Roadside Station Awakura-do is located in Nishiawakura-mura, Aida-gun, Okayama Prefecture. It is adjacent to the Nishiawakura IC on the Tottori Expressway, and is a bustling transportation hub connecting Sanyo and Sanin. Based on the "100-Year Forest Concept" of Nishiawakura-mura, which is rich in nature, the building is characterized by its warm and cozy construction that makes extensive use of wood. In particular, the building, which uses the new construction material CLT (cross-laminated timber), is one of the highlights, and the clean toilets, which are filled with the scent of wood, are also well-received by users.

At the "Vegetable Market" inside the facility, you can find a wide variety of fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits from Nishiawakura-mura, as well as handmade processed products. Another attraction is the opportunity to encounter seasonal specialties, such as rare wild vegetables and mushrooms unique to the region. At the restaurant, you can enjoy a hearty menu of set meals, noodles, rice bowls, and other dishes made with plenty of local ingredients. In particular, the "Awakura Special Cuisine" recommended for each season is a special dish that can only be enjoyed here.

Nishiawakura Village has set up the "100-Year Forest Concept" and is working on sustainable forest management. At the roadside station, information about the village's efforts is provided and products made from local wood are sold. It is a recommended spot for nature lovers and tourists interested in ecotourism, not only as a place to rest during your trip but also as a place to experience the local culture and efforts.

Trivia] Nishiawakura Village is located in the northeastern edge of Okayama Prefecture and is a "forest village" where forests account for 90% of the village land. The village is promoting the "100-Year Forest Concept" to grow once-degraded artificial forests back into rich forests, and as part of this activity, products using thinned wood are developed and woodworking experiences are also held. You can experience some of these efforts at the roadside station.

Secret Spot Information: About 10 minutes by car from the roadside station is "Awakura Onsen", which boasts one of the highest radium contents in the Chugoku region. In addition to eating and shopping at the roadside station, we also recommend relaxing in a hot spring to soothe your travel fatigue. In spring, a beautiful carpet of moss phlox spreads out at Ogaya Moss Phlox Park, making it a popular driving course from the roadside station.