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Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Mie Prefecture · Chubu

Michi-no-Eki Okuise Kitsutsukikan

道の駅 奥伊勢木つつ木館

At the entrance to Takihara-no-miya Shrine, take your time choosing wooden tableware and food from Okuise.

Updated Michi-no-Eki JournalRead in Japanese

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Location
Taiki Town, Watarai District
Road
National Route 42
Hours
9:00–17:00
From August 10, 2026, Kitsutsuki Chaya is open 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (meals 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.). The teahouse is normally closed Wednesdays, with occasional special opening days. Official listings also show different teahouse hours, so confirm the current schedule before visiting.
Parking
Cars: 134 / Large vehicles: 4
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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.

Start here
Ki no Takumi and Kitsutsuki Market

Woodcraft and Okuise foods give you a quick sense of what makes this station distinctive.

For a meal
Kitsutsuki Chaya

Consider a Matsusaka beef dish at lunch, or Ouchiyama soft-serve ice cream or pudding for a lighter stop.

Before or after worship
Takihara-no-miya and luggage storage

Use the toilet and sort out your bags before walking the shrine approach at an unhurried pace.

With children
Baby care room and a short shopping stop

This is better for nursing, diaper changes and browsing wooden toys than for large playground equipment.

Explore nearby
Takihara-no-miya, Misetoge Pass and Otakikyo Gorge

Depending on weather and walking ability, add a shrine visit, an old pilgrimage path or gorge-side camping.

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph
Minato's rest-stop notes

Take a lap of the woodcraft shop before eating.

Minato Okumura sees more here than a convenient rest stop before Takihara-no-miya. After checking parking, toilets and teahouse hours, browse Ki no Takumi, Kitsutsuki Market, Mie sake and Ouchiyama soft-serve in turn. Think of it as a place to discover Okuise's wood and food one item at a time, rather than a large tourist attraction, and even a short visit feels rewarding.

Highlights

Michi-no-Eki Okuise Kitsutsukikan is a roadside station focused on woodcraft, beside Takihara-no-miya Shrine and about five minutes from the Omiya-Odai Interchange of the Kisei Expressway via National Route 42. At Kitsutsuki Market, browse vegetables, tea, seasonings and prepared foods from around Taiki Town, plus sweets made with Ouchiyama milk. Ki no Takumi stocks single-slab boards, wooden tableware and toys. For food, consider Matsusaka beef dishes at Kitsutsuki Chaya, Ouchiyama soft-serve ice cream or pudding. Temporary luggage storage for shrine visits, a baby care room, 24-hour toilets and a rapid EV charger also make this a useful stop on an Okuise drive.

  • #At the entrance to Takihara-no-miya Shrine
  • #Woodcraft
  • #Kitsutsuki Chaya
  • #Ouchiyama soft-serve ice cream
  • #Local sake from Mie
  • #National Route 42
Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

01

Mie Prefecture's only roadside station centered on woodcraft

At Ki no Takumi, see single-slab boards, bowls and other tableware, chopsticks, spoons, cutting boards and wooden toys. Even on a short stop, the feel of the wood offers a glimpse of Okuise's forestry heritage.

02

Plan food and shopping around a visit to Takihara-no-miya

The station sits at the shrine entrance and offers temporary luggage storage for worshippers. You can visit the shrine first, have lunch at the teahouse or just browse the woodcraft, making the stop as short or long as you like.

03

A teahouse, local sake and local produce offer plenty of shopping choices

Kitsutsuki Market carries vegetables, tea, seasonings, sweets, frozen game meat and dried fish from Minamiise, along with a substantial selection of Mie sake. There is plenty to take home even if you do not stop for a meal.

04

A baby care room and accessibility provisions make for a useful rest stop

There is a baby care room, loaner wheelchairs and walking sticks, a portable ramp and information about clear passageways. On a drive along National Route 42, you can pause for the toilet, nursing, diaper changes and a rest.

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 short break on National Route 42

Choose wooden goods and Okuise souvenirs in 30 minutes

After parking, use the toilet first, browse wooden tableware and small goods at Ki no Takumi, then visit Kitsutsuki Market. Even picking just one item—tea, Ouchiyama milk sweets, sweets commemorating a Takihara-no-miya visit or Mie sake—makes the stop worthwhile.

Parking → Toilets → Ki no Takumi → Kitsutsuki Market → Departure

Stock of one-of-a-kind wooden pieces and foods changes. Leave room to enjoy what you happen to find.

Adults, trips with seniors and quiet shrine visits

Use the station as a base for Takihara-no-miya

Before worshipping, use the toilet and prepare drinks and bags, then walk to Takihara-no-miya. On returning, lunch or Ouchiyama soft-serve at Kitsutsuki Chaya connects the quiet shrine approach with shopping at the station.

