Rediscover Rural Japan at Its Heart
Restoa Station, nestled in the serene village of Soukou in the heart of Shobara City, stands as one of the first officially recognized roadside stations in the region. Tucked among rolling hills and lush farmland, it is a vibrant cultural hub where local tradition meets modern hospitality. The station’s name, “Restoa,” meaning “renewal,” reflects a deep commitment to revitalizing rural life, a vision embodied in every corner of the site.
Visitors are drawn to its charming specialty shop, where locally grown vegetables, handcrafted konjac, traditional rice cakes, and regional delicacies like the famous “Dobu” craft beer are proudly displayed. Just across the striking light dome, the acclaimed restaurant avenir town offers a culinary journey with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. From the chef’s signature beef stew to the innovative “Biwa Beef Premium Curry Pan,” every dish tells a story of place and passion. During late February to mid-March, the station comes alive with the rare bloom of the Sekibunso, or “Imo-ko,” a cherished wildflower that draws visitors from across Japan.
Why Visit
Restoa Station stands as the first certified roadside station in the prefecture, nestled in the heart of a town renowned for its wildflower sanctuary. Visit during February to March to witness the rare and breathtaking bloom of Setsubun-so, a nationally significant wildflower that carpets the surrounding hillsides in vibrant purple. The station’s signature offering, the "Biwa Beef Premium Curry Pan," is a must-try—crafted with locally sourced beef and a house-made curry paste, this savory treat is available only here. For a truly unique experience, dine at avenir town, where a chef with over three decades of expertise creates seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine using ingredients harvested from the immediate area.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, locally inspired cuisine at Restoa Station's restaurant, where seasonal ingredients meet creative flair.
avenir town
アヴェニールタウン
Specialty
Creative cuisine using fresh seasonal vegetables from the local area
A restaurant specializing in creative Western-style dishes, led by a head chef with over 30 years of experience. The menu features a variety of dishes made with fresh, locally sourced seasonal vegetables, offering a unique dining experience that draws visitors from outside the region.
avenir town MIRAINO-MACHI
アヴェニールタウン ミライノマチ
Specialty
Light meals and coffee served in a relaxed, modern atmosphere
A cozy café located within the roadside station, offering light meals and coffee in a bright, welcoming space. Perfect for a casual break during a road trip or a quiet moment with friends.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated selection of local goods, from farm-fresh produce to handmade crafts, all at Restoa Station.
Specialty Products Pavilion
特産品館
A shop featuring fresh local produce, processed goods, and traditional regional products such as konjac, wagashi, and local sake.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hand-rolled konjac made from fresh yam
Featured Products
Taste the region's signature flavors, including hand-molded konjac, traditional tama-gin, and seasonal specialties like hime no mochi rice cakes.
Simmered Konjac
煮込みこんにゃく
Konjac made from fresh yam, simmered in a savory broth with vegetables and spices, offering a chewy texture and rich flavor.
Konjac Jerky
こんにゃくジャーキー
Dried konjac strips seasoned with a blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect as a healthy, low-calorie snack.
Himenomochi Rice Cake
ヒメノモチ
A traditional rice cake made from locally harvested winter rice, pounded by hand for a unique texture and flavor.
Tasou Wagashi
田總羊羹
A traditional wagashi with a smooth, sweet texture, made using a recipe that has been passed down since the Meiji era.
Dobu Beer
どぶ
A popular local craft beer known for its refreshing taste and unique flavor profile, brewed using traditional methods.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including parking, a conference room, and a light dome for gatherings and events.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking lot with space for 50 regular vehicles.
On the premises
Restroom
Restrooms are available on the premises for visitors.
On the premises
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors on the premises.
On the premises
Information Center
An information center is available to provide visitors with details about the area, seasonal events, and local attractions.
On the premises
Play Area
A play area is available for children, located within the premises.
On the premises
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available on the premises.
On the premises
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors' convenience.
On the premises
Nursing Room
A nursing room is available for mothers with infants.
On the premises
Onsen
An onsen (hot spring) is available for visitors to enjoy traditional Japanese bathing.
On the premises
Bike Rental
Bike rental service is available for visitors who wish to explore the surrounding area.
On the premises
Pet Area
A designated pet area is available for visitors with pets.
On the premises
Insider Tips
Visit during the February to March blooming season for the best view of the rare setsubun-sou flowers, and reserve ahead for the chef’s special lunch.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM on weekdays to secure the last available parking spots before the 50-car lot fills up, especially since the station sees steady traffic from local residents throughout the day.
- Hidden Gems: At the specialty shop, look for the newly released winter-only "Himeno Mochi" rice cakes made from locally harvested mochi rice—these sell out quickly and are only available from late December through February.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the café area of avenir town between 14:00 and 15:30 to enjoy the limited-time "Chef’s Seasonal Set" with ingredients sourced directly from the nearby farm, available only during the winter months.
- Photography Tip: If visiting in mid-February to early March, walk to the nearby "Setsubun-sou" (Japanese name for "Festival Herb") natural habitat located just 100 meters from the station entrance—this is where the seasonal flower viewing is centered, and the information booth provides guided walk paths.
- Must-Try Food Item: Purchase the "Biwa Beef Premium Curry Pan" at the specialty shop—this is a signature item made with locally produced beef curry and rice flour bread, and it is only available during the winter season (November to March).
- Special Event Access: Check the official website for updates on the "Dream Road Renaissance Photo Contest" exhibition—this rotating showcase is held at avenir town and changes every 2–3 months, featuring regional photography with limited display durations.
- Best Time to Eat: For the best chance to try the chef’s signature dish, the "Chef’s Special Beef Stew," visit the restaurant avenir town between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM on non-holiday days—this is when the stew is freshly prepared and served with the day’s seasonal vegetables.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (February–March): Peak viewing for wild节分草 (Setsubun-sou) from mid-February to mid-March, with information boards installed during bloom.
Summer (June–August): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned in the content.
Autumn (September–November): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned in the content.
Winter (December–January): Seasonal highlight includes winter-exclusive Hime no Mochi rice mochi made from locally harvested rice.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Restoa Station features a play area near the dome, stroller-friendly paths, and kid-friendly food options like the popular curry bread. Educational displays on local flora enhance the experience. Safety and accessibility are well maintained.
Food Lover Review
The station offers diverse local specialties including handmade konjac, traditional tanso yamagashi, and seasonal rice cakes. Fresh produce and high-quality artisanal items are available. The restaurant provides creative, seasonal dishes.
Car Camping Review
The station provides restrooms and vending machines, supporting overnight stays. The site is quiet and suitable for car camping. However, overnight parking is not explicitly permitted, limiting its use as a dedicated camping stop.
Scenic Beauty Review
The station is set in a scenic area with beautiful natural surroundings, especially during the February to March season when the rare seitsubunso flower blooms. The surrounding landscape offers excellent photo opportunities and a peaceful, aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.