SAITAMA

Roadside Station Ogawamachi

A Gateway to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages and Organic Living

Experience the rich traditions of handmade Japanese paper and organic cuisine at Roadside Station Ogawamachi, a newly reopened cultural hub in Saitama Prefecture that celebrates over 1,300 years of papermaking heritage.

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Step into a world where ancient craftsmanship meets sustainable living at this charming roadside station, known locally as the "Little Kyoto of Musashi."

Roadside Station Ogawamachi reopened in May 2025 as a hub of vibrant regional exchange themed around handmade washi and organic living. Nestled in the verdant mountains of Ogawa Town, this facility offers visitors an immersive journey into Japanese traditional culture and local flavors.The station is divided into three distinct zones. The industrial promotion area features. Here, you'll find a lively local vegetable market showcasing agricultural products from Ogawa Town, one of Japan’s leading organic farming regions. The Satoyama Gohan dining hall also offers regional specialties, including the Satoyama Farm Plate, a signature dish filled with the bounty of local produce.

The traditional craft zone is the station's crown jewel, centered around Ogawa Washi, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage with 1,300 years of history. Visitors can roll up their sleeves at the washi workshop to experience the ancient art of papermaking firsthand, learning techniques passed down through generations. The exhibition room provides fascinating insights into washi's cultural significance, while the shop offers beautifully crafted paper products to take home.

The community plaza rounds out the experience with playground equipment for families and rental bicycles for exploring the surrounding countryside. The area's natural beauty, fed by pristine waters flowing from the Chichibu mountains, has earned Ogawa Town its nickname as the "Little Kyoto of Musashi."

Conveniently located along Route 254, just a 10-minute drive from Ranzan-Ogawa Interchange, the station also celebrates the region's deep-rooted fermentation and brewing culture. Local sake, traditional confections, and specialty foods reflect the harmonious relationship between nature and people that defines this remarkable area.
For anyone seeking a hands-on cultural experience or farm-fresh organic cuisine, Roadside Station Ogawamachi offers an authentic taste of traditional Japanese life.

©Toshiko Sakurai

Address

Roadside Station Ogawamachi

1220-1 Ogawa, Ogawa-machi, Hiki-gun, Saitama Prefecture

Phone number

+81-493-72-1220

Business hours

[Michi-no-Eki] 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. / Closed: Open year-round (no regular holidays)　※Business hours vary by store.
For details, please visit the website.

WEB site

https://michinoeki-ogawamachi.com/

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