Michi-no-Eki Fuyu Persimmon Village Itonuki is a roadside station located along National Route 157 in Kamibo, Motosu City, Gifu Prefecture. Its name reflects the surrounding area’s reputation as a major growing region for Fuyu persimmons, a popular Japanese variety known for its sweetness.
The roadside station opened in April 2000. Its sales and exhibition area offers a variety of local specialties, including persimmon ice cream, persimmon jam, and persimmon-based meat sauce. During the harvest season, visitors can also purchase fresh Fuyu persimmons directly from local producers.
The neighboring Fuyu Persimmon Center offers opportunities to experience persimmon harvesting and other agricultural activities. The Fureai Center also sells locally grown agricultural products, allowing visitors to purchase fresh produce directly from the region.
The roadside station forms part of the broader Fuyu Persimmon Village complex, which was developed to promote interaction between urban communities and rural areas, with Motosu City’s famous Fuyu persimmons at its heart.
Other facilities include the Funakiyama walking trails, a community plaza, the Kofun and Persimmon Museum, a barbecue house, the Fureai Center, and a persimmon display garden. Together, they offer visitors a relaxing place to enjoy local culture, food, and nature.
As its name suggests, Fuyu Persimmon Village becomes especially lively during the autumn persimmon season. In addition to Fuyu persimmons, visitors can find other varieties, including Sōshū and Taishū.
Refrigerated persimmons are also available, allowing visitors to enjoy the fruit’s sweetness until around February, even after the main harvest season has ended.
Persimmon ice cream is a collaborative product developed by Gifu Agricultural and Forestry High School and the Maruito Persimmon Promotion Association. Made with 40% Fuyu persimmon pulp, it offers the fruit’s distinctive flavor and aroma in a refreshing frozen dessert.
Persimmon jam is produced by a women’s group in the Itonuki area. The makers use generous quantities of large, naturally sweet Fuyu persimmons to create a flavorful spread.
Another popular specialty is persimmon meat sauce, which can also be used as a sauce for grilled meat. Its characteristic sweet-and-savory flavor makes it a versatile ingredient for a variety of dishes.
The Fureai Center sells fresh fruits and vegetables grown by local producers. In addition to persimmons, shoppers can find a wide selection of seasonal vegetables from the surrounding area, making it a convenient place to discover the region’s agricultural specialties.
The neighboring persimmon display garden showcases approximately 80 varieties of persimmons grown in Japan and overseas. Visitors can learn about the diversity of this fruit and see unusual varieties that may be difficult to find in ordinary shops.
For persimmon enthusiasts, the garden is a particularly appealing place to discover the many forms and varieties of this traditional fruit.
From late May to mid-June, fireflies can be seen along nearby agricultural waterways. This seasonal natural attraction offers visitors another reason to explore the area beyond the autumn harvest period.
Michi-no-Eki Fuyu Persimmon Village Itonuki is more than a roadside shopping stop. As part of a larger community-focused complex, it brings together local agriculture, regional food products, outdoor activities, and opportunities to learn about the area’s history.
Whether sampling persimmon specialties, buying freshly harvested produce, exploring the display garden, or watching fireflies in early summer, visitors can experience the flavors and natural appeal of Motosu City throughout the year.