Furuta Oribe and the Roadside Station
The roadside station stands in the birthplace of Furuta Oribe and takes its name from this influential historical figure. Visitors can learn about his life, the Oribe school of tea ceremony that he established, and Oribe ware pottery inspired by his artistic vision.
The facility offers an opportunity to explore the history and culture of Japan’s Azuchi-Momoyama period, when distinctive artistic styles flourished alongside major political and social changes.
About Furuta Oribe
Furuta Oribe studied the tea ceremony under Sen no Rikyū, one of Japan’s most influential tea masters. He later developed his own approach, known as the Oribe school of tea ceremony.
Oribe was also renowned for his work in ceramics. The pottery associated with him, known as Oribe ware, is characterized by bold, unconventional designs and a free-spirited artistic style.
The roadside station features displays introducing Oribe ware, a tea room inspired by the Oribe aesthetic, and an exhibition facility dedicated to the tea ceremony and Furuta Oribe’s legacy.
Local Produce and Regional Specialties
The station sells fresh agricultural products grown by farmers in Motosu City, as well as produce cultivated by students at Gifu Agricultural and Forestry High School.
The restaurant serves a varied menu that includes game dishes made with venison, tempura set meals, and miso katsu set meals featuring pork cutlets with miso sauce.
Persimmons are particularly popular. Harvesting begins in October, and approximately 20 varieties are available. Sweet varieties include Taishū, Sōshū, early-season Fuyū, and Fuyū persimmons, while astringent varieties include Hachiya and Fuji. The persimmons are well known for their high sugar content and delicious sweetness.
A Wide Selection at the Farm Produce Market
The market offers a diverse selection of produce, including tomatoes, strawberries, and onions, with different products available depending on the season.
Spring: Udo shoots, horsetail shoots, flowering rapeseed greens, wild butterbur, and butterbur buds.
Summer: Gourds, figs, asparagus, green beans, melons, and watermelons.
Autumn: Persimmons, chestnuts, and shiitake mushrooms.
Winter: Dried shredded daikon radish, taro stems, grated yam, Chinese cabbage, lotus root, lettuce, and other leafy vegetables.
The market also sells fresh flowers, sweets, figs, kiwifruit, yuzu citrus, and other seasonal goods.
Specialty Products and Souvenirs
Michi-no-Eki Oribe no Sato Motosu offers a wide range of regional products. Highlights include Tokuyama chili peppers, sometimes called the “phantom chili pepper”, Usuzumi maitake mushrooms, and locally grown vegetables such as tomatoes and daikon radishes.
Visitors can also find sweets made with Fuyū persimmons and a variety of Gifu Prefecture specialties. Souvenirs include products featuring the famous Usuzumi-zakura cherry tree, merchandise featuring Motomaru-kun, the mascot of Motosu City, and original roadside station goods.
Restaurant and Café
The restaurant, Wabian, serves dishes prepared with fresh vegetables grown in Motosu City and locally sourced game meat. The menu ranges from familiar favorites to seasonal specialties.
Lunch and the morning menu are especially popular. The morning menu is available from opening time until 11:00 a.m., making this a convenient place to enjoy breakfast before exploring the surrounding area.
Tourist Information and Exhibition Facilities
The information center provides details about sightseeing destinations, local events, and road conditions in Motosu City. A selection of brochures is available to help visitors plan their drives and explore the region.
Two notable features are the Sanmon Gallery, a symbolic part of the roadside station, and the Oribe Exhibition Hall, which introduces the life and achievements of Furuta Oribe.
History of the Roadside Station
Michi-no-Eki Oribe no Sato Motosu opened on April 3, 2001.
On April 1, 2002, Oribe Station on the Tarumi Railway opened next to the roadside station. This made the facility the first in Japan to combine a roadside station and a railway station on the same site.
A Convenient Base for Sightseeing
The roadside station is a convenient stop for visitors exploring nearby attractions, including the famous Usuzumi-zakura cherry tree and the Neo Fault, an important geological feature associated with the region’s earthquake history.
The surrounding area also offers hiking trails through forested landscapes, stream fishing, and camping. Visitors can take a break from everyday life and enjoy the rich natural environment of Motosu and the surrounding countryside.