Station → Takihara-no-miya → Kitsutsuki Chaya → Kitsutsuki Market

Shrine visiting hours change by season. For early or late visits, check the official Ise Jingu information.

A lunch break before or after Omiya-Odai Interchange

Plan lunch at Kitsutsuki Chaya

If the meal is your main reason for stopping, check the teahouse hours first. Consider a Matsusaka beef dish, Ouchiyama pudding or soft-serve. At busy times, browse the shops and woodcraft first while you wait.

Station → Kitsutsuki Chaya → Ki no Takumi → Sake and food section

The teahouse is normally closed Wednesdays, and meals are served for fewer hours than the main building is open. For a late lunch, allow another option besides the meal.

A short taste of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route

Walk on to Misetoge Pass when conditions suit

Use the toilet and get water at the station before heading to Misetoge Pass. The walk is not especially long, but it has steep switchbacks, so choose it with footwear and weather in mind. After the walk, wooden tableware and local foods at the station may make more meaningful souvenirs.

Station → Misetoge Pass → Return to the station for a rest

After rain, on hot days or with young children, choose an easier plan.

Camping and riverside nature from spring to autumn

For an overnight stay or outdoor day, head to Otakikyo

If you are using Otakikyo Campground, shopping at the station before or after check-in is convenient. Browse vegetables, dried fish, seasonings and sweets before heading to camp to bring Okuise ingredients to your table.

Station → Kitsutsuki Market → Otakikyo Campground

The campground operates seasonally, from March to around mid-December. Check reservations, prices and weather shortly before visiting.

Hours

Opening hours

Kitsutsukikan main building
9:00〜17:00

Check official and tourism information. Follow announcements for temporary closures.

Kitsutsuki Chaya
9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (meals 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.)

These hours are from an official notice effective August 10, 2026. Normally closed Wednesdays, with special opening announcements on holidays and other dates; closed December 31. The official homepage still displays different teahouse hours; confirm the current schedule before planning a meal.

Toilets and parking
Information indicates 24-hour access

Follow on-site notices at night or during construction or events.

Takihara-no-miya
5:00〜17:00/18:00/19:00

Visiting hours vary by month. Check the official Ise Jingu information.

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.

Ages 1 and under
★★★★☆

The baby care room makes nursing and diaper-change breaks convenient.

Information describes a lockable private nursing room and diaper-changing bed. It works well for a short reset before or after a shrine visit or long drive.

Ages 2–3
★★★☆☆

Wooden toys and a soft-serve break may appeal, but this is not a place to run around.

With many wooden items and foods in the shop, a short browse and sweet treat may work better than a long stay.

Ages 4–6
★★★★☆

Wooden toys, a short shrine approach at Takihara-no-miya and Ouchiyama soft-serve make natural stages.

For a shrine visit, consider the walking distance and the quiet time involved. If children get restless, return to the station for a sweet treat.

Elementary school age
★★★★☆

Woodcraft, the Kumano Kodo and gorge camping extend the visit into learning and outdoor play.

Adding Misetoge Pass or Otakikyo Gorge shows children Okuise's landscape and history. Prioritize suitable shoes and water in hot weather or after rain.

Nursing and diaper changes

Useful as a break while visiting Kitsutsukikan or Takihara-no-miya.

Meals

If your child's mealtime falls outside the meal service, consider soft-serve, sweets or take-home foods from the market.

Outdoor play

For outdoor play, consider Takihara-no-miya, Otakikyo Gorge or the old trail according to the weather; the station is not a large playground.

Toilets

Use them before a long drive along the next stretch of National Route 42.

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

In front of Kitsutsukikan

The area sometimes hosts local events, such as Takihara Green Festa and stalls linked to the Okihiki timber-pulling ceremony. On event days, check parking and nearby road information separately.

Woodcraft workshops and the wood library

Programs for selecting, handling and making things from wood bring the station's woodcraft focus to life. Watch official announcements and Instagram.

Around Takihara-no-miya

Events connected to the periodic shrine rebuilding, Takihara markets and busy worship seasons change how the station is used. Arrive early when combining a shrine visit and meal on the same day.

Otakikyo Gorge and the Kumano Kodo

Spring greenery, summer riverside visits, autumn foliage and the availability of old-trail walks all affect nearby outing choices.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

Often paired with a Takihara-no-miya visit

Rather than visiting only the station, it is natural to use its toilets, meals and shopping before or after the shrine. Sorting out bags and a child's rest before worshipping can make the visit easier.

Source: Summary of official and tourism information

The baby care room helps on the Ise–Kumano route

Information describes a private nursing room and diaper-changing bed. Even without a sightseeing stop, this makes the station useful for a break. With very young children, settle their needs before a long browse.

