A stop for those who love nostalgia! Enjoying lunch boxes and pudding at "Tamaya Ryokan" and "Roadside Station Oku-Kuji Daigo" in Daigo Town, Kuji District, Ibaraki Prefecture

While researching spots to stop by during my camping trip in Tochigi, I discovered the "Oku-Kuji Shamo Bento" in Daigo Town, which is located on the border with Tochigi Prefecture. Since I could enjoy the Oku-Kuji Shamo, a local specialty of Daigo Town, easily while driving, I headed there in my Jimny.

Located at the boundary between Ibaraki Prefecture and Tochigi Prefecture, a delicious stopover

aiming for a campsite in Tochigi Prefecture, the stopover is one of Japan's three famous waterfalls, "Fukuroda Falls." This town, located in the northwestern part of Daigo Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, is situated at the border with Tochigi Prefecture, making it a perfect stopover spot. Also nearby is Tamaya Ryokan, known for its shamo bento, which is another place you should stop by.

Recommended stopover spot 1. The original shamo bento inn "Tamaya Ryokan"

If you're going to stop by, I want to eat "Okukujishamo bento." Tamaya Ryokan, which sells bento, is located just a short distance from Hitachi Daigo Station, and you can easily find it by heading towards the station. Accommodation is, of course, available, and the dining room can also be used. When I visited, there were numerous meal delivery preparations happening in front of the store, indicating it is loved by the locals.

Reservations for Okukujishamo bento and dining at the restaurant must be made by the day before. The bento includes a miso soup and is available for takeout. This time, I opted for takeout.

Incidentally, there is a calm dining area in the ryokan where you can feel the Showa era

If you choose to have a meal inside the shop, you can enjoy the dining area in a tranquil private room. There are many train travelers, as well as customers like the author who enjoy road trips and touring, and it was said that group reservations are made on weekends. Lunch hours are from 11:00 to 14:00.

In addition to bento, you can also enjoy hot pot, rice bowls, and noodles. Since you can share and try various menus, it might be a good idea to reserve a private room for groups. The menu prices are from the date of the interview on March 30, 2026, and it seems there will be a price increase starting April 1, 2026.

The ryokan has a history of over 50 years, with columns and interiors that evoke a nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa era. The staff, including the proprietress, are very friendly and warm, so you should be satisfied even if you relax during your stay.

It seems that the Okukuji chicken meat is sourced from the Okukuji Chicken Production Association nearby, and if you want to cook it yourself, you can also purchase it at the Okukuji Daigo roadside station in addition to the production association. Let's head towards the roadside station for a break as well.

Facility Name / Tamaya Ryokan
Location / 718 Daigo, Daigo Town, Kuji District, Ibaraki Prefecture
TEL / 0295-72-0123
Lunch Hours / 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Recommended Stop 2. "Road Station Oku-Kuji Daigo" is just a short distance from Tamaya Ryokan

"Road Station Oku-Kuji Daigo" features a vegetable direct sales store and a shop where you can buy souvenirs like Shamo chicken, as well as hot springs and dining options, making it a very convenient spot. I plan to buy something extra and eat my bento here.

At the road station, I tried a pudding made with Oku-Kuji Shamo eggs. In the car dining scene, my homemade bed kit for car camping comes in very handy.

Enjoying Oku-Kuji Shamo bento and pudding in the Jimny car.

The sweet and spicy seasoned chicken meat has just the right bounce, offering a refreshing yet deep flavor. Oku-Kuji shamo is raised for about three times longer than typical chickens (broilers), characterized by its low fat content and strong umami. It truly reflects that characteristic with a finish that makes you want to eat it again and again. The convenient bento that can be enjoyed anywhere is appealing for drivers and riders enjoying a light journey.

The burdock served on the side is full of flavor and matches well with the chicken. You can also enjoy its crunchy texture. It's a simple bento with basic ingredients, but I finished it in no time without getting bored.

Ending with a pudding topped with black beans and fresh cream, I thoroughly enjoyed the Oku-Kuji shamo. It was a simple meal in the Jimny, but it turned out to be deeply flavorful and very satisfying. I am thankful for the high quality of the ingredients and preparation. Thank you for the meal.

For those who love a nostalgic atmosphere, Oku-Kuji hits the mark.

Before departing from here, I took a stroll around Hitachi-Daiiko station, and the retro streets remaining from the Showa era looked very charming. Traditional tobacco shops and clothing stores are spots that will resonate with those who appreciate nostalgic vibes. My heart and stomach are completely satisfied, so I would like to head to the next accommodation.

Facility Name: Roadside Station Oku-Kuji Daigo
Location: 2830-1 Ikeda, Daigo Town, Kuji District, Ibaraki Prefecture
TEL: 0295-72-6111
Closed Days: January 1st (Hot springs are closed on the first and third Wednesday of every month)

Text by: Kazuma Tanaka

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