Station Kushigaki no Sato

Discover the Heart of Wakayama’s Fruit & Tradition

Kushigaki no Sato is a vibrant roadside station situated along National Route 480, nestled in the scenic Katsuragi Town’s Taki district in Wakayama Prefecture. Known as the home of Japan’s highest production of string-dried persimmons, this station celebrates the region’s rich agricultural heritage and deep cultural roots. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling farmland, it serves as a gateway to natural wonders like the sacred Horiwata Shokan-son Temple and the World Heritage-listed Danjinotsubu Shrine.

Visitors can savor seasonal fruits straight from local farms, sample unique persimmon treats from autumn to winter, and enjoy fresh juices and homemade ice cream made with regional produce. With an on-site information center, guided storytelling tours, and easy access to nearby fruit-picking farms and hiking trails, Kushigaki no Sato offers a complete rural experience—where nature, tradition, and community come together.

Visit Kushigaki no Sato to experience the heart of Japan’s only major production region for串柿 (kakigori persimmons), where you can see rows of sun-dried persimmons hanging from farm eaves from late October through winter. Beyond the iconic fruit, the roadside station is the only place to taste authentic anpo kaki ice cream—crafted from locally grown persimmons and made in small batches using traditional methods—offering a uniquely sweet, tangy flavor found nowhere else.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit the物産販売施設 (local produce shop) by 9:15 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s first selection of fresh seasonal fruits, as the daily delivery arrives at 9:00 AM and items sell out quickly
• Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the restaurant entrance for the daily limited batch of homemade anpokaki (dried persimmon) made from locally grown fruit—typically available only from late October to December
• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, stop by the information corner between 10:30–11:30 AM to receive a free map of the local fruit-picking farms and a sample of seasonal fruit juice
• Must-Try Item: Order the persimmon ice cream at the restaurant counter before 12:00 PM—this specialty item is made with locally harvested fruit and is only prepared in limited quantities each day
• Best Time for Photography: Arrive at the roadside station’s front parking lot between 4:00–5:00 PM on weekdays to capture the golden-hour lighting on the row of hanging persimmons displayed near the entrance, especially in late November
• Local Experience Tip: Visit the experience corner during the week to participate in a 30-minute hands-on session making traditional string persimmons—sessions are held every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00 AM
• Proximity Advantage: Use the roadside station’s parking lot as a base to visit the nearby string persimmon production area (about a 10-minute walk) during October and November, when the display of orange strings hanging from farm rooftops is at its peak

Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the roadside station in April, coinciding with the start of seasonal fruit harvests.

Summer (June-August): Peak season for strawberries and peaches, with fruit-picking activities available from June through July.

Autumn (September-November): Best time to see hanging persimmons in late October, with a wide selection of dried persimmon treats available from October.

Winter (December-February): Ideal for enjoying warm local sweets and seasonal fruits like citrus and chestnuts.