Near the border with Hiroshima Prefecture, in Tessei-cho, Niimi City, Okayama Prefecture.
Surrounded by the rich nature of the Chugoku Mountains, there is the only roadside station in Niimi City, Roadside Station Koigakubo. In addition to enjoying gourmet food made with locally grown rice, vegetables, Chiyagyu Beef, and Tessei chestnuts, bread and pizza made with rice flour milled on-site are also popular.
Furthermore, it has been selected as a "Model Roadside Station for Resident Services," playing a role as a base to support the lives of local residents.
During the interview, we introduced the charm of the roadside station and spoke with the station master, Mizukami Shinichi.
What is "Roadside Station Koigakubo"?
Located along National Route 182, "Roadside Station Koigakubo" gets its name from the nearby nationally designated natural monument, Koigakubo Wetland.
Tessei-cho is located in the upper reaches of the Takahashi River, blessed with clear water and rich soil, making it a long-established rice-producing area. A major feature of this roadside station is its unique rice flour milling facility on-site.
Not only does it sell rice grown by local farmers, but it has also been working since around 2005 on a cycle (sixth industrialization) that connects milling rice into rice flour to new products and experiences such as bread and pizza.
On the premises, there is also a "Lawn Square" where children can play freely.
It is a place of relaxation where families can move their bodies during a drive or take a leisurely break surrounded by nature.
"Shop and Vegetable Market" with Local Specialties and Flavors
In the "Shop and Vegetable Market," fresh agricultural products, processed goods, and souvenirs from the region are lined up.
As expected from a rice-producing area, the first thing that catches the eye in the store is the rice from Niimi. Seasonal vegetables and fruits grown by local farmers are also available, allowing visitors to experience the flavors of Tessei unique to the season.
One must-try item here is the "Marron Soft Cream" made with the local brand "Tessei Chestnuts".
Tessei chestnuts are processed after being aged for a month after harvest to bring out their sweetness. The rich, thick texture and the abundant chestnut aroma that fills the mouth are appealing. The harvest is limited, and it is a popular product that may sell out in some years.
Additionally, the shop is also engaged in initiatives to carry on the flavors that have been cherished in the region.
After the owner of a local takoyaki shop using rice flour passed away, residents expressed their desire to "taste that flavor again." In response to that voice, they recreated the taste of that owner with "Rice Flour Takoyaki."
The inside has a gooey texture. This nostalgic taste of the region is becoming a new specialty of the roadside station.
Restaurant "Sanyasai-kan" to Luxuriously Taste Chiyagyu Beef
When you're hungry, head to the restaurant "Sanyasai-kan" located on the premises.
You can enjoy dishes made with the high-quality wagyu beef "Chiyagyu," which Niimi City is proud of, as well as local ingredients.
I chose the "Chiyagyu Donburi." The Chiyagyu was luxuriously served.
The meat has a robust flavor, yet the overall taste is not too heavy, and the homemade sweet sauce pairs well with the Chiyagyu and the glossy rice from Niimi.
The donburi is finished with a mellow flavor from the egg. It goes well with the rice, and I found myself eating more and more.
In addition, there are set meals and noodles using Chiyagyu, as well as menus incorporating seasonal local ingredients.
"Rice Flour Workshop" and "Rice Flour Pizza Experience" to Promote the Charm of Rice Flour
Handmade Rice Flour Bread Shop "Rice Flour Workshop" has local staff carefully baking bread every morning in the workshop at the back of the store.
The rice flour used is made from rice produced in Niimi at a mill located on the premises.
Among the popular items, the "shokupan" (Japanese-style bread) is particularly appealing due to its chewy texture unique to rice flour. Not only local residents, but also fans from Okayama City and Fukuyama City in Hiroshima Prefecture visit to buy in bulk.
Inside the store, a variety of products are lined up, including savory breads made with local vegetables and eggs, as well as sweet breads perfect for snacks.
This rice flour bread is made with a ratio of "80% rice flour and 20% gluten," so those with wheat allergies should be cautious.
Additionally, on the last Saturday of every month, a "rice flour pizza experience" using a genuine brick oven is held (reservation required).
Supporting this experience is a local volunteer organization called "Tessei Mirai-kai," which has come together to revitalize the community.
The chewy dough made from rice flour is topped with seasonal vegetables and baked quickly in a stone oven heated to about 400 degrees.
The rice flour pizza experience, made with local rice and vegetables, allows participants to create and enjoy the pizza together with the community. It is not just about enjoying a meal, but also an opportunity to connect with the ingredients and people of Tessei.
Community Support: "Model Roadside Station for Resident Services"
"Koigakubo Roadside Station" has another face, different from being a base for tourism and gourmet food.
In the 2016 fiscal year, it was selected as one of the six "Model Roadside Stations for Resident Services" by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
In mountainous areas like Tessei-cho, where population decline and aging are progressing, maintaining essential functions for daily life such as shopping, transportation, medical care, and welfare is a significant challenge.
"Koigakubo Roadside Station" opened by incorporating residents' opinions from the planning stage. It functions as a "small base" where local residents can shop, meet people, and receive necessary services while also being a facility for tourists.
In collaboration with the government and adjacent complex facilities, it supports the operation of demand buses that assist the mobility of the elderly, delivery of products that also serve as shopping assistance, and welfare services such as safety checks.
What thoughts led to the creation of "Koigakubo Roadside Station," and what kind of community is it aiming for in the future? We spoke with the station master, Shinichi Mizukami.
Data on Koigakubo Roadside Station
| Name | Koigakubo Roadside Station |
|---|---|
| Address | 3585-1 Yada, Tessei-cho, Niimi City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 0867-94-9017 |
| Website | Official Website of Koigakubo Roadside Station |
