Discover the Heart of Echizen: Where Nature, Culture, and Community Meet
Nishiyama Park roadside station, nestled in the vibrant center of Sabae City in Fukui Prefecture, is more than a rest stop—it’s a gateway to the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty. Located just steps from the nationally recognized Nishiyama Park, a designated “100 Historic Parks of Japan,” it offers travelers a seamless blend of culture, cuisine, and outdoor adventure. With its proximity to the beloved Nishiyama Zoo—home to the charming dwarf pandas—and access to seasonal festivals like the famed Azalea Festival, the station serves as a vibrant hub for local pride and discovery.
Visitors enjoy a curated mix of regional specialties, from the iconic Yoshikawa eggplant to handcrafted lacquerware and locally made eyewear. Must-try treats include the fragrant Tsutsuji Soft and the seasonal Yoshikawa Eggplant Burger, while unique collaborations with local artisans bring inventive snacks and souvenirs to life. Whether exploring the park’s 50,000 azaleas, relaxing in the garden, or browsing thoughtfully curated local products, every visit to Nishiyama Park roadside station feels like a journey into the soul of rural Japan.
Why Visit
Nishiyama Park roadside station offers two uniquely compelling reasons to visit. First, it is the only place where you can experience the rare, free-entry West Mountain Zoo, home to adorable red pandas—a must-see for families and wildlife lovers. Second, it is the exclusive hub for the region’s famed Yoshikawa eggplant, where visitors can sample the legendary Yoshikawa eggplant burger, a savory local specialty made with the famed “black gem” eggplant, and enjoy seasonal treats like the fragrant tsutsuji soft-serve, crafted from local blossoms.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at Nishiyama Park roadside station, where seasonal specialties like tsutsuji soft serve and Yoshikawa eggplant burgers delight every palate.
Tsutsuji Soft
つつじソフト
Specialty
Local specialty soft serve with a delicate cherry blossom aroma and refined sweetness
A popular local dessert featuring a light, fluffy texture and a subtle cherry blossom fragrance, perfect for enjoying throughout the year.
Yoshikawa Nasu Burger
吉川ナスバーガー
Specialty
Seasonal burger featuring the famous black eggplant from Yoshikawa
A fresh, seasonal burger made with locally grown Yoshikawa eggplants, offering a unique taste of regional agriculture and culinary innovation.
Nishiyama Korokke
西山コロッケ
Specialty
Traditional Japanese croquette with a crispy exterior and creamy interior
A classic Japanese deep-fried potato croquette with a golden, crunchy coating and a smooth, rich filling, made using local ingredients.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique souvenirs and regional crafts at Nishiyama Park roadside station, blending tradition with creative local flair.
Local Produce Market
地場産物販売所
A marketplace offering fresh, locally grown vegetables and seasonal produce from the region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yoshikawa Eggplant
Souvenir & Craft Shop
特産品販売所
A shop specializing in regional souvenirs, including traditional crafts and local specialties.
Products
Must-Try Item
Leverette Panda Merchandise
Eyewear & Lacquerware Specialty Store
ブランドコーナー
A dedicated space for selling high-quality eyewear and traditional lacquerware from the region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fukui Eyewear
Lino'oli Handmade Goods
マクラメ編み雑貨
A shop offering handmade macramé crafts such as tapestries, coasters, and decorative items.
Products
Must-Try Item
Macramé Tassel
FLAVOR Textile Goods
FLAVOR さん
A shop featuring imported fabrics used to create unique bags, pouches, and accessories.
Products
Must-Try Item
W-Fastener Pouch
LILA Flower
『店舗のない花屋』LILA Flower
A flower shop offering fresh, vibrant bouquets and floral arrangements without a physical storefront.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Flower Bouquet
Featured Products
Experience signature treats and authentic local goods, from bold flavor collabs to handcrafted items celebrating Sado’s heritage.
Buchi-Ya Fries Beaver Cookie
ぶち揚げビーバー
A crispy, lightly fried biscuit with a beaver-shaped design, offering a unique texture and playful flavor.
Black Beaver Cookie with Pickled Onion Flavor
クロミ ブラックビーバー らっきょう風味
A black-colored cookie with a sweet and tangy pickled onion flavor, known for its addictive taste.
Leverette Panda Pin Badge
レッサーパンダのピンバッジ
A finely crafted pin badge featuring the iconic Leverette Panda, made using eyewear craftsmanship.
Leverette Panda Coin Purse
レッサーパンダ コインパース
A small coin pouch shaped like a Leverette Panda, perfect for carrying coins or small snacks.
Water Yokan Sandwich Cookie
水ようかんサンドクッキー
A sandwich cookie with a black sugar biscuit and a water yokan-flavored cream, capturing the essence of a local delicacy.
Fukui Dialect Cookie
福井の方言クッキー
A fun and unique cookie featuring playful phrases from the local Fukui dialect, illustrated with dinosaur characters.
Leverette Panda Printed Cookie
レッサーパンダプリントクッキー
A limited-edition cookie featuring artwork of the Leverette Panda from the Nishiyama Zoo.
