Enjoy Nature & Gourmet Flavors! Michi-no-Eki – Roadside Stations in Yamanashi’s Eastern Area

When traveling through Japan, one of the best places to shop for local souvenirs is the Michi-no-Eki roadside stations. These community hubs not only offer regional specialties but also feature casual eateries and restaurants, making them a must-stop for travelers.

In this article, we’ll highlight the roadside stations in Eastern Yamanashi, an area known for its thriving fruit cultivation and scenic countryside.

The eastern region of Yamanashi includes Yamanashi City, Fuefuki City, Koshu City, Otsuki City, Tsuru City, Uenohara City, Kosuge Village, Tabayama Village, Doshi Village, and Nishikatsura Town. Each has its own unique attractions and flavors waiting to be discovered.

Let’s take a closer look at the Michi-no-Eki spots in this vibrant area!

Yamanashi City

Michi-no-Eki Mitomi

Located on the border of Yamanashi and Saitama Prefectures, Michi-no-Eki Mitomi is a charming roadside station surrounded by pristine nature and flowing rivers.

The signature dish here is Inobuta Ramen—a hearty noodle bowl topped with char siu made from inobuta, a unique crossbreed of wild boar and domestic pig. The meat is leaner and lower in fat than regular pork, offering a lighter, healthier flavor.

Another must-try is the Hōtō Croquette Set Meal, a creative take on Yamanashi’s famous local noodle dish hōtō, transformed into crispy croquettes. It’s a truly local specialty you won’t find anywhere else.

The station is set in a relaxing natural environment, with the peaceful Fuefuki River nearby and even a dog run for travelers with pets.

【Michi-no-Eki Mitomi】

Michi-no-Eki Hanakage-no-Sato Makioka

Surrounded by vast vineyards, Michi-no-Eki Hanakage-no-Sato Makioka is one of the most scenic roadside stations in Yamanashi, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji.

The local specialty here is Kyoho grapes, and visitors can enjoy them in unique forms such as Kyoho Grape Juice and Kyoho Manjū (sweet buns filled with grape flavor). These treats perfectly showcase the richness of the region’s fruit culture.

The on-site cafeteria, founded by local residents, exudes a warm community spirit and serves home-style dishes prepared with fresh regional ingredients.

Loved by both locals and travelers, this Michi-no-Eki is the perfect spot to relax, shop for souvenirs, and soak in the vineyard landscapes with Mt. Fuji in the distance.

【Michi-no-Eki Hanakage-no-Sato Makioka】

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Koshu City

Michi-no-Eki Kaiyamato

Known as the birthplace of “Soba-kiri”, the modern style of buckwheat noodles, Michi-no-Eki Kaiyamato is a must-visit roadside station for food lovers. Here, you can enjoy authentic hand-made soba prepared in the traditional style, along with a wide selection of Yamanashi’s seasonal fruits and local specialties at the lively food court.

One of the most popular souvenirs is the Urajiro Manjū, a traditional sweet unique to Yamanashi.

What is Urajiro Manjū?

quote：https://www.maff.go.jp/j/keikaku/syokubunka/k_ryouri/search_menu/menu/urajiro_manjuu_yama_nashi.html

Made with the leaves of the perennial plant Oyama-bokuchi (belonging to the aster family), this local delicacy offers a distinctive flavor different from mugwort. The plant’s leaves are covered in soft fibers called jōmō, which give the underside a silvery-white appearance—hence the name “Urajiro.” These leaves are kneaded into the dough, creating a fragrant and flavorful bun that has been loved for generations.

In addition to food and souvenirs, the area surrounding Kaiyamato offers plenty of opportunities for light trekking and scenic walks, with mountains and valleys nearby that showcase the natural beauty of Yamanashi.

【Michi-no-Eki Kaiyamato】

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Tsuru City

Michi-no-Eki Tsuru

Recognized as an official RV Park, Michi-no-Eki Tsuru is a convenient roadside station where even travelers in campervans can stay overnight. Located just a short walk from the nearest train station, it’s also easily accessible for those exploring on foot, making it a popular stop for both locals and visitors.

The station’s signature dishes include the “Jinenjo Pork Steak Set” and the “Jinenjo Set”, both featuring locally grown Japanese yam (jinenjo) from Tsuru City. The yam’s unique texture and flavor add a healthy twist to these hearty meals.

For dessert, don’t miss the Charcoal Vegetable Gelato, a unique local specialty offering a rich and refreshing taste in various flavors. It’s a perfect way to cool down after a day of exploring.

【Michi-no-Eki Tsuru】

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Kosuge Village

Michi-no-Eki Kosuge

Kosuge Village, often called the “Home of Yamame”, is known as the first place in Japan to successfully cultivate yamame (Japanese trout). At Michi-no-Eki Kosuge, visitors can enjoy a variety of local products and dishes highlighting this regional specialty.

Inside the market, you’ll find yamame-based delicacies such as yamame anchovies and flaked yamame rice packs—perfect souvenirs that capture the unique flavor of the area.

From spring through autumn, freshly grilled salted yamame skewers are sold at the outdoor plaza in front of the product hall. Vacuum-packed versions, including salt-grilled or overnight-dried yamame, are also available, making them excellent gifts to take home.

【Michi-no-Eki Kosuge】

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Tabayama Village

Michi-no-Eki Tabayama

Michi-no-Eki Tabayama is a must-visit stop in Tabayama Village, famous for its delicious venison dishes. The highlights include the popular “Shika Curry” (venison curry) and the playful “Shika Burger”, both offering a taste of the local hunting culture.

Throughout the year, the station also hosts seasonal food events: fresh potatoes in summer, maitake mushrooms and soba in autumn, and more. It’s a great way to experience the changing flavors of the region.

Just next door is the renowned Nomekoi-yu Onsen, a hot spring facility with an abundant natural water supply. The word nomekoi is a local dialect meaning smooth and silky, perfectly describing the skin-softening quality of the waters. Day-trip bathing is available, making it easy to combine a relaxing soak with a foodie stop.

Enjoy gourmet local cuisine, seasonal flavors, and a rejuvenating hot spring—all in one luxurious roadside station experience.

【Michi-no-Eki Tabayama】

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Dōshi Village

Michi-no-Eki Dōshi

Michi-no-Eki Dōshi is a lively roadside station in Dōshi Village, hosting events year-round that celebrate the area’s natural bounty.

One of the most popular events is the Dōshi Valley Ayu Festival held in June, where visitors can enjoy freshly grilled ayu sweetfish by the riverside. Thanks to its cool climate, the village is also a well-known summer retreat, attracting many domestic and international travelers.

A must-try specialty here is the Watercress Cake, made with buttery dough kneaded with locally grown watercress. Known in Japanese as Oranda-garashi (literally “Dutch mustard”), watercress has a peppery sharpness when raw, but develops a gentle bitterness and refreshing aroma when cooked.

Dōshi Village is one of Japan’s top producers of watercress, so tasting this unique dessert is a local experience not to be missed!

【Michi-no-Eki Dōshi】

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Fuefuki City ・ Ōtsuki City ・ Uenohara City ・ Nishikatsura Town

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Summary

In this article, we introduced the Michi-no-Eki roadside stations in Yamanashi’s eastern area.

We also cover Michi-no-Eki in other regions of Yamanashi, so be sure to check out those guides as well!

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