Station Mushikuiwa

Discover the Natural Majesty of Ancient Stone and Local Flavors

Mushikuiwa roadside station sits at the gateway to古座川町 in Wakayama Prefecture, offering a serene gateway to one of Japan’s most awe-inspiring natural landmarks. Perched along the Kenchō Tawara-Koza Line, this station provides panoramic views of the towering 60-meter-high Mushikuiiwa—a National Natural Monument sculpted by wind and rain into a honeycombed rock formation. Locals believe threading a string through its holes brings healing to ear ailments, adding a touch of folklore to the site’s grandeur.

More than a pit stop, Mushikuiwa is a cultural and agricultural hub. Visitors can savor freshly harvested local vegetables, regional specialties, and hot drinks while exploring the well-equipped facility. With free Wi-Fi, EV charging, and a dedicated tourism office, it’s the perfect base for exploring nearby wonders like the colossal Iwaiiwa, a breathtaking single rock formation spanning 500 meters across the clear Koza River.

Mushikuiwa roadside station offers a rare chance to experience the sacred "Bridge Pillar Rock," a national natural monument with over 60m of vertically eroded stone pocked with holes said to cure ear ailments when a thread is passed through. Located at the gateway to Kozugawa Town, it’s the only roadside station with direct access to this iconic geological wonder. Here, visitors can also sample handmade pickled vegetables and local wild vegetable dishes made from ingredients foraged in the surrounding ancient forests—flavors found nowhere else.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 10:00 AM on weekdays to access the full range of fresh local produce at the物産販売コーナー before it starts selling out, as the selection is most complete early in the day.

• Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the information desk for the daily fresh milk bread, which is baked on-site and available only from 9:30 AM until sold out—typically by 11:00 AM.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the物産販売コーナー between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM to catch the limited-time sale of handmade local pickles made from seasonal cucumbers harvested that morning.

• EV Charging Tip: Use the fast EV charger only between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, as it is not available during the overnight hours despite the 24-hour access to the parking lot.

• Photography Spot: For the best view of the National Natural Monument "Koike no Mushikuiwa," park in the large parking space closest to the observation platform and walk directly to the front edge of the cliff path, which is clearly marked and accessible from the roadside station’s main entrance.

• Local Insight: Ask the staff at the 無線LAN Wi-Fi station for the free printed map of the "Koike no Mushikuiwa" viewing path, which includes the recommended route that avoids steep sections and shows the location of the traditional prayer site where visitors tie strings through the rock’s holes.

• Dining Tip: Order the local vegetable bento box from the counter near the restroom at 11:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays, as it is prepared fresh each day and includes ingredients sourced from nearby farms—this meal sells out by 1:00 PM.

Spring (March–May): Canola flowers bloom in late March to April, and fresh bamboo shoots are available at the market.

Summer (June–August): Peak season for local strawberries and fresh vegetables at the roadside station.

Autumn (September–November): Autumn foliage views of the surrounding mountains are best in late November.

Winter (December–February): Quiet season with clear views of the iconic bridge pillar rock.