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Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Gifu Prefecture · Chubu

Michi-no-Eki Kokindenju no Sato Yamato

道の駅 古今伝授の里やまと

A roadside station in Gujo Yamato where a footbath, morning market, grilled ayu, bread and hot springs can turn a stop into half a day.

Updated Michi-no-Eki JournalRead in Japanese

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Location
Gujo City
Road
Prefectural Route 317 | Tsurugi-Omami-Shirotori Line
Hours
9:00–18:00
Indicative hours for the relaxation plaza; individual shops and winter hours differ.
Parking
Cars: 196 / Large vehicles: 8
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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.

Rest first
Toilets and footbath

Start your break at the parking area and toilets, then try the free footbath if you have time. It makes a good pause after a long drive.

For food
Ayu, miso udon, barley rice with grated yam

For a lighter meal, try salt-grilled ayu or noodles; for a seated meal, choose Ogatama or Aguri. At lunchtime, keep another option in mind.

For shopping
Morning market and Yutaka no Ichi

Browse local vegetables in the morning, then look for keichan, miso, bread and yogurt before leaving. A cooler bag gives you more choices.

For a longer stay
Add a hot spring bath

Yamato Onsen Yasuragikan stays open into the evening, so you can bathe after sightseeing in Gujo before setting off again.

Explore the culture
Field Museum

To learn the story behind the station's name, drive a few minutes to the open-air museum. Cherry blossoms and peonies in spring and autumn foliage also make it worth a visit.

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph
Tsukioka's rest note

Rest first, eat, then extend your stop to the hot spring.

With so many facilities here, it feels better to settle in at the parking area and toilets, then choose one focus: the footbath, a meal or shopping. Ayu, miso, barley rice with grated yam, bread, keichan, the morning market and the hot spring each offer a taste of Gujo Yamato. Choose at an easy pace according to your companions' appetites and your drive home.

Rest

Choose how long to pause at the toilets, footbath, courtyard or hot spring.

Eat

Build a meal around ayu, miso udon, barley rice with grated yam, bread or sweets.

Shop

Bring a taste of Gujo home from the morning market and Yutaka no Ichi.

Highlights

Close to Gifu Yamato IC in the mountains, Michi-no-Eki Kokindenju no Sato Yamato brings together a toilet stop, morning market, Gujo food, free footbath and adjacent Yamato Onsen. Choices range from salt-grilled ayu (sweetfish), soy-milk udon with Gujo miso, barley rice with grated yam, freshly baked bread, handmade yogurt and ice cream to keichan (seasoned chicken) at Yutaka no Ichi. Leave room to eat, shop and rest your feet rather than planning only one lunch stop. If time permits, continue to Kokindenju no Sato Field Museum to explore the waka poetry heritage behind the station's name.

  • #Free footbath
  • #Yamato Onsen
  • #Salt-grilled ayu
  • #Keichan seasoned chicken
  • #Morning market
  • #Kokindenju poetry tradition
Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

01

Plenty of food choices make it easy to change plans when busy

On the same grounds you can choose a light-meal shop known for salt-grilled ayu, a noodle shop serving soy-milk udon with Gujo miso, local dishes such as barley rice with grated yam and hoba miso (miso grilled on a magnolia leaf), a bakery, ice cream and yogurt. The chance to move between a snack and shopping makes it easier to avoid relying on one lunch spot.

02

Choose a quick footbath or a longer hot spring break

For a short stop, try the courtyard's free-flowing natural spring footbath; with more time, visit adjacent Yamato Onsen Yasuragikan. Along Prefectural Route 317, you can do more than make a toilet stop and ease some driving fatigue before continuing.

03

Connect with Gujo Yamato's culture and nature

The Kokindenju poetry tradition and the history of the To clan are more than a name. Add the nearby Field Museum, spring around Myoken Shrine, or camping and snow play toward Motai to see another side of Gujo Yamato beyond Gujo Hachiman.

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 45–70-minute driving break

Arrive before lunch for ayu and a short footbath break

After parking, use the toilets first, then try salt-grilled ayu or noodles at Kanihasakura, and finish at the footbath. Browse keichan and local sweets at Yutaka no Ichi after eating to take a taste of Gujo home even on a short stop.

