Discover the Heart of Gifu’s Natural and Culinary Spirit
Yanaizu is a vibrant roadside station nestled along the scenic Kiso River’s left bank in central Gifu City, serving as a gateway to the region’s rich agricultural heritage and serene natural landscapes. Located at a key junction of major roads connecting Gifu City, Shin-Kansai Railway’s Gifu-Hamamatsu Station, and the Meishin Expressway, it’s a convenient stop for travelers exploring central Japan.
This urban-style roadside station stands out for its eco-conscious design, featuring solar and wind power generation, green roofs, and seamless integration with the nearby Kyōgawa Greenway Park. Visitors can enjoy seasonal strawberry daimyo (strawberry daifuku, available December to May) and year-round strawberry manju, made with locally grown Awa strawberries. With picnic areas, walking trails, and a birdwatching path, Yanaizu blends relaxation, sustainability, and authentic regional flavors in one inviting destination.
Why Visit
Yanaizu is the only roadside station in the region where you can taste fresh ichigo daifuku made exclusively with locally grown Asa strawberry, available only from December to May. Its signature ichigo mokan, crafted with the same premium berries year-round, offers a uniquely sweet, delicate flavor found nowhere else. Nestled along the scenic Kiso River’s left bank, the station also provides direct access to the serene Kiso River Greenway Park, where visitors can walk along birdwatching trails and enjoy seasonal cherry blossoms and floating koinobori during spring.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, local flavors at Yanaizu roadside station, where seasonal treats like strawberry daifuku and timeless favorites like strawberry mochi delight every palate.
Café & Light Meal
喫茶・軽食
Specialty
Light meals and beverages served in a relaxed atmosphere
A cozy café offering a variety of light meals and drinks, perfect for a quick break or casual dining experience.
Shopping Highlights
Discover regional treasures and handcrafted goods at Yanaizu roadside station, where local pride meets quality craftsmanship.
Farmers Market
店舗・売店
Sells fresh seasonal produce from local farmers, including fruits, vegetables, and regional specialties.
Products
Must-Try Item
Strawberry Dango (Seasonal, December–May)
Local Specialty Store
銘菓販売
Specializes in locally made confections and traditional sweets using regional ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Strawberry Daifuku (Seasonal, December–May)
Featured Products
Highlighting the famed Saba strawberries, Yanaizu roadside station features signature sweets and seasonal produce that capture the essence of the region.
Strawberry Daifuku
いちご大福
A sweet rice cake filled with fresh strawberry jam, available seasonally from December to May.
Strawberry Mochi
いちご最中
A traditional Japanese sweet made with a crisp outer shell and filled with sweet red bean paste and fresh strawberries.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy comfortable amenities at Yanaizu roadside station, including restrooms, baby care spaces, free rest areas, and a scenic overlook.
Parking Area
Provides parking for 6 large vehicles and 64 regular vehicles.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Restroom
Features 9 male toilets and 9 female toilets, with ramps available for accessibility.
Inside the roadside station building
Information Center
Offers an information corner where visitors can access local information and travel guidance.
Inside the roadside station building
Play Area
Adjacent to the station, the nearby Kyōkawa Greenway Park includes a sports field, walking trail, lawn area, and water park suitable for outdoor recreation.
West side of the roadside station, within Kyōkawa Greenway Park
Nursing Room
Equipped with facilities for nursing mothers, including dedicated space and support for infants.
Inside the roadside station building
EV Charging Station
Not explicitly mentioned, but the station promotes eco-friendly initiatives including solar and wind power generation, suggesting possible future or existing EV charging infrastructure.
Not specified
ATM
Not explicitly mentioned in the text.
Not specified
Pet Area
Not explicitly mentioned in the text.
Not specified
Wi-Fi
Not explicitly mentioned in the text.
Not specified
Bike Rental
Not explicitly mentioned in the text.
Not specified
Onsen
Not explicitly mentioned in the text.
Not specified
Insider Tips
Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds, and time your trip with cherry blossoms for a stunning view from the adjacent riverfront park.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:00 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the in-house café before the morning rush, as the tea and coffee service begins promptly at 8:30 AM and popular tables fill quickly.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter on Fridays and Saturdays between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to find the limited batch of fresh "Saba Miso" (mackerel miso) made by local fishers from the nearby Nagara River, which sells out by midday.
- Seasonal Treats: Purchase the seasonal "Strawberry Daifuku" only between December and May—these are made fresh daily and are best enjoyed within two hours of purchase, as they are not refrigerated.
- Best Photo Spot: Use the rooftop observation deck between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM on weekdays to capture the golden hour light reflecting off the Nōhigawa River, especially when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
- Local Produce Pickup: Head to the produce stand near the entrance between 8:30 AM and 9:15 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays to get the day’s first harvest of "Saba Ichi" (local spinach) and "Suzume Taro" (Japanese groundnut), picked that morning by farmers from the neighboring farmlands.
- Eco-Friendly Experience: Ride the solar-powered shuttle bus (available from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM on weekends) that circles the adjacent Nōhigawa Greenway Park, offering a scenic route past the birdwatching trail and the pondside walking path.
- Family Activity Tip: Bring children to the free rest area near the southern entrance between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM on Sundays to join the weekly “Nature Discovery Hour,” where staff guide kids through identifying local bird species and native plants along the riverbank.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Best for cherry blossoms in the adjacent Kyouga River Greenway Park and fresh strawberries used in seasonal ichigo daifuku (December–May).
Summer (June-August): Ideal for birdwatching along the riverwalk and enjoying cool refreshments at the roadside station.
Autumn (September-November): Limited seasonal offerings; focus on local produce and scenic river views.
Winter (December-February): Peak season for ichigo daifuku (December–May), with warm snacks and quiet visits to the greenway park.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station features a playground, stroller-friendly paths, and infant facilities. It offers child-friendly snacks like seasonal strawberry dango and year-round strawberry mochi. The adjacent greenway park provides ample space for family activities.
Food Lover Review
The station showcases high-quality local specialties, including seasonal strawberry daifuku and year-round strawberry mochi. Fresh produce from local farmers is available, and the café offers light meals with regional flavor and freshness.
Car Camping Review
It provides 64 regular parking spaces, restrooms, and a quiet location near a riverside park. Overnight parking is not explicitly allowed, but the facility supports short stays with restrooms and a quiet environment.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located on the left bank of the Kyouryugawa River, it offers scenic views of water and greenery. The nearby greenway park features cherry blossoms, walking trails, and a peaceful atmosphere ideal for photography and relaxation.