetables and fruits harvested at peak freshness.
Duration
30 min
Visit to Kushi-gaki Village
串柿の里 四郷
Visit the village known for its traditional kushi-gaki (stringed persimmons), where orange-colored persimmons hang from rooftops from late October to mid-November.
Duration
60 min
Best viewed on sunny days during the display season.
Visit to Niutuhime Shrine
丹生都比売神社
Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a history of over 1,700 years, known as the guardian deity of Shingon Buddhism and the origin of Koyasan's sacred land.
Duration
90 min
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain.
Visit to Hourai Mountain Shrine
宝来山神社
Visit a historic shrine with a vibrant, nationally designated Important Cultural Property main hall and regional cultural property side halls. Explore the medieval irrigation system known as Monogaku-ike.
Duration
60 min
Best visited during dry weather to access the water channel area.
Insider Tips
Visit during fruit-picking season or explore nearby heritage sites for local charm.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit the roadside station by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure the fresh-baked milk bread sold at the deli counter, which typically sells out by 11:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: Stop at the deli counter between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to find the limited-edition seasonal fruit jam made from locally grown persimmons, available only during the October–November harvest
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the restaurant mahoroba between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to try the newly introduced seasonal set menu featuring fresh local vegetables and rice from the surrounding farms
- Best Photo Spot: Walk to the riverbank path along the Kinokawa River just after 4:00 PM on weekdays to capture the golden light reflecting off the water while the sun sets behind the Miya-yama and Sei-yama mountains
- EV Charging Tip: Use the EV charging station between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM on weekdays when the facility is least crowded and the power supply is most stable
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Trail: Take the short trail behind the restaurant mahoroba that leads to the historical water channel known as Monogaku-i, which is marked with a small sign and offers a peaceful walk through a preserved agricultural landscape
- Fruit-Picking Shortcut: If planning a fruit-picking trip, head to the roadside station’s information desk between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM to receive a free map and schedule of active orchards, including the nearby strawberry farm open for pickings from January through March
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available April to May; cherry blossoms peak in early April.
Summer (June–August): Peach and tomato harvests at peak; full fruit-picking season begins in June.
Autumn (September–November): Chestnut and persimmon harvests in October; kaki fruit on display from late October.
Winter (December–February): Persimmon picking and dried kaki fruit available; seasonal snacks at restaurant.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
A dedicated playground and stroller-friendly paths make it ideal for families. The restaurant offers kid-friendly meals, and the scenic views provide engaging outdoor activities for children.
Food Lover Review
Features a well-reviewed restaurant with local specialties like persimmon leaf sushi. Fresh seasonal produce and regional fruits are available, offering a high-quality culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Offers ample parking, clean restrooms, and EV charging. While quiet, it lacks dedicated camping zones and has no official overnight parking policy for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Overlooks the clear Kinokawa River and scenic mountains, with excellent photo spots. Seasonal beauty from fruit orchards and autumn foliage enhances the natural appeal.