Parking → toilets → salt-grilled ayu or noodles → footbath → Yutaka no Ichi

Ayu and popular breads vary by time of day and season. At the lunch rush, it is easier to move around if you have more than one meal option.

A relaxed detour for adults

Spend half a day here, from morning market to hot spring

Buy vegetables and rice at the morning market, then have Ogatama's breakfast menu or local dishes at Aguri. Rest beside the courtyard's koi pond and flowers, then bathe at Yamato Onsen for a half-day outing without more travel.

Yamato morning market → Ogatama or Aguri → courtyard plaza → Yamato Onsen

The morning market generally opens at 8:30, or 9:00 in winter. Watch for the hot spring's Tuesday and maintenance closures.

A spring or autumn cultural walk

Walk through the home of waka poetry, then eat at the station

First explore the former To clan residence garden and Waka Literature Museum at Kokindenju no Sato Field Museum, then return to the station for food and a footbath. Knowing the background of the station's name makes the visit more memorable.

Station → Field Museum → lunch at station → footbath or hot spring

The museum closes Tuesdays; check weather and footing for outdoor walks. Follow its official notice for admission changes from April 2026.

An evening break on the way home

End a Gujo outing with shopping and a hot spring

After time in Gujo Hachiman or the Motai area, use the station toilets and shop before going to Yamato Onsen. On days when its Yamaboshi restaurant is open after bathing, you can eat and unwind before heading back to the expressway.

Nearby sightseeing → Yutaka no Ichi → Yamato Onsen → Gifu Yamato IC

Roadside station shops generally close around 18:00; final admission to the hot spring is 21:00. Shop first to avoid missing closing time.

Hours

Opening hours

Roadside station relaxation plaza
9:00-18:00

Hours vary by shop. Official guidance from April 29, 2026 lists Yutaka no Ichi at 9:00–18:00, Kahanagusa bakery at 9:00–17:00, Natsutsubaki at 11:00–17:00 (last order 16:30), and Ogatama cafe closing at 17:00.

Gujo Shunsaikan Yamato morning market
8:30-16:00

Guidance lists opening from 8:30 after April 1 and from 9:00 in winter.

Yamato Onsen Yasuragikan
10:00-21:30

Last admission is 21:00. Closed Tuesdays, or the next weekday if Tuesday is a public holiday. Its Yamaboshi restaurant opens 17:00–21:00 in the evening (last order 20:30); lunch is served only on weekends and public holidays, 11:00–14:30 (last order 14:00).

Footbath (free)
10:00-17:00

Unlike the parking area and toilets, the footbath has set opening hours.

Kanihasakura light-meal shop
10:00-17:00

Last order is 16:30. Salt-grilled ayu orders are taken 10:00–14:00 on weekdays and 10:00–15:00 on weekends and public holidays.

Ofukuro no Aji Aguri
11:00-16:00

Closed Tuesdays and Fridays, and December 30–January 2.

Parking and toilets
Open 24 hours

These rest facilities can be used separately from the shops.

Family

Visiting with children

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

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

Age 1 and under
★★★☆☆

Toilet stops and short shopping visits are easy; plan a longer stay around hot spring and shop hours.

Infant facilities are available, but the footbath and courtyard depend on the weather. A comfortable order is toilets, feeding or changing, then a little shopping.

Ages 2–3
★★★★☆

The koi pond, stream and courtyard make for an easy change of scene.

Keep an adult close at the water and footbath. Switching between noodles, bread and sweets can help shorten food waits.

Ages 4–6
★★★★☆

The footbath, feeding koi, bread and ice cream offer small things to look forward to.

Rather than planning a long play session within the station, center the stop on food and the footbath, then add a Field Museum walk in good weather.

Primary school children
★★★★☆

The waka poetry heritage, ayu, hot spring and camping area offer plenty to talk about.

Add Kokindenju no Sato Field Museum to discuss the station's name and the To clan's history. Watch for heat in summer and snow or road conditions in winter.

Water and footbath

The courtyard stream, pond and footbath are enjoyable, but keep young children close. A towel helps after the footbath.

