Walk the Path of Time at the Heart of the Kumanokodo Nakahechi
Nestled at the crossroads of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kumanokodo Nakahechi Trail and National Route 311, the roadside station Kumanokodo Nakahechi offers a gateway to Japan’s ancient spiritual journey. Located in Tawara Town, Wakayama Prefecture, this vibrant hub welcomes pilgrims, hikers, and travelers alike with its rich historical backdrop and modern amenities. The station sits just steps from the Golden Route of the Kumanokodo, one of the most popular and revered paths leading to the sacred Kumano Sanzan shrines.
A standout feature is the charming Cow-Horse Boy statue, said to depict the legendary journey of Emperor Go-Shirakawa, adding a touch of folklore to the trail. Visitors can explore local flavors at the on-site café and shop, sampling regional specialties like plum udon, mountain vegetables, and traditional mehari sushi. With free Wi-Fi, EV charging, and a thoughtfully designed space that blends tradition with comfort, this roadside station is more than a stop—it’s a celebration of heritage, nature, and community.
Why Visit
Visit Kumano Kodo Nakahechi roadside station to experience the only on-site tasting of meharizushi—a traditional pickled fish sushi unique to this region—crafted from locally caught sardines and rice. Just steps from the UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo Nakahechi trail, this station is the only one along the route offering a dedicated tea and snack corner with views of the historic cow-horse boy statue, a symbol of Emperor Go-Shirakawa’s pilgrimage journey.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at the roadside station with seasonal dishes and traditional favorites.
Light Meal Restaurant
軽食
Specialty
Quick and convenient meals for travelers
A casual food stall offering simple, satisfying meals for visitors and drivers passing through. Located within the roadside station, it provides a convenient stop for a quick bite.
Shopping Highlights
Discover authentic regional goods and handmade treasures in a welcoming marketplace.
Local Agricultural and Forest Product Sales Store
農林産物販売所
A retail shop specializing in locally produced agricultural and forest products, including seasonal vegetables, traditional condiments, and regional specialties.
Products
Must-Try Item
Plum Rice Balls
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like pickled plum udon, mountain vegetables, and dried shiitake mushrooms.
Plum Rice Balls
草餅
Traditional Japanese rice balls wrapped in bamboo leaves, filled with sweet plum paste, made using local ingredients and time-honored methods.
Mountain Vegetables
山菜
Fresh, wild mountain vegetables harvested from the surrounding forests, known for their rich flavor and natural quality.
Soybean Paste
味噌
Authentic local soybean paste made from traditional recipes, offering a deep umami flavor perfect for soups and sauces.
Dried Shiitake Mushrooms
干椎茸
Premium dried shiitake mushrooms grown in the region, known for their intense aroma and rich taste.
Plum Udon Noodles
梅うどん
Ready-to-eat plum-flavored udon noodles, ideal for a quick meal or as a gift from the region.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including parking, restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and EV charging.
Parking Lot
27 parking spaces available, including 3 large vehicle spots and 24 standard vehicle spots.
Near the roadside station entrance
Free Wireless LAN
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors.
Throughout the roadside station premises
EV Charging Station
One EV charging unit is available.
Near the parking area
Restrooms
Male restrooms with 5 fixtures, female restrooms with 6 fixtures, and one accessible restroom for people with disabilities.
Inside the roadside station building
Information Center
Offers regional tourism and local specialty product information provided by a tourism concierge.
Inside the roadside station building
Play Area
A space for relaxation and enjoyment, including a tea corner with seating.
Within the roadside station complex
Nursing Room
A dedicated room for nursing mothers, located within the restroom facilities.
Inside the restroom area
ATM
One public telephone available for use.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Local Products Sales Store
Sells local specialties such as grass rice cakes, mountain vegetables, miso, mehari sushi, and dried shiitake mushrooms. Open 8:00–18:30.
Inside the roadside station building
Restaurant
Offers a menu featuring local favorites such as plum udon. Open 9:00–16:00.
Inside the roadside station building
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around the trail’s peak seasons and explore nearby historical landmarks.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure the last of the day's fresh-baked milk bread, which is sold at the deli counter and typically sells out by 11:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: Visit the agricultural products sales counter between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to find the day’s limited batch of seasonal mountain vegetables, which are displayed only during this window
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the restaurant offers a special lunch menu featuring me udon (plum udon), available only from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM—arrive before 11:15 AM to avoid the line
- Parking Strategy: Use the designated large vehicle parking space (3 spots) if you’re driving a van or larger vehicle—regular parking fills quickly during peak hours, especially on weekends
- Cultural Access: Take the 20-minute walk from the roadside station to the Kusakabe Jōkō statue (Cow and Horse Boy Figure) to experience the symbolic landmark of the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route, which is best viewed in the late morning when light enhances the statue’s details
- EV Charging Tip: Plug in your electric vehicle at the single EV charger located near the main entrance only between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, as the station’s power supply is limited during off-hours
- Local Insight: Ask the on-site tourism concierge at the information desk about the current seasonal availability of mearizushi (a regional pickled fish snack) — they update daily and can direct you to the exact shelf where it’s stocked
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh mountain vegetables and seasonal herbs available at the market, with peak canola flower viewing in late March to early April.
Summer (June–August): Summer mountain vegetables and sweet corn sold daily; ideal for hiking the Kumano Kodo trails.
Autumn (September–November): Dried shiitake mushrooms and chestnuts harvested in autumn; perfect for enjoying with local sake.
Winter (December–February): Limited hours; visit for quiet walks and seasonal dishes like me-udon during the colder months.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a family-friendly atmosphere with ample parking, stroller-accessible paths, and a children's play area near the entrance. The restaurant serves kid-friendly meals like udon, and nearby attractions like the牛馬童子像 provide educational and interactive experiences.
Food Lover Review
Features a variety of local specialties including pickled vegetables, mountain vegetables, miso, dried shiitake, and mehari sushi. The farm market offers fresh seasonal produce, and the restaurant serves a unique regional dish—plum udon—enhancing the overall food experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides 27 parking spaces, including three for large vehicles, and 24-hour restroom access, making it suitable for short overnight stops. However, there is no formal overnight parking policy, and the site lacks quiet, dedicated camping zones, limiting comfort for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located along the World Heritage-listed Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Trail, the roadside station offers scenic views of natural landscapes and historic sites. The surrounding area includes photo-worthy spots like the Cow-Horse Child statue and the nearby mountain trails, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.