Discover the Heart of Kii’s Hidden Highlands
Tucked along National Route 169 in the remote mountain village of Kitayama, Okutoro stands as a serene oasis in the pristine wilderness of Wakayama Prefecture. As the only roadside station in Japan located within a "flying island" village—geographically isolated and surrounded by three prefectures—Okutoro serves as both a cultural gateway and a vital hub for travelers seeking authentic rural experiences.
This unique destination blends natural beauty with modern comfort, offering a hot spring bath with views of the North Mountain River, a charming restaurant, and a direct sales shop for local specialty "Jabara" products. Visitors can enjoy seasonal events, camp under the stars, or explore nearby wonders like the breathtaking Kii Gorge and the vast Mihara Thousand Rice Terraces. More than just a stop, Okutoro invites you to slow down, connect with nature, and discover the soul of Japan’s secluded countryside.
Why Visit
Visit Okutoro roadside station to experience Japan’s only roadside station located within a "flying island" village—geographically isolated and accessible only by a narrow stretch of road. Here, you’ll find the exclusive Okutoro Jaba-ra specialty products, including unique jams and dried fruits made from the region’s rare mountain-grown jaba-ra berries, sold only at the on-site shop. The station also features a rare outdoor hot spring bath overlooking the North River, offering views of misty mountains and seasonal cherry blossoms in the adjacent park—unmatched by any other roadside station in Japan.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at Okutoro roadside station, where traditional dishes meet mountain freshness.
Jabara Dining
じゃばら食堂
Specialty
Local cuisine featuring regional ingredients from North Mountain Village
A cozy restaurant located within Okutoro Onsen, offering traditional Japanese meals with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for travelers seeking authentic mountain village flavors.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique crafts and regional treats at Okutoro's bustling shop and market stalls.
Jabara Shop
じゃばら屋
A retail shop located within Okutoro Onsen that specializes in direct sales of jabara products and local souvenirs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Jabara Pickles
Featured Products
Explore signature items like authentic jaba-ra products and other local specialties.
Jabara Pickles
じゃばら漬け
Fermented pickled jabara vegetables, known for their crisp texture and unique flavor, made using traditional methods from North Mountain Village.
Jabara Dried Vegetables
じゃばら乾物
Sun-dried jabara vegetables preserved for long-term storage, ideal for soups and stews.
Jabara Tea
じゃばら茶
A refreshing herbal tea made from dried jabara leaves, known for its mild, earthy taste and natural health benefits.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including 24-hour parking, restrooms, and free Wi-Fi at Okutoro.
Parking Lot
89 parking spaces available, including 7 large vehicle spots and 82 regular vehicle spots. Open 24 hours.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Restroom
Male toilets: 9 units. Female toilets: 5 units. Accessible restroom available with 1 unit and ramp access.
Throughout the roadside station premises
Wireless LAN
Free wireless LAN available for visitors.
Throughout the roadside station premises
Information Center
Open from 9:00 to 17:00. Provides tourism information, local maps, and details about North Mountain Village and the Kuma River rafting experience.
Inside the roadside station
Play Area
The park features a grassy field and sports ground ideal for children. BBQ facilities are also available.
Okutoro Park
Hot Spring
Indoor bath and an outdoor bath with views of the Kuma River. Open from 11:00 to 20:30 (seasonal variations possible). Day-use bathing available from 15:00 to 20:00 (last entry at 19:30).
Inside Okutoro Onsen Yama no Yado
Ja bara Restaurant
Located within the Okutoro Onsen Yama no Yado. Serves meals during lunch (11:00–14:00) and dinner (17:00–20:00) on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Dinner requires advance reservation during holidays.
Inside Okutoro Onsen Yama no Yado
Ja bara Shop
A direct sales store for North Mountain Village’s specialty product, 'Ja bara', as well as souvenirs and food items. Open from 8:00 to 19:00.
Inside Okutoro Onsen Yama no Yado
EV Charging Station
Not explicitly mentioned in the content. No information provided about EV charging facilities.
Not specified
ATM
No ATM mentioned in the provided content.
Not specified
Nursing Room
Not explicitly mentioned in the provided content.
Not specified
Pet Area
No pet-friendly facilities or designated pet areas mentioned.
Not specified
Insider Tips
Plan ahead for peak times and check seasonal updates for the best visit to Okutoro.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 11:00 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the restaurant before the lunch rush, as the cafeteria-style seating fills up quickly during peak hours.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the shop called "Yamazaki Shop" (formerly "Jabara-ya") between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM to see the full selection of Jabara products, including seasonal limited-edition jams and dried fruit snacks not always stocked later in the day.
- Weekend Special: On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the restaurant offers dinner service from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM only; arrive by 6:30 PM to avoid long waits, as seating is limited and no walk-ins are accepted during peak times.
- Best Time to Use the Hot Spring: Visit the onsen between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM on weekdays to enjoy the outdoor bath with views of the Koyagawa River without crowds, as weekend afternoons are typically full.
- Actionable Tip for Overnight Visitors: If staying in a bungalow or cottage, book your stay directly through the onsen hotel’s phone line (0735-49-2575) before 6:00 PM the day before, as all accommodations are managed through the same reservation system and tend to fill by early evening.
- Avoid Disappointment at the Shop: The Jabara fruit tea and Jabara pickled vegetables are restocked only once daily, usually between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM; aim to visit the Yamazaki Shop during that window to ensure availability.
- Event Planning Tip: If planning to attend an event at the stage plaza, check the official website or call the onsen hotel directly at 0735-49-2575, as events are announced only through their hotline and not posted publicly.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Cherry blossoms bloom in the park by mid-April, and fresh bamboo shoots are available at the shop through May.
Summer (June–August): The outdoor bath operates with scenic views of the Koyama River, and the park hosts summer events.
Autumn (September–November): The area offers scenic views of the rice terraces at the Maruyama Thousand Rice Fields.
Winter (December–February): The hot spring is open daily, and special New Year’s dining reservations are available.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a grassy park with playgrounds, BBQ facilities, and a stage area for events. The onsen and restaurants are accessible, and the shop sells kid-friendly local products. Stroller-friendly paths and ample parking support families.
Food Lover Review
Features a dedicated restaurant serving local dishes and a shop selling authentic North Village specialty 'Jabara' products. Fresh local ingredients and seasonal offerings enhance the dining experience. High-quality regional food is available.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, vending machines, and a designated camping area with bungalows and free sites. However, the 2024 auto-camping site is closed. Overnight parking is allowed, though noise and limited quiet zones affect comfort.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a remote mountain valley with scenic views of the Kiso River and surrounding nature. Offers photo spots near the river and seasonal beauty in spring and autumn. The natural setting enhances the overall tranquil atmosphere.