Discover the Heart of Fukushima’s Rural Heritage
Iitate Village Michi-no-Eki Madei-kan is a vibrant roadside station nestled in the serene hills of Iitate Village, just a short drive from the bustling towns of southern Fukushima. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling farmland, this destination offers more than just a place to rest—it’s a gateway to local culture, seasonal traditions, and authentic regional flavors.
Home to a bustling farmers’ market, a cozy café serving fresh local produce, and a popular Seven-Eleven, Madei-kan thrives year-round with events like the Iitate Winter Festival and the Iitate Highland New Soba Festival. Visitors can savor handmade crafts, seasonal delicacies, and the warm hospitality of a community rebuilding with pride. Whether exploring nature trails, enjoying a coffee with a view, or simply connecting with rural Japan, Madei-kan offers a deeply enriching experience.
Why Visit
Visit Iitate Village Michi-no-Eki Madei-kan to experience the region’s only artisanal milk ice cream made from Jersey cows raised in the village’s high-altitude pastures. Savor freshly harvested mountain vegetables and seasonal wild greens from local farms at the on-site market, where you can also sample handmade soba noodles during the annual Iitate Highlands New Soba Festival. This roadside station is the only place in the area where you can enjoy these authentic, seasonal specialties in a scenic, post-disaster recovery landscape that embodies resilience and local pride.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Iitate Village Michi-no-Eki Madei-kan, where seasonal ingredients meet traditional recipes.
Light Meal Counter
軽食
Specialty
Quick and convenient snacks and beverages
A casual food stall offering light refreshments, soft drinks, and coffee for visitors seeking a quick bite or drink during their stop.
Main Dining Counter
食事
Specialty
Traditional Japanese meals with local ingredients
A sit-down dining area offering hearty, home-style Japanese meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, ideal for families and travelers looking for a satisfying meal.
Shopping Highlights
Discover handcrafted treasures and regional goods at Iitate Village Michi-no-Eki Madei-kan, perfect for souvenirs and gifts.
Farmers Market
直売所
A market selling fresh, locally grown produce directly from regional farmers.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Seasonal Vegetables
Soba Craft Workshop
までい工房美彩恋人
A craft shop specializing in handmade soba-related products and artisanal goods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handmade Soba Noodles
General Store
セブン-ｲレﾌﾞﾝ
A convenience store offering everyday essentials, snacks, drinks, and travel supplies.
Products
Must-Try Item
Convenience Store Essentials
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like fresh mountain herbs, handmade noodles, and seasonal harvests from Iitate Village.
Iitate Village Soba Noodles
いいたて村そば
Handmade soba noodles made using traditional methods and locally grown buckwheat from Iitate Village.
Iitate Village Dried Vegetables
いいたて村乾物
Dried seasonal vegetables preserved using traditional techniques, ideal for soups and stews.
Iitate Village Soba Tea
いいたて村そば茶
A naturally brewed tea made from roasted buckwheat, known for its earthy flavor and health benefits.
Iitate Village Soba Craft Set
いいたて村そば工芸セット
A handmade craft set featuring soba-themed art and stationery, perfect as a souvenir or gift.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including accessible restrooms, baby care spaces, and 24-hour public toilets at Iitate Village Michi-no-Eki Madei-kan.
Parking Lot
49 standard car spaces, 7 large vehicle spaces, 2 accessible parking spaces, and 1 electric vehicle rapid charging space. Temporary parking may be provided during events.
Near the roadside station entrance
Public Toilets
Available 24 hours a year-round. Includes 4 male urinals, 2 male private stalls (one wheelchair accessible), 7 female private stalls (one with baby bed and chair), and 1 multi-purpose toilet with ostomy and children's facilities.
Near the main building
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi available for visitors.
Throughout the roadside station
Information Center
Provides information about the area, events, and local attractions. Located at the roadside station main facility.
Main building
Play Area
A designated area for children to play, located near the main building.
Near the main building
Nursing Room
One private room equipped for breastfeeding and baby care, including baby bed and chair.
Near the restrooms
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
One rapid charging station for electric vehicles.
Near the parking lot
ATM
One ATM located inside the Seven-Eleven store.
Inside Seven-Eleven
Activities & Experiences
Participate in seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and local experiences that celebrate Iitate’s culture and nature.
Winter Festival
いいたて冬まつり
Participants can enjoy winter-themed events including local food stalls, cultural performances, and seasonal decorations at the roadside station.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor activities may be affected by snow or cold weather; please dress warmly.
New Soba Festival
いいたて高原新そばまつり
Attendees can experience the harvesting and preparation of fresh local soba noodles, enjoy traditional dishes, and participate in seasonal cultural activities.
Duration
180 min
Events may be adjusted due to rain or high humidity; check the official website for updates.
Handicraft Workshop at Madeikan Art Studio
までい工房美彩恋人
Participants can create their own handmade crafts using traditional techniques and local materials under the guidance of skilled artisans.
Duration
90 min
Insider Tips
Visit during the winter or spring festivals for unique local crafts, and check the schedule for limited-time offerings at Iitate Village Michi-no-Eki Madei-kan.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure fresh-baked milk bread from the in-house bakery, which sells out by 11:00 AM and is only available during the 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM window.
- Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the entrance for seasonal handmade tofu made by local artisans, available only during the "Iitate Highland New Soba Festival" held in late October.
- Weekend Special: On weekends during the "Iitate Winter Festival" in November, visit the craft booth near the main entrance to find limited-edition ceramics from the "Todai Kōbō Bi-sai" workshop, which are not sold elsewhere.
- Must-Try Food: Order the "Iitate-style Soba Noodle Bowl" at the restaurant between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, as it is only served during the lunch hours and features hand-ground local buckwheat flour.
- Best Time to Shop: Visit the roadside station’s direct sales shop on weekdays before 3:00 PM to find the freshest batch of seasonal apples from the Iitate orchards, which are rotated in weekly and often sell out by 4:00 PM.
- Parking Tip: Reserve a spot in the electric vehicle fast-charging station if you're arriving after 5:00 PM during winter months, as it is often occupied during peak evening hours.
- Access Tip: Take the Fukushima Transportation bus "Iitate-mura Madei-kan" stop at the "Iitate-mura Madei-kan" stop, which arrives every 2 hours and drops passengers directly in front of the roadside station’s main entrance.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market in early spring; canola flowers bloom in late April.
Summer (June–August): Summer festivals feature local crafts and mountain views; seasonal vegetables peak in July.
Autumn (September–November): Soba harvest festival held in late October; vibrant fall foliage enhances scenic drives.
Winter (December–February): Winter festival runs in December; heated seating and hot drinks available during cold months.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers multiple child-friendly facilities including a baby-changing room, stroller-accessible restrooms, and a dedicated play area. The presence of a family-friendly restaurant and interactive local crafts enhances the experience for children and parents alike.
Food Lover Review
Features a variety of local specialties such as fresh mountain vegetables and regional soba noodles. The farm market offers high-quality produce, and the on-site restaurant serves authentic regional dishes with a focus on freshness and local ingredients.
Car Camping Review
Provides 24-hour public toilets and a large parking area with space for large vehicles and EV charging. While not designated for overnight stays, the quiet rural setting and reliable facilities make it suitable for short overnight stops.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a scenic mountain valley with panoramic views of the surrounding natural landscape. Offers excellent photo opportunities, especially during seasonal changes, and features a peaceful, aesthetically pleasing atmosphere year-round.