Where Local Roots Meet the Road Ahead
Crossroad Mitsugui is a vibrant roadside station situated at the bustling intersection of National Routes 486 and 184 in the heart of Mihara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Nestled near the Mihara North IC of the Onomichi Expressway, it serves as a welcoming gateway for travelers exploring western Japan while celebrating the rich agricultural heritage of the local community.
More than a rest stop, Crossroad Mitsugui is a living hub where farmers, artisans, and visitors connect. With its bustling vegetable market, carefully curated local products, and seasonal events like the popular "Mitsugi Ii Mon Fes" featuring sweet potato festivals and cooking contests, every visit offers a taste of authentic regional life. The on-site restaurant, Soba Chō Tonombo, serves handcrafted soba made with local grains, completing the journey from farm to table.
Why Visit
Crossroad Mitsugui stands out as the only roadside station in the region dedicated to showcasing the unique flavors of Mihara Town’s famed sweet potatoes. Visitors can taste the award-winning Onoimo Ko (Tail Potato Girl), the grand prize winner of the local sweet potato dessert contest, available only here. The station also hosts the annual Mitsugi Iimon Festival, where you can enjoy world-champion-level sweet potato cooking demonstrations and sample rare, seasonal dishes made exclusively from the town’s prized, sun-dried sweet potatoes.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Crossroad Mitsugui's restaurant, where seasonal ingredients meet traditional recipes.
Soba Shop Tontsu
そば処 とんぼ
Specialty
Traditional soba noodles made with local ingredients
A cozy restaurant specializing in handmade soba noodles, offering a rustic dining experience with a focus on regional flavors and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated selection of regional goods at Crossroad Mitsugui’s market, celebrating the best of local craftsmanship.
Farmers Market
野菜市
A fresh market featuring seasonal vegetables and local produce from nearby farms in Mihara Town.
Products
Must-Try Item
Dried Persimmons
Local Products Store
物産売店
A retail shop offering a wide range of locally produced goods, including food, crafts, and regional specialties.
Products
Must-Try Item
Sweet Potato Soup Base
Bakery
パン屋
A small bakery specializing in fresh bread and pastries made with local ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Sweet Potato Croissant
Craft Store
工芸品店
A shop dedicated to handmade crafts and artisanal products from local artisans.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handwoven Basket
Meat and Poultry Shop
肉屋
A specialty shop offering locally raised meat and poultry products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Beef
Dairy and Cheese Shop
乳製品店
A shop specializing in fresh dairy products and locally made cheese.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Cheese
Alcohol Store
酒屋
A shop offering locally produced alcoholic beverages, including sake and regional spirits.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Sake
Featured Products
Explore signature items like dried persimmons and award-winning sweet potatoes, proudly sourced from nearby farms.
Sweet Potato Soup Base
さつまいも鍋つゆ
A ready-to-use soup base made from local sweet potatoes, perfect for making hearty winter soups and stews.
Dried Persimmons
干し柿
Premium dried persimmons made from locally grown fruit, known for their sweet, chewy texture.
Sweet Potato Croissant
いもこ
A signature pastry made with locally grown sweet potatoes, combining sweet and flaky textures.
Local Sake
地元酒
Handcrafted sake brewed using traditional methods and local rice from Mihara Town.
Local Cheese
地元チーズ
Artisanal cheese made from fresh milk sourced from local farms, with a rich and creamy flavor.
Handwoven Basket
手編みかご
A beautifully crafted basket made by local artisans using natural materials.
Local Beef
地元牛
High-quality beef raised in the Mihara region, known for its tenderness and rich flavor.
Local Milk
地元牛乳
Fresh milk sourced directly from local dairy farms, ensuring quality and freshness.
Sweet Potato Bread
いもパン
Soft bread made with mashed local sweet potatoes, offering a naturally sweet taste.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including clean restrooms, ample parking, and welcoming spaces for all visitors.
Toilet
The restroom is undergoing renovation work starting from September 8, 2025. Temporary toilets will be provided during the construction period.
Inside the roadside station
Parking
The roadside station has parking facilities available for visitors.
Near the entrance and throughout the facility
Information Center
The information center is located within the roadside station and provides information about local attractions, events, and products.
Inside the roadside station
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Restaurant
A restaurant named 'Soba Tsu Tonombo' is available for dining, offering local cuisine including soba noodles.
Inside the roadside station
Vegetable Market
A market offering local produce, including seasonal vegetables and special items such as dried persimmons.
Near the front entrance of the roadside station
Local Products Store
A store selling locally produced goods, including processed foods and regional specialties.
Inside the roadside station
Play Area
A play area is available for children, located in the grassy park area adjacent to the roadside station.
North side grassy park
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors to withdraw cash.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Nursing Room
A private room for nursing mothers is available inside the roadside station.
Inside the roadside station
Insider Tips
Visit during special events for exclusive deals, and check schedules in advance for seasonal highlights and temporary closures.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 10:00 AM on Sundays to secure the limited-edition Onoimo Ko (tail potato dessert) during the thank-you day event, as it sells out quickly after 10:30 AM
- Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the restaurant entrance for fresh Mitsugi Town dried persimmons during the February thank-you day, available only for a limited time at a special sale price
- Weekend Special: On the second Sunday of each month, visit the roadside station’s north grassy park area to enjoy the Mitsugi Iimono Fest, where local vendors offer roasted sweet potatoes and sweet potato-based desserts
- Avoid Disruptions: Plan your visit around the temporary closure of the restaurant and product shop on Tuesdays, as these areas are closed for maintenance; the vegetable market remains open during these days
- Timing for Specials: Arrive by 10:00 AM on the 16th of February to purchase the local hot pot soup base at a special discount during the thank-you day event, as stock runs out by noon
- Unique Local Product: Purchase the Mitsugi Town dried persimmon in bulk during the February thank-you day event, where they are sold at a special price and are not available for purchase at other times of the year
- Event Planning: If visiting on November 10th, arrive early to access the Mitsugi Iimono Fest and the Mitsugi Town Autumn Festival at the roadside station’s north grassy park, where the sweet potato world championship and sweet potato-based dessert tasting take place
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Late March to April features peak canola flower viewing and bamboo shoot harvesting, with fresh shoots available at the vegetable market.
Summer (June-August): No specific seasonal events or products mentioned in the content for this period.
Autumn (September-November): November 10 hosts the third Mitsugi Ii Mon Festa and Mihara Town Autumn Festival, highlighting sweet potatoes and local crafts.
Winter (December-February): February 16 features a special sale of local dried persimmons and winter hot pot broth at the thank-you day event.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a children's play area, family-friendly food options, and stroller-accessible pathways. Educational events and seasonal festivals engage children. Restrooms are well-maintained with accessibility features.
Food Lover Review
Features a variety of local restaurants and a well-curated farmers market. Offers authentic regional specialties like dried persimmons and sweet potato dishes. High-quality, locally sourced ingredients enhance the dining experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides clean restrooms and vending machines for convenience. Parking is spacious and accessible, though not designated for overnight stays. Quiet during off-peak hours but limited for extended camping comfort.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located at a major road intersection with scenic views of surrounding farmland and natural landscapes. Offers photo-worthy spots near the roadside station and seasonal displays. The overall atmosphere feels inviting and peaceful.