Discover the Heart of Rural Japan at Minokamo Roadside Station
Nestled in the scenic hills of Minokamo City, Minokamo Roadside Station is a vibrant cultural and natural oasis where tradition meets modern leisure. Set within the expansive Gifu Clearwater Satoyama Park, this destination offers travelers a true taste of rural life in central Japan, blending seasonal beauty, hands-on experiences, and local flavors.
From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by lush gardens, interactive play areas like the 333-meter zip line adventure park PANZA, and serene spots like the foot bath and traditional bathhouse, Satoyama no Yu. Explore local crafts at the Onsai Pavilion, savor seasonal delicacies such as mitsurashi dango and soba, or join one of the many seasonal events—from the vibrant Minokamo Citizen Festival to autumn light displays and cultural exchanges. Whether you're hiking the walking trails, feeding farm animals, or simply enjoying a coffee at the SatoYama Café, Minokamo offers a deeply authentic and enriching journey.
Why Visit
Visit Minokamo for its one-of-a-kind adventure park, PANZA, home to Central Japan’s longest 333-meter zipline and the only aerial obstacle course of its scale in the region. Here, you can soar through the treetops on the Sky Jam or zip across the forest canopy—experiences found nowhere else. Complementing the thrill, the site features a unique seasonal farm-to-table food scene, including handcrafted mizuya dango made with locally grown rice flour and fresh seasonal fruit ice cream, available only at the Satoyama Stand.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic regional flavors at Minokamo roadside station, where local specialties like soba, mitsurashi dango, and Hida beef come to life in every bite.
Farmhouse Restaurant Yamabiko
農家レストラン やまびこ
Specialty
Local farmhouse cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients
A cozy restaurant offering traditional farm-to-table meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the surrounding countryside. The atmosphere is warm and rustic, perfect for a relaxing meal in nature.
SatoYama Cafe
SATOYAMA CAFE
Specialty
Relaxing café with local flavors and seasonal drinks
A charming café nestled in the natural setting of the park, offering a peaceful retreat with light meals, homemade pastries, and seasonal beverages. The ambiance is calm and inviting, ideal for a quiet break.
Dango Tea House
だんご茶や
Specialty
Traditional dango and tea served in a rustic setting
A small, casual stall offering traditional Japanese rice dumplings (dango) paired with freshly brewed tea. The setting is simple and authentic, reflecting the local culture.
Soba House Tougé
そば家 とうげ
Specialty
Handmade soba noodles with local ingredients
A dedicated soba restaurant serving freshly made buckwheat noodles in a traditional, serene environment. The focus is on authentic preparation and the natural flavor of the noodles.
SatoYama Stand
SATOYAMA STAND
Specialty
Quick street food with local specialties
A casual food stand offering convenient, on-the-go meals featuring regional flavors and ingredients. The atmosphere is lively and accessible for visitors seeking a quick bite.
Hoshitsubu Stand
ほしづぶスタンド
Specialty
Local specialty snack with unique flavor
A small stand specializing in a regional snack known for its distinctive taste and texture. The product is a local favorite, often enjoyed as a quick treat.
Gelateria Legaris Satoyama
ジェラッテリア レガリス里山
Specialty
Artisan gelato with seasonal ingredients
A delightful gelato shop offering handcrafted ice cream made with seasonal and local ingredients. The atmosphere is light and refreshing, perfect for a sweet treat in the park.
Western Satoyama (Coffee Shop)
ウェスタン里山（coffee shop）
Specialty
Coffee and light refreshments in a Western-style setting
A coffee shop with a Western-inspired design, offering a variety of coffee drinks and light snacks. The space is modern and welcoming, ideal for a casual coffee break.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a treasure trove of local crafts and seasonal treats at Minokamo’s vibrant shops and markets.
Onsai Hall (Minokamo Roadside Station)
おんさい館（道の駅みのかも）
A comprehensive shop offering a wide variety of souvenirs and local products from Gifu Prefecture, including seasonal specialties and handmade crafts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Gifu specialty snacks
Blue Sky Market
青空市場
An open-air market featuring fresh, locally grown produce from nearby farms, including seasonal fruits, vegetables, and organic goods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local seasonal vegetables
Minoya Candy Shop
駄菓子屋 美濃屋
A nostalgic candy shop offering traditional Japanese sweets and retro snacks, evoking memories of childhood and local culture.
Products
Must-Try Item
Classic Japanese candies
Mankadou
饅華堂
A traditional bakery specializing in handmade manju (sweet buns) and other Japanese pastries, using local ingredients and traditional recipes.
