Station Yamakita

Discover the Heart of Kanagawa’s Natural Beauty

Tucked along the scenic route near Lake Tanshō, Yamakita roadside station offers a refreshing retreat where nature, local culture, and community come together. Located just five minutes from the Tanshō Lake Bridge on the road toward the Dantai Mountains, this vibrant hub is a gateway to the region’s lush forests, clean rivers, and seasonal wonders.

More than a rest stop, Yamakita roadside station celebrates the area’s agricultural heritage with fresh, locally sourced produce, handmade crafts, and seasonal specialties like the famous jacaranda-inspired treats. Visitors can enjoy light meals, relax in a tranquil park setting, or pick up unique souvenirs before continuing their journey. With 24-hour restroom and parking access, it’s the perfect place to pause and connect with the rhythm of rural Japan.

Located just 500 meters past Kawanishi Bridge on the route to Tanzawa Lake, the roadside station Yamakita offers a rare chance to taste the region’s only artisanal milk ice cream made from Jersey cows raised in the pristine highlands of Yamakita. Visitors can also explore a curated selection of locally crafted forest honey and handmade wasabi soy sauce—products found nowhere else. The station’s tranquil setting along a clear stream surrounded by lush evergreen forests provides a peaceful retreat unlike any other roadside stop.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:15–9:45 AM on weekdays to secure the first selection of fresh local milk bread from the in-house bakery, which is baked daily and typically sells out by 11:00 AM
• Hidden Gems: Check the back corner of the produce section near the entrance for seasonal wild mountain vegetables like yamabushitake (mountain mushrooms), available only during June–August and sold at a discount when nearing end-of-season
• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the deli counter between 10:00–10:30 AM to purchase the limited-edition “D52 Special Curry Rice” — a collaboration with the D52 Steam Locomotive restoration team, available only until 12:00 PM
• Local Product Hunt: Purchase the “Kamiyama Wildflower Honey” at the counter near the exit — it’s only stocked on Thursdays and Sundays, and is not available on other days
• Best Photo Spot: Head to the south-facing viewing platform just past the parking lot, directly overlooking the Danakura River, for the best sunrise views between 6:30–7:00 AM, especially during the jacaranda bloom season in June
• Parking Tip: Avoid using the main parking lot during peak hours (10:00–14:00) on weekends; instead, use the smaller lot near the riverbank, which is less crowded and offers better views of the water
• Souvenir Strategy: Buy the “Mountain Trail Map & Badge Set” at the information desk before 1:00 PM — it’s sold only until 1:00 PM and includes a commemorative badge for the nearby D52 steam locomotive restoration project

Spring (March-May): Late March to April features peak canola flower viewing and fresh bamboo shoots available at the roadside station.

Summer (June-August): June brings jacaranda blooms and the July Water Sprinkling Falls Festival.

Autumn (September-November): September offers summer closure updates and autumn foliage views.

Winter (December-February): December hosts the annual Bigano Mountain Outdoor Winter Festival.