Discover the Heart of Miyagi’s Culinary Heritage
Shina no Sato, nestled along National Route 45 in Ishinomaki, is more than a roadside station—it’s a vibrant celebration of local flavor, nature, and community. As the only roadside station in Miyagi Prefecture with a wellness-focused hot spring, it offers a rare blend of rural charm and modern comfort.
Here, fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and artisanal goods from nearby farms take center stage. Enjoy handcrafted sweets, locally roasted coffee, or a hearty meal made with ingredients sourced within the region. Don’t miss the relaxing footbath and the renowned "Futago no Yu" hot spring, where mineral-rich waters soothe the soul after a day of exploration.
With year-round access, free Wi-Fi, EV charging, and a lively calendar of events—from live performances to seasonal markets—Shina no Sato is a true destination for travelers seeking authenticity, connection, and the simple joy of good food.
Why Visit
Visit Shina no Sato roadside station for its unique hot spring, futa-go no Yu, the only wellness spa at a Miyagi prefecture roadside station. Savor fresh local seafood, stone-oven baked takoyaki, and seasonal specialties like Iwaki-grown fig jam, all in a vibrant hub celebrating regional craftsmanship and farm-to-table excellence.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor the essence of Ishinomaki at Shina no Sato, where fresh local ingredients meet culinary tradition in every bite.
Oka no Sato Cafe
お郷カフェ
Specialty
Fresh seafood and freshly fried snacks, along with house-roasted coffee and local fruit desserts
A cozy café offering fresh seafood and crispy fried snacks, paired with house-roasted coffee and desserts made with locally sourced tomatoes and strawberries. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxing break.
Kobayashi Dining Hall
食事処 こばやし
Specialty
Traditional Japanese meals with local ingredients
A traditional dining hall offering hearty, home-style Japanese cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is rustic and welcoming, ideal for a satisfying meal.
Shinryu Soba and Yakitori
喜栄
Specialty
Soba noodles and grilled chicken skewers
A specialty stall offering handmade soba noodles and grilled yakitori, using fresh local ingredients. The atmosphere is lively and casual, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.
Shinryu Soba and Yakitori
喜栄
Specialty
Soba noodles and grilled chicken skewers
A specialty stall offering handmade soba noodles and grilled yakitori, using fresh local ingredients. The atmosphere is lively and casual, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.
Shinryu Soba and Yakitori
喜栄
Specialty
Soba noodles and grilled chicken skewers
A specialty stall offering handmade soba noodles and grilled yakitori, using fresh local ingredients. The atmosphere is lively and casual, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated collection of regional treasures and handmade goods at Shina no Sato’s vibrant marketplace.
Hita Kami Farmers Market
農産物直売所 「ひたかみ」
A direct sales market offering fresh, locally grown produce and processed goods from local farmers. The shop emphasizes safety, quality, and sustainability.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly Harvested Vegetables
Yamazaki Shop
ヤマザキショップ
A shop offering a variety of baked goods, including seasonal and specialty cakes. Known for its Christmas cake pre-orders and gift items.
Products
Must-Try Item
Christmas Cake
Kakishimo Shop
蒲鉾本舗 高政
A specialty shop offering traditional fish paste products, including kamaboko and small-sized fried kamaboko. Known for its high-quality, locally made seafood snacks.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fried Kamaboko
Okashi no Ie
おかしのいえ
A boutique bakery offering handmade cakes and desserts. Known for its custom orders and seasonal specialties.
Products
Must-Try Item
Custom Cake
Kombu and Wakame Shop
わかめと昆布
A shop specializing in dried seaweed products, including wakame and kombu. Ideal for gift-giving and cooking.
Products
Must-Try Item
Seaweed Gift Set
Mushroom Shop
しいたけ
A shