Discover the Heart of Rural Japan at Nishi-Aidu
Nishi-Aidu roadside station stands as a vibrant cultural and culinary gateway in the historic heart of West Aizu, nestled along National Route 49 and serving as a natural midpoint between Fukushima and Niigata. Once a prominent post town on the Echigo Kaido during the Edo period, it now thrives as a modern terminal for people, food, and culture. Its strategic location—just a 2-minute drive from the West Aizu IC on the Ban’etsu Expressway and a 10-minute walk from Yano Station—makes it an ideal stop for travelers seeking authenticity.
More than a rest stop, Nishi-Aidu offers a rich tapestry of local experiences. Visitors can savor regional flavors at Ichizen Restaurant, enjoy freshly baked bread from Anbeik, or explore the largest regional produce market in the prefecture. The station also celebrates its sister city ties with Miyako Island, Japan’s Okinawa, offering unique island goods and a special annual pass for repeat visitors. With 24-hour information services, EV charging, and accessible facilities, Nishi-Aidu welcomes all travelers with warmth and purpose.
Why Visit
Visit Nishi-Aidu roadside station to experience the only dedicated space in the region featuring a direct cultural exchange with Miyako Island, Okinawa—home to a curated selection of authentic Miyako goods, including handmade kakigori syrups and traditional gojūshō sweet rice cakes. Here, you’ll also find the only artisanal bakery, Anbeik, crafting daily batches of soba-flour sourdough bread using local grains, and the sole restaurant, Ichizen, serving warmed "goboten-kenchin" stew with handmade tofu, a dish exclusive to this station.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at Nishi-Aidu roadside station, where cozy meals and warm hospitality await travelers.
Ichi Zen
いち膳
Specialty
Traditional local cuisine with seasonal ingredients
A cozy dining space offering authentic regional dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for a relaxing meal during your journey.
Bakery Anbeik
アンベイク
Specialty
Freshly baked artisan bread and pastries
A charming bakery offering handcrafted breads and pastries made daily with care. The cozy, rustic atmosphere invites visitors to enjoy a warm treat while taking in the local charm.
Cafe Coffee & Soft Cream
喫茶（ｺｰﾋｰ・ｿﾌﾄｸﾘｰﾑ）
Specialty
Coffee and soft cream desserts
A relaxed café serving aromatic coffee and creamy soft desserts. Ideal for a quick break or a quiet moment with a view of the surrounding area.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a variety of regional treasures and unique goods at Nishi-Aidu roadside station’s bustling marketplace.
Exchange Market
交流物産館
A large retail space featuring a wide variety of local products, including specialty foods, crafts, and regional souvenirs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Okinawa-themed products
Mineral Vegetable House
ミネラル野菜の家
A market dedicated to fresh, locally grown mineral-rich vegetables and farm-produced processed goods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Mineral-rich vegetables
Okinawa Corner
友好都市「沖縄宮古島コーナー」
A dedicated section promoting products from Okinawa Prefecture's Miyako City and Oyakawa Village, fostering cultural exchange.
Products
Must-Try Item
Okinawa annual pass and point card
Featured Products
Explore signature items like fresh mineral vegetables and authentic Okinawa specialties from the friendly sister cities.
Nishi-Aizu Koshihikari Rice 5kg
西会津産こしひかり５kg
Premium short-grain rice grown in the fertile soil of Nishi-Aizu, known for its rich flavor and sticky texture.
Okinawa Annual Pass
年間パス券
An annual pass offering exclusive discounts on Okinawan products at the roadside station.
Okinawa Point Card
ポイントカード
A loyalty card that accumulates points with each purchase, redeemable for discounts on Okinawan goods.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, EV charging, and 24-hour information services at Nishi-Aidu roadside station.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking lot with space for 108 regular cars and 9 large vehicles.
Adjacent to the roadside station entrance
Restroom
There are 2 multi-purpose restrooms with ramps for accessibility.
Located within the roadside station complex
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available throughout the facility, including in the information rest area.
Available in all areas of the roadside station
Road Information Center
Provides real-time road and river information, available 24 hours a day.
Inside the roadside station's information rest area
EV Fast Charging Station
Equipped with an EV rapid charging station for electric vehicles.
Located near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitor convenience.
Near the entrance area
Play Area
A designated space for children to play, located within the rest area.
Near the rest area and restrooms
Nursing Room
A private room for nursing mothers, located in the accessible restroom area.
Adjacent to the multi-purpose restrooms
Public Phone
A public telephone is available for visitor use.
Near the information center
AED
An Automated External Defibrillator is available on-site for emergency medical use.
Located in a visible and accessible area
Insider Tips
Plan your visit during off-peak hours and bring the annual pass for exclusive discounts on Okinawan goods.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM to secure the day’s first batch of milk bread from the bakery Anbeik, which sells out by 11:00 AM and is not restocked during the day
- Hidden Gems: Visit the friendly city exchange corner to find exclusive seasonal products from Miyako Island, Okinawa, including handcrafted umeboshi and traditional Ryukyuan tea
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, stop by the food court between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM to try the limited-time “Goboten Kenchin” bowl, a regional specialty with tempura-fried root vegetables and miso soup
- Best Value Purchase: Buy the annual pass card for the Okinawa goods section to receive 15% off all purchases, excluding discounted items—ideal for stocking up on local snacks and spices
- Peak Time Avoidance: Skip the lunch rush by visiting the restaurant Ichizen between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM, when it opens, to avoid waiting during the 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM peak
- Specialty Food Alert: Check the Ichizen menu PDF posted near the counter every Monday to discover the new seasonal dish—such as the recent “Mochiten Mizoire Bowl”—before it sells out
- EV Charging Tip: Use the fast EV charger between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM to minimize wait times, as the charging station is most frequently occupied during the 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM window
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Late March to April brings peak canola flower viewing, with fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.
Summer (June–August): Mid-July features the summer festival with local food stalls and live music at the roadside station.
Autumn (September–November): October offers seasonal harvests including sweet potatoes and chestnuts from the region.
Winter (December–February): December features holiday-themed events and warm meals like gohan ten kenchin and mochi soup.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a large play area, stroller-friendly paths, and multiple kid-friendly dining options. Restrooms include accessible facilities. Educational elements include local cultural exhibits and interactive food experiences.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse dining with local specialties like regional rice and seasonal dishes. High-quality fresh produce from the mineral vegetable house. Includes artisanal bakeries and unique regional products from partner cities.
Car Camping Review
Provides clean restrooms and vending machines, with 24-hour access to information facilities. Parking is available for 108 cars, though overnight stays are not officially permitted or advertised.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located along a scenic highway with views of rural landscapes and seasonal changes. Offers photo-worthy spots near the roadside station. The atmosphere is welcoming with well-maintained surroundings and cultural charm.