Savor the Essence of Local Craft and Seasonal Bounty
Nakayama roadside station, nestled in the heart of Ehime Prefecture, is a vibrant gateway to rural charm and hands-on tradition. Once known as Nakayama Chestnut Center, it has evolved into a full-fledged roadside station within Japan’s national network of 1,145 michi no eki, welcoming travelers with authentic experiences rooted in local culture. Surrounded by lush countryside and accessible from major routes, Nakayama offers a serene retreat where nature, craftsmanship, and seasonal flavors converge.
Visitors can enjoy freshly made handmade soba noodles at Koneko Netei, savor creamy homemade sherbet at Shaveret House, or sample warm, freshly baked bread from Montana Bakery. The WoodCraft Center invites guests to explore artisanal woodworking, while seasonal highlights like roasted chestnuts and farm-fresh fruit harvests make every visit a unique celebration of the land. With ample parking, family-friendly facilities, and a commitment to preserving local heritage, Nakayama is more than a stop—it’s a destination.
Why Visit
Visit道の駅なかやま to experience the region’s only roadside station dedicated entirely to chestnuts, where you can savor freshly roasted chestnuts daily from September through October and sample rare, small-batch chestnut ice cream made from locally grown, non-smoked chestnuts. The site also offers hands-on soba-making体验 using heirloom local buckwheat, a unique activity only available here.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at Nakayama roadside station, where freshly made soba, seasonal fruit ice cream, and baked goods await.
Soba Shop Koneko Netei
そば処こねこね亭
Specialty
Handmade soba noodles with seasonal ingredients
A traditional soba restaurant offering freshly hand-pulled soba noodles served in a cozy, rustic atmosphere. The menu features a variety of soba dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, emphasizing seasonal and regional flavors.
Soba Experience Hall
そば打ち体験道場
Specialty
Hands-on soba-making experience
A hands-on experience hall where visitors can learn the traditional art of hand-pulling soba noodles. The session includes instruction, practice, and a chance to enjoy the noodles they’ve made.
Shopping Highlights
Discover handmade crafts and regional specialties at Nakayama roadside station’s unique retail spaces.
Woodcraft Center
ウッドクラフトセンター
A craft shop specializing in handmade wooden products, including decorative items, kitchenware, and children's toys.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hand-carved wooden animal figurines
Sherbet House
シャーベットハウス
A shop offering a variety of homemade sherbet and frozen desserts made with seasonal fruits and natural ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Strawberry sherbet
Montana Bakery
パン工房 モンタナ
A local bakery specializing in freshly baked bread and pastries using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Sourdough bread
Featured Products
Experience signature treats like roasted chestnuts and seasonal fruit jams, crafted with local pride.
Roasted Chestnuts
焼き栗
Chestnuts roasted to perfection, offering a sweet and nutty flavor. Perfect for snacking or using in desserts.
Fresh Chestnuts
生栗
Fresh, unroasted chestnuts harvested from local farms. Ideal for cooking, baking, or enjoying as a snack.
Yuzu Honey
ゆずハチミツ
A unique blend of fresh yuzu citrus and natural honey, offering a refreshing and aromatic flavor.
Chestnut Paste
栗ペースト
Smooth and rich chestnut paste made from roasted chestnuts, perfect for spreads, desserts, or baking.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including parking, accessible spaces, and rest areas at Nakayama roadside station.
First Parking Lot
The first parking area located at the roadside station.
Inside the roadside station premises
Second Parking Lot
The second parking area located at the roadside station.
Inside the roadside station premises
Disabled Parking and EV Charging Space
Designated parking space for people with disabilities and electric vehicle charging facilities, located within the first parking lot.
Inside the first parking lot
Public Restroom
Public restroom facilities available for visitors.
Inside the roadside station premises
Information Center
Information center providing details about the roadside station, local attractions, and services.
Inside the roadside station premises
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi access available throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the premises
Soba Making Experience Hall
A hands-on experience area where visitors can try making handmade soba noodles. Requires prior reservation.
Near the soba shop
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging station. Note: Rapid charging equipment has been removed as of October 3, 2025.
Inside the first parking lot
ATM
Automated teller machine available for visitors.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Activities & Experiences
Participate in hands-on workshops like soba making and seasonal farm experiences at Nakayama roadside station.
Soba Making Experience
そば打ち体験道場
Participants will learn how to make handmade soba noodles from scratch, including grinding buckwheat flour, mixing the dough, rolling, and cutting the noodles. The experience includes a meal with the freshly made soba.
Duration
120 min
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around seasonal events and check for temporary closures to make the most of your trip to Nakayama roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 8:00–9:30 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the wooden craft center before it fills up, as the shop opens at 8:00 AM and popular activities begin shortly after.
- Hidden Gems: At the wooden craft center, look for the handcrafted children’s toys made from local wood—these are available only during limited seasonal runs and are not listed on the website.
- Seasonal Product Timing: Buy the fresh roasted chestnuts daily starting September 12, as they are only available from 8:00 AM until sold out, with no restocking after midday.
- Best Parking Strategy: Use the temporary parking lot located 100 meters south of Nakayama Chestnut Center, marked by a large sign, especially on weekends when the main lot fills quickly.
- Bakery Purchase Tip: Order the milk bread from the Montana bakery in advance by phone to guarantee a fresh loaf, as it sells out by 11:00 AM daily and is not restocked.
- Soba Experience Note: If planning to book the soba-making experience, do so before August 18, as the soba shop is closed for renovations until December 2025, and no new reservations are being accepted.
- Online Shopping Alert: Reserve the limited Silver 2L chestnuts through the website by October 30, as only 200 kg are available and they sell out quickly—no in-person sales are offered after the online deadline.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh chestnuts available for purchase from late September, with roasted chestnuts sold daily starting September 12.
Summer (June-August): Soba-making experiences offered seasonally, with the shop closed for renovations from August 18 to December 31.
Autumn (September-November): Peak season for fresh chestnuts, with sales ending October 31 and roasted chestnuts available through winter.
Winter (December-February): No seasonal events or products mentioned; roadside station operates normally with limited seasonal offerings.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station features a children's craft workshop, seasonal activities, and a variety of family-friendly food options. Facilities include stroller-accessible paths and designated parking, though no dedicated play area is available.
Food Lover Review
Offers diverse dining options including handmade soba, fresh baked bread, seasonal ice cream, and local chestnuts. High-quality local specialties and fresh produce are available, enhancing the overall culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, vending machines, and ample parking with a quiet location. Overnight parking is allowed, though no official camping facilities or designated overnight zones are specified.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a scenic rural setting with pleasant natural surroundings. Offers photo opportunities near the chestnut center and seasonal landscapes, contributing to a peaceful and visually appealing atmosphere.