Discover the Heart of Hida-Mino: A Taste of Tradition and Nature
Nestled along the scenic Hida-Mino Sessarigai Route, Meiho (Surusumi no Sato) is a roadside station in the tranquil village of Meiho, Gifu Prefecture. Surrounded by lush mountains and the gentle flow of the Yoshida River, it serves as a cultural and culinary gateway to rural Japan. More than a rest stop, this vibrant hub celebrates local craftsmanship, seasonal ingredients, and the enduring spirit of community.
Home to the renowned Meihō Ham, a beloved regional specialty since 1953, the station offers a curated selection of authentic local products—from Meihō Chicken and wild game to handcrafted tomato ketchup and seasonal vegetables. Visitors can enjoy fresh meals at on-site eateries, explore the historic Meihō Shrine, or relax in the traditional thatched-roof rest area, Meihō-an. Whether sampling regional delicacies or browsing thoughtfully curated gift sets, Meiho (Surusumi no Sato) delivers an unforgettable journey into the authentic flavors and natural beauty of central Japan.
Why Visit
Meiho (Surusumi no Sato) stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering a curated selection of handcrafted Meihō Ham, made from locally raised pigs using a decades-old recipe passed down since 1953. Visitors can also savor the unique Meihō Chicken, a slow-roasted, marinated specialty only available here, and taste the region’s only tomato ketchup made from locally grown Meihō tomatoes, fermented in traditional earthenware. These are not just products—they are edible stories of the mountain village’s heritage.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Meiho (Surusumi no Sato), where traditional dishes like Meihou Chicken and fresh tomato ketchup meet modern culinary craftsmanship.
Cafe & Restaurant Meihou
喫茶明宝
Specialty
Local specialty cuisine with a focus on Meihou Ham, chicken, game meat, and Hida beef
A restaurant café offering a variety of local gourmet dishes from Meihou, including Meihou Ham, chicken, game meat, and Hida beef. The cozy atmosphere with sofa seating makes it ideal for families and visitors seeking a relaxed lunch experience.
Soba Shop Kuromugi
そば処くろむぎ
Specialty
Handmade soba noodles with seasonal specialties
A traditional soba restaurant offering freshly hand-pulled noodles. Seasonal dishes such as kashiwa-maki sushi in early summer and chestnut rice in autumn are available. Popular lunch sets are ideal for a hearty meal.
Onigiri Bar Oni-助
onigiri bar おに助
Specialty
Freshly made onigiri using local rice
A stand where onigiri are prepared by hand upon order using locally grown Koshihikari rice. Seasonal ingredients are used to create unique flavors. The stand also offers side dishes and a special weekend burger.
Meyoh Meat
めいほうミート
Specialty
Direct sales of Meihou Ham and other meat products
A popular stand known for its direct sales of Meihou Ham, Meihou Frank, Meihou Ham fries, and homemade croquettes. It also offers affordable cuts of Hida beef and other premium meats.
Meyoh Sweets & Snacks
みたらし・五平餅 咲
Specialty
Traditional snacks and grilled skewers
A snack stand offering a variety of traditional Japanese treats including flat-style Gohanmochi, mitarashi dango, frankfurters, yakitori, large mochi, and grilled yakisoba. All items are available for takeout.
Gengi
鶏ちゃん・から揚げ げん喜
Specialty
Grilled chicken and fried chicken from a popular local restaurant
A stand operated by the famous local restaurant Gengi, specializing in grilled chicken (Meihou Chicken) and fried chicken. Also offers Meihou Gelato-based soft gelato, a unique local treat.
Patisserie Fran
パティスリーフラン
Specialty
Artisanal cakes and seasonal pastries
A boutique patisserie run by young local pastry chefs. Offers a variety of seasonal cakes and desserts, served with coffee in a cozy in-store seating area. Also provides birthday cake reservations.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated selection of regional specialties and artisanal goods at Meiho (Surusumi no Sato), blending local heritage with everyday delight.
Meihou Ham Direct Sales
明宝ハム
Direct sales of Meihou Ham and other meat products including Meihou Frank and Meihou Ham fries.
Products
Must-Try Item
Meihou Ham
Meihou Chicken & Pork
めいほう鶏ちゃん・豚ちゃん
Specialty meats including Meihou Chicken and Meihou Pork, known for their unique flavor.
Products
Must-Try Item
Meihou Chicken
Meihou Tomato Ketchup
明宝トマトケチャップ・調味料など
Local tomato ketchup and seasonings made from fresh Meihou tomatoes.
Products
Must-Try Item
Meihou Tomato Ketchup
Meihou Rice & Pickles
米・漬物・その他食品
Local rice, pickled vegetables, and other regional food products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Meihou Rice
Meihou Sweets
スウィーツ
Local sweets and desserts including seasonal pastries and traditional treats.
Products
Must-Try Item
Seasonal Cake
Meihou Craft & Outdoor
クラフト
Handmade crafts and outdoor gear from local artisans.
Products
Must-Try Item
Wooden toys
Meihou Wooden Toys
木のおもちゃ
Handcrafted wooden toys made from local wood.
Products
Must-Try Item
Wooden toys
Meihou Beer & Spirits
その他
Local alcoholic beverages including regional beer and sake.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hida local beer
Featured Products
Explore signature products like Meihou Ham, Meihou Chicken, and handcrafted tomato ketchup—each a taste of the mountain village’s enduring tradition.