Alternative food choices

With local dishes, noodles, ayu, bread and sweets, you can plan around a restaurant wait.

Strollers

Watch your footing around the courtyard and water after rain. For a short break, focus on the indoor shops and toilets.

Afternoon activities

For a fuller day, pair the station with another destination such as the Field Museum or Motai area, instead of relying on the station alone for active play.

Rest

Ideas for a restful stop

  1. 1
    Use the toilets after parking

    Parking is listed for 196 standard cars and eight large vehicles, and the toilets are open 24 hours. Make this your first rest stop before heading to the shops.

  2. 2
    Choose between a light meal and a seated restaurant

    Depending on your group's energy, make a quick meal of ayu or noodles, or sit down at a restaurant or Aguri.

  3. 3
    Unwind at the footbath

    The free footbath is a characteristic way to rest here. A towel makes even a short visit easier.

  4. 4
    Shop before bathing in the evening

    The hot spring stays open into the evening, but roadside station shops generally close around 18:00. Shop first so you do not miss them after bathing.

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

Courtyard plaza

An outdoor space used for live music, markets and seasonal activities. Weather affects the experience, so check official notices on event days.

Restaurant and indoor areas

Events such as jazz concerts and food fairs combine entertainment with dining. Normal opening arrangements and seating may change on event days.

Yutaka no Ichi

A main venue for keichan fairs and local product sales. For a shopping trip, plan for chilled storage and the time to get your purchases home.

Yamato Onsen

Also check the hot spring's events, including Bath Day on the 26th of each month. Plan bathing, dining and the drive home together.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

At this large roadside station, choose a footbath or food as your first goal

Official and tourist guides bring together the local products shop, morning market, footbath, hot spring, several eateries and courtyard. For a visit, it helps to choose one main aim, such as resting at the footbath, eating ayu or shopping at the morning market, instead of trying to cover everything.

Source: Official facility guide and TABITABI Gujo

Adjust expectations for salt-grilled ayu and bread by time of day

Visitor posts and reviews often mention salt-grilled ayu, bread and Gujo souvenirs. Treat popular items as a welcome find; if they sell out or a shop is closed, switch to noodles, local dishes, yogurt or the local products shop.

Source: Official facility guide and travel review trends

Children can enjoy the water and koi with close supervision

The courtyard's pond and stream and activities involving koi feeding give young children through primary school age small things to do. With water and a footbath nearby, keep an adult close and make visits short.

Source: Official activities and event information

Make Gujo Yamato a destination as well as a stop near Gujo Hachiman

The Field Museum nearby explores the Kokindenju poetry tradition and To clan history behind the station's name. Combine it with spring cherry blossoms and peonies, autumn foliage and a waka poetry walk for a half-day trip, rather than just a rest stop en route to Gujo Hachiman.

Source: Gujo City and Field Museum official information

If the hot spring is your last stop, decide when to shop first

Yamato Onsen lists last admission at 21:00, later than the roadside station shops. In the evening, visit Yutaka no Ichi, the bakery or morning market area before bathing to avoid finding the shops closed afterward.

Source: Official access and hot spring information
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.

  • Tuesday is the usual closing day, or the following weekday when Tuesday is a public holiday. Hot spring, morning market and shop hours differ.
  • Parking and toilets are listed as available 24 hours. Treat them separately from the shops when planning an early morning or nighttime break.
  • The free footbath is listed as open 10:00–17:00. Bring a small towel, and watch your footing around the courtyard water after rain or in winter.
  • Summer brings ayu, cold treats and riverside activities nearby; winter shifts attention to the hot spring and to snow-covered roads and ski area information.
  • From late afternoon, shop before using the hot spring so you do not miss the roadside station shops' closing time.
  • Pair a stop before or after Gujo Hachiman with the Field Museum for a half-day in Gujo Yamato.
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.

