Roadside Station Miyama Fureaihiroba serves as the central gateway to exploring the rural landscapes of Miyama Town in Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture. Located at Agake in the heart of Miyama along National Route 162, this roadside station complex provides essential services for travelers venturing into one of Japan's most picturesque countryside regions. The area gained international recognition in 2021 when the UN World Tourism Organization certified Miyama as a Best Tourism Village for its commitment to sustainable tourism and preservation of cultural heritage.
The station sits within the Kyoto Tamba Kogen Quasi-National Park, surrounded by mountains and traditional thatched roof houses along the Miyama River. The iconic bright red bridge spanning the river near the station serves as a landmark for the Hiraya District. This region maintains over 200 thatched roof farmhouses scattered throughout the valleys, with the nearby Kayabuki no Sato village—just 10 minutes drive away—containing the highest concentration of such structures in Japan. The area's 96 percent forest coverage and abundant rainfall create a pristine natural environment where temperatures average 2 to 3 degrees Celsius lower than urban areas.
Visitors to the roadside station can explore three main facilities. Furatto Miyama offers an extensive selection of locally produced goods including fresh seasonal vegetables, rice, sweetfish, venison and wild boar sausages, handmade miso, pickles, and craft items. The shop attracts both tourists and locals, with fresh produce often selling out by noon. Miyama no Megumi Milk Studio specializes in dairy products made from Miyama milk, known for its rich, creamy flavor.
The studio serves signature soft-serve ice cream and approximately 10 daily rotating flavors of gelato, plus treats like cheesecakes and puddings. The Kyoto Tamba Kogen Quasi-National Park Visitor Center provides comprehensive information about regional attractions, restaurants, accommodations, and activities throughout Miyama Town and the national park. The center also offers electric-assisted bicycle rentals for exploring the surrounding countryside.
Reaching Miyama Fureaihiroba requires careful planning due to its remote location 30 kilometers north of central Kyoto. By train, take the JR San-in/Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Sonobe Station, requiring approximately 30 minutes by rapid train or 45 minutes by local service. From Sonobe, travelers can transfer to Hiyoshi Station (an additional 10 minutes), then board the Nantan City Bus to Agake stop near the roadside station, with the entire bus journey taking approximately 45 to 60 minutes and costing 600 yen one way.
Seasonal direct buses operate from Sonobe Station on weekends and holidays between late April and September. By car, the station is 30 kilometers northeast from Sonobe Interchange via Prefectural Route 19, with the drive from Kyoto taking approximately 90 minutes via the Kyoto Jukan Expressway and Route 162. Admission to the roadside station facilities is free, though individual purchases, bicycle rentals, and restaurant meals require separate payment.
