Station Ryujin

Discover the Spirit of Nature at Ryujin Roadside Station

Nestled along National Route 371 in the serene龙神 region of Tanabe City, Ryujin Roadside Station stands at the gateway to the sacred highlands of Mount Koya, accessible via the scenic Koya Ryujin Skyline. Surrounded by the clear waters of the Hidaka River and embraced by lush forests, this roadside station blends natural beauty with cultural charm. More than a pit stop, it’s a vibrant hub connecting travelers with the heart of Wakayama’s rural heritage.

Ryujin’s striking wooden architecture, inspired by the legendary dragon, makes it a standout destination. The station’s nickname, "Wood Plaza Museum," reflects its dedication to local craftsmanship, with handcrafted wooden goods and regional specialties like dried shiitake mushrooms, umeboshi, and barley miso on sale. Don’t miss the on-site restaurant, serving hearty favorites such as boar rice bowl and ayu sweetfish udon. Just a short drive away lies Ryujin Onsen, one of Japan’s famed "Three Beautiful Hot Springs," renowned for its therapeutic, mineral-rich waters and radiant skin benefits.

Located at the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Koyasan along the scenic Koyasan Ryujin Skyline, Ryujin roadside station stands out for its unique woodcraft architecture inspired by local legends of the dragon. Visitors can only find the region’s signature hand-carved wooden artifacts here, crafted from native timber. The station also offers the rare chance to taste authentic amago udon—noodles made with river trout from the pristine Hitokawa River—alongside original dried shiitake and heirloom miso, all exclusive to this location.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure the limited daily batch of fresh-baked milk bread from the bakery counter, which sells out by 11:00 AM and is not restocked
• Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to find the daily limited supply of original dried shiitake mushrooms, sourced directly from local farms in the Ryujin area
• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the food truck near the entrance serves grilled amago (sweetfish) with local miso marinade from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM—arrive before 12:00 PM to avoid missing the last order
• Best Dining Time: Order the amago udon at the cafeteria between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to experience the peak freshness of the day’s catch from the Hidaka River, which is prepared and served only during this window
• Must-See Feature: Walk through the main wooden structure’s interior between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM to view the full-scale dragon-themed architecture, including the large wooden beam column carved in the shape of a coiled dragon
• Souvenir Strategy: Purchase the handmade wooden crafts at the shop counter before 3:00 PM, as the most popular items—wooden dragon keychains and river stone holders—often sell out by early afternoon
• Convenience Tip: Use the free Wi-Fi at the station’s reception desk between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to download the official Ryujin tourist map, which includes the exact walking route from the roadside station to Ryujin Onsen (2-minute walk)

Spring (March–May): Late March to April brings peak canola flower viewing along the highway, with fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.

Summer (June–August): High temperatures make the nearby hot spring and cool river ideal for relaxation; fresh mountain vegetables are in season.

Autumn (September–November): Golden hues appear in the forested hills; dried shiitake mushrooms and pickled plums are featured in the shop.

Winter (December–February): Crisp air enhances the beauty of the surrounding mountains; the hot spring is especially popular for its warming waters.