Station Kishu Binchotan Memorial Park

Discover the Legacy of Japan’s Most Revered Charcoal

Nestled in the lush hills of Akizugawa, Tanabe City in Wakayama Prefecture, Kishu Binchotan Memorial Park is more than a roadside station—it’s a living tribute to one of Japan’s most iconic traditions. Born in the Edo period from the meticulous craft of local charcoal makers, Kishu binchotan was named after a renowned Kyoto merchant who elevated the quality of the famed white charcoal. Today, the park stands as the birthplace of this legendary fuel, where visitors can explore its deep history, witness authentic charcoal-making, and experience the enduring craftsmanship that has shaped Japanese cuisine and culture.

Step into the discovery hall to learn about the science behind its intense heat and purifying power, or join a hands-on workshop to craft your own wind chime from raw binchotan. Savor the unique flavors of binchotan-grilled cuisine, including black ramen and cold charcoal noodles, or enjoy a refreshing cup of binchotan-filtered coffee. With a dedicated BBQ area, charcoal purification tank, and a working charcoal kiln, every visit is a sensory journey into the heart of this remarkable craft.

Visit Kishu Binchotan Memorial Park to experience the birthplace of Japan’s most renowned charcoal, where artisans still craft Kishu Binchotan using traditional methods passed down since the Edo period. Only here can you witness live charcoal kiln demonstrations, participate in hands-on wind chime workshops using authentic binchotan, and taste rare dishes like black charcoal ramen and cold charcoal soba made with water purified by the very same charcoal. The park’s unique combination of history, craftsmanship, and edible innovation makes it a one-of-a-kind roadside station.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit the restaurant between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM on weekdays to try the seasonal "Reitan Men" (Cold Charcoal Noodles), which are only served during summer months and often sell out by 1:00 PM.

• Hidden Gems: At the souvenir shop, look for the "Kishu-binchotan Wind Chimes" made from actual charcoal fragments—these are crafted on-site using leftover pieces from the charcoal production process and are not sold in the main retail area.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, participate in the "Charcoal Piano Workshop" at the Experience Kiln from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, where you can create your own musical instrument using broken charcoal pieces and learn about their acoustic properties.

• Must-Try Food: Order the "Charcoal-Filtered Coffee" at the restaurant and request it be stirred with the included charcoal stirrer (tanka-madoru), which is made from real Kishu-binchotan and enhances the flavor profile.

• Best Time to See the Kiln: Arrive at 10:00 AM on weekdays when the charcoal maker conducts a live demonstration of the traditional kiln loading process at the Charcoal Kiln site—these demonstrations are only held twice a week and are not advertised on the schedule.

• Water Experience: Visit the Charcoal Water Purification Tank between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM to witness the real-time filtration process; staff will demonstrate how the charcoal removes impurities by showing the difference in water clarity before and after passing through the charcoal bed.

• Avoid the Crowd: Skip the main restaurant lunch rush by visiting the restaurant at 10:30 AM on weekdays, when the staff prepares the "Mai-Tan Soba" (Plum Charcoal Soba) using freshly filtered charcoal water—this dish is only available during specific hours and is not listed on the standard menu.

Spring (March–May): Late March to April features peak canola flower blooms near the park, while fresh bamboo shoots are available at the market.

Summer (June–August): Enjoy the summer-only "Cold Charcoal Noodles" and participate in wind chime workshops.

Autumn (September–November): Visit during autumn foliage season for scenic views around the charcoal kilns.

Winter (December–February): Experience the warmth of traditional charcoal BBQ and enjoy the quiet, serene atmosphere.