Taste the Heart of Rural Japan at Nishine Roadside Station
Nestled in the lush countryside of Hachimantai City, Nishine Roadside Station is a vibrant gateway to the natural beauty and local culture of northern Japan. Located at the crossroads of scenic forests, rolling farmland, and traditional villages, it offers travelers a refreshing pause with authentic regional charm. More than just a stopover, Nishine is a living celebration of local craftsmanship, sustainability, and community spirit.
Visitors are drawn to its signature offerings, including farm-fresh vegetables, handmade dairy products, and regional specialties like Horenso Curry and Horenso Ramen—delicious dishes made with ingredients grown right on-site. The station also features an on-site farm where guests can experience seasonal harvests and connect directly with local producers. With its warm hospitality, seasonal events, and scenic views, Nishine Roadside Station is a must-visit for those seeking an immersive, authentic Japanese countryside experience.
Why Visit
Nishine roadside station stands out as the only place in the region where you can taste Hachimantai’s signature horseradish curry, crafted from locally grown, freshly harvested horseradish and served in a rich, house-made broth. Just steps away, the on-site farm shop offers the only known variety of wild mountain yam preserved in traditional koji, a rare delicacy exclusive to this location. These unique, handcrafted foods, rooted in local mountain traditions, can’t be found anywhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
At Nishine roadside station, savor fresh local flavors in a welcoming atmosphere.
Horenso Curry Restaurant
ほうれん草カレー店
Specialty
Served with fresh spinach and house-made curry
A cozy restaurant specializing in hearty spinach curry, combining local ingredients with traditional Japanese flavors. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for a relaxing meal.
Horenso Ramen Shop
ほうれん草ラーメン店
Specialty
Fresh spinach ramen with rich broth
A casual eatery offering flavorful ramen with a unique twist—fresh spinach added to the broth and noodles. The setting is modern and clean, ideal for quick lunch or dinner.
Yamabudou Wine & Beer Garden
山ぶどうワインビアガーデン
Specialty
Local grape wine and craft beer
A relaxed garden-style café offering locally produced grape wine and craft beer. The ambiance is rustic and scenic, with outdoor seating surrounded by greenery.
Farmers Market Food Stall
農産物直売所
Specialty
Fresh local produce and seasonal snacks
A vibrant food stall offering fresh, seasonal vegetables, fruits, and handmade snacks from nearby farms. The atmosphere is lively and community-oriented.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional goods and handcrafted treasures at Nishine roadside station.
Yamabudou Wine & Beer Shop
山ぶどうワインビアショップ
Specializes in locally produced grape wine and craft beer, available for purchase.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yamabudou Wine
Farmers Market
農産物直売所
A marketplace selling fresh, locally grown vegetables, fruits, and seasonal goods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Spinach
Horenso Specialty Shop
ほうれん草専門店
A shop dedicated to spinach-based products, including snacks and dried goods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Dried Spinach
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like seasonal vegetables and artisanal snacks from Nishine.
Dried Spinach
乾燥ほうれん草
Premium dried spinach harvested from local farms, ideal for cooking and snacks.
Spinach Tea
ほうれん草茶
Natural herbal tea made from dried spinach leaves, known for its health benefits.
Spinach Powder
ほうれん草パウダー
High-quality powdered spinach for use in smoothies, soups, and baked goods.
Yamabudou Wine
山ぶどうワイン
Handcrafted wine made from native mountain grapes, known for its unique flavor.
Craft Beer
クラフトビール
Locally brewed beer with seasonal variations, crafted using traditional methods.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities and relaxing spaces at Nishine roadside station.
Parking Area
A parking area is available for visitors to use.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Restroom
Clean restrooms are provided for public use.
Inside the main building
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
An information center where visitors can get local guides, maps, and tourism information.
Near the main entrance
Children's Play Area
A designated play area for children with safe equipment and space to play.
Outside near the parking area
Hot Spring Bath
A public hot spring bath facility available for visitors to relax.
Adjacent to the main building
Bicycle Rental
Bicycles can be rented on-site for exploring the surrounding area.
Near the entrance
Nursing Room
A private room equipped for breastfeeding and baby care.
Inside the main building
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors with EVs.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for cash withdrawals.
Near the entrance
Pet-Friendly Area
A designated area where pets are allowed, with space and facilities for them.
Outside near the main path
Insider Tips
Find local insights and hidden gems to enhance your visit to Nishine roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure the day’s first batch of fresh-baked milk bread from the in-house bakery, which sells out by 11:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the entrance for the limited daily batch of Hachimantai-style pickled vegetables, made with locally grown daikon and available only until 2:00 PM
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the farm stand between 10:30 AM and 12:00 PM to buy freshly harvested shiitake mushrooms and wild mountain greens from the on-site DD Farm
- Best Food Experience: Order the horenso curry at the food counter between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM—this seasonal menu item uses locally grown spinach and is only available during the spring and early summer months
- Unique Product: Purchase the limited-edition "Yamabudou" fruit jam at the gift shop counter—this tart, herbal-flavored jam is made from wild mountain berries and is restocked only once a month
- Timing for Local Products: Arrive by 1:00 PM to see the latest batch of handmade tofu displayed at the producer showcase booth, which is updated every weekday at 12:30 PM
- Best Value Purchase: Buy the "Nishine Original" rice snack mix at the counter near the entrance before 4:00 PM—this exclusive blend of roasted soybeans, rice crackers, and local salt is only available in limited quantities per day
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Canola flowers bloom in late March to April, and fresh bamboo shoots are available at the market from April.
Summer (June–August): Fresh mountain vegetables and horensō (spinach) are harvested from June to August, with special dishes featuring them.
Autumn (September–November): The harvest season brings chestnuts and yamabudo (mountain gourd) from late September through November.
Winter (December–February): Limited seasonal offerings; focus on warm meals and local crafts, with no major events during this period.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Nishine roadside station offers a children's play area, stroller-friendly paths, and family-oriented activities. Kid-friendly food options like vegetable curry and ramen are available, along with educational farm experiences and interactive exhibits.
Food Lover Review
The station features diverse local dining options including fresh vegetable dishes and regional specialties. High-quality produce from the farm market and artisanal items like pickled vegetables enhance the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Restrooms and vending machines are available, and the site is relatively quiet at night. Overnight parking is permitted, though no formal camping facilities are provided, limiting comfort for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Nishine offers scenic views of natural landscapes with well-maintained viewpoints. Seasonal beauty from cherry blossoms to autumn foliage enhances the visual appeal, and the overall atmosphere is peaceful and aesthetically pleasing.