Discover the Heart of Echizen at Minami Echizen Sankairi
Tucked along the scenic stretch of the Hokuriku Expressway near Nanzo Service Area, Minami Echizen Sankairi is more than a roadside stop—it’s a vibrant gateway to the flavors, culture, and community spirit of northern Fukui. This dynamic roadside station blends local pride with modern hospitality, offering a curated experience that celebrates the region’s rich agricultural heritage, fresh seafood, and artisanal crafts.
Visitors can savor handcrafted soba, premium specialty coffee, and seasonal gourmet dishes at the bustling Food Hall ME, shop for unique regional specialties at MARKET ME, or dive into playful adventures at the kids’ park with its climbing wall, indoor play zones, and a thrilling outdoor slide leading to a trampoline-filled playground. With rotating events, seasonal markets, and even nighttime projections, every visit promises something fresh and memorable.
Why Visit
Minami Echizen Sankairi stands out as the only roadside station in the region where you can taste the exclusive Kurumi-iri Wa-niwa Mochi Sake-Flavored Rice Wine, a rare fusion of local sweet rice cake and aged sake notes. Its rooftop “candy rain” event, where handmade confections descend from above, offers a whimsical experience found nowhere else. Families also find unique entertainment in the connected “San-kairi Park,” featuring a long slide leading to an air-membrane trampoline and a glass-climbing mini-bouldering wall for children.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor regional flavors at Minami Echizen Sankairi, where local hand-pulled soba, fresh seafood, and gourmet specialties await.
Handmade Soba
手打ちそば
Specialty
Local handmade soba noodles
A traditional restaurant offering freshly made soba noodles using locally sourced ingredients, served in a cozy and authentic atmosphere.
Seafood Market
海鮮
Specialty
Fresh seafood from the Japan Sea
A seafood-focused restaurant serving a variety of fresh catches from the Japan Sea, prepared with simple yet delicious methods to highlight natural flavors.
Steak House
ステーキ
Specialty
Grilled steaks with premium cuts
A premium steakhouse offering high-quality grilled meats with a modern and inviting dining atmosphere.
Italian Kitchen
本格イタリアン
Specialty
Authentic Italian cuisine
A genuine Italian dining experience with handmade pasta and traditional recipes brought from Italy.
Coffee Specialty Bar
スペシャリティコーヒー
Specialty
Premium coffee by national-level coffee tasters
A specialty coffee bar offering expertly brewed coffee with a focus on quality, aroma, and taste, curated by top-tier coffee judges.
Local Sweets Corner
地元スイーツ
Specialty
Traditional local desserts
A dedicated space for enjoying regional sweets and traditional Japanese confections, crafted with local ingredients.
Catering Food Stall
フードホール
Specialty
Variety of local food options
A bustling food stall area offering diverse local dishes, perfect for quick bites and casual dining.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local treasures at Minami Echizen Sankairi’s MARKET Me, featuring fresh produce, artisanal goods, and regional delicacies.
MARKET Me
MARKET Me
A curated retail space offering local produce, regional snacks, and exclusive products from Echizen and surrounding areas.
Products
Must-Try Item
Echizen-style pickled vegetables
Farmers Market
農産物市場
A fresh market featuring seasonal vegetables, fruits, and organic produce from local farms.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly harvested radishes
Bakery Corner
ベーカリー
A cozy bakery offering handmade bread, pastries, and traditional Japanese confections.
Products
Must-Try Item
Matcha croissant
Craft & Artisan Store
工芸品
A shop specializing in handmade crafts, local art, and traditional Japanese crafts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hand-carved wooden spoon
Alcohol & Wine Shop
酒・ワイン
A shop offering a variety of local and regional alcoholic beverages, including sake, shochu, and wine.
Products
Must-Try Item
Echizen dry sake
Featured Products
Explore signature items like the new walnut-infused mochi sake-flavored sake and seasonal specialties crafted with local pride.
Walnut-Infused Rice Cake Sake Flavor
くるみ入り羽二重餅日本酒風味
A unique rice cake infused with walnuts and a subtle sake-like flavor, perfect for gifting or enjoying as a snack.
Catalana Trio
３種のカタラーナ
A set of three different flavors of Catalan-style pastries, each with a distinct taste and texture.
Echizen Pickled Vegetables
えちぜん漬物
Authentic pickled vegetables from Echizen, made using traditional methods and local ingredients.
Echizen Dry Sake
えちぜん乾き酒
A premium dry sake with a clean, crisp taste and subtle aroma, crafted in Echizen.
