Skip to content
Michi-no-Eki JournalMap
Conceptual illustration

Gifu Prefecture · Chubu

Michi-no-Eki Toki Mino Ware Road

道の駅 土岐美濃焼街道

Choose a piece of Mino ware at producer prices inside a roadside station shaped like a bowl.

Updated Michi-no-Eki JournalRead in Japanese

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Location
Toki City
Road
Gifu Prefectural Route 66, Tajimi–Ena Line
Hours
9:00–17:30
The official site and Toki City list 9:00–17:30, shortened to 9:00–17:00 from December through February. The pottery sales area is listed with the same hours. A Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) page lists 9:00–18:00 instead. Check the official site shortly before visiting because the published hours differ.
Parking
Cars: 53 / Large vehicles: 5
My stamp

Record this station in your journal

Records are saved in this browser. Visited stations receive a stamp and count towards your nationwide progress.

Nationwide progress
— / 1,238 stations
How to enjoy

Choose how to enjoy your visit

Eat, shop, play, take in the view or rest. Choose from the station’s strengths to suit your day.

Start here
Mino ware display and sales area

Tableware from Toki City potteries is sold at producer prices here; it is the quickest way to see what makes this stop distinctive.

For a meal
Kiln workers' set meal (窯暮れ定食) at Restaurant Cabin

The restaurant is on the second floor. Set a time for your meal first so you can leave time for shopping and pottery activities.

For something sweet
Donburi soft-serve ice cream

This specialty is served in a Mino ware bowl that you can take home after eating, according to the official site.

For a break
Free rest area and rooftop observation deck

The official site says the rooftop deck has binoculars and views of Mount Ontake and the Central Alps.

For an activity
Electric pottery wheel, hand-building, and pottery painting classes

The electric wheel class requires a reservation. Book by phone before your visit rather than counting on a same-day place.

Taketo's roadside notes

Choose one piece of tableware, then make time for food and pottery.

Taketo Kosaka sees this station as a place to plan your parking, toilet stop, and rest before choosing tableware. The producer-price sales area is extensive, and it is easy to lose track of time there. Pick one piece first and use the remaining time for the restaurant or observation deck; the rest stop becomes part of your trip.

Highlights

Michi-no-Eki Toki Mino Ware Road, also known as Donburi Kaikan, is a roadside station on Gifu Prefectural Route 66, the Tajimi–Ena Line. Its bowl-shaped building houses a display and sales area offering Mino ware from Toki City potteries at producer prices, a restaurant, bakery, farm shop, exchange corner for products from roadside stations across Japan, pottery classes, and a rooftop observation deck. Guide Taketo Kosaka suggests planning your parking, toilet stop, and rest first, then choosing a piece of tableware before eating or joining an activity. A michi-no-eki is a Japanese roadside rest and shopping stop; donburi means a deep bowl.

  • #Mino ware
  • #Donburi soft-serve ice cream
  • #Pottery experience
  • #Kiln workers' set meal (窯暮れ定食)
  • #Gifu Prefectural Route 66
Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

01

A bowl-shaped building and rooftop view turn a rest stop into a destination

Toki City is one of Japan's leading producers of donburi bowls, so the building itself was designed in the shape of one. The official site says the rooftop deck has binoculars and views of Mount Ontake and the Central Alps. Even if you only intended to use the toilet and rest, taking the stairs or elevator to the top makes this more than a transit stop.

02

Choose Mino ware at producer prices with everyday use in mind

The Mino ware sales area is an outlet for tableware sourced directly from Toki City potteries and offered at producer prices. The official site says it represents more than 100 local potteries, while the MLIT page says 120. The selection runs from everyday dishes to one-off pieces by artists. Deciding which shelf at home a piece would go on can make the choice easier than starting with its price.

03

Eat, shop, and try pottery in one building

According to Toki City's facility guide, the first floor has Mino ware and other goods for sale, tourist information, toilets, and a rest corner. The second floor has the restaurant, a multipurpose hall, and a gallery; the basement has an exhibition room and pottery classes for wheel throwing and painting. You can cover these areas indoors with short walks between them, useful on rainy or hot days.

Route idea

Ways to plan your stop

Spend your time at the station or add somewhere nearby. These ideas help you plan around your companions and the weather.

A drive toward Tajimi or Ena

Turn a break on Route 66 into a search for tableware

Park, use the toilet, and take a break before circling the Mino ware sales area with your remaining time. With producer prices, think of choosing a plate for daily use rather than a display souvenir. If nothing in the shop suits you, taking home the bowl from a donburi soft-serve still gives you a reminder of Toki.

Parking → toilet and rest → Mino ware sales area → departure

The building closes on Tuesdays (or the following day if Tuesday is a public holiday) and over the New Year period. Check the day of the week before adding it to a drive.

