Station Mineham

Discover the Heart of Local Flavor at Mineham Roadside Station

Nestled along National Route 101 at the southern gateway to Yamae Town, Mineham Roadside Station offers a welcoming retreat for travelers exploring northern Japan’s scenic countryside. More than just a pit stop, it’s a vibrant hub where nature, culture, and community converge. Surrounded by rolling farmland and lush forests, the station provides ample parking, clean restrooms, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a mindful pause on your journey.

At the heart of Mineham is Orahogaikan, a fresh-produce market showcasing seasonal goods from local farmers. From crisp mountain vegetables and fragrant shiitake mushrooms to locally grown pears, pickles, handmade miso, and artisanal snacks, every item reflects the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Dine on regional specialties like stone-oven soba at the on-site restaurant Happou, where farm-fresh ingredients are transformed into comforting, unforgettable meals.

Mineham roadside station stands out as the only place in the region where you can taste authentic Stone River soba made from locally milled flour, served at the on-site restaurant Happou. Adjacent to the station, the Orahogaikan direct-sales market offers the exclusive peak-season mountain vegetables of Hachimyō, including rare wild ferns and yamabushitake mushrooms, available only during their brief spring harvest. This unique combination of regional culinary heritage and seasonal produce cannot be found anywhere else along National Route 101.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure parking near the entrance, as the main parking lot fills quickly by mid-morning due to the high volume of passing traffic on National Route 101

• Hidden Gems: At the produce counter in Oraho no Kan, look for seasonal mountain vegetables (such as wild spinach and fiddlehead ferns) displayed only during spring and early summer, typically available from April to June

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the Oraho no Kan bakery counter between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM to purchase fresh-baked milk bread, which is released daily and often sells out by 11:00 AM

• Must-Try Meal: Order the stone river soba at Happou Restaurant between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM, when it is served with a side of seasonal vegetables sourced directly from the Oraho no Kan farmers’ cooperative

• Best Time to Use Restrooms: Use the accessible restroom near the main entrance before 11:00 AM, as it is typically the least crowded; the facility is equipped with a baby changing station for both male and female users

• Off-Peak Parking: Park in the far right section of the main lot (closest to the roadside) during peak hours (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM), as this area is reserved for vehicles with a "parking permit" and is less likely to be occupied by tourists making short stops

• Seasonal Product Alert: Check the Oraho no Kan seasonal display near the entrance during early September for fresh-harvested peak-ham pear fruit, which is available only for a limited time and sold in 500g bags

Spring (March–May): Peak season for fresh bamboo shoots (late March–April) and canola flower viewing (mid-April).

Summer (June–August): Fresh mountain vegetables and peak season for local strawberries (mid-June–early July).

Autumn (September–November): Harvest season for peak-ham (pineapple) and chestnuts (late September–October).

Winter (December–February): Seasonal speciality of roasted chestnuts and warm local soups available through February.