Discover the Heart of Kii: A Rural Haven on Highway 424
Tucked along National Route 424 in the scenic heart of Wakayama Prefecture, Shirama no Sato stands as a welcoming roadside station at the gateway to the sacred Kii Peninsula. Nestled near the famed Shirama Falls—known locally as the "Pure White Falls"—this vibrant hub blends natural beauty with deep-rooted community spirit. More than just a stopover, it’s a living tribute to local craftsmanship and seasonal harvests.
Here, visitors are greeted by friendly local elders who share the warmth of rural life. In winter, the shelves shine with the region’s celebrated Aida mandarins, alongside fresh shiitake mushrooms, dried wood-grown shiitake, rice cakes, citrus fruits, eggs, plum products, sansho pepper, miso, handcrafted wood items, and smoked ayu fish. Every product tells a story of the land and its people.
Why Visit
Shirama no Sato stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering freshly harvested wild mountain mushrooms, including rare wild shiitake and dried logs still growing on original hardwood. Visitors can also sample and purchase locally made yamato-style mochi made with organic rice from nearby farms, a specialty not found elsewhere. The station’s seasonal spotlight on Aida mandarin oranges—harvested from trees grown in the area’s unique volcanic soil—makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking authentic, hyper-local flavors.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated selection of regional crafts and farm-fresh goods.
Local Farmers Market
地元農産物販売所
Sells fresh local agricultural products including fresh shiitake mushrooms, dried log shiitake mushrooms, mochi, citrus fruits, eggs, plums, sansho pepper, miso, and other seasonal produce.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Shiitake Mushrooms
Local Specialty Store
地元特産品販売所
Sells a variety of local specialty products including processed ayu fish, woodcraft items, and traditional regional foodstuffs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Ayu Fish Products
Featured Products
Explore signature items like fresh shiitake mushrooms and Aida mandarins.
Fresh Shiitake Mushrooms
生椎茸
Freshly harvested shiitake mushrooms grown locally in the region, known for their rich flavor and firm texture.
Dried Log Shiitake Mushrooms
原木乾し椎茸
Premium dried shiitake mushrooms harvested from natural logs, offering deep umami flavor and long shelf life.
Mochi
もち
Soft, chewy rice cakes made using traditional methods with locally sourced glutinous rice.
Citrus Fruits
柑橘類
A variety of citrus fruits including the famous Aida mandarin oranges, known for their sweetness and vibrant flavor.
Eggs
たまご
Fresh, locally produced eggs from free-range hens, known for their rich yolk and natural taste.
Plums
梅類
Fresh plums harvested from local orchards, ideal for eating fresh or using in traditional preserves.
Sansho Pepper
山椒
Aromatic Japanese sansho pepper, grown in the region and used to add a citrusy, spicy note to dishes.
Miso
味噌
Authentic regional miso made from locally grown soybeans and fermented using traditional methods.
Ayu Fish Products
鮎加工品
Processed ayu fish products such as dried fish, smoked fish, and ready-to-eat snacks made from locally caught ayu.
Woodcraft Items
木工品
Handcrafted wooden goods made by local artisans, including utensils, decorative items, and souvenirs.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including parking and accessible restrooms.
Parking Lot
22 parking spaces available, including 2 for large vehicles and 17 for ordinary vehicles. The parking lot is accessible 24 hours a day.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Restroom
Male toilets: 3 units. Female toilets: 6 units. Accessible restroom available with one unit designated for people with disabilities.
Inside the roadside station building
Information Center
Operated by a tourism concierge providing local tourism and specialty product information. Open from 9:00 to 17:00.
Main building
Store
Open from 9:00 to 17:00. Sells local products such as fresh shiitake mushrooms, dried shiitake on logs, mochi, citrus fruits, eggs, plums, sansho pepper, miso, woodcrafts, and ayu fish products.
Inside the roadside station building
Accessible Facility
One accessible restroom unit and one accessible parking space available. Includes a ramp for easy access.
Near the main entrance
Insider Tips
Visit during winter for the best selection of seasonal harvests.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure the day’s fresh batch of locally made rice cakes (mochi), which are sold out by noon and are only available during winter months
- Hidden Gems: Check the back corner of the shop near the wooden crafts section for the limited-run dried yuzu peel and mountain pepper (sansho) jars, restocked only once per month
- Weekend Special: On Sundays, ask the staff at the counter about the seasonal "Yamato River Trout Bites" – a smoked trout snack made from local catch, available only from December to March
- Local Insight: Pick up a free map at the entrance titled "Kumano Trail Access Points" – it highlights three lesser-known hiking paths near the station that lead to the White Horse Falls (Shirama no Taki)
- Best Product Purchase: Buy the "Aridagawa Special Miso" (fermented soybean paste) in the 250g size – it’s the only size sold, and it’s made using traditional methods by a local family with a 60-year history
- Timing Tip: Arrive before 11:00 AM on weekdays to speak directly with the elderly shopkeeper who personally selects and stocks the day’s fresh citrus fruits, including the rare "Aridagawa Tangerine"
- Off-Peak Advantage: Visit between 1:00–2:00 PM on weekdays when the staff are less busy and more likely to share stories about the region’s agricultural heritage and offer free samples of homemade plum wine
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available in early spring; canola flowers bloom in late March to April.
Summer (June–August): No specific seasonal products mentioned; ideal for visiting the nearby Shirama Falls.
Autumn (September–November): No specific seasonal offerings listed; peak season for local mushrooms and dried shiitake.
Winter (December–February): Prime time for fresh citrus fruits, especially Aida mandarins, and traditional local specialties.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Shirama no Sato offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with accessible facilities including a wheelchair-accessible restroom and parking. While no dedicated play areas or children's activities are available, the friendly staff and local charm appeal to families. Stroller access is possible, and the homely environment enhances the overall family experience.
Food Lover Review
The roadside station features a wide variety of high-quality local products including fresh shiitake mushrooms, yuzu, mandarins, eggs, miso, mountain pepper, and smoked ayu. Seasonal specialties like dried mushrooms and rice cakes are prominently displayed. The selection highlights regional authenticity and freshness, offering a rich culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Shirama no Sato provides 22 parking spaces, including two for large vehicles, with 24-hour access to restrooms and parking. However, it lacks designated overnight camping zones, and the facility is not designed for extended stays. The quiet location and proximity to nature offer moderate comfort for brief overnight visits.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near the renowned Shirama Falls, the roadside station offers scenic views of natural landscapes and seasonal beauty. The surrounding rural setting and seasonal changes enhance its aesthetic appeal. The nearby waterfall and forested surroundings provide excellent photo opportunities and a peaceful atmosphere.