ShigaTravel

Michi-no-Eki Makino Ossaka Pass (道の駅マキノ追坂峠)

Flow of the course

Previous stop: Play in the water and on the sand at the shallow lakeside beach, then rest in the shade of the pine grove

About 30 min from the previous stop

About 45 min here

About this spot

A roadside station standing along National Route 161, near the top of Ossaka Pass, the southern gateway to Makino. Being on high ground, it offers excellent views, and the biggest draw is the sweeping panorama of Lake Biwa and the mountains of northern Shiga visible from the grounds. Stop by in the evening and you can enjoy a luxurious time gazing at the lake while reflecting on the day's memories. The direct-sales stand is lined with morning-picked vegetables and fruit from local farmers in Makino and Takashima, along with specialty products unique to the lake region. The handmade bread baked in the in-house bakery is also popular, perfect as a snack for the kids on the way home. There's also an eatery on site, convenient for filling up when you're a bit peckish. As you wrap up your trip, pick out souvenirs for the family and ingredients for dinner while taking a slow look back on your day touring the orchard-and-lake village.

Tips

About 10 minutes by car from Makino Sunny Beach, located at the pass along National Route 161 heading toward Tsuruga; parking is free. Vegetables at the direct-sales stand increasingly sell out by evening, so go early if there's something specific you want. Popular breads can also run low by the afternoon. Business hours vary by season, so it's reassuring to check the closing time in advance.