Discover the Heart of Hyōgo’s Rural Charm
Nestled in the scenic town of Miki, Yokawa roadside station is a vibrant gateway to the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Located just minutes from the Yashima Interchange on the Chūgoku Expressway, it serves as a welcoming oasis where city and countryside converge. Renowned for its rich agricultural roots and the prized Yamada Nishiki rice—a Japanese Agricultural Heritage—Yokawa celebrates the essence of local tradition.
The station seamlessly blends culture, cuisine, and relaxation. Visitors can savor fresh regional produce at the vibrant Market Museum, sample artisanal sake, and enjoy seasonal events like the Monster Pumpkin Festival and black bean harvesting. After a day of exploration, unwind in the naturally carbonated hot springs of Yokatan, where mineral-rich waters soothe the body and spirit. With its diverse offerings, Yokawa is more than a stop—it’s a destination.
Why Visit
Yokawa roadside station stands out for its unique fusion of Japan’s only registered agricultural heritage rice, Yamada Nishiki, and a thriving local food culture. Visitors can taste rare Yamada Nishiki miso and try the region’s only artisanal fermented koji made from locally grown rice. Just steps away, the natural carbonic hot spring at Yokatan offers a rare therapeutic soak, drawing from a 1,500-meter-deep underground source. This combination of heritage rice, distinctive fermented foods, and a mineral-rich natural bath creates an experience found nowhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
At Yokawa roadside station, savor fresh local flavors with seasonal dishes and regional specialties. Enjoy meals with a view of the surrounding countryside.
Yokatan Dining
よかたん亭
Specialty
Freshly prepared local seafood and traditional Japanese dishes
A cozy dining spot offering a variety of locally sourced seafood and traditional Japanese cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu features seasonal ingredients and hearty, home-style cooking.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local crafts and handmade goods at Yokawa roadside station’s vibrant market. Find thoughtful souvenirs that capture the spirit of the region.
Yakata Market Museum
山田錦の館
A vibrant market showcasing fresh, locally grown vegetables from Miki City, along with specialty products made from the premium rice variety 'Yamada Nishiki'.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yamada Nishiki Sake
Yokatan Store
吉川温泉よかたん
A retail shop offering a wide range of local products, wellness items, and souvenirs from the Yokatan Hot Spring and surrounding area.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yokatan Point Card
Featured Products
Experience signature items like mountain-grown yam and premium sake made from the famed Yamada Nishiki rice. Taste the true essence of the area’s terroir.
Fresh Fermented Soybean Paste 500g
生こうじ500g
A traditional, unpasteurized fermented soybean paste made using local ingredients, known for its rich umami flavor and health benefits.
Miki City Yokawa Town Premium Miso Set
三木市吉川町産こだわり みそセット
A curated set of premium miso pastes made from locally grown soybeans, featuring unique regional flavors and traditional craftsmanship.
Yamada Nishiki Miso
三木市吉川町産こだわり 「山田錦みそ」
A specialty miso made from the renowned Yamada Nishiki rice, offering a deep, complex flavor that enhances traditional Japanese dishes.
Golden Miso
三木市吉川町産こだわり「黄金みそ」
A rich, golden-hued miso with a sweet and savory profile, crafted using traditional methods and local ingredients.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax in modern amenities including restrooms, parking, and a convenient information center. Enjoy comfortable spaces for travelers of all ages.
Large Bus Parking
The roadside station has expanded its large bus parking facilities.
Near the roadside station entrance
Public Restrooms
Available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
Newly established information dissemination corner for visitors to learn about the area.
Inside the roadside station
Children's Play Area
Family-friendly space for children to enjoy.
Near the roadside station entrance
Yokatan Hot Spring
A natural hot spring sourced from 1,500 meters underground, offering carbonic acid spring baths known for improving blood circulation and benefiting high blood pressure.
Inside the Yokatan facility
Bike Rental
Bike rental service available for visitors to explore the surrounding area.
