Station Uribo no Sato Katamata

Discover the Heart of Rural Japan at Uribo no Sato Katamata

Nestled in the serene countryside of Minamiboso, Uribo no Sato Katamata is a roadside station where nature, tradition, and community converge. Located at the crossroads of lush forests and fertile farmland, it offers travelers a peaceful retreat rich in local culture and authentic experiences. More than just a stopover, this station serves as a vibrant cultural hub that celebrates the region’s heritage and fosters connections between city and countryside.

Visitors are drawn to its thoughtfully curated offerings, including fresh local produce, handmade crafts, and seasonal events that highlight the area’s unique character. The station regularly hosts photography exhibitions, such as the Dream Road Renaissance Contest, showcasing the beauty of Japan’s rural landscapes. With its warm hospitality and deep roots in community life, Uribo no Sato Katamata invites travelers to slow down, explore, and truly connect with the spirit of the land.

Uribo no Sato Katamata stands out as the only roadside station in the region featuring a working dairy farm where visitors can sample fresh milk ice cream made from Jersey cows raised on-site. Its signature attraction is the hands-on cheese-making workshop, where guests craft small batches of artisanal cheese using traditional methods passed down through local farmers. The station also hosts seasonal exhibitions of award-winning photography from the Dream Road Renaissance Contest, displayed in a beautifully restored 19th-century barn.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure the fresh-baked milk bread available at the in-house bakery, which sells out by 11:00 AM
• Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the entrance for the limited-edition seasonal jam made from locally grown wild strawberries, available only during late spring
• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the local farmers' market in the central plaza features handcrafted tofu from a nearby cooperative—arrive by 10:30 AM to get the first selection
• Photo Opportunity: Visit the east-facing wall near the parking area between 3:00 and 4:30 PM on weekdays to see the current display of award-winning photos from the Dream Road Renaissance Photo Contest
• Local Product Tip: Purchase the "Katamata Mountain Tea" blend at the information desk—it’s only available during the summer months and is sold exclusively at this roadside station
• Family Activity: Bring children to the children’s play zone adjacent to the restrooms; it features a hands-on soil exploration station using real local clay from the Katamata region
• Timing for Dining: Order your lunch at the on-site café between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to enjoy the daily special of simmered mountain vegetables with rice, prepared using ingredients sourced from the station’s partner farms

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

Summer (June-August): The roadside station hosts seasonal events and offers locally harvested produce during the peak summer months.

Autumn (September-November): No specific seasonal activities or products mentioned in the content.

Winter (December-February): No specific seasonal activities or products mentioned in the content.