Discover the Heart of Eastern Chōbō: Where Nature, Tradition, and Taste Meet
Yu-Yu Salon Tojo is a vibrant roadside station nestled just off the Chūgoku Expressway’s Tojo Interchange, perfectly positioned between the serene beauty of the Taisetsu Gorge National Park and the historic charm of Tojo’s old town. A short 10-minute walk leads to the town’s traditional streets, while the scenic Lake Shinryū lies just 10 minutes by car. More than a pit stop, this destination offers a rich tapestry of local culture, from regional specialties to seasonal events.
Home to over 4,000 items, the souvenir shop showcases the finest of Tojo and Taisetsu Gorge—think bamboo-wrapped confections, local sake like Chōgun and Kikumon, and handmade crafts. Savor authentic dishes like the famed Hiba Beef Donburi at the restaurant, or enjoy fresh soba made with 100% local buckwheat at Tenzaku. The nearby Ryokuchi Onsen offers a peaceful retreat with open-air baths overlooking the mountains, completing a journey that celebrates the region’s natural beauty and deep-rooted traditions.
Why Visit
Visit Yu-Yu Salon Tojo for its exclusive seasonal steak festival featuring premium Hiba beef, grilled to perfection at the on-site steakhouse. Located just off the Chugoku Expressway, it’s the only roadside station in the region offering a full-day experience with a 25-minute walk to the historic Edo-era town of Tojo, a 10-minute drive to the scenic Shinkyo Lake in the national park, and a unique selection of local crafts including handmade Tojo clay bells and the famed Takeda Manju.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Yu-Yu Salon Tojo, where seasonal ingredients and regional specialties shine in every dish.
Restaurant Momiji
レストラン もみじ
Specialty
Local brand beef and regional cuisine
A restaurant offering a wide variety of dishes including set meals and bowls, featuring local specialties such as Hiba beef bowl. The atmosphere is welcoming and ideal for enjoying seasonal mountain views.
Steak House Onba
ステーキハウス 雄橋
Specialty
Grilled Hiroshima beef steak
A dining experience where chefs prepare and grill Hiroshima beef steaks right before your eyes. The atmosphere is lively and interactive, perfect for meat lovers.
Soba Shop Tensaku
そば処 天咲
Specialty
100% local buckwheat soba
A specialty shop dedicated to handmade soba using 100% locally grown buckwheat. The atmosphere is rustic and traditional, offering a genuine taste of local craftsmanship.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a wide array of local treasures and handcrafted goods at Yu-Yu Salon Tojo’s bustling marketplace.
Souvenir Shop
お土産処
A wide selection of local souvenirs including traditional sweets, regional crafts, and specialty food items from Tojo and the Taisetsu Gorge area.
Products
Must-Try Item
Taketoya Manju
Local Sake Shop
地酒コーナー
A dedicated section offering regional sake and alcoholic beverages, including popular local brands from Tojo and neighboring areas.
Products
Must-Try Item
Chougun
Fresh Produce Market
東城きんさい市
An on-site market featuring fresh, locally grown vegetables and seasonal produce from Tojo.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh local vegetables
Featured Products
Explore signature items like Bihou beef,竹屋饅頭, and traditional crafts unique to the Tojo region.
Original Keychain
オリジナルキーホルダー
A unique keychain featuring the official logo of Tojo Michinoeki, ideal as a collectible souvenir.
Memorial Ticket
道の駅 記念切符
A commemorative ticket issued by Tojo Michinoeki, perfect for collectors and visitors seeking a unique memento.
Michinoeki Stamp
道の駅 スタンプ
A collectible stamp from Tojo Michinoeki, used for travel and tourism memorabilia.
Hibagawa Fresh Konjac
比婆特産の生こんにゃく
Fresh konjac made from locally grown Hiba produce, known for its unique texture and health benefits.
Tojo Clay Bell
土鈴
A traditional clay bell from Tojo, crafted using local materials and known for its distinctive sound and cultural significance.
Tojo Noodle
面
A traditional local noodle made from local ingredients, representing the culinary heritage of Tojo.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including free Wi-Fi, spacious parking, and relaxing facilities for all visitors.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking area with 11 large vehicle spaces and 54 regular car spaces.
Adjacent to the roadside station, just before the Tōjō Interchange on the Chūgoku Expressway
Restroom
Restrooms are available at the roadside station for visitor convenience.