Near the roadside station entrance
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging equipment has been introduced at the roadside station.
Near the parking area
ATM
ATM available for visitors' convenience.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Activities & Experiences
Participate in seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and farm-to-table experiences. Engage with nature and local culture throughout the year.
Black Bean Harvest Experience
黒豆収穫体験
Participants will harvest black beans in the fields, experiencing the seasonal agricultural activity and learning about local farming practices.
Duration
60 min
Monster Pumpkin Festival
モンスターかぼちゃフェスティバル
Attendees can enjoy a festive event featuring giant pumpkins, photo opportunities, and seasonal activities celebrating the harvest season.
Duration
120 min
Watermelon Hitting Competition
スイカ割り大会
Participants will compete in a fun watermelon hitting game, enjoying a summer tradition with family and friends.
Duration
90 min
Rental Bicycle Service
レンタサイクル
Guests can rent bicycles to explore the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions at their own pace.
Duration
120 min
Weather-dependent; recommended for dry, sunny days
Sake Tasting and Selection Event
日本酒の日抽選会
Participants can take part in a special lottery event to win exclusive sake tastings and learn about premium local sake production.
Duration
45 min
Sake Rice Agricultural Exhibition
農産物品評会
Attendees can observe and learn about the quality evaluation of agricultural products, especially focusing on the prized Yamada Nishiki rice.
Duration
90 min
Yamada Nishiki Rice Festival
第３０回山田錦まつり
A celebration of the renowned Yamada Nishiki rice, featuring cultural performances, local food, and rice-themed activities.
Duration
180 min
Insider Tips
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful stay. Check seasonal events for exclusive local experiences and special offers.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to access the fresh batch of mountain-grown vegetables at the Maršé Museum, as they are restocked daily and often sell out by midday.
- Hidden Gems: Check the small corner near the entrance of the Maršé Museum for the limited-edition "Yokawa Special" miso set, available only during seasonal promotions like the October Black Bean Harvest Experience.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays, visit the on-site deli counter between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to try the seasonal "Monster Pumpkin Festival" special—pumpkin soup with locally grown squash, available only during the festival event.
- Incentive Tip: Purchase any item from the Yokatan Store during the 531–629 sale campaign to earn one entry point per 1,000 yen spent; collect 10 points to redeem a free soak in the carbonic hot spring.
- Unique Experience: On the second Monday of each month, visit the bathhouse during the "Purified Spring Day" event to enjoy the natural, unheated mineral water bath, available only from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
- Must-Try Food: Order the "Sea Bream Tatsuta Set" at Yokatan Dining Hall, available daily starting at 11:30 AM, for a low-cost, high-protein meal featuring locally caught fish.
- Off-Peak Visit: Arrive after 3:00 PM on weekdays to avoid the peak lunch rush at the Yokatan Dining Hall and increase your chances of securing a seat at the counter with a view of the garden.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Visit for the Mountain Rice Festival in February and fresh mountain vegetables at the roadside station market.
Summer (June-August): Enjoy the watermelon cutting festival in July and the summer-exclusive cold mackerel dish at the restaurant.
Autumn (September-November): Harvest black beans in October and experience the monster pumpkin festival in September.
Winter (December-February): Savor seasonal sake at the brewery and enjoy the warm bath on cold days.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers child-friendly activities like pumpkin festivals and black bean harvesting. Features a play area and stroller-accessible paths. Educational elements include local farming and sake production exhibits. Kid-friendly food options available.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse dining with local specialties like mountain rice sake and regional miso. Fresh produce from the market and artisanal goods available. Includes unique items like fermented koji and seasonal farm-to-table offerings.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms and vending machines. Offers ample parking with space for large vehicles. Quiet environment during off-peak hours. No explicit overnight parking policy mentioned, limiting full camping suitability.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a scenic rural area with views of farmland and natural surroundings. Offers photo spots near the market and seasonal landscapes. Well-maintained grounds and seasonal events enhance visual appeal and atmosphere.