Discover the Heart of Fukushima’s Rural Heritage
Fukushima Towa, nestled in the serene countryside of Nihonmatsu City, is more than a roadside station—it’s a living celebration of sustainable agriculture, local craftsmanship, and community spirit. Set against the backdrop of rolling farmland and ancient forests, this destination invites travelers to slow down, connect with nature, and experience authentic rural life.
What sets Fukushima Towa apart is its commitment to the “health of people, soil, and the Earth,” reflected in its farm-to-table offerings and seasonal events. Visitors can enjoy handcrafted gelato, seasonal soft serve, and regional specialties like handmade dumplings and local fruit preserves. Don’t miss the annual Abukuma Furusato Walk, a scenic autumn hike along the historic salt trail, or the chance to try traditional anpo persimmon making. With free Wi-Fi, accessible facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere, Fukushima Towa is a true destination for mindful travel.
Why Visit
Fukushima Towa stands out for its unique seasonal event, the Abukuma Furusato Walk, where visitors hike along the historic salt trail of the Yashikawa River in late autumn—a rare experience blending local history, natural beauty, and community tradition. The roadside station is also home to the only artisanal gelato shop in the region, NATURE, offering seasonal flavors made from locally grown produce like heirloom apples and chestnuts.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Fukushima Towa roadside station, where seasonal ingredients meet traditional recipes.
Chinese Restaurant Daiei Gyoza House
中華大栄餃子房
Specialty
Authentic Chinese dumplings and regional cuisine
A cozy dining spot specializing in handmade Chinese dumplings, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere with a focus on traditional recipes and fresh ingredients.
Tea House Michikusa
みちくさ亭
Specialty
Local tea and seasonal snacks
A peaceful tea house offering a serene atmosphere where visitors can enjoy locally sourced teas and light, homemade snacks in a tranquil setting.
Shopping Highlights
Discover handcrafted goods and regional treasures at Fukushima Towa roadside station, perfect for gifts or souvenirs.
Gelato Shop Nature
ジェラートNATURE(ナチュレ)
A gelato shop offering a variety of handcrafted frozen desserts made with natural ingredients and seasonal flavors.
Products
Must-Try Item
Seasonal fruit gelato
Featured Products
Experience signature specialties like handmade anpan and local dried persimmons, crafted with care from Fukushima Towa’s rich agricultural heritage.
Abukuma Persimmon Jam
あんぽ柿ジャム
A sweet, smooth jam made from locally grown Abukuma persimmons, perfect for spreading on bread or using in desserts.
Fukushima Mountain Tea
福島山茶
Premium green tea harvested from the mountains of Fukushima, known for its rich aroma and smooth, refreshing taste.
Handmade Soy Sauce
手作りしょうゆ
Artisanal soy sauce crafted using traditional methods and local ingredients, offering a deep umami flavor.
Abukuma Rice
あぶくま米
High-quality rice grown in the Abukuma region, known for its soft texture and excellent flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities at Fukushima Towa roadside station, including restrooms, parking, free Wi-Fi, and accessible facilities.
Parking
General parking available at the roadside station.
Near the entrance and throughout the facility
Restroom
Standard restrooms available for visitors.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
On-site information desk providing assistance and local information.
Near the main entrance
Free Wi-Fi
Free public Wi-Fi available throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging station available for visitors.
Near the parking area
ATM
ATM available for cash withdrawals.
Near the entrance
Nursing Room
Private room for nursing mothers, located in the restroom area.
Near the restroom
Play Area
Children's play area for family visitors.
Near the outdoor seating area
Onsen
Hot spring bath facility available for visitors.
Adjacent to the main building
Bike Rental
Bicycles available for rent to explore the surrounding area.
Near the entrance
Activities & Experiences
Join seasonal workshops and community events at Fukushima Towa roadside station, from persimmon making to scenic walks through nature.
Abukuma Hometown Walk Along the Salt River in Late Autumn
晩秋の馬洗川の塩の道を歩く、『あぶくまふるさとウォーク」
Participants will walk along the historic salt road of the Masukawa River during late autumn, experiencing the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
Duration
180 min
Please prepare for cool autumn weather; wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
Dried Persimmon Making Workshop
あんぽ柿作り
Participants will learn and practice the traditional method of making dried persimmons, a local specialty, from fresh fruit to finished product.
Duration
120 min
Insider Tips
Visit early to avoid crowds, check for temporary closures, and arrive before noon to enjoy fresh produce at Fukushima Towa roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the Midori Soba Counter, which opens at 9:00 AM and often fills up by 10:30 AM due to its popular local buckwheat noodles.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the Midori Soba Counter between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to catch the daily special of fresh buckwheat soba noodles served with a seasonal vegetable topping—only available on weekdays and limited to 30 servings per day.
- Weekend Special: Attend the "Abukuma Furusato Walk" on November 9, 2025, starting at 8:30 AM, but register in advance by calling 0243-46-2116 or emailing [email protected], as participation is required and spots fill quickly.
- Must-Try Food: Order the "Anpo Kaki Making" seasonal activity during late autumn—book your spot at the event desk to participate in making traditional dried persimmons, a unique local craft offered only during this event.
- Best Time to Buy Local Goods: Visit the direct sales shop between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to purchase the day’s fresh batch of hand-packed "Fukushima Towa" pickled vegetables, which are restocked daily and often sell out by noon.
- Dining Tip: If visiting the Midori Soba Counter, order the "Soba & Miso Soup" combo at 11:00 AM exactly—it’s the only time the special miso soup is served with the fresh buckwheat noodles, and it’s only available during the lunch hours of 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
- Free Wi-Fi Access: Connect to the free Wi-Fi at the information desk using the password listed on the digital sign near the entrance, which is updated monthly and currently reads "FukushimaTowa2025". This allows access to event schedules and downloadable maps of local walking trails.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market; canola flower fields peak in late April.
Summer (June-August): 'Anpo persimmon making' event held annually in August.
Autumn (September-November): 'Abukuma Furusato Walk' along the salt trail takes place on November 9.
Winter (December-February): No seasonal events mentioned; roadside station closes December 31–January 2.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Fukushima Towa offers stroller-friendly paths, accessible restrooms, and a variety of kid-friendly food options. Though no dedicated play area is mentioned, seasonal events like the 'Anpo Persimmon Making' provide engaging family activities.
Food Lover Review
The roadside station features diverse dining options including a Chinese restaurant and gelato shop. Local specialties like persimmon products and fresh regional produce are available, enhancing the authentic culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Basic facilities like restrooms and vending machines are available, and the site is quiet during non-event times. However, there is no explicit overnight parking policy, limiting its suitability for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a rural area with natural surroundings, Fukushima Towa offers scenic views, especially near the Ashinokawa Salt Road. Seasonal landscapes and well-maintained pathways enhance its visual appeal and atmosphere.