Station Nishio Oka-no-Yama

Savor the Spirit of Aichi at Nishio Oka-no-Yama

Nestled along National Route 23's Okazaki Bypass in the heart of Nishio City, Nishio Oka-no-Yama is a vibrant roadside station that celebrates the rich agricultural and culinary heritage of the region. More than a mere stop for travelers, it serves as a cultural gateway where local traditions meet modern hospitality, offering a true taste of rural Aichi.

At the heart of the station is its celebrated focus on Nishio’s famed matcha, showcased in everything from creamy matcha toast to the signature matcha montblanc, crafted with locally sourced green tea. Visitors can enjoy fresh local delicacies such as Ichiyama eel, Mikkawa pork dishes, and daily catches from the Mikawa Bay. Don’t miss the iconic 20-meter-tall Wind Tower, a landmark that offers panoramic views and a symbol of the area’s enduring spirit. With a spacious playground, picnic areas, and a dedicated space for seasonal events, Nishio Oka-no-Yama is a destination where every journey finds a meaningful pause.

Visit Nishio Oka-no-Yama roadside station to taste the only authentic rice paper-wrapped mochi made with locally grown Wajima rice and fresh mountain spring water—a tradition preserved by the region’s last remaining mochi artisans. Experience the iconic 20-meter Wind Tower, a landmark offering panoramic views of the surrounding rice fields and the historic Oka-no-Yama tea gardens, where visitors can sample freshly picked matcha from the famed Iwase tea plantation.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 7:00–8:30 AM on weekdays to enjoy the morning service at Restaurant Ippuku, when the fresh milk bread and seasonal breakfast items are first available—these sell out quickly.

• Hidden Gems: Head to the deli counter near the entrance to find the daily fresh produce, especially the locally grown strawberries, which are available only during the seasonal peak and sold out by midday.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the JA Nishimikawa Office Parking Lot during the Nishio Matcha Expo to buy exclusive matcha treats like the 'Nishio Roll' by Kameya Yodzu and the first-ever release of a new matcha dessert from Okayasu—these are not sold at the main roadside station.

• Must-Try Menu Item: Order the "Ika Fry Lemon Stew Dog" at Restaurant Ippuku and ask for it with extra tartar sauce, as it is specifically noted in the Instagram post as a highly recommended pairing.

• Best Time for Fresh Produce: Arrive before 10:00 AM on weekdays to get the first pick of the morning’s fresh vegetables and fruits delivered directly from local farms, as they are sold out by noon.

• Unique On-Site Experience: Visit the "Asoboccha Plaza" between 7:45–8:45 AM on weekdays to join the daily morning radio calisthenics session held at the park, a local tradition hosted by the community.

• Photography Tip: Position yourself at the base of the 20-meter-tall "Wind Tower" between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to capture the best sunlight and shadows, especially on clear days when the structure casts a striking silhouette across the open field.

Spring (March-May): Fresh strawberries arrive in early January, with peak availability for ichigo daifuku in January–February.

Summer (June-August): Summer events include the SL drawing contest featuring student artwork through mid-August.

Autumn (September-November): The annual West Aichi Matcha Festival takes place in November, featuring exclusive matcha desserts.

Winter (December-February): The iconic Rice Field Mont Blanc is available year-round, with special matcha treats during winter months.