Discover the Heart of Hyōgo’s Countryside at Minami Haga
Nestled along National Route 29 in the serene town of Haga, Minami Haga is more than a roadside station—it’s a vibrant gateway to the natural and cultural riches of Hyōgo Prefecture. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling farmland, this destination offers a true taste of rural Japan, with a focus on local flavor and hands-on experiences.
Visitors can savor regional specialties like natural yam rice and bamboo udon at the on-site restaurant, while exploring the unique charm of the area’s heritage. The station shines with its hands-on workshops, where guests can craft their own konjac or apple jam to take home. With a wide array of locally sourced products—from hand-pulled konjac and Haga miso to fresh seasonal fruits and baked goods—Minami Haga celebrates the spirit of community and craftsmanship.
Why Visit
Visit Minami Haga roadside station to experience the region’s only hands-on apple jam workshop, where you can craft your own jar using locally grown apples from nearby orchards. Savor the unique natural yam and yamato soba noodles at the restaurant, served with a view of the flowing Hikari River, and taste the only authentic mountain castle manju, made with local ingredients and inspired by the historic Haga Castle ruins just minutes away.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic regional flavors at Minami Haga roadside station, where meals inspired by local ingredients await.
Maple Forest
楓の里
Specialty
Local cuisine with a focus on regional ingredients
A dining establishment offering traditional local dishes with a scenic view of the Yobara River. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, ideal for enjoying regional flavors in a natural setting.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local treasures and seasonal produce at Minami Haga roadside station’s vibrant market.
Local Specialty Store
特産品売店
A retail shop selling a variety of local products, including handmade konjac, Haga miso, apple jam, and ceramic pottery.
Products
Must-Try Item
Apple Jam
Pantry Bread Workshop
パン工房 MayBread
A bakery specializing in freshly baked bread and local soft serve ice cream.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly Baked Bread
Local Product Processing Facility
特産加工場
A facility where visitors can experience the production of local specialty items such as konjac and apple jam.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handmade Konjac
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature specialties like handmade konjac, apple jam, and Haga miso.
Handmade Konjac
手づくりこんにゃく
Locally crafted konjac made using traditional methods, known for its firm texture and natural taste.
Haga Miso
波賀みそ
A locally produced soybean miso with a rich, balanced flavor, made using traditional fermentation techniques.
Apple Jam
リンゴジャム
Homemade apple jam made from locally grown apples, sweet and naturally flavored.
Haga Pottery
波賀焼
Handcrafted ceramic pottery from Haga, known for its rustic design and traditional craftsmanship.
Apple Soft Serve
リンゴソフトクリーム
A refreshing soft serve ice cream made with fresh local apples.
Castle Manju
お城まんじゅう
A traditional sweet dumpling shaped like a castle, filled with sweet red bean paste.
Sasa Udon
笹うどん「笹の露」
A specialty udon noodle dish served with a refreshing bamboo leaf wrapper and a light broth.
Sichuan Pepper Pickled in Soy Sauce
山椒の佃煮
A savory condiment made by simmering Sichuan pepper in soy sauce, perfect for rice or noodles.
Natural Yam
自然薯
A locally grown tuber known for its smooth texture and mild, nutty flavor when cooked.
Haga Sichuan Pepper Miso
山椒みそ
A unique miso blend infused with Sichuan pepper, offering a spicy and aromatic taste.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge with convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, EV charging, and free Wi-Fi at Minami Haga roadside station.
Parking
69 parking spaces available, including 2 large vehicle spots and 67 standard vehicle spots.
On-site
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging station available.
On-site
Wireless LAN
Free wireless LAN available.
On-site
Toilet
Male toilets: 10 fixtures; Female toilets: 6 fixtures; Accessible toilet: 1 fixture.
On-site
Information Center
Tourism concierge provides information on local tourism and specialty products.
On-site
Experience Facility
Hands-on experience with local specialty products such as konjac and apple jam. Visitors can take their handmade products home.
On-site
Activities & Experiences
Engage in hands-on experiences like apple jam making and explore seasonal events at Minami Haga roadside station.
Miso Production Experience
味噌作り体験
Participants will experience the process of making traditional miso using local ingredients, including hands-on mixing and packaging. The finished product can be taken home.
Duration
60 min
Apple Jam Making Workshop
リンゴジャム造り体験
Guests will learn how to make homemade apple jam using fresh local apples, including cooking, sterilizing jars, and sealing. The jam can be taken home as a souvenir.
Duration
90 min
Konjac Making Experience
手づくりこんにゃく体験
Participants will make konjac from scratch using traditional methods, including grinding, filtering, and setting the mixture. The finished konjac can be taken home.
Duration
75 min
Blueberry Picking
ブルーベリー摘み取り
Guests can pick fresh blueberries in the on-site orchard during the harvest season, enjoying the natural surroundings and seasonal fruit.
