Discover the Heart of Wakayama’s Natural and Culinary Heritage
Nestled at the border of Osaka and Wakayama Prefectures, Neraku Sakura no Sato is a vibrant roadside station that seamlessly blends rural charm with modern convenience. Located just a five-minute drive from the sacred New Shingon Sect head temple, Kōraku-ji, this destination offers travelers a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush greenery and seasonal beauty.
More than a pit stop, Neraku Sakura no Sato celebrates local agriculture with a fresh, seasonal marketplace featuring farm-fresh produce, regional specialties like early-season mandarins and premium "Hinohikari" rice, and on-site milling for truly fresh grains. Visitors can enjoy local cuisine in a welcoming rest area, explore nearby cultural sites such as the stunning Kōraku-ji Great Pagoda, or stroll through the scenic Rokuyama Park and Wakayama Prefectural Botanical Garden. It’s a true gateway to the soul of Iwade.
Why Visit
Neraku Sakura no Sato stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering freshly milled, locally grown Hinohikari rice—renowned for its firm texture and lasting flavor—available on-site in 2kg bags and served in limited-edition new rice festival tastings. Just minutes from the National Treasure Great Pagoda of Neraku-ji Temple, it’s also the sole location where visitors can sample Kino-kawa persimmons—deeply black, naturally de-stoned fruit with a luxurious sweetness—grown exclusively in the local valley.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, locally crafted meals at Neraku Sakura no Sato roadside station, where seasonal flavors meet traditional recipes in a welcoming atmosphere.
Local Specialty Restaurant
地元の郷土料理
Specialty
Traditional local cuisine from Iwade City
A cozy dining space offering authentic regional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, perfect for experiencing the flavors of Iwade's agricultural heritage.
Farmers' Market Café
農産物販売所カフェ
Specialty
Light meals and snacks using fresh local produce
A relaxed café space where visitors can enjoy simple, wholesome meals made with seasonal vegetables and fruits from nearby farms.
Seasonal Fruit Stall
季節の果物販売所
Specialty
Fresh seasonal fruits from local farms
A small, open-air stall offering freshly harvested fruits during their peak season, ideal for a quick snack or picnic.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a vibrant mix of local produce and artisanal goods at Neraku Sakura no Sato roadside station, where every purchase supports regional craftsmanship.
Farmers' Market
農産物・特産物販売所
A retail space where local farmers sell fresh produce, seasonal fruits, and regional specialties directly to visitors.
Products
Must-Try Item
Early-Season Tangerine
Rice Milling Corner
店頭精米コーナー
A dedicated area where visitors can have locally grown rice milled on-site, ensuring freshness and quality.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly Milled Rice
Local Specialty Store
地元特産品販売所
A shop offering unique regional products and gifts, including preserved foods and local crafts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Konbu Dried Cod
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like sweet early-maturing mandarins, premium Hinohikari rice, and richly flavored persimmons, all grown with care in the heart of Wakayama.
Early-Season Tangerine
早生みかん
Sweet, juicy tangerines harvested early in the season, known for their bright flavor and freshness.
Black-Skinned Persimmon
紀の川柿
A high-quality persimmon with a distinctive blackish skin and rich, sweet flavor, naturally de-astringed on the tree.
Konbu Dried Cod
昆布佃煮
A traditional Japanese condiment made by simmering konbu with soy sauce and sugar, known for its umami-rich flavor.
Freshly Milled Rice
精米したてのお米
Locally grown rice milled on-site, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor, ideal for daily cooking.
Jumbo Chili Pepper
ねごろ大唐
A large, mild chili pepper with thick, soft flesh and no spiciness, ideal for cooking and eating raw.
Fresh Cut Flowers
切り花
Freshly cut flowers such as carnations, stocks, and snapdragons, harvested daily from local farms.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities at Neraku Sakura no Sato roadside station, including spacious parking, accessible restrooms, and a comfortable rest area for travelers.
Parking
49 parking spaces available, including 4 large vehicle spots and 45 regular vehicle spots.
Near the main entrance
Restroom
Male restroom with 10 fixtures, female restroom with 8 fixtures, and a baby changing station available.
Near the main facility entrance
Information Center
Provides brochures and information about local facilities and tourism attractions.
Main facility area
Play Area
A recreational space for children located within the roadside station grounds.
Near the main facility
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi access available throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging station available on-site.
Parking area
ATM
An automated teller machine available for public use.
Near the main entrance
Nursing Room
A private room for nursing mothers, located near the restroom area.