Unpredictable weather or a break during a long drive

Keep a rainy or hot-day stop indoors

You can move indoors from the basement exhibition room to the second-floor restaurant and gallery. Food, shopping, exhibits, and rest are all available without walking outside, making this a useful change of plans when the weather turns. Treat the rooftop deck as an extra for a clear day.

Parking → first-floor shops → second-floor restaurant → basement exhibition room → departure

Moving between floors is involved; if steps or changing floors are difficult, a visit limited to the first floor still offers plenty.

A day with grandchildren or family, or a rainy day off

Reserve a pottery activity and make a half-day of it

The electric pottery wheel class is by reservation only. The official site lists adults at ¥3,000 and children at ¥2,500, with 20 places and sessions at 10:00–11:30, 13:00–14:30, and 15:00–16:30. Hand-building, which shapes clay without a wheel, and pottery painting are offered on a rolling basis except from 12:00 to 13:00. Plan your arrival around your booked session so it does not overlap with your meal.

Phone reservation (calls accepted 9:00–17:00) → arrival and parking → pottery activity → meal and shopping

Collection or delivery arrangements and firing time vary by activity. Ask about both when you reserve by phone.

A change of scene after a long time in the car

Step out briefly to nearby greenery

The MLIT page lists Hana no Mori, a wooded area with about 1,000 trees, as roughly a one-minute walk away; scenic Chigoiwa Bridge is about five minutes on foot, and the forest-based Toshi no Mori nature park about three minutes by car. Even a few minutes' walk outside the station can help you stretch after driving.

Parking → Hana no Mori → Chigoiwa Bridge → return to the station to shop

Walking times are estimates in the guide. Check the ground, weather, and sun, and skip the walk if conditions do not suit you.

An autumn drive

Visit for the Donburi Kaikan Festival

The official site announces the Donburi Kaikan Festival 2026 for October 24–25, 2026. Planned activities include 20% off all pottery, a Halloween pottery painting activity, food trucks, and stage events. Those planning to buy several pieces of pottery may find these dates useful.

Explore the festival and sale at the station → eat from a food truck or inside → shop

Event details and how full the car park gets will depend on the day. Check the official notice shortly before visiting.

Hours

Opening hours

Building and pottery sales area
9:00–17:30 / December–February 9:00–17:00

Hours listed by the official site and Toki City.

Restaurant and bakery
See on-site information

The official site does not list separate hours. Call ahead if you are visiting for a meal.

Electric pottery wheel class
10:00-11:30 / 13:00-14:30 / 15:00-16:30

Reservation required. Phone bookings 9:00–17:00; adults ¥3,000, children ¥2,500 (20 places).

Hand-building and pottery painting classes
Ongoing, except 12:00–13:00

Listed as available without a reservation. There may be a wait on busy days.

Family

Visiting with children

Stars show the editorial recommendation for each age group on a five-point scale. Read the reasons alongside each rating.

Age 1 or under
★★★☆☆

An indoor stop works well for a short rest.

The first floor has toilets and a rest corner, and a wheelchair-accessible toilet is listed. Prioritize an indoor break and an easy return to the car over a long visit. The official information does not specify nursing or diaper-changing facilities, so ask by phone before visiting if you need them.

Ages 2–3
★★★☆☆

A sweet treat and one circuit of the shop may be enough.

Donburi soft-serve is a quick treat. The tableware shop displays breakable items, so plan to hold hands and keep the visit short.

Ages 4–6
★★★★☆

Pottery painting and the rooftop deck offer variety.

Hand-building and pottery painting are advertised on a rolling basis, so you may be able to add an activity to a short visit. On a clear day, the rooftop binoculars add another stop.

Primary school age
★★★★☆

An electric wheel session could be the focus of the day.

The electric wheel class is by reservation and is listed at ¥2,500 for children. Making a bowl and receiving it later can make the visit to the Mino ware producing area memorable; confirm the collection or delivery arrangements when booking.

Toilets

The MLIT facilities summary lists five accessible parking spaces, two accessible toilet units, a ramp, and an ostomate facility.

Indoor rest

A rest corner is listed on the first floor and a free rest area inside. You can take a break out of the weather.

Activities

The electric wheel class requires a reservation; hand-building and painting are listed as ongoing activities. Choose a time slot and decide how many family members will participate in advance.

Outdoor play

You can get moving at nearby Hana no Mori or Chigoiwa Bridge on foot, or at Toshi no Mori, about three minutes away by car.

Event

Make an event part of your visit

Permanent spaces and dated events are listed separately. Events can change both the atmosphere and crowds; use the official links for details.

Checking event dates.

Spaces used for events

Official notices

Events, operating hours, and temporary closures are posted here. Check shortly before visiting.

Donburi Kaikan Festival

Usually held in autumn; the announced 2026 dates are October 24–25. The sale and activities add to a regular visit.

Pottery class reservations

The electric pottery wheel class requires a reservation. Phone bookings are listed as available from 9:00 to 17:00.