Duration
60 min
Weather-dependent; may be canceled in heavy rain or strong wind.
Natural Yam Festival
自然薯まつり
A seasonal festival celebrating the local specialty, natural yam, featuring cooking demonstrations, tastings, and cultural activities.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor event; may be rescheduled due to rain.
Miso Festival
波賀味噌まつり
A celebration of local miso culture with tasting booths, cooking demos, and live performances highlighting the region's traditional flavors.
Duration
240 min
Indoor and outdoor events; check for updates during snow or extreme cold.
Chestnut Picking
栗拾い
Participants can gather fresh chestnuts from the nearby forest during the autumn harvest season, learning about local forestry and seasonal traditions.
Duration
75 min
Outdoor activity; may be postponed in wet or stormy weather.
Yamagata Cherry Blossom Viewing
シャクナゲまつり
A seasonal event centered around viewing wild azaleas in bloom, featuring guided walks, photo spots, and local food stalls.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor event; may be affected by rain or cold temperatures.
Sake Brewing Experience
発酵フェア
Guests will learn the basics of traditional fermentation through hands-on activities, including making sake or other fermented foods using local ingredients.
Duration
90 min
Rice Harvest Festival
新米まつり
A celebration of the new rice harvest with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and cultural performances highlighting local agricultural traditions.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor activities; may be rescheduled in case of rain.
Pumpkin Harvest Experience
かぼちゃ収穫体験
Participants can harvest fresh pumpkins from the farm during the autumn season, learning about cultivation and seasonal produce.
Duration
60 min
Weather-dependent; may be canceled during rain or strong wind.
Apple Picking Tour
りんご狩り
A guided tour to local apple orchards where visitors can pick fresh apples during the harvest season, enjoying scenic views and seasonal fruit.
Duration
90 min
Outdoor activity; may be canceled in heavy rain or strong wind.
Kelp and Seafood Festival
牡蠣まつり
A seasonal festival celebrating local oysters and seafood, featuring tastings, cooking demos, and beachside activities.
Duration
240 min
Outdoor events; may be rescheduled during storms or extreme cold.
Sakura Viewing Walk
桜見物ウォーク
A guided walking tour through scenic cherry blossom areas, offering views of blooming trees and cultural insights into local spring traditions.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor event; may be affected by rain or cold.
Insider Tips
Visit during harvest season for fresh local fruits and join special events for an authentic regional adventure.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the restaurant before the lunch rush begins, especially for the popular Natural Yam Taro Donburi and Sasa Udon Set.
- Hidden Gems: Head to the deli counter at the specialty shop between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to find the day’s fresh batch of handmade konnyaku and Haga miso, which often sell out by midday.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the Pancake Bakery MayBread before 10:30 AM to get the day’s first batch of freshly baked milk bread, which is only available during morning hours and sells out quickly.
- Best Value Purchase: Buy the Haga Miso and Apple Jam combo pack at the specialty shop during the Maple Great Thank-You Festival (October 18 – November 24), when the set is discounted by 15% and includes a free sample of Haga Miso Ramen seasoning.
- Unique Experience: Sign up for the Konnyaku or Apple Jam Making Experience at the manufacturing facility by 11:00 AM on weekdays, as sessions are limited to two per day and must be reserved in advance via phone.
- Best Photo Spot: Walk to the small viewing platform near the restaurant just after 4:00 PM on weekdays to capture the best sunset view over the Haga Castle ruins, which is only visible from that specific vantage point during late afternoon.
- Local Specialty Timing: Order the Apple Soft Cream at the pancake bakery between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM on weekdays, as it is only available during that window and is made fresh from locally grown apples.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Enjoy the annual Yamabuki Festival in early April and fresh mountain vegetables like wild asparagus and fern shoots at the roadside station.
Summer (June–August): Visit during the Blueberry Harvest from mid-July to mid-August, with picking available at the orchard.
Autumn (September–November): Experience the New Rice Festival in early September and the Maple Big Thank-You Festival from October 18 to November 24.
Winter (December–February): Try the seasonal oyster festival in early January and enjoy handmade konnyaku and warm local dishes.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a children's play area and interactive experiences like making konjac and apple jam. Features kid-friendly food options, stroller-accessible facilities, and educational elements tied to local culture and agriculture.
Food Lover Review
Provides diverse local cuisine including specialty dishes like sanshō miso and natural yam noodles. Offers fresh produce, handmade konjac, and unique regional products like apple jam and local soft serve.
Car Camping Review
Features ample parking, 24-hour restrooms, and vending machines. Offers a quiet, scenic environment with nearby attractions, though overnight stays are not explicitly permitted.
Scenic Beauty Review
Boasts panoramic views of Haga Castle and surrounding nature. Offers excellent photo opportunities, seasonal beauty in autumn and spring, and a peaceful, authentic rural atmosphere.