Near the restroom
Bike Rental
Bicycle rental service available for visitors exploring the surrounding area.
Near the main entrance
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in local culture through seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and nature walks near the historic Kōrai Temple and scenic trails.
New Rice Festival (3rd Edition)
新米祭り第3弾
Participants can enjoy free rice balls made from freshly harvested 'Hinohikari' rice. The event is held on a first-come, first-served basis for the first 100 guests.
Duration
60 min
On-site Rice Milling
店頭精米コーナー
Visitors can have locally grown rice milled on-site, allowing them to take home freshly milled rice with superior taste and texture.
Duration
30 min
Local Vegetable and Fruit Market
彩色々コーナー
Explore a variety of locally grown seasonal vegetables and fruits, including large-sized chili peppers and fresh-cut flowers, directly from local farmers.
Duration
45 min
Guided Nature Walk to Momiji Valley Park
もみじ谷公園
Take a scenic walk through Momiji Valley Park, enjoying cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant maple leaves in autumn, surrounded by streams and lush greenery.
Duration
90 min
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a jacket for cooler weather.
Visit to Wakayama Prefectural Botanical Garden Green Flower Center
県植物公園緑花センター
Explore panoramic flower beds and a tropical greenhouse filled with over 700 types of ornamental plants, with seasonal flower exhibitions and tea events held throughout the year.
Duration
120 min
Best visited during spring and autumn for optimal flower displays.
Historical Exploration of Negoro-ji Temple
根來寺
Visit the head temple of the Shingi Shingon Sect, featuring the National Treasure Great Pagoda, and explore the surrounding sacred mountain terrain with rich seasonal scenery.
Duration
120 min
The site is accessible year-round; bring rain gear during wet seasons.
Insider Tips
Visit during the early season for the best selection of fresh mandarins and new rice, and arrive before noon to secure limited-time offers and fresh batches.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure the first selection of fresh-milled rice, as the shop's "精米したて" (freshly milled) rice is available in limited quantities each day and often sells out by midday.
- Hidden Gems: Look for the konbu-dashi rice (konbu-boiled rice) at the counter—this is a staff-recommended way to enjoy the 11th-month featured rice, Hinohikari, and is only available during the current seasonal promotion.
- Weekend Special: On the first Saturday of each month, attend the "New Rice Festival" event, where the first 100 visitors receive a free sample of Hinohikari rice onigiri (rice balls) starting at 10:00 AM—arrive early as this is a limited, first-come, first-served offering.
- Must-Try Product: Purchase the "Hinohikari" rice in 4.5kg bags for 3,500 yen—this is a seasonal limited-time offer available only until the end of November, and it includes a special recommendation to serve it over konbu-dashi for enhanced flavor.
- Local Specialties: Ask for the black-skinned Kino-kawa persimmon (Kino-kawa kaki)—these are the rare, high-end persimmons with distinctive black patterns, and they are only available during the fall season, typically from late November onward.
- Transportation Tip: If arriving from Osaka via JR, take the Wakayama Bus "Iwade-Tsukai Line" from Kuromatsu Station or Tsuruhashi Station, and get off at the "Neraku Sakura no Sato" bus stop—this route is specifically recommended for public transit users to avoid long walks from the main train stations.
- On-Site Experience: Use the rest area inside the shop to enjoy freshly purchased local foods like regional sushi or bread—this space is available for all visitors, including those who want to eat their purchases on-site, and it's especially convenient after browsing the produce and rice counters.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Late March to April features peak canola flower viewing, with fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.
Summer (June-August): August brings the annual summer festival with local food stalls and live music.
Autumn (September-November): October to November highlights new rice harvests, with 'Hinohikari' rice and sweet persimmons on sale.
Winter (December-February): December sees early mandarin oranges and seasonal kumquats available, ideal for gift-giving.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers ample parking, stroller-friendly paths, and a baby bed in restrooms. Features a children's play area and interactive farm produce displays. Family-friendly food options and nearby scenic parks enhance the experience.
Food Lover Review
Provides fresh local produce, seasonal specialties like early-season mandarins and premium rice, and a shop with diverse regional products. The on-site milling and variety of local dishes elevate the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Has 49 parking spaces, clean restrooms, and vending machines. Offers a quiet location with nearby scenic trails, though no formal overnight parking policy is specified. Suitable for short stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by lush greenery with panoramic views of natural landscapes. Features seasonal beauty from cherry blossoms to autumn foliage. Offers scenic viewpoints near Kōrai Temple and nearby parks.