Station Mizu no Sato Hidakagawa Ryuyu

Discover the Heart of Kii: A Natural Haven by the River

Nestled along the serene midstream of the Hidakagawa River in Wakayama’s龙神 Village, Mizu no Sato Hidakagawa Ryuyu stands as a tranquil retreat where nature, craftsmanship, and local flavor converge. This roadside station offers travelers a rare glimpse into the rural life of the Kii Mountains, blending scenic river views with authentic regional experiences.

At the heart of the station is the Tsugumi Restaurant, renowned for its signature thick, juicy shiitake burger and daily limited servings of local soba noodles. Visitors can also explore G.WORKS, a showcase of handcrafted furniture made from native Kishu wood, alongside unique blue-dyed garments and hand-thrown ceramics. The Wood Stock Café serves locally roasted, pesticide-free coffee and fresh citrus juices, completing the sensory journey. With ample parking, free Wi-Fi, and EV charging, it’s a perfect stop for those exploring the scenic National Route 424.

Visit Mizu no Sato Hidakagawa Ryuyu to savor the region’s only known shimeji mushroom burger, made with locally grown, meaty龙神マッシュしいたけ, a variety celebrated for its juiciness and awarded the prestigious Wakayama Prefecture Grand Prize. Experience the unique blend of craftsmanship and nature at G.WORKS, where one-of-a-kind blue-dyed garments and furniture crafted from local Kishu timber are made in the on-site workshop—only here can you find these handcrafted treasures.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the last remaining fresh shime-take (龙神マッシュの生しいたけ) at the shop, as they often sell out by noon and are restocked only once per week.

• Hidden Gems: Look for the handmade blue-dyed clothing at G.WORKS—these one-of-a-kind pieces are crafted using traditional Aizome dyeing methods and are only available in limited quantities, often selling out by mid-afternoon.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the Wood stock cafe between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to purchase the day’s fresh batch of Yuzu juice—it sells out quickly, and no new batches are made after 11:30 AM.

• Must-Try Menu Item: Order the Shime-take Burger at the Tsubame Dining Hall between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM, as it is served only until 1:30 PM and is frequently sold out by early afternoon.

• Shop Timing Tip: Visit G.WORKS between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to view the latest handcrafted wooden items, including the unique kuma figurines and wooden castanets, as these are displayed in rotating sets and are not always available after 12:00 PM.

• Cashless Payment Note: Use a QR code or contactless payment method at the Tsubame Dining Hall and Ryuyu Shop, as cash-only transactions are not accepted—some credit card readers may have issues, so have a backup payment method ready.

• Sticker Collection Tip: If visiting on a Tuesday, bring your stamp book to the Ryujin Tourism Office at 1F,龙神行政局 (Ryujin Municipal Office), located at 376 Nishi, Ryujin Village, to get your Michi no Eki stamp—this is the only place to collect it during the station’s weekly closure.

Spring (March-May): Fresh shiitake mushrooms peak in spring, with the best harvest from April to May.

Summer (June-August): Fresh yuzu juice is available from late summer, with peak availability in August.

Autumn (September-November): Dried mountain vegetables and preserved shiitake are harvested and sold from September onward.

Winter (December-February): Winter is ideal for visiting the roadside station, with limited but seasonal offerings like preserved foods and local crafts.