Michi-no-Eki Tsutsukawa-go (Roadside Station)

Flow of the course

About this spot

A roadside station located along Route 168 near the center of Tsutsukawa Village, Japan's largest village by area. The local specialty mehari sushi is a regional dish of the Kumano area featuring rice wrapped in mustard greens leaves—the proper way to eat it is to take a big bite. The soba restaurant inside serves aromatic Tsutsukawa soba, while the shop displays mountain specialties such as wild shiitake mushrooms and yubesshi (a local persimmon product). A free foot bath is available in front of the building, perfect for loosening up feet stiffened from driving. Since convenience stores and restaurants are sparse throughout the village, this roadside station serves as a valuable resupply hub where you can combine lunch, souvenir shopping, and restroom breaks. It's also well-timed for driver changes, making it a dependable waypoint in your secret route drive.

Tips

Free parking is available along Route 168. It's located almost midway between the Tanize Suspension Bridge and Tsutsukawa Hot Spring, making it perfect for a lunch break. The soba restaurant gets crowded at lunchtime, so stopping before 11 AM for an early lunch ensures smoother service. Mehari sushi can sell out, so if you spot it, grab it right away. Gas stations are few in the village, so don't forget to check your fuel level.

Best time to visit

Approximately 1 hour required. Taking an early lunch around 11 AM before the soba restaurant gets crowded is recommended.

Access & map

〒637-1333 Nara Prefecture, Yoshino District, Tsutsukawa Village, Obara 225-1