Hand-Carved Wooden Spoon
手彫り木のスプーン
A beautifully hand-carved wooden spoon made from local wood, ideal for kitchen use or as a decorative gift.
Matcha Croissant
抹茶クロワッサン
A flaky croissant infused with high-quality matcha powder, offering a balanced sweet and earthy flavor.
Hana Mochi
花餅
A delicate rice cake with seasonal flower petals and sweet red bean paste, made using traditional recipes.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities at Minami Echizen Sankairi, including restrooms, parking, and accessible spaces for families and visitors.
Parking
The roadside station is located adjacent to the Nanto Service Area on the Hokuriku Expressway, offering convenient parking for visitors.
Adjacent to Nanto Service Area on the Hokuriku Expressway
Restroom
Restrooms are available for visitors, including facilities for families and individuals with special needs.
Throughout the roadside station premises
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors to use throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the roadside station premises
Information Center
The information center provides assistance with directions, local attractions, events, and other visitor services.
Main entrance area
Kids Play Area
The play area includes a mini bouldering corner, a crawling zone, and a long slide that connects to the outdoor trampoline park called 'San-kairi Park'. The area is designed for children and families to enjoy throughout the day.
3rd floor (indoor), connected to outdoor park
Electric Assist Bike Rental
Electric assist bicycles are available for rent, allowing families to explore the surrounding area comfortably.
Near the entrance and information center
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors using electric cars.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitors to withdraw cash.
Near the entrance and information center
Pet Area
A designated area for pets is available, allowing visitors to bring their animals with them.
Outdoor area near the main entrance
Insider Tips
Visit early to secure popular items, and check the schedule for limited-time menus and special events at Minami Echizen Sankairi.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure the limited-edition Kurumi-inori Wafu Mochi Sake-Flavored (newly released October 3, 2025), which sells out quickly due to high demand
- Hidden Gems: At the MARKET Me deli counter, look for the Kamome Gohan rice ball with sea bream and pickled ginger—available only during the Futari no Marushie market events on the 1st and 16th of each month
- Weekend Special: On Thursdays, the Mama Marushie event features exclusive handcrafted snacks from local mothers’ groups; arrive by 10:00 AM to browse all offerings before they sell out
- Food Hall Insider: Ask the staff at the hand-pulled soba counter about the Seasonal Special Menu—it changes every few days and includes dishes like wild mountain vegetable soba with sea urchin butter, often not listed on the main menu
- Kids’ Play Tip: Use the 3rd-floor glass climbing wall (Mini Bouldering Corner) as a warm-up before heading to the Sankairi Park outdoor slide—children often forget to go through the connecting tunnel unless prompted
- Rental Action: Reserve the electric-assist bicycles in advance via the website to guarantee availability, especially during the 4th Anniversary Festival (October 6, 2025) when rental bikes are in high demand
- Evening Experience: Return to Minami Echizen Sankairi between 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM on weekends to view the nightly Projection Mapping show on the park’s playground structures, which is only activated after dusk
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Late March to April features peak canola flower viewing, with seasonal markets offering fresh bamboo shoots and early harvest vegetables.
Summer (June–August): July and August bring lively outdoor events, including evening projection mapping and summer-themed food festivals.
Autumn (September–November): September to October highlights the annual Mom’s Market and seasonal specialties like chestnut-flavored sake and autumn produce.
Winter (December–February): December features festive events, while January and February offer cozy indoor activities and limited-time winter menu specials.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Minami Echizen Sankairi features a dedicated kids' play area with a mini bouldering wall, crawling zone, and a long slide connecting to an outdoor park. The park includes a trampoline and projection mapping at night, offering diverse activities. Stroller access and family-friendly facilities enhance the experience.
Food Lover Review
The roadside station offers diverse dining options including local handmade soba, fresh seafood, steaks, Italian cuisine, and specialty coffee by a top-tier coffee taster. It features regional specialties, fresh produce, and unique local products like the walnut-filled mochi sake-flavored sake.
Car Camping Review
The station provides restrooms, vending machines, and ample parking. It is quiet and suitable for overnight stays, though no explicit overnight parking policy is listed. The facility supports extended visits but lacks formal camping amenities.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near the Noto Expressway's Nanjo Service Area, the roadside station offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains, sea, and rural landscape. Seasonal beauty and well-designed viewpoints enhance the aesthetic appeal, especially during events and night projections.