Scenic Views and Local Specialties! Michi-no-Eki – Roadside Stations in Yamanashi’s Southern Area

When traveling in Japan, one of the best places to shop for souvenirs is a Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station). These roadside facilities are filled with local specialties and often feature casual dining options and restaurants, making them popular stops for travelers.

In this article, we’ll introduce the Michi-no-Eki found in the southern area of Yamanashi Prefecture, specifically in Hayakawa Town, Minobu Town, Nanbu Town, Fujikawa Town, and Ichikawamisato Town.

The southern region of Yamanashi is where you can experience a more traditional side of the prefecture. It is known for its heritage crafts and as one of the leading agricultural areas in the region, offering a chance to connect with the authentic culture of Yamanashi.

Let’s take a closer look at the Roadside Stations in the Southern Area!

Minobu Town

Michi-no-Eki Shimobe

At Michi-no-Eki Shimobe, you can enjoy colorful and creative dishes made with wild vegetables foraged and game hunted directly by the chef. The meals here are not only delicious but also filled with a sense of humor and originality.

This roadside station is also home to the “Michi-no-Eki Shimobe Auto Campground ~Yuru Camp△ Village~”, a special collaboration with the popular Japanese anime Yuru Camp△. Fans will love exploring the anime-themed campsite and browsing the exclusive merchandise available here.

Next door, the Shimobe Rural Culture Park offers hands-on experiences such as pottery workshops, along with a traditional tatami-floored rest area, making it a versatile stop for visitors.

【Michi-no-Eki Shimobe】

Michi-no-Eki Minobu

Located within Fuji Craft Park, Michi-no-Eki Minobu is a perfect stop to enjoy both local specialties and hands-on cultural experiences.

One of the most popular items here is the “Okara Cookies”, made using Akebono soybeans, a specialty product of Minobu. These healthy yet tasty cookies make excellent souvenirs.

On Saturdays and Sundays, the Rinzu Workshop opens its doors, offering interactive experiences where visitors can select their favorite glass beads (tonbo-dama) and cords to create one-of-a-kind accessories. It’s an ideal way to take home a personalized memory from your trip.

【Michi-no-Eki Minobu】

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Nanbu Town

Michi-no-Eki Nanbu

Michi-no-Eki Nanbu is a new gourmet spot themed around “Nanbu Tea”, the local specialty of the region. Visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes and sweets highlighting this high-quality tea.

Nanbu Tea is cultivated with great care in a warm and rainy climate, resulting in a refined flavor that is both sweet and mellow. It pairs wonderfully with many different foods, but the must-try item here is the “Nanbu Tea Cream Shiratama Parfait”.

This parfait features Nanbu tea kudzu jelly, silky-smooth blancmange, and a rich matcha sauce that spreads across your palate in every bite—a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of Nanbu’s prized tea.

【Michi-no-Eki Nanbu】

Michi-no-Eki Tomizawa

Michi-no-Eki Tomizawa holds the distinction of being the very first roadside station established in Yamanashi Prefecture. At the entrance, a large bamboo shoot monument celebrates the town’s local specialty.

Depending on the season, you’ll find a wide selection of fresh produce: bamboo shoots in spring, watermelons in summer, ginger in autumn, and Jerusalem artichokes and choro-gi (Chinese artichoke) in winter. Each visit offers something new to discover.

The most popular item here is the “Tomizawa Burger”, a hearty sandwich made with simmered bamboo shoots. Packed with flavor and volume, it has become a local favorite, especially among younger visitors.

【Michi-no-Eki Tomizawa】

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Fujikawa Town

Michi-no-Eki Fujikawa

Michi-no-Eki Fujikawa is one of the liveliest roadside stations in Yamanashi, hosting regular markets and local product fairs that make every visit engaging.

From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Kofu Basin and the Yatsugatake Mountains, making it not just a shopping spot but also a scenic stop.

The highlight here is the Shine Muscat grapes, in season from late August through October. Known for their large, seedless, and sweet flavor, these premium grapes are perfect both as a luxurious personal treat and as a thoughtful gift. Rows of these glossy green grapes are a sight to behold and a taste you won’t forget.

【Michi-no-Eki Fujikawa】

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Ichikawamisato Town & Hayakawa Town

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Summary

In this article, we introduced the Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Stations) of Yamanashi’s Southern Area. Each spot offers its own unique charm, from seasonal specialties to cultural experiences and scenic views.

We also feature other articles highlighting roadside stations across Yamanashi, so be sure to check them out for more travel inspiration!

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