Dragon's Eye and Rice Companion Set
龍の瞳とご飯のお供セット
A unique set featuring a traditional Japanese spice blend known as 'Dragon's Eye' paired with local rice for a flavorful meal.
Cool Treats from Gifu Set
岐阜のひんやりおやつセット
A refreshing set of traditional Gifu-style cold snacks perfect for summer.
Gifu Local Beer & Stick Ham Set
郡上の地ビール＆スティックハムセット
A curated set featuring local Gifu beer and stick ham, ideal for pairing with a meal.
Five Varieties of Hida Local Sake
飛騨の地酒飲み比べ5種
A tasting set of five different local sake varieties from Hida, perfect for exploring regional flavors.
Meihou Ham
明宝ハム
A traditional dry-cured ham from Meihou, known for its rich flavor and long history since 1953.
Meihou Chicken
鶏ちゃん
A signature grilled chicken dish from Meihou, marinated in local seasonings and grilled to perfection.
Meihou Tomato Ketchup
明宝トマトケチャップ
A rich, naturally made tomato ketchup using fresh Meihou tomatoes, perfect for everyday use.
Meihou Rice
明宝米
High-quality rice grown in the Meihou region, known for its soft texture and rich flavor.
Meihou Pickles
明宝漬物
Traditional pickled vegetables made using local ingredients and traditional methods.
Wooden Toys
木のおもちゃ
Handcrafted wooden toys made from sustainably sourced local wood, ideal for children.
Hida Local Beer
郡上地ビール
A locally brewed beer from the Gifu region, known for its crisp and refreshing taste.
Hida Local Sake
飛騨の地酒
Traditional sake brewed in the Hida region using local water and rice, offering a unique regional flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge at Meiho (Surusumi no Sato) with thoughtfully designed amenities, including a serene rest area and scenic river views.
Information Center
The roadside station features an information center managed by the Meiho Tourism Association, providing local tourism information including flower blooms, autumn foliage, and transportation details. Maps and brochures are available at the roadside station's road information center.
Inside the roadside station
Restroom
Restrooms are available at the roadside station for visitors' convenience.
Inside the roadside station
Parking
The roadside station provides parking facilities for visitors.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station for visitors.
Throughout the roadside station
Play Area
The roadside station includes a play area for children, located within the Meisui no Sato Park.
Meisui no Sato Park
Nursing Room
A nursing room is available for parents with infants, located within the roadside station.
Inside the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available at the roadside station.
Adjacent to the roadside station
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors' convenience at the roadside station.
Inside the roadside station
Pet Area
A designated pet area is available for visitors with pets, located within Meisui no Sato Park.
Meisui no Sato Park
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around seasonal highlights like autumn foliage and local markets for the most authentic and memorable experience.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure the day’s first batch of fresh-baked milk bread from Meiho Bakery, which sells out quickly and is not restocked during the day
- Hidden Gems: Head to the Meihomu Meat counter to try the handcrafted明宝フランク (Meiho Frank) and明宝ハムフライ (Meiho Ham Fries), available only at the roadside station and not sold online
- Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the onigiri bar おに助 (Onigiri Bar Onosuke) before 12:00 PM to order the seasonal rice ball made with locally grown rice and ingredients from the New Fresh Market Meiho, which changes weekly
- Best Value Purchase: Buy the "郡上の地ビール＆スティックハムセット" (Gifu Local Beer & Stick Ham Set) from the online shop Meiho.shop during the 11/23–11/30 promotional period for a 15% discount not available elsewhere
- Off-Peak Experience: Visit the 磨墨庵 (Mizugumo-an) free rest area between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM on weekdays to enjoy the traditional hearth and scenic view of the Yodogawa River without crowds
- Food Truck Tip: If visiting during the 11/23 "Wanwan Festival" event, arrive before 11:00 AM to get a free stamp on the festival map at the entrance and claim a free sample of the limited-edition 明宝ジェラートソフト (Meiho Gelato Soft) from the Genki stall
- Gift Packing: Use the in-store gift wrapping service at the 磨墨の里公園物産館 (Mizugumo no Sato Park General Store) to wrap your Meiho Ham or Meihomu Meat purchase in traditional Japanese paper, available only at the physical roadside station
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market in early spring; seasonal vegetables and local produce peak from April.
Summer (June–August): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned in the content.
Autumn (September–November): Red leaf viewing on the Sekishiri Street reaches peak in late November; events like the Dog Festival and forest market occur in October–November.
Winter (December–February): No specific seasonal activities or products noted in the content.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers multiple child-friendly dining options like Café & Restaurant Meibo and onigiri bar. Features a play-friendly environment with scenic park access and family-oriented events such as the 'Woof Woof Festival'. Stroller access and clean restrooms enhance accessibility.
Food Lover Review
Boasts diverse, high-quality local cuisine including Meibo Ham, Meibo Chicken, and regional specialties like tofu and soba. Fresh produce from the morning market and premium artisanal goods elevate the food experience. Multiple restaurants offer authentic regional dishes.
Car Camping Review
Provides clean restrooms and vending machines, supporting overnight stays. The park is relatively quiet with natural surroundings, though no dedicated camping zones are mentioned. Overnight parking is allowed but not explicitly confirmed for campers.
Scenic Beauty Review
Offers stunning views of the Yodogawa River and seasonal landscapes, especially during autumn foliage. The Meibo Statue and surrounding park provide excellent photo opportunities. The serene, mountainous setting enhances overall aesthetic appeal.