Discover the Heart of Tohoku’s Rural Charms
Shimizu no Sato Chokaigou is a vibrant roadside station nestled in the scenic foothills of Mount Chokai, where lush forests meet rolling farmland. More than just a pit stop, it’s a cultural gateway celebrating local agriculture, craftsmanship, and seasonal traditions. Visitors experience authentic regional flavors, from farm-fresh produce to handcrafted goods, all set against a backdrop of natural beauty.
Why Visit
Shimizu no Sato Chokaigou stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering handcrafted milk ice cream made from fresh Jersey cow milk sourced directly from local farms. Visitors can also experience the unique "Kamakura-style" hot spring bath with views of the surrounding mountain landscape, a feature found nowhere else in the area.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Shimizu no Sato Chokaigou roadside station, where fresh, seasonal ingredients take center stage.
Shimizu no Sato Chokaigou Restaurant
清水の里・鳥海郷
Specialty
Traditional regional cuisine from the Tōkai area
A cozy dining space offering authentic local dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the surrounding mountains and farmlands. The atmosphere is warm and rustic, perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal.
Farmers' Market Food Stall
農産物直売所
Specialty
Fresh local produce and homemade snacks
A vibrant food stall offering seasonal fruits, vegetables, and simple, handcrafted snacks made from farm-fresh ingredients. The atmosphere is lively and community-oriented.
Bakery Corner
パン屋
Specialty
Artisan bread and pastries
A charming bakery with a rustic interior, specializing in handmade breads and pastries using traditional methods and locally sourced flour. The aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated selection of regional crafts and goods at Shimizu no Sato Chokaigou roadside station, perfect for unique souvenirs.
Local Craft Store
手作り工芸品店
A boutique shop featuring handmade crafts and artisanal goods created by local artisans, including pottery, woven textiles, and woodwork.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hand-thrown ceramic bowl
Farmers' Market
農産物直売所
A marketplace where local farmers sell fresh produce, eggs, and dairy products directly to visitors. The shop emphasizes sustainability and seasonal availability.
Products
Must-Try Item
Organic Mountain Greens
Dairy & Meat Specialty Shop
乳製品・肉専門店
A specialty store offering premium local beef, pork, and fresh dairy products, including cheese and yogurt, all sourced from nearby farms.
Products
Must-Try Item
Aged Beef Steak
Sake & Alcohol Shop
酒・アルコール販売店
A dedicated shop specializing in regional sake, rice wine, and other traditional Japanese alcoholic beverages, with a curated selection from local breweries.
Products
Must-Try Item
Mountain-Source Sake
Souvenir & Gift Shop
お土産・ギフトショップ
A gift shop offering a wide range of souvenirs and local products, including packaged foods, crafts, and seasonal items perfect for travelers.
Products
Must-Try Item
Tōkai Regional Gift Box
Featured Products
Explore signature local specialties at Shimizu no Sato Chokaigou roadside station, from handcrafted treats to seasonal farm-fresh produce.
Mountain Vegetable Dried Mix
山菜の乾燥ミックス
A blend of dried mountain vegetables harvested from the region, ideal for soups, stews, or as a snack.
Local Miso Paste
地元味噌
Authentic, naturally fermented miso paste made from locally grown soybeans and traditional methods.
Wild Berries Jam
山いちごジャム
A rich, naturally sweet jam made from wild berries gathered in the surrounding forests.
Traditional Pickled Vegetables
伝統漬物
Authentic pickled vegetables preserved using time-honored techniques and local seasonings.
Sake Rice Wine
日本酒
A smooth, aromatic rice wine crafted from locally grown rice and pure mountain water.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities at Shimizu no Sato Chokaigou roadside station, including restrooms, parking, and welcoming spaces for travelers.
Information Center
The information center provides assistance and guidance for visitors, including local tourism information and maps.
Main building
Parking Area
A designated parking area is available for visitors' vehicles.
Front of the roadside station
Restroom
Clean and accessible restrooms are available for visitors.
Near the entrance
Wi-Fi Access
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station for visitors.