Fukui Miso Foam Juice
福井みそふろまーじゅ
A creamy fusion of miso and cream cheese, made with premium rice miso from the famous Eiho-ji Temple in Fukui.
Takiguchiya Tofu Curry
谷口屋の、おあげカレー
A hearty curry made with thick-fried tofu, seasoned with traditional flavors and featuring ingredients like lotus root and shiitake mushrooms.
Poyaung Collaboration Soba with Tonkatsu Sauce
ペヤングコラボ、ソースカツ丼風焼きそば
A re-released version of the popular tonkatsu sauce-flavored ramen-style soba, known for its bold and savory taste.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including spacious parking, accessible restrooms, and 24-hour public phones at Nishiyama Park roadside station.
Parking Lot
83 parking spaces available, including 9 large vehicle spots and 74 small vehicle spots.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Restroom
Male (small) 5 units, (large) 2 units; Female 8 units. Includes 2 accessible toilets for people with disabilities.
Inside the roadside station
Information Center
Provides tourism information and has indoor information display monitors. Available during opening hours.
Inside the roadside station
Restaurant
Offers local food items such as Tsutsuji Soft and Nishiyama Korokke. Open from 10:00 to 17:00.
1st floor of the roadside station
Store
Sells local products including vegetables, eyewear, lacquerware, souvenirs, and seasonal specialty items.
1st floor of the roadside station
Play Area
Adjacent to the roadside station, connected via a pedestrian bridge and elevator to Nishiyama Park, which features a children's adventure forest and other recreational spaces.
Near Nishiyama Park
EV Charging Station
Not explicitly mentioned in the text. No evidence of EV charging facilities provided.
Not available
ATM
Not explicitly mentioned in the text. No evidence of ATM availability provided.
Not available
Nursing Room
Not explicitly mentioned in the text. No evidence of nursing room availability provided.
Not available
Wi-Fi
Not explicitly mentioned in the text. No evidence of Wi-Fi availability provided.
Not available
Pet Area
Not explicitly mentioned in the text. No evidence of pet area availability provided.
Not available
Onsen
Not explicitly mentioned in the text. No evidence of onsen availability provided.
Not available
Bike Rental
Not explicitly mentioned in the text. No evidence of bike rental availability provided.
Not available
Insider Tips
Maximize your visit with local insights—like timing your trip to catch festivals or exploring nearby attractions like the panda zoo and lacquer art center.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure the limited-edition Yoshikawa Eggplant Burger, which sells out by midday during peak season
- Hidden Gems: Check the "Challenger Shop" corner on the second floor for rotating handmade goods like macramé tapestries and imported fabric accessories, updated monthly
- Weekend Special: On the last Saturday of each month, visit the roadside station between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to attend the Yoshikawa Eggplant Tasting Event and buy freshly harvested black eggplants in bulk for gifting
- Unique Souvenir: Purchase the "Lila Flower" bouquet at the roadside station’s temporary flower stall—these handcrafted floral arrangements are only available on weekends and sell out by 3:00 PM
- Seasonal Treat: Order the "Fukui Miso Furomajyu" cheese spread at the deli counter between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to ensure availability, as it is only stocked in limited quantities each week
- Exclusive Food: Try the "Buchi-Yakushi" snack—deep-fried graham crackers with a golden crust—available only from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM daily, and often sold out by noon
- Special Event: Visit on the 24th of each month to experience "Nishiyama Day," when the roadside station offers exclusive branded merchandise including panda-themed badges and coin purses, available only on that day
Best Time to Visit
Spring (May): Visit during the peak of the 50,000 azaleas in late May for the annual azalea festival, when the park blooms in vibrant color.
Summer (July-August): Enjoy the seasonal highlight, the Yoshikawa Eggplant Burger, made with locally grown black eggplants at their peak.
Autumn (November): Experience the autumn foliage at its best during the early November maple festival, with the park’s trees turning rich red and gold.
Winter (December-February): Explore the free, small-scale lemur zoo and enjoy indoor events and seasonal snacks despite colder temperatures.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station features a small, free-to-enter panda zoo and nearby play areas. It offers child-friendly food like soft serve and korokke. Facilities include stroller-accessible paths, restrooms, and an elevator to the park. Interactive elements include seasonal events and themed merchandise.
Food Lover Review
The station offers diverse local specialties including Yoshikawa eggplant burgers, tsutsuji soft serve, and unique collaborations like pickled garlic black beaver cookies. Fresh local produce is available, and there are multiple food vendors with seasonal and artisanal options.
Car Camping Review
The station provides 83 parking spaces, restrooms, and vending machines available 24 hours. It is relatively quiet during daytime hours. Overnight parking is not explicitly permitted, though no restrictions are mentioned.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located adjacent to the nationally designated Nishiyama Park, it offers views of 50,000 azaleas, seasonal gardens, and a scenic park landscape. The park features a view deck, water features, and seasonal festivals, enhancing its visual appeal and atmosphere.