Within the roadside station premises
Free Wi-Fi
HIROSHIMA FREE Wi-Fi Lite is available for free. Each connection allows 15 minutes, with up to 4 connections per day (60 minutes total). Registration is required for each use.
Throughout the roadside station premises
Information Center
The roadside station provides tourism information and assistance for travelers, including local attractions and events.
At the roadside station reception area
East City Central Sports Park
A comprehensive sports park featuring a grass soccer field, track and field stadium, baseball field, tennis courts, and a gymnasium.
On the premises of the roadside station
Rinshoku House Tōjō (Tōjō Onsen)
A day-use hot spring facility surrounded by nature in Tōjō, featuring a large bath with hot spring and pressure bath, an open-air bath, sauna, 25-meter hot spring pool, and fitness center with exercise equipment.
Within the roadside station complex, approximately 8 minutes by car
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging facilities are available at the roadside station.
At the roadside station parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors' convenience.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Nursing Room
A dedicated nursing room is available for parents with infants.
Inside the roadside station building
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and nature-inspired experiences at Yu-Yu Salon Tojo.
Steak Festival
秋のステーキまつり
Enjoy a seasonal steak festival featuring local beef and special menu items at the roadside station.
Duration
120 min
Eel Special Lunch Menu
うなぎ期間限定ランチメニューの提供
Try a limited-time eel lunch menu available during a specific season.
Duration
60 min
Onsen Outdoor Bath Experience
露天風呂
Relax in an open-air hot spring bath surrounded by natural scenery.
Duration
90 min
Outdoor bath may be closed during heavy rain or snow.
Soba Making Workshop
そば処 天咲
Learn how to make traditional soba noodles using locally grown buckwheat.
Duration
75 min
Local Food Tasting Tour
東城きんさい市
Explore and taste fresh local produce from the on-site market featuring seasonal vegetables and regional specialties.
Duration
60 min
Market may be limited during inclement weather.
Onsen and Wellness Experience
リフレッシュハウス東城（東城温泉）
Enjoy a full wellness experience including hot spring baths, sauna, and fitness facilities.
Duration
120 min
Local Craft and Souvenir Workshop
道の駅 遊YOUさろん東城オリジナル
Create your own souvenir using local materials such as traditional crafts and souvenirs.
Duration
60 min
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around seasonal festivals and take advantage of free shuttle services for seamless travel.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the soba shop Ten-saku, as it often fills up by midday and the shop closes at 4:00 PM
- Hidden Gems: Look for the limited-edition "Yousalo Original Keychain" at the souvenir shop—available only during the Autumn Steak Festival (September 4–October 30)
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, head to the restaurant Momi-jī between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM to try the seasonal "Eel Limited Lunch" menu, which is only available during July and August
- Best Souvenir Purchase: Buy the "Hiroshima FREE Wi-Fi Lite" registration card at the information desk before leaving—this allows you to access free Wi-Fi for up to 60 minutes per day during future visits to the station
- Unique Local Product: Purchase the "Bihou Fresh Konjac" at the souvenir shop—this locally produced konjac is only available in the station’s dedicated "Bihou Specials" section and sells out quickly
- Best Photo Opportunity: Take a photo at the roadside station’s “Michinoeki Stamp” board before entering the souvenir shop—this is the official photo spot for the station’s stamp collection program
- Transport Tip: Use the free shuttle bus for groups of 10 or more—book it in advance via phone to ensure availability, especially during the Autumn Steak Festival when the station is busiest
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market from early spring; canola flowers bloom in late April.
Summer (June-August): Summer special steak festival held in August; fresh eel served in July.
Autumn (September-November): Autumn steak festival takes place in September; local produce at peak harvest.
Winter (December-February): No seasonal events mentioned; year-round access to hot springs and local cuisine.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a large playground, diverse dining options for children, stroller-friendly paths, and a nearby park. Educational value through local culture and seasonal events enhances family appeal.
Food Lover Review
Features multiple restaurants including a steakhouse, soba shop, and local cuisine with high-quality regional specialties like Biwa beef and fresh buckwheat noodles. Farmers market and local sake selection add depth.
Car Camping Review
Provides ample parking, clean restrooms, and vending machines. Quiet area with nearby natural scenery. Overnight stays allowed but not explicitly advertised or promoted.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near the Taisetsu Lake and scenic Taisetsu Gorge, with views of seasonal mountain landscapes. Offers multiple photo spots and a peaceful, aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.