Michi-no-Eki Clair Hirata is a roadside station located in Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture, along Gifu Prefectural Route 23, the Kitagata-Tado Line. It was officially registered as a roadside station on August 27, 1999, and opened on January 12, 2000.
The name “Clair” comes from the French word meaning “bright” or “clear.” It is a fitting name for a facility surrounded by the beautiful scenery along the pristine Nagara River.
Michi-no-Eki Clair Hirata stands along the right-bank embankment of the Nagara River, offering visitors a relaxing place to enjoy the surrounding scenery. With the clear river flowing just in front of the facility, it is an ideal spot to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
The farm shop sells fresh vegetables harvested that morning by local farmers at affordable prices. In addition to vegetables, visitors can find flowering plants, garden trees, vegetable seedlings, kusa-mochi (traditional Japanese rice cakes with mugwort), and a variety of local souvenirs.
Popular products include mugwort soba noodles, mugwort doughnuts, and mugwort cake. The shop’s mugwort soft-serve ice cream is also a favorite, offering the distinctive aroma and flavor of this traditional Japanese herb.
The Clair Seasonal Bento, prepared using locally grown vegetables, is popular with visitors. The restaurant is situated on the Nagara River embankment, where guests can enjoy dishes made with seasonal ingredients while taking in views of the clear river.
KAIZYU CAFE serves dishes and desserts inspired by local ingredients and regional culture, with an emphasis on supporting local production and sharing the area’s appeal with a wider audience.
One of its recommended breakfast options is the kusa-mochi morning set. Customers who order a drink receive kusa-mochi at no additional charge. This breakfast offer is available until 11:00 a.m.
Mugwort grown in the local area is used in a variety of popular foods. Visitors can sample a selection of mugwort-flavored treats, including mugwort soft-serve ice cream, soba noodles, doughnuts, and cake. These specialties highlight the herb’s distinctive fragrance and flavor.
Michi-no-Eki Clair Hirata also serves as a flood-control support base and has a helipad on its premises. In the event of a disaster, the facility is expected to help fulfill an important role as a local disaster-prevention center.
The roadside station offers a range of facilities designed to make visits comfortable, including a rest area, restaurant, and information corner.
The farm shop sells freshly harvested vegetables, flowering plants, garden trees, vegetable seedlings, and locally made souvenirs. Kusa-mochi and other regional specialties are particularly popular with visitors.
Michi-no-Eki Clair Hirata serves as a hub for discovering the local area’s appeal, offering fresh produce and regional specialties. Its beautiful setting beside the clear Nagara River, together with dishes and desserts made from local ingredients, makes it a welcoming destination for travelers.
The roadside station is conveniently located along the road on the right-bank embankment of the Nagara River. The surrounding area features scenic natural landscapes and tourist attractions throughout Kaizu City, making it a pleasant stop for visitors exploring the region.