Products
Must-Try Item
Homemade manju
Featured Products
Explore signature items like handmade crafts, seasonal fruits, and traditional snacks unique to the region.
Miso Dango
みそ団子
A traditional Japanese snack made from rice flour and miso paste, offering a unique savory-sweet flavor that is a local specialty.
Gifu-style Goma Dango
五平餅
A regional rice cake made with sesame paste and glutinous rice, known for its rich, nutty flavor and chewy texture.
Hida Beef Soba
飛騨牛そば
A premium soba dish featuring Hida beef, combining the earthy flavor of buckwheat noodles with the rich taste of high-quality beef.
SatoYama Gelato
里山ジェラート
Artisan gelato made with seasonal fruits and local ingredients, offering a refreshing and authentic taste of the region.
Local Fruit Jam
地元フルーツジャム
Homemade jam made from fresh, locally grown fruits, preserving the natural sweetness and flavor of the season.
Traditional Miso Paste
伝統味噌
Authentic miso paste made using traditional fermentation methods, offering a deep umami flavor and rich aroma.
Sesame Rice Cakes
ごま餅
Soft rice cakes coated in sesame seeds, combining a chewy texture with a nutty, savory flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax in diverse amenities including hot springs, foot baths, rest areas, and wellness stations.
Parking
The roadside station has parking for 33 large vehicles and 206 regular vehicles.
General parking area
Restroom
The facility includes 22 male toilets and 25 female toilets, with a ramp available for accessibility.
General restroom area
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
The roadside station provides information and assistance to visitors, including details on events, facilities, and local attractions.
Front entrance area
Play Area
The station features multiple play areas including Adventure Park PANZA, a playground, a splash pool (じゃぶじゃぶ池), and a children's play field, ideal for family fun.
Various locations within the park
Onsen (Hot Spring)
The 'Ryosan no Yu' (里山の湯) offers seven different bathing experiences, including an open-air bath, and includes a sauna for relaxation.
Ryosan no Yu facility
Bike Rental
Bicycles for cycling around the park are available for rent.
Near the cycling path
Nursing Room
A private room is available for mothers to breastfeed or care for infants.
Near the restroom area
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors using electric cars.
Parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors to withdraw cash.
Near the entrance
Pet Area
A designated dog run (ドッグラン) is available for pets to play and exercise.
Dog Run area
Activities & Experiences
Engage in hands-on experiences from pottery and mushroom foraging to adventure courses and seasonal festivals.
Autumn Light-Up & Illumination
秋のライトアップ＆イルミネーション
Walk through the park illuminated with seasonal lights and enjoy the beautiful evening atmosphere.
Duration
60 min
Mini Amusement Park
秋のミニ遊園地
Enjoy a small amusement park with rides and games, perfect for families during autumn.
Duration
90 min
Art Fish Exhibition
美術魚拓展
View an art exhibition featuring fish-themed artworks displayed in the park.
Duration
60 min
Create the Future
Create the Future
Participate in a creative workshop where you can design and build your own future-themed project.
Duration
120 min
Ornamental Fish Exhibition
おんさいEXPO2025
Explore an exhibition showcasing ornamental fish and related crafts from local artisans.
Duration
60 min
Kani Kabuki Performance
可児歌舞伎
Watch a traditional Kani Kabuki performance featuring local performers and cultural storytelling.
Duration
120 min
Multicultural Day
多文化交流DAY
Experience cultural exchanges through music, food, and crafts from various countries.
Duration
180 min
Mino-Kamo Citizen Festival
みのかも市民祭り
Join a local festival featuring music, food stalls, crafts, and community performances.
Duration
240 min
Ceramics Workshop
陶芸教室
Create your own ceramic piece using traditional techniques under expert guidance.
Duration
120 min
Ornamental Box Making
オルゴール作り
Craft your own handmade music box with personalized designs and melodies.
Duration
90 min
Colorful Workshop
いろどり工房
Explore color mixing and creative expression through hands-on art activities.
Duration
90 min
Mushroom Forest Experience
里山しいたけの森
Learn about shiitake mushrooms and participate in a guided forest tour to observe their growth.
Duration
60 min
Animal Interaction Experience
里山ふれあい牧場
Interact with farm animals, feed them, and learn about their daily care and habits.
Duration
60 min
Vegetable Harvesting Experience
野菜の収穫体験
Participate in harvesting fresh vegetables from the farm and learn about sustainable farming.
