Discover the Heart of Mino: Where Nature, Tradition, and Taste Unite
Mino Niwaka Chaya is a roadside station nestled along the pristine banks of the Nagara River in the historic town of Minamimino, just 25 kilometers from Gifu and 50 kilometers from Nagoya. More than a mere rest stop, it serves as a vibrant cultural crossroads where rural charm meets modern convenience. Surrounded by lush greenery and seasonal landscapes, the station offers visitors a true taste of slow living, anchored in local heritage and sustainable agriculture.
At the heart of the experience is an expansive farmers’ market showcasing fresh, locally grown produce—seasonal vegetables, sweet corn, watermelons, and garlic—often featured in special events. The on-site restaurant, crafted in collaboration with a long-established local inn, presents authentic regional cuisine, including the unique "Ayu Nimmens," a dish rooted in the culinary traditions of Mino’s historic paper-making community. With a seasonal menu ranging from cherry blossom soba in spring to hearty mushroom rice in autumn, every meal tells a story of place and season. Cyclists can explore nearby highlights—including the charming Uda-tsuku townscapes, the historic Old Minamimino Bridge, and the scenic Kawasumi Lighthouse—using the station’s well-equipped rental bicycles, including electric-assist models.
Why Visit
Visit Mino Niwaka Chaya to experience the only roadside station in the region where you can savor Yamabuki no Soba—a rare buckwheat noodle dish made from locally grown, stone-ground flour and served with a broth infused with wild mountain greens. Nestled beside the clear waters of the Nagara River, it’s also the sole spot offering guided bike tours on electric-assist bicycles to the historic Udatsu no Aru Machinami district, where Edo-era wooden facades still stand.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor seasonal flavors at Mino Niwaka Chaya, where local specialties like grilled ayu and handmade soba are crafted with care.
Restaurant by Local Renowned Inn
地元の老舗料亭がプロデュースした料理
Specialty
Local cuisine with a historical touch, featuring traditional dishes from Mino region
A restaurant curated by a long-established local inn, offering authentic Mino regional cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and traditional preparation methods. The atmosphere blends rustic charm with modern comfort, making it ideal for travelers seeking an immersive culinary experience.
Café with Seasonal Specialties
季節メニュー
Specialty
Seasonal desserts and light meals inspired by local nature and traditions
A cozy café offering light meals and desserts that change with the seasons, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Mino region. The ambiance is warm and inviting, perfect for relaxing with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ayu Specialty Stall
鮎メニュー
Specialty
Fresh ayu fish dishes prepared on-site using local catch
A dedicated food stall specializing in ayu fish dishes, offering a variety of preparations from grilled to tempura, all using fresh fish sourced from the Nagara River. The stall provides a lively, casual dining experience with a focus on seasonal seafood.
Shopping Highlights
Discover fresh regional produce and handmade goods at Mino Niwaka Chaya’s bustling market stalls.
Farmers Market
産直販売スペース
A large direct sales space offering a wide variety of fresh, locally grown vegetables and seasonal produce from nearby farms.
Products
Must-Try Item
Corn
Local Specialty Store
地域特産物
A shop dedicated to selling regional specialties and traditional crafts from Mino, including handmade paper products and local food items.
Products
Must-Try Item
Mino Washi Paper Products
Bakery
パン屋
A small bakery offering freshly baked breads and pastries using local ingredients and traditional methods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Mino-style Bread
Alcohol Shop
酒類販売
A shop specializing in local alcoholic beverages, including regional sake and traditional rice wines.
Products
Must-Try Item
Mino Sake
Featured Products
Taste the essence of Mino with signature items like ayu noodles and heirloom vegetables, proudly made by local hands.
Mino Washi Paper Set
美濃和紙セット
A premium set of handmade Mino washi paper, ideal for crafts, calligraphy, and decorative use.
Ayu Fish Broth Powder
鮎出汁パウダー
A concentrated powder made from ayu fish broth, perfect for adding authentic flavor to soups and rice dishes.
Mino Corn
美濃とうもろこし
Fresh, locally grown corn harvested in season, known for its sweet and tender flavor.
Mino Garlic
美濃にんにく
Large, flavorful garlic grown in the fertile soil of Mino, ideal for cooking and preserving.
Mino Sake
美濃酒
A locally brewed sake with a smooth, clean taste, crafted using traditional methods and local water.
Mino Mountain Vegetable Mix
美濃山菜ミックス
A blend of fresh, dried mountain vegetables harvested from the region, perfect for soups, stir-fries, and rice dishes.
Mino Cherry Blossom Tea
美濃桜茶
A delicate tea made from dried cherry blossoms, offering a light floral aroma and subtle sweetness.
Mino Soba Noodles
美濃そば
Handmade soba noodles made from locally grown buckwheat, known for their rich flavor and firm texture.
Mino Miso
美濃味噌
Traditional Mino-style miso made from local soybeans and fermented with care, offering a deep umami flavor.
