Roadside Station Hakusan Bunka no Sato Nagataki is located in Nagataki, Shirotori Town, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture. Situated near the upper reaches of the clear Nagara River, it is surrounded by rich natural scenery and a long history of religious and cultural traditions.
Next to the roadside station, Seiryu Nagara River Ayu Park introduces visitors to ayu sweetfish, a regional specialty of Gujo. Here, visitors can learn about the fish, try fishing, and enjoy activities in the river. A nearby museum also explores the history of Mount Hakusan, a sacred mountain that has long been an important center of mountain worship.
The roadside station hosts a morning market featuring fresh ingredients from local producers. In spring, the stalls are especially colorful with seasonal mountain vegetables, including butterbur shoots, bracken, and royal fern.
One particularly prized ingredient is jinenjo, a naturally grown Japanese yam sometimes called the “king of mountain vegetables.” Known for its sweetness, strong stickiness, and rich flavor, it is highly valued by local food lovers. The yams cultivated with care by regional farmers are a popular specialty.
At the adjacent Restaurant Satokawa, visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes made with ayu sweetfish from the Nagara River. One popular choice is deep-fried small ayu, which can be eaten whole, allowing diners to appreciate the fish’s distinctive mild bitterness without worrying as much about its small bones.
The restaurant also offers a selection of keichan, a traditional dish of seasoned chicken and vegetables enjoyed in Gujo City and neighboring Gero City. Sampling different versions provides an opportunity to compare the regional variations of this beloved local dish.
Seiryu Nagara River Ayu Park is an interactive facility where visitors can learn about the Nagara River ecosystem and the ayu that inhabit its waters while enjoying hands-on activities.
Popular attractions include fishing-pond experiences and fish-catching activities in which visitors try to catch fish with their hands. There are also opportunities to play in the river, making the park particularly appealing to families with children.
The Hakusan Cultural Museum, located next to the roadside station, displays materials related to Hakusan worship and the history of the surrounding region.
The area is closely associated with Nagataki Hakusan Shrine, one of the three major historical centers, known as sanbaba, that developed around Hakusan worship during the early Heian period. Visitors can learn about the shrine and the religious traditions that spread from this sacred mountain.
Nearby, the Hakusan Takara Hōden houses important cultural treasures, including wooden statues of the Shakyamuni Buddha Triad and the Four Heavenly Kings, designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Together, these sites offer a valuable opportunity to explore the area’s religious heritage and historic Buddhist art.
The site’s history dates back to 1992, when the former Shirotori Town developed Nagataki Historical Park on the former site of the Kitanō Village Office. In 1994, the facility was registered as Roadside Station Shirotori.
On June 2, 2018, its name was changed to Roadside Station Hakusan Bunka no Sato Nagataki. On the same day, Seiryu Nagara River Ayu Park opened, transforming the area into a renewed destination for visitors interested in nature, local food, and regional history.
Roadside Station Hakusan Bunka no Sato Nagataki features a shop selling local specialties and souvenirs, the takeaway food outlet Hanatora, and access to Seiryu Nagara River Ayu Park. Restaurant Satokawa serves a variety of dishes featuring ayu from the Nagara River.
The adjacent Hakusan Cultural Museum provides further insight into the history and traditions of Hakusan worship, allowing visitors to combine a relaxing stop with cultural exploration.
One of the highlights of the roadside station is its market, where local farmers sell seasonal vegetables and fresh flowers. The selection changes throughout the year, giving visitors the chance to discover the natural bounty of the region and purchase ingredients grown by nearby producers.
The station’s shop offers a variety of regional products and souvenirs from Gujo. Popular items include local sake, jinenjo, and traditional foods associated with the area’s culinary heritage. Many products make distinctive gifts and provide a taste of local life that visitors can take home.
A tourist information corner introduces attractions in and around Gujo Shirotori. Visitors can use it to learn about nearby sightseeing destinations and find ideas for exploring the region’s natural scenery and cultural heritage.
Hanatora offers takeaway meals and snacks, with table seating also available inside. All menu items can be ordered to go, making it a convenient option for travelers who want something to eat while continuing their journey.
Restaurant Satokawa specializes in dishes featuring ayu sweetfish from the clear Nagara River. Morning meals and evening menu options are also available, giving visitors several opportunities to enjoy the flavors of the region.
The Hakusan Cultural Museum explores the history and traditions of Hakusan worship. Its exhibits also include materials related to Nagataki Hakusan Shrine and Nagataki-ji Temple, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the religious and cultural history that developed around Mount Hakusan.
At Seiryu Nagara River Ayu Park, visitors can experience aspects of local fishing culture and enjoy activities in and around the river. The facility also offers craft workshops, including chopstick-making using thinned timber and decorative art-candle making.
These hands-on experiences provide an enjoyable way for children and adults to learn about the natural environment, sustainable use of resources, and the cultural traditions of Gujo.