Duration
90 min
Swan Boat Rental
スワンボート/サイクリング自転車
Rent a swan-shaped boat and enjoy a peaceful ride on the pond.
Duration
30 min
Weather-dependent; may be suspended during rain or strong wind.
Cycling Bicycle Rental
スワンボート/サイクリング自転車
Rent a bicycle and explore the scenic park trails and surrounding areas.
Duration
60 min
Weather-dependent; may be suspended during rain or strong wind.
Adventure Park PANZA
アドベンチャーパークPANZA
Experience thrilling outdoor activities including zip-lining, aerial courses, and sky jam.
Duration
180 min
Activity may be suspended during rain, strong wind, or high humidity.
Foot Bath
足湯
Relax in a warm foot bath surrounded by natural scenery.
Duration
30 min
Water Play Area
じゃぶじゃぶ池
Splash and play in a safe, shallow water area designed for children.
Duration
45 min
Weather-dependent; may be closed during rain or cold weather.
Grass Sliding
芝すべり
Slide down a grassy slope for fun and excitement in a safe, open area.
Duration
30 min
May be closed during rain or snow.
Go-Kart Ride
ゴーカート
Enjoy a fun ride on a go-kart track suitable for all ages.
Duration
20 min
Weather-dependent; may be suspended during rain or strong wind.
Insider Tips
Visit during festivals for limited-edition goods and arrive early to enjoy popular spots before crowds gather.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure a spot at the SATOYAMA CAFE before the seasonal tunagu cafe menu sells out, as it is only available during peak hours and limited to 30 daily servings.
- Hidden Gems: Head to the 青空市場 (Blue Sky Market) located near the entrance gate between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM on weekends to find fresh, locally grown produce from nearby farms that are not listed in the main store inventory and often include seasonal vegetables like autumn sweet potatoes and heirloom tomatoes.
- Weekend Special: Attend the 秋のミニ遊園地 (Autumn Mini Amusement Park) on Saturdays and Sundays from September 20 to November 24, as the スワンボート (Swan Boats) and じゃぶじゃぶ池 (Splash Pool) are only open during these dates and operate from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Best Experience for Families: Take advantage of the アドベンチャーパークPANZA (Adventure Park PANZA) on Saturdays and Sundays between October 25 and November 24, when the ジップライン (Zip Line) and スカイジャム (Sky Jam) are open and offer extended operating hours until 5:00 PM, with free guided safety briefings at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
- Unique Food Experience: Visit the だんご茶や (Dango Tea House) before 11:00 AM on weekdays to order the みたらし団子 (Mitarashi Dango) with seasonal matcha or chestnut sauce, which are only available during the fall months and are made fresh every morning.
- Best Time for Relaxation: Use the 足湯 (Foot Bath) located near the 旧朝日村役場 (Former Asahi Village Office) between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM on weekdays to enjoy the least crowded hours, especially during the winter months when the facility is open until 4:00 PM.
- Special Event Access: Arrive by 8:45 AM on November 8–9 to enter the みのかも市民祭り (Minokamo Citizen Festival) early, as the SATOYAMA STAND and ほしつぶスタンド (Hoshitsubu Stand) begin serving limited-edition seasonal snacks like roasted sweet chestnut rice balls and chestnut miso soup at 9:00 AM only.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Enjoy the seasonal opening of the farm market with fresh seasonal vegetables and early harvests.
Summer (June–August): Visit during the summer festival season for evening events and the cool shade of the forested park.
Autumn (September–November): Experience the autumn light displays, harvest festivals, and seasonal produce like chestnuts and sweet potatoes.
Winter (December–February): Explore the peaceful park and enjoy the foot bath during the quiet season.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Minokamo offers multiple play areas including a splash pool, playground, and adventure park with zip lines. Activities like goat feeding and seasonal events cater to children. Facilities include stroller access and family-friendly dining options.
Food Lover Review
The roadside station features diverse local cuisine including soba, miso dumplings, and Hida beef. Multiple restaurants, cafes, and a fresh farmers market offer high-quality regional specialties and seasonal ingredients.
Car Camping Review
Parking is available for 206 standard vehicles with restrooms and vending machines. While no explicit overnight policy is listed, the quiet environment and facilities support short stays. Limited facilities for extended camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
The site features scenic gardens, forest trails, and seasonal displays like autumn light shows. Natural views of the surrounding countryside and well-maintained landscapes enhance the aesthetic appeal and provide excellent photo opportunities.