Discover the Heart of Rural Japan at Sambongi Roadside Station
Nestled in the serene countryside of Oshu City, Sambongi Roadside Station is a vibrant gateway to the region’s rich history, natural beauty, and community spirit. Located at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, this destination offers travelers a unique blend of cultural heritage and sustainable tourism.
At Sambongi, visitors can explore the compelling story of Japan’s former premier lignite, the “Sambongi Bituminous Coal,” through the meticulously curated Sambongi Coal Memorial Museum. The station also features a charming “Yamanami Boy” photo panel for memorable snapshots, a fully equipped EV fast-charging station for eco-conscious travelers, and a bustling marketplace showcasing fresh local produce and regional specialties. Whether you're seeking a quiet meal, a scenic walk, or a deeper connection to rural Japan, Sambongi offers an authentic and enriching experience.
Why Visit
Sambongi roadside station stands out for its unique access to the region’s only coal heritage museum, where visitors can view a massive 10-ton coal block and a detailed mine tunnel model—exhibits found nowhere else. Just steps away, the station offers the only official souvenir commemorative ticket in the area, a collectible for travelers and rail enthusiasts. Together with its EV fast-charging station and scenic views of the surrounding hills, Sambongi delivers a one-of-a-kind stop for history lovers, eco-travelers, and curious explorers.
Restaurants & Dining
Sambongi roadside station offers a delightful culinary journey with seasonal dishes made from local ingredients.
Yamanami Boya
やまなみぼうや
Specialty
Interactive photo panel featuring a character for visitors to enjoy
A fun and interactive food stall with a character-themed photo panel for visitors to take memorable pictures.
Seasonal Restaurant
レストラン
Specialty
Seasonal menu with local ingredients
A full-service restaurant offering a rotating seasonal menu that highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, ideal for a relaxing meal.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated selection of regional specialties and fresh produce at Sambongi's vibrant marketplace.
Local Produce and Specialty Goods
販売コーナー
A retail corner offering a wide variety of fresh local vegetables and regional specialty products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh local vegetables
Light Meal Corner
軽食コーナー
A casual dining area offering light meals and snacks for quick refreshments.
Products
Must-Try Item
Light meals
Ash Coal Memorial Museum
大崎市三本木 亜炭記念館
A museum dedicated to the history of ash coal mining in Sanbongi, featuring exhibits such as a 10-ton coal block and a mine tunnel model.
Products
Must-Try Item
10-ton coal block
Disaster Information Station
防災情報ステーション
A station providing road, tourism, and local information, including brochures and advertisements for nearby areas.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local tourism information
Featured Products
Sambongi is renowned for its signature local products, including artisanal goods and heritage items from the area.
Memorial Ticket
記念きっぷ
A commemorative ticket featuring the roadside station's logo and history, available for purchase at the station.
EV Fast Charger
ＥＶ急速充電器
A fast charging station for electric vehicles located in the downhill parking area, available 24/7.
Facilities & Amenities
Convenient amenities at Sambongi include restrooms, EV charging stations, and information services for travelers.
EV Rapid Charging Parking Area
Two EV rapid chargers are installed in the downhill parking area. Available 24 hours a day, year-round. Self-service operation with no application required. Accepts EcoQ Electric and NCS (Japan Charging Service) membership cards only. Cash payments are not accepted.
Downhill parking area
Toilet
Available 24 hours a day, year-round. Clean and well-maintained. Please avoid vandalism such as graffiti on walls and doors.
Throughout the roadside station
Disaster Information Station
Provides road information, tourism information, and local advertisements and brochures. Open 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily. Closed at night for security and environmental maintenance.
Inside the roadside station
Wi-Fi
Available for visitors at the roadside station. Specific details not provided, but implied through standard roadside station services.
Throughout the roadside station
EV Rapid Charging Station
Two rapid chargers installed for electric vehicles (EVs) in the downhill parking area. Operates 24/7, year-round. Payment only via EcoQ Electric or NCS membership cards. No cash payments accepted.
Downhill parking area
ATM
Not explicitly mentioned in the text. No information provided about ATM availability.
