Savor the Flavors of the Hida Highlands
Nestled along the scenic Sese-ragi Street in the heart of Gifu Prefecture, Meiho Roadside Station is a vibrant gateway to the region’s rich culinary and natural heritage. Set beside the clear waters of the Yoshida River, this bustling stop offers panoramic views of lush forests and rolling farmland, making it a prime destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and local flavor.
What sets Meiho apart is its celebration of authentic Hida cuisine, from the famed Meiho Ham and tangy Meiho Tomato Ketchup to handcrafted specialties like grilled ayu and fresh soba. With a diverse array of eateries—from cozy cafés to family-run restaurants—visitors can savor everything from seasonal mountain vegetables to hearty local stews. A proud recipient of the National Roadside Station Grand Prize in 2000, Meiho continues to be a beloved hub where tradition meets innovation.
Why Visit
Meiho Roadside Station stands out as the only place where you can taste authentic Meihou Ham, crafted from locally raised pork using traditional methods passed down for generations. Its signature Meihou Tomato Ketchup, made from sun-ripened regional tomatoes, is available only here. Enjoy a unique dining experience at the free rest stop "Mozu-an," where mountain stream trout and amago are grilled over a traditional hearth fire, offering a flavor impossible to replicate elsewhere.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Meiho roadside station, where traditional dishes meet modern flair.
Meiho Meat
めいほうミート
Specialty
Directly operated store for Meiho Ham
A dedicated shop offering high-quality Meiho Ham, known for its premium taste and craftsmanship. The atmosphere is modern and focused on showcasing the brand's signature product.
Genki
げん喜
Specialty
Directly operated yakitori restaurant by Genchan
A lively and casual dining spot specializing in grilled yakitori, offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere with a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional grilling techniques.
Oniyo
おに助
Specialty
Handmade rice balls using local brand rice
A cozy, no-frills stall offering freshly made onigiri using locally grown, high-quality rice. The atmosphere is simple and authentic, emphasizing traditional preparation methods.
Patisserie Fran
パティスリーフラン
Specialty
Cute and delicious pastries with in-store dining
A charming and inviting café specializing in beautifully crafted pastries and desserts. The atmosphere is light, airy, and perfect for relaxing with a sweet treat.
Okamisan
おかみさん
Specialty
Revived popular Japanese-style restaurant through business succession
A traditional Japanese restaurant with a nostalgic atmosphere, serving authentic home-style dishes. The setting evokes a sense of heritage and family cooking.
Soba Kuromugi
そば処くろむぎ
Specialty
Authentic hand-made soba with seasonal menu
A dedicated soba restaurant offering freshly made, hand-pulled buckwheat noodles. The atmosphere is serene and focused on seasonal ingredients and craftsmanship.
Saki
咲
Specialty
Specialty goma-dofu (sesame tofu) and handmade goya-mochi
A friendly, casual stall run by a cheerful owner, specializing in unique local snacks. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a focus on homemade, traditional flavors.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a vibrant array of regional specialties and handcrafted goods at Meiho’s bustling market stalls.
Meiho Ham & Tomato Ketchup Market
磨墨の里公園物産館（新鮮市めいほう）
A well-known retail store within the roadside station offering a wide variety of local specialty products, including Meiho Ham, tomato ketchup, and other regional goods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Meiho Ham
Meiho Coffee
喫茶明宝
A local café serving regional cuisine and light meals in a relaxed setting.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Coffee
Featured Products
Explore signature products like Meiho Ham and tomato ketchup, crafted with pride from local ingredients.
Meiho Ham
明宝ハム
Premium dry-cured ham made using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients, known for its rich flavor and high quality.
Meiho Tomato Ketchup
明宝とまとけちゃっぷ
Authentic tomato ketchup made from locally grown tomatoes, offering a natural, sweet, and tangy flavor without artificial additives.
Sakura Goma-Dofu
咲の五平餅
A unique local snack made from sesame tofu and rice flour, known for its chewy texture and rich sesame flavor.
Local Fresh Vegetables
地元野菜
Freshly harvested seasonal vegetables from local farms, known for their crisp texture and natural taste.
Handmade Onigiri
手作りおにぎり
Freshly made rice balls using locally grown rice, available in various traditional fillings.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, free Wi-Fi, and EV charging at Meiho roadside station.
Parking Area
The roadside station has parking space for 120 regular cars and 4 large vehicles.
Restroom
The facility includes 22 male toilets and 15 female toilets, with a ramp available for accessibility.
Free Wi-Fi
The roadside station offers free wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) access.
Information Center
An information corner is available for visitors, open from 9:00 to 18:00, providing tourism information and assistance.
Play Area
The roadside station is adjacent to a park, offering a scenic and recreational space for visitors.
Next to the park
EV Charging Station
The station provides electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities.
Insider Tips
Visit early to avoid crowds and ask locals for hidden gems beyond the main attractions.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the fresh batch of Meihō Ham and Tomato Ketchup at the Meihō Meat direct store, as popular items often sell out by midday
- Hidden Gems: Visit the Meihō Meat direct store between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to sample the limited-edition Meihō Ham with truffle oil, available only during seasonal promotions
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the Meihō Meat direct store before 12:00 PM to purchase the exclusive Meihō Ham and Tomato Ketchup combo pack, sold only during weekend events
- Best Dining Time: Eat at the Meihō Ham and Tomato Ketchup-themed café between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to enjoy the “Meihō Ham Sandwich with Homemade Tomato Ketchup” at a 20% discount during lunch promotions
- Unique Experience: Stop at the free rest area “Mizugura-an” between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM to taste the salt-grilled Amago and Iwana fish cooked over a traditional hearth fire, available only during summer months
- Shopping Tip: Buy the Meihō Ham and Tomato Ketchup gift sets at the Meihō Meat direct store before 4:00 PM to receive a complimentary Meihō-branded picnic blanket, included only in afternoon purchases
- Local Specialty: Try the hand-made Meihō rice balls at Ohinuki between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM, when the store offers a special “Morning Rice Ball Combo” with a side of local pickled vegetables
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): Enjoy grilled ayu and iwana at the free rest area; seasonal mountain vegetables peak in July.
Autumn (September–November): Savor freshly made soba noodles made from autumn-harvested buckwheat; red leaves line the scenic river path.
Winter (December–February): Try hearty local dishes like frankfurter-style Meihou Ham; the area offers peaceful winter views along the stream.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Family-friendly with a children's play area, stroller-accessible paths, and kid-friendly food options. The park and nearby river offer natural play space, and the variety of restaurants includes options suitable for families.
Food Lover Review
Features a wide variety of high-quality local specialties, including Meihou Ham, tomato ketchup, fresh produce, and diverse dining options from restaurants to cafes. The presence of direct farm sales and unique regional dishes enhances the food experience.
Car Camping Review
Offers basic facilities like restrooms and vending machines, with ample parking for cars. The area is relatively quiet and suitable for overnight stays, though no explicit overnight parking policy is mentioned.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located beside the clear Yoshida River with scenic views and well-designed viewpoints. The park setting, seasonal changes, and natural surroundings create a peaceful, visually appealing atmosphere.