Discover the Heart of Northern Miyagi’s Natural Bounty
Michi-no-Eki Hanayama, nestled along National Route 398 in the scenic Hamayama district of Kurihara City, is a vibrant roadside station where mountain serenity meets local tradition. Perched at the northernmost tip of Miyagi Prefecture, this destination offers visitors a true taste of rural Japan, anchored by the region’s prized mountain yam, or natural yam.
More than a rest stop, Michi-no-Eki Hanayama is a celebration of seasonal harvests, with fresh local vegetables, wild mushrooms, and regional sake available at its bustling market. The on-site restaurant shines with dishes featuring Hamayama’s signature yam, seasonal mountain vegetables, and river trout, including a popular all-you-can-eat soba experience. Surrounded by lush trees and seasonal blooms, the station also serves as a gateway for hiking, fishing, and enjoying vibrant events like the Spring Handmade Soba Festival and Winter Snow Festival.
Why Visit
Michi-no-Eki Hanayama stands out as the only roadside station in the region dedicated entirely to natural yam, or nigenjyo, a rare tuber prized for its earthy sweetness and unique texture. Visitors can sample it in a variety of forms—from freshly grated in seasonal salads to slow-cooked in savory stews—only available here. The station’s restaurant also features a signature dish: a hearty yam and wild mountain vegetable bowl, a local specialty found nowhere else. With its high-altitude mountain setting and seasonal events like the Handmade Soba Festival, it offers a truly immersive taste of rural Kurihara’s culinary heritage.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, local flavors at Michi-no-Eki Hanayama, where traditional dishes highlight natural yam and mountain vegetables.
Natural Yam Restaurant
自然薯の館
Specialty
Local natural yam dishes
A restaurant located within the roadside station that specializes in dishes made with locally grown natural yam, a regional specialty. The menu also features seasonal mountain vegetables and iwana (a type of trout), offering a taste of the mountainous region's fresh, natural ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and rustic, with a focus on traditional local cuisine.
Shopping Highlights
Discover seasonal produce and handmade goods at Michi-no-Eki Hanayama’s vibrant market stalls.
Farmers Market
農産物直売所
A market offering fresh produce directly from local farmers in Kurihara City. It features seasonal vegetables, mushrooms, and the region's famous natural yam.
Products
Must-Try Item
Natural Yam
Local Liquor Store
地酒販売所
A shop specializing in local sake and traditional alcoholic beverages from Kurihara City, offering a variety of regional brews.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kurihara Local Sake
Souvenir and Craft Shop
お土産・特産品・工芸品
A shop offering local souvenirs, specialty products, and handmade crafts from the region, perfect for visitors looking to take home a piece of Kurihara's culture.
Products
Must-Try Item
Natural Yam-based Products
Featured Products
Explore signature local specialties like natural yam and wild mountain vegetables, crafted with care from the region’s rich soil.
Natural Yam (Fresh)
自然薯
A unique, locally grown tuber known for its delicate flavor and high nutritional value. Harvested from the mountainous region of Kurihara, it is a prized regional specialty.
Mountain Vegetable Mix
山菜セット
A seasonal mix of wild mountain vegetables harvested from the region, including akiko, shidoke, and tara no me. Perfect for cooking traditional dishes.
Local Sake (Kurihara Special)
栗原地酒
A premium local sake crafted by a historic brewery in Kurihara City, known for its smooth taste and traditional brewing methods.
Natural Yam Pickled in Vinegar
自然薯のぬか漬け
A unique preserved food made by pickling natural yam in vinegar, offering a tangy and refreshing taste. A popular local snack.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, and electric vehicle charging at Michi-no-Eki Hanayama.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking facility with space for 81 vehicles.
Adjacent to the main entrance
Restroom
Public restrooms are available for visitors.
Inside the facility complex
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the premises
Information Center
An information center provides visitors with local tourism information, maps, and assistance.
Near the main entrance
Play Area
The station features a natural play area with trees such as rhododendron, maple, dogwood, and nakanamadou, offering seasonal beauty and a relaxing environment for children.
Within the station grounds
EV Charging Station
An electric vehicle rapid charging station is available for EV drivers. The service is free of charge.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitor convenience.