All areas
Play Area
A children's play area with equipment for kids to enjoy.
Outdoor courtyard
Hot Spring Bath
A public hot spring bath facility is available for relaxation and wellness.
Near the main building
Bicycle Rental
Bicycles can be rented on-site for exploring the surrounding area.
Near the entrance
Nursing Room
A private room equipped for breastfeeding and baby care.
Inside the restroom building
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors with electric cars.
Parking area
ATM
An ATM machine is available for cash withdrawals.
Near the entrance
Pet Area
A designated area for pets to rest and relieve themselves.
Outdoor area near the parking lot
Activities & Experiences
Engage in hands-on workshops and seasonal experiences at Shimizu no Sato Chokaigou roadside station, connecting with local culture and nature.
Forest Bathing Experience
森林浴体験
Participants will walk through a serene forest environment, engaging their senses to connect with nature and promote relaxation and well-being.
Duration
60 min
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking on natural terrain.
Traditional Craft Workshop
伝統工芸体験
Attendees will learn and create traditional local crafts using natural materials under the guidance of skilled artisans.
Duration
90 min
Indoor activity; suitable for all weather conditions.
Seasonal Fruit Picking
季節の果物摘み取り
Guests can pick fresh seasonal fruits such as strawberries or apples directly from the orchard, enjoying a hands-on agricultural experience.
Duration
60 min
Outdoor activity; bring warm clothing during winter months.
Local Food Cooking Class
地元料理体験
Participants will learn to prepare traditional regional dishes using locally sourced ingredients in a hands-on cooking session.
Duration
120 min
Indoor activity; no weather restrictions.
Guided Nature Tour
自然ガイドツアー
Join a guided walking tour through scenic trails and natural landscapes, learning about local flora, fauna, and ecosystems.
Duration
120 min
Wear waterproof footwear and layers for variable spring weather.
Seasonal Flower Viewing
季節の花見
Enjoy the beauty of seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms or autumn leaves in a peaceful garden setting.
Duration
90 min
Best enjoyed on clear, mild days; avoid rainy or windy conditions.
Insider Tips
Maximize your visit to Shimizu no Sato Chokaigou roadside station with local insights on peak hours and hidden gems.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure fresh-baked milk bread from the bakery, which sells out by 11:00 AM and is not restocked
- Hidden Gems: Head to the deli counter near the entrance to find the limited-edition "Chokai Gou Special" miso soup with locally sourced ingredients, available only from December 16 to April 15
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the outdoor food truck area between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM to sample the "Shimizu no Sato Chokaigou" curry rice, made with regional vegetables and served in a reusable container
- Must-Try Product: Purchase the "Chokai Gou Premium Dried Fish" at the main shop counter—this locally caught and sun-dried fish is available only from December 16 to April 15 and is sold in 300g packages
- Best Time for Local Craft Demo: Arrive by 1:30 PM on weekdays to attend the hands-on pottery workshop at the craft corner, held daily except on holidays and during winter closure (December 31 to January 2)
- Parking Tip: Use the far-left parking spot near the entrance gate if you're visiting with children—the space is closest to the kids’ play area and has direct access to the covered walkway
- Seasonal Access: On weekends from December 16 to April 15, enter through the side gate near the hot spring bath entrance to access the seasonal "Snow Viewing Terrace," a quiet area with heated benches and views of snow-covered fields
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Peak season for canola flower viewing (late March–April) and fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.
Summer (June–August): Fresh strawberries harvested and sold daily (June–July).
Autumn (September–November): Chestnuts roasted and sold, with seasonal festival events in October.
Winter (December–February): Snow-covered scenery, hot spring baths open, and special winter market from December 16 to April 15.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers play areas, children's activities, and family-friendly food options with stroller access and safety features.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse local specialties, fresh produce, and artisan food products with high-quality dining experiences.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms and vending machines; quiet at night with designated parking, though not explicitly for overnight stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Boasts scenic mountain views, photo-worthy viewpoints, and seasonal landscapes with a serene, natural atmosphere.