Winter hours

Hours shorten to 9:00–17:00 from December through February. Plan your arrival before a winter evening visit.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

The building's shape tells Toki's story

Because Toki City is one of Japan's leading producers of donburi bowls, the exterior is designed like one. The building itself is a more immediate landmark than a sign, making the entrance easy to find on a first visit.

Source: Donburi Kaikan official site

Producer prices change how you choose tableware

The official site says direct purchasing from potteries brings good-quality pieces at approachable prices. Browse as you would a tableware shop rather than a souvenir shelf, and a plate for everyday use may catch your eye.

Source: Donburi Kaikan official site

A sweet treat becomes a bowl to take home

According to the official site, donburi soft-serve is served in a Mino ware bowl; you can choose from six flavors and take the bowl home after eating. The bowl is about 12 cm across. Even without other shopping, this gives you something tangible from Toki.

Source: Donburi Kaikan official site (food)

Pottery activities need different amounts of planning

The electric wheel class has set sessions and requires a reservation; hand-building and painting are offered on a rolling basis. Choose the latter for a spontaneous stop and the former for a planned visit.

Source: Donburi Kaikan official site (pottery experience)
Before your visit

Things to check before setting out

Opening and closure days, individual businesses and facilities for children or dogs can affect your plans.

  • The station closes on Tuesdays (or the following day when Tuesday is a public holiday). It is also listed as closed over the New Year period, so check the weekday and date for a winter visit.
  • Closing time moves earlier to 17:00 from December through February. If you arrive on a winter evening, visit the sales area before thinking about a meal.
  • The official site lists parking for 53 small vehicles, five large vehicles, and two wheelchair-accessible vehicles. The MLIT page lists 63 standard-vehicle spaces, so the published counts differ.
  • The official site does not list separate hours for the restaurant and each area. If food or a pottery activity is central to your plans, call ahead on 0572-59-5611.
  • The electric pottery wheel class requires a reservation. Phone booking hours are listed as 9:00–17:00; do not assume you can sign up on arrival.
  • The official site and Toki City list 9:00–17:30, while the MLIT page says 9:00–18:00. If you may arrive near closing, plan around the earlier time.
Food

Eating and shopping

Specialities, places to eat, sweets and bakeries can all give you a reason to stop. Check individual menus for current prices and availability.

  • Signature sweet
    Donburi soft-serve ice cream
    Includes a Mino ware bowl; choose from six flavors. The bowl is about 12 cm in diameter, according to the official site.
  • Restaurant meal
    Kiln workers' set meal (窯暮れ定食)
    Check the official and on-site information for the current price and availability.
  • Restaurant Cabin
    Kenjo-don rice bowl (献上丼)
    Listed on the MLIT page; check the day's menu for availability.
  • Light bite or takeaway
    Freshly baked bread from the bakery
    Made on site daily, from sweet buns to savory breads.
  • Farm produce shop
    Morning-harvested vegetables from Toki City
    Stock varies by day and season.
  • Take-home purchases
    Specialties from roadside stations across Japan
    Sold in the product exchange corner for roadside stations across Japan.
Food mood

What would you like to eat?

A meal, a sweet treat, market shopping or something to take away: choose a focus for the day instead of trying everything at once.

Stop for lunch

Kiln workers' set meal (窯暮れ定食); Kenjo-don rice bowl (献上丼)

These are the main options for a meal at the second-floor restaurant. The official site does not list separate restaurant hours, so call ahead if lunch is central to your plans.

Take a sweet break

Donburi soft-serve ice cream

If you want a treat rather than a full meal, the soft-serve comes with a bowl you can take home as a souvenir.

Have a light bite

Freshly baked bread from the bakery; café and light meals

Useful when you want to keep your departure time. Buy separately for the car and for later at home to avoid waste.

Shop to take something home

Morning-harvested vegetables from the farm shop; specialties from roadside stations across Japan

The shelves hold Toki produce and specialties from other roadside stations that the station manager is said to have selected while traveling around Japan. You can take home more than pottery.

Arriving before closing

Bread, remaining farm-shop stock, and tableware

Closing time is 17:00 from December through February. If you arrive late in the day, visit the shops and choose your tableware before considering a meal.

Access

Location and surroundings

Driving directions from your location
Open in your map appOpen in Google Maps
Explore stations near 土岐市 (Japanese guide)

If the map does not load, open it in Google Maps

1
Roadside station
Michi-no-Eki Toki Mino Ware Road

Choose a piece of Mino ware at producer prices inside a roadside station shaped like a bowl.

Open in Google Maps
Food outlets and the market on the station grounds share the station pin. Nearby places are separate destinations to combine with your visit.
Share

Send your travel companions a possible stop.

Share on XShare on LINE

Send a correction

Let us know if information on this page, such as hours or closing days, is incorrect. Our editors will review your message before updating the guide.

We use your submission only to review and improve our content and to reply about your message.

Updated 2026-09-30Explore the nationwide map →