Near the entrance
Activities & Experiences
Participate in seasonal events and hands-on experiences like soba-making and nature walks in the scenic surroundings.
Handmade Soba Festival
手打ちそば祭り
Participants can enjoy a lively festival celebrating handmade soba noodles, featuring local food, music, and cultural performances.
Duration
180 min
New Soba Festival
秋の新そば祭り
Attendees can experience the harvest of fresh autumn soba, enjoy cooking demonstrations, tastings, and traditional festivities.
Duration
180 min
Snow Festival
雪っこまつり
Guests can participate in winter-themed activities such as snow sculpting, winter games, and enjoy seasonal food and drinks.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor activities may be affected by heavy snowfall.
Soba Noodle Tasting Experience
そばの食べ放題
Participants can enjoy unlimited servings of locally made soba noodles at the on-site restaurant, paired with seasonal ingredients.
Duration
90 min
Natural Yams Cooking Workshop
自然薯の料理体験
Attendees learn how to prepare traditional dishes using local natural yams, including recipes passed down through generations.
Duration
120 min
Hiking and Nature Trail Tour
ハイキング・自然散策ツアー
Guided walking tours through scenic forest paths featuring seasonal foliage, native plants, and views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
Duration
120 min
Wear appropriate footwear and weatherproof clothing.
Trout Fishing Experience
渓流釣り体験
Participants can try fishing in the nearby streams, with guidance from local experts on techniques and equipment use.
Duration
180 min
Fishing may be restricted during heavy rain or high water levels.
Seasonal Vegetable and Mushroom Harvesting
山菜・きのこ収穫体験
Guests can pick seasonal mountain vegetables and wild mushrooms in the surrounding forest, guided by local farmers.
Duration
120 min
Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes; check for rain before visiting.
Insider Tips
Visit during seasonal festivals for unique local treats and best access to fresh harvests at Michi-no-Eki Hanayama.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM to secure a seat at the restaurant before the lunch rush begins, as the natural yam set and soba eat-all-you-can meals are most popular during this window.
- Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the entrance for fresh mountain vegetables like aiko, shidoke, and tatsumi, which are only available during spring and are used in the restaurant’s seasonal dishes.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the restaurant’s counter between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM to try the freshly made soba noodles, which are prepared daily and are not available after 12:00 PM.
- Best Purchase Time: Buy natural yam (also known as "shinjitsu-imo") directly from the produce stand before 12:00 PM, as the daily batch sells out quickly and is not restocked.
- Must-Try Menu Item: Order the natural yam rice bowl at the restaurant and ask for it with a side of mountain vegetable tempura, as this combination is a signature dish made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Electric Vehicle Tip: Use the free fast-charging station located in the parking area if you're driving an electric vehicle, as it is specifically designated for visitors exploring the surrounding mountain trails and lakes.
- Seasonal Event Timing: Attend the "Handmade Soba Festival" in spring or the "New Soba Festival" in autumn, both held at the roadside station, and arrive by 10:00 AM to participate in the first batch of soba-making demonstrations and sample fresh noodles.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh mountain vegetables like ai-ko and tara-no-mi peak in spring, with the hand-made soba festival held in spring.
Summer (June-August): Soba noodle eating events feature fresh local soba, while hiking and fishing thrive in the warm months.
Autumn (September-November): Autumn brings wild mushrooms and natural yam harvests, with the new soba festival celebrating the season.
Winter (December-February): The snow festival highlights winter charm, with hot springs and serene snow-covered landscapes nearby.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Features a children's play area with natural elements, stroller-friendly paths, and seasonal events like the soba festival. Educational opportunities include nature trails and local farming exhibits, enhancing family engagement.
Food Lover Review
Offers diverse local cuisine including natural yam dishes, mountain vegetables, and fresh trout. Features a soba buffet and a variety of regional produce and sake. High-quality, locally sourced ingredients enhance the dining experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides ample parking for 81 vehicles and basic facilities like restrooms and vending machines. The area is quiet with scenic surroundings, though no explicit overnight parking policy is mentioned. Suitable for short stops.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near a clear lake with lush forests and seasonal foliage. Offers scenic viewpoints and photo opportunities along trails. The natural surroundings and seasonal beauty create a peaceful, aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.