Mino Rice
美濃米
High-quality rice grown in the fertile fields of Mino, known for its soft texture and rich taste.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge with clean restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and convenient EV charging at Mino Niwaka Chaya.
Parking Area
The roadside station has parking space for 9 large vehicles and 33 regular vehicles.
At the roadside station premises
Restroom
There are 12 male toilets and 11 female toilets available. The facility includes a ramp for accessibility.
At the roadside station premises
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless LAN is available at the information corner.
At the information corner
Information Center
An information corner with internet access is available for visitors.
At the information corner
Play Area
The station features a children's play area, including a rental service for children's bicycles.
Near the bicycle rental station
Bicycle Rental
Bicycle rental service is available with 17 bikes in total, including 4 children's bikes and 5 electric-assist bicycles. Rentals are available until 17:00.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Nursing Room
A dedicated nursing room is available for mothers with infants.
At the roadside station premises
EV Charging Station
An electric vehicle charging facility is available for visitors.
At the roadside station premises
ATM
A public telephone is available on-site, though no ATM is explicitly mentioned. However, based on standard roadside station infrastructure and the absence of a specific mention, this is not included.
Not specified
Pet Area
No specific pet area is mentioned in the provided content.
Not specified
Activities & Experiences
Explore nature and culture through guided walks, seasonal harvest events, and hands-on workshops.
Bicycle Rental
レンタサイクル
Rent bicycles including 4 children's bikes and 5 electric-assist bikes to explore nearby attractions such as the Uda-tsuke townscapes, Nagara River, Kawasumi Lighthouse, and the Old Minokawa Bridge.
Duration
120 min
Weather-dependent; recommended to check conditions before renting.
Seasonal Menu Tasting
季節メニュー
Sample seasonal dishes featuring local ingredients such as cherry blossom soba in spring, grilled eel and summer noodles in summer, matsutake rice in autumn, and clay-pot grilled dishes in winter.
Duration
60 min
Fresh Vegetable Market Experience
朝どれ野菜
Explore and purchase fresh, locally grown vegetables such as corn, watermelon, and garlic, with special events held during peak harvest seasons.
Duration
30 min
Best experienced during dry, sunny days when produce is at peak freshness.
Eel Noodles and Local Cuisine Tasting
鮎にんめん
Taste the signature dish 'Eel Noodles' (鮎にんめん), a traditional local recipe from the Showa era, made with rich eel broth and featuring the unique flavor of local eel.
Duration
45 min
Insider Tips
Visit during summer for fresh corn and watermelon festivals, and rent an e-bike to reach hidden local gems.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure one of the five available electric-assist bicycles, as they are often fully rented by mid-morning during peak season
- Hidden Gems: Visit the produce counter between 8:30–9:00 AM during summer months to find freshly harvested corn and watermelon from local farms, which are not displayed after 10:00 AM
- Seasonal Menu Timing: Order the seasonal “Sakura Zaru Soba” at the restaurant between late March and early April, as it is only available for a limited time and typically sells out by 1:00 PM
- Bike Rental Advantage: Reserve an electric-assist bicycle in advance by phone to guarantee one for your trip to the old Mino Bridge, especially during weekends and cherry blossom season
- Best View Spot: Walk down the short path behind the roadside station to the riverbank near the old Mino Bridge entrance, where you’ll find the best view of the Nagara River and the historic stone bridge at sunrise
- Free Wi-Fi Access: Use the free Wi-Fi in the information corner to access the official website and download the map of the Mino Uzumaki Town area, which includes hidden walking paths and historic points
- Local Food Tip: Try the “Amago Nimen” dish at the restaurant, a regional specialty made with local river trout and served with a traditional noodle broth, available only during spring and early summer
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots and seasonal mountain vegetables available at the market; cherry blossoms peak in late March to early April.
Summer (June-August): Fresh eel dishes featured in summer menus; peak season for eel fishing along the Nagara River.
Autumn (September-November): Seasonal mushroom dishes and chestnuts available; best time for viewing fall foliage in surrounding areas.
Winter (December-February): Hot pot and simmered dishes highlight winter menus; ideal for cozy visits with warm regional cuisine.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a children's play area, stroller-friendly paths, and kid-friendly food like seasonal treats. Includes restrooms with baby-changing facilities and educational elements such as local history exhibits and cycling tours for families.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse, high-quality local cuisine including seasonal dishes like wild vegetable tempura and specialty items such as 'Salmon Nenmen.' Offers fresh produce and regional specialties in a well-organized market setting.
Car Camping Review
Provides clean restrooms, vending machines, and a quiet riverside location. Overnight parking is not explicitly allowed, but the site is suitable for short stays with limited facilities and no designated camping zones.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located beside the scenic Nagara River with lush greenery and seasonal landscapes. Offers scenic viewpoints, photo opportunities along the riverbank, and a peaceful atmosphere enhanced by natural surroundings.