  • Light meal
    Salt-grilled Gujo ayu
    A popular item at Kanihasakura. Orders for salt-grilled ayu are taken 10:00–14:00 on weekdays and 10:00–15:00 on weekends and public holidays. Check seasonal and weather-dependent availability.
  • Noodles
    Soy-milk udon with Gujo miso
    Featured as a recommended dish at Natsutsubaki noodle shop on the official site.
  • Local dishes
    Barley rice with grated yam, hoba miso and gohei mochi
    Choose traditional Gujo flavors at Ofukuro no Aji Aguri. It opens 11:00–16:00 and closes Tuesdays and Fridays. Hoba miso is miso grilled on a magnolia leaf; gohei mochi is grilled rice coated with sauce.
  • Bread
    Kahanagusa bread
    Choices include walnut and raisin bread and sliced loaves. Popular items may sell out in the afternoon.
  • Shopping
    Keichan and local products
    Look for take-home keichan (seasoned chicken), miso, local sake and sweets at Yutaka no Ichi.
  • Sweets
    Handmade yogurt and ice cream
    A handy treat during a courtyard break or a short pause with children.
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.

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph
The main lunch choices

Salt-grilled ayu, soy-milk udon with Gujo miso, barley rice with grated yam

To taste Gujo through lunch, choose ayu, miso or barley rice with grated yam as your starting point. If your group wants different things, the station offers noodles, local dishes and lighter meals.

Ayu and seasonal dishes vary by date and time. Salt-grilled ayu orders end at 14:00 on weekdays and 15:00 on weekends and public holidays. Aguri, which serves barley rice with grated yam, also closes Fridays; at peak lunch time, have two choices ready.

A quick meal

Kanihasakura light-meal shop and Natsutsubaki noodle shop

If you do not want a long sit-down meal, choose ayu, ramen, udon or soba. These work well for a quick bite during a drive.

Take something home

Keichan, local miso, sake and sweets at Yutaka no Ichi

For dinner ingredients or gifts, visit the local products shop. Bring a cooler for keichan to give yourself more options on the drive home.

Stop in the morning

Gujo Shunsaikan Yamato morning market

Start at the morning market for vegetables, rice and processed foods. If you buy at the start of your trip, consider the car's temperature and how long you will carry them.

A snack break

Kahanagusa bread, handmade yogurt and ice cream

Even without a restaurant meal, bread and dairy treats offer a taste of this station. They fit easily before or after the courtyard or footbath.

Access

Location and surroundings

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1
Roadside station
Michi-no-Eki Kokindenju no Sato Yamato

A roadside station in Gujo Yamato where a footbath, morning market, grilled ayu, bread and hot springs can turn a stop into half a day.

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2
Hot spring
Yamato Onsen Yasuragikan

Beside the roadside station, a natural hot spring offers a longer rest after the footbath.

Open in Google Maps
3
Cultural walk
Kokindenju no Sato Field Museum

Explore the waka poetry and To clan history behind the station's name through gardens and an open-air museum.

Open in Google Maps
4
Camping, hot spring and snow play
Outdoor In Motai and Motai Onsen

Camp in summer or play in snow in winter, extending a food and hot spring stop into the mountains.

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5
Castle town walk
Gujo Hachiman Castle and castle town

A classic Gujo destination that pairs with food and a hot spring at the roadside station before or after sightseeing.

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

Places to visit nearby

Hot spring
Yamato Onsen YasuragikanJapanese guide
Adjacent to the roadside stationA very short walk

Suited to a day when you want a longer rest before heading home, after eating or shopping at the roadside station.

Cultural walk
Kokindenju no Sato Field MuseumJapanese guide
About five minutes by car from the stationA few minutes by car; also near the Tokunaga Station area

Good for learning the station's namesake and Gujo Yamato's culture, especially on a spring or autumn walk.

Camping, hot spring and snow play
Outdoor In Motai and Motai OnsenJapanese guide
Approximately 20–30 minutes by car from the stationMountain roads; check road surfaces and snowfall in winter

Good for a day when you eat and shop at the station before camping or snow play in the afternoon.

Castle town walk
Gujo Hachiman Castle and castle townJapanese guide
Approximately 20–30 minutes by car from the stationAllow time to choose parking in the castle town

Good for adding food, shopping and a hot spring at the roadside station before or after sightseeing in Gujo Hachiman.

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