Yamana Mibouya Face-Display Panel
A face-display panel for the character 'Yamana Mibouya' has been installed for visitors to take commemorative photos.
Near the roadside station entrance
Nursing Room
Not explicitly mentioned in the text. No information provided about nursing room availability.
Onsen
Not mentioned in the text. No information provided about an onsen facility.
Bike Rental
Not mentioned in the text. No information provided about bike rental services.
Pet Area
Not mentioned in the text. No information provided about pet-friendly areas.
Activities & Experiences
Enjoy hands-on workshops, seasonal events, and interactive experiences that celebrate local culture and nature.
Park Golf Course
ケーエス三本木パークゴルフ場
Play park golf on a certified course with designated tees and holes. Equipment rental is available.
Duration
90 min
Closed on rainy days or other adverse weather conditions.
Photo Booth with Yamanami Boy Character
『やまなみぼうや』顔出しパネル
Take commemorative photos with the Yamanami Boy character display panel.
Duration
10 min
Coal Heritage Museum Exhibition
大崎市三本木 亜炭記念館
Explore exhibits on the history of coal mining in Sanbongi, including a 10-ton coal block and a mine tunnel model.
Duration
60 min
Citizen Gallery Exhibition Space
亜炭記念館「市民ギャラリー」
Participate in community art or cultural exhibitions hosted at the Coal Memorial Museum. Not available for commercial or sales purposes.
Duration
120 min
EV Fast Charging Station
ＥＶ急速充電器
Use one of two fast-charging stations for electric vehicles located in the downhill parking area.
Duration
30 min
Charging is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around opening hours and avoid peak times for a more relaxed experience at Sambongi roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit the roadside station between 9:00 and 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure a parking spot near the EV rapid charger before it fills up, as the lower-level parking area is often fully occupied by mid-morning.
- Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the seasonal "Sambongi Special Milk Bread" sold only during weekdays from 9:00 to 11:00 AM—this fresh-baked bread sells out daily and is not available on weekends.
- Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the "Yamana Mi Boy" face panel display between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to take a photo with the character and receive a free commemorative sticker at the front desk.
- EV Charging Tip: Use the "EcoQ Den" or "Japan Charging Service (NCS)" card to charge your electric vehicle at the lower-level parking area—cash payments are not accepted, and the 30-minute charge costs 540 yen (tax included).
- Best Time to Visit the Coal Memorial Museum: Arrive by 9:15 AM to view the 10-ton coal block and mine tunnel model before the midday crowd arrives; the museum closes at 5:00 PM and does not allow entry after 4:30 PM.
- Food and Drink Timing: Order at the restaurant by 3:30 PM to ensure your meal is served before the 4:00 PM closing; the kitchen stops taking orders at 3:30 PM and the restaurant closes at 4:00 PM.
- Photography Tip: Take photos of the vintage Daihatsu three-wheeled truck in front of the Coal Memorial Museum between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM when natural light is best and the area is not crowded with tour groups.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Peak season for fresh bamboo shoots at the roadside station market and blooming canola flowers in late March to April.
Summer (June–August): Park golf course open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM; ideal for outdoor activities and visiting the coal museum.
Autumn (September–November): Best time to explore the coal memorial museum and enjoy seasonal produce at the roadside station.
Winter (December–February): Park golf course operates with reduced hours; visit the coal museum and enjoy warm meals at the roadside station.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Features include a playground, interactive 'Yamanami Boy' photo panel, and stroller-friendly paths. Kid-friendly food options and educational exhibits at the coal museum enhance the experience. Restrooms and parking are accessible.
Food Lover Review
Offers a variety of local dishes, fresh regional produce, and seasonal menus. The restaurant and snack area provide quality dining. Specialties like local vegetables and regional snacks add authenticity to the food experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, vending machines, and EV charging stations. Quiet during daytime with 24-hour access. Overnight parking is allowed, though no formal camping facilities or designated overnight zones are specified.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by natural landscapes with scenic views of the park and nearby hills. Offers photo opportunities at the coal museum and park golf course. Seasonal beauty is enhanced by the park and surrounding greenery.