Discover the Heart of Rural Japan at Sanwa 182 Station
Nestled along National Route 182 in the scenic神石高原町 (Kamiishikouen Town), Sanwa 182 Station is a vibrant roadside station where nature, community, and culinary delight converge. Located in the southern part of the town, it serves as a welcoming oasis for travelers exploring the lush landscapes of Hiroshima Prefecture, offering more than just a pit stop—it’s a gateway to local culture and flavor.
Visitors can savor farm-fresh produce at the well-stocked local market, enjoy hearty meals at the popular natural food restaurant 高原の風 (Highland Wind), or unwind with a coffee at the modern 182 Café. The station also houses the only convenience store in the area, Yambiko Lawson, making it a convenient hub for both locals and travelers. With its blend of authentic local cuisine, scenic surroundings, and community spirit, Sanwa 182 Station offers a memorable experience for every visitor.
Why Visit
Sanwa 182 Station stands out as the only roadside station in the region to offer a full-service natural food restaurant, Kogen no Kaze, where visitors can enjoy a buffet of hearty, home-style dishes made exclusively with ingredients sourced from local farms. The station is also home to the only on-site convenience store, Yamabiko Lawson, providing essential supplies along the route. For a unique local treat, try the seasonal Wanpaku Tomato Garden tomatoes—grown in a dedicated greenhouse and sold only here—perfect for fresh eating or taking home.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor the essence of local flavors at Sanwa 182 Station, where fresh, regional ingredients come alive in every bite.
Highland Wind Natural Food Restaurant
自然食レストラン 高原の風
Specialty
Traditional home-style cuisine using locally sourced ingredients
A natural food restaurant offering a buffet-style dining experience with a nostalgic, comforting taste. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for a relaxing meal during a road trip.
182 Cafe
182Cafe
Specialty
Light meals and beverages with a focus on local ingredients
A cozy café offering a relaxed atmosphere with a selection of light meals, pastries, and drinks. Ideal for a quick break or a quiet moment during your journey.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a treasure trove of local goods and seasonal produce at Sanwa 182 Station’s vibrant roadside market.
Local Produce Market
直売所
A market offering fresh, locally grown vegetables and seasonal produce directly from local farmers.
Products
Must-Try Item
Wanpaku Tomato
Yamabiko Lawson
やまびこローソン
The only convenience store in the town, offering everyday essentials, snacks, drinks, and travel supplies.
Products
Must-Try Item
Instant Ramen
Tourism Information Center
観光案内所
A service center providing local tourism information, maps, and assistance for visitors.
Products
Must-Try Item
Tourism Brochure
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like sun-ripened tomatoes and farm-fresh vegetables, proudly grown in the heart of the region.
Wanpaku Tomato
わんぱくトマト
A unique, juicy tomato variety grown in the region, known for its sweet flavor and vibrant color.
Highland Wind Seasonal Vegetable Mix
高原の風 旬野菜ミックス
A curated selection of fresh, seasonal vegetables harvested from local farms, perfect for cooking at home.
Local Apple Jam
地元りんごジャム
A rich, naturally sweet jam made from locally grown apples, ideal for toast or desserts.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including a rest area, café, restaurant, and on-site convenience store at Sanwa 182 Station.
Parking Lot
The roadside station provides parking for 110 regular cars, 7 large vehicles, and 6 disabled parking spaces.
Adjacent to the main facility
Tourist Information Center
The tourist information center is open from 9:00 to 17:00 and provides guidance and information about local attractions, events, and tourism in the area.
Inside the roadside station complex
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Restroom
Public restrooms are available for visitors at the roadside station.
Inside the facility
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors using electric cars.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors to withdraw cash.
Near the convenience store
Wanpaku Tomato Garden
A children's play area featuring a tomato garden where kids can enjoy interactive and educational activities related to local agriculture.
Near the roadside station entrance
Local Specialty Store
A store offering fresh local produce and regional specialties directly from farmers and producers in the area.
Inside the roadside station
Natural Food Restaurant Kogen no Kaze
A restaurant serving a buffet of traditional home-style meals made with locally sourced ingredients. Open for lunch only.
Inside the roadside station
182 Cafe
A newly opened café offering light meals and beverages, open from 9:00 to 17:00.
Inside the roadside station
Yamabiko Lawson
The only convenience store in the town, operating 24 hours a day, offering everyday essentials and snacks.
Inside the roadside station
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around opening hours and seasonal harvests to make the most of your stop at Sanwa 182 Station.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit the 182Cafe by 9:15 AM on weekdays to secure a seat near the window overlooking the roadside garden, as it fills up quickly after 9:30 AM
- Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter in the produce market between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM for fresh homemade pickled vegetables and seasonal local jams, which are restocked daily and often sell out by midday
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the "Wanpaku Tomato Garden" opens at 10:00 AM and allows visitors to pick their own tomatoes; bring your own container and arrive by 10:15 AM to avoid missing the daily harvest
- Dining Timing: Order at the Natural Food Restaurant Kōgen no Kaze by 11:15 AM on weekdays to ensure your meal is served before the lunch rush begins at 11:30 AM
- Convenience Tip: Use the Yamabiko Lawson store to purchase bottled water and snacks before visiting the restaurant, as the restaurant does not sell drinks separately and the café only offers limited beverage options
- Local Product Hunt: Visit the produce market at 8:00 AM on weekdays to find the day’s first batch of locally grown carrots and radishes, which are displayed in a special section marked with a red sign near the entrance
- Parking Strategy: Park in the designated handicapped parking area near the 182Cafe if you plan to visit both the café and the restaurant, as the main parking lot fills up by 11:00 AM on weekends and access to the restaurant is limited during peak times
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Peak season for fresh bamboo shoots at the roadside station market and canola flower viewing in late March to early April.
Summer (June–August): Limited seasonal offerings mentioned; focus remains on local produce and dining.
Autumn (September–November): No specific seasonal products or events listed in the content.
Winter (December–February): Open year-round except for年末年始; best time to enjoy the natural food restaurant and 182Cafe.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Features a children's garden with play elements, stroller-friendly paths, and family-oriented dining. Offers kid-friendly food options and safe, accessible facilities including ample parking and restrooms.
Food Lover Review
Offers diverse dining options including a well-regarded local cuisine restaurant and a fresh cafe. Features high-quality regional produce and unique local specialties in the market.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, vending machines, and ample parking. Quiet surroundings during daytime, but lacks designated overnight camping zones and clear overnight parking policies.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a scenic rural area with natural views and seasonal landscape variation. Offers several photo spots near the garden and surrounding natural features with a peaceful, aesthetic atmosphere.