Source: Summary of official facility information

Seasonal attractions lie nearby; the station is a place to prepare

The station is useful year-round, while spring greenery, summer riverside visits, autumn foliage and walking conditions on the Kumano Kodo shape nearby outings. Check the weather and footwear for Otakikyo or Misetoge Pass.

Source: Summary of Taiki Town and official Kumano Kodo 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.

  • Kitsutsukikan is open 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; the teahouse is open 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (meals 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.). For a meal, arrive before meal service ends, earlier than the main building closes.
  • Kitsutsuki Chaya is normally closed Wednesdays. If planning lunch, check the latest official and tourism association information.
  • Before visiting Takihara-no-miya, use the toilet and sort out your bags so you can walk the shrine approach at an unhurried pace.
  • Information lists a baby care room, accessibility provisions and 24-hour toilets, making this a useful rest stop.
  • Misetoge Pass is short but steep. On hot days, after rain or with young children, avoid an overly ambitious plan.
  • Otakikyo Campground operates seasonally. Check reservations, fees and weather shortly before a camping or riverside trip.
  • Events may change traffic restrictions and parking around Takihara-no-miya. Follow official notices.
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.

  • Meal
    Matsusaka beef dishes at the teahouse
    Check availability with Kitsutsuki Chaya
  • Sweet treat
    Ouchiyama soft-serve ice cream
    Check in-store information for individual servings and sets
  • Take-home goods
    Ouchiyama pudding and sweets made with Ouchiyama milk
    Availability varies with deliveries
  • Farm-direct sales
    Local vegetables and tea at Kitsutsuki Market
    Selection varies by season
  • Shopping
    Frozen game meat and dried fish from Minamiise
    Check the chilled and frozen sections
  • Souvenirs
    Mie sake section
    No sales to anyone under 20
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
Have lunch

Matsusaka beef dishes at Kitsutsuki Chaya

Suitable for lunch before or after the shrine or Omiya-Odai Interchange. Meals are served for fewer hours than the main building is open, so aim for lunchtime.

The teahouse is normally closed Wednesdays.

Stop for something sweet

Ouchiyama soft-serve ice cream and pudding

Even without a full meal, local dairy sweets make for a short Okuise break. They are easy to share when traveling with children or seniors.

Buy woodcraft

Single-slab boards, tableware, chopsticks and wooden toys

For a travel souvenir beyond food, start with smaller objects and kitchenware before considering large pieces.

Buy local ingredients

Vegetables, tea, seasonings and prepared foods

Stop before heading to a campsite or lodging to use them in that day's meal. The market also serves local shoppers for everyday purchases.

Put together take-home gifts

Ouchiyama milk sweets, Takihara-no-miya visit sweets and sake

Gather souvenirs after the shrine visit or gifts for family and coworkers. Buy sake to take home, mindful of the driver's role and Japan's minimum drinking age of 20.

When the teahouse is crowded

Woodcraft, baby care room and tourist information

If the teahouse is busy, browse the market and woodcraft, pick up information about nearby sights and eat later so the wait is easier to use.

Access

Location and surroundings

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1
Roadside station
Michi-no-Eki Okuise Kitsutsukikan

At the entrance to Takihara-no-miya Shrine, take your time choosing wooden tableware and food from Okuise.

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2
Meals and sweets
Kitsutsuki Chaya

An in-station teahouse for Matsusaka beef dishes and Ouchiyama sweets around a shrine visit.

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3
Shrine and worship
Takihara-no-miya Shrine

Walk from Kitsutsukikan to an auxiliary shrine of Ise Jingu's Inner Shrine amid towering cedars.

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4
Kumano Kodo hiking
Kumano Kodo Misetoge Pass

A relatively short old trail with steep slopes: get water and use the toilet at the station before walking.

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5
Camping and gorge
Otakikyo Campground

Shop for ingredients at Kitsutsuki Market before heading to a gorge-side campsite in Okuise.

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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

Meals and sweets
Kitsutsuki ChayaJapanese guide
Inside the stationJust a short walk

Lunch before or after Takihara-no-miya, a sweet break with children, or a meal before the teahouse gets crowded.

Shrine and worship
Takihara-no-miya ShrineJapanese guide
About 650 m from the stationAbout 10 minutes on foot

Adults, trips with seniors, quiet worship and a walk after resting at the station.

Kumano Kodo hiking
Kumano Kodo Misetoge PassJapanese guide
About 2 km from the stationA short drive; walking time depends on fitness

A short old-trail walk for adults and elementary-school-age children or older. Keep plans modest on hot days or after rain.

Camping and gorge
Otakikyo CampgroundJapanese guide
About 2.4 km from the stationAbout 10 minutes by car

Shopping before camping, riverside outings from spring to autumn, or spending at least half a day in Okuise's nature.

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Updated 2026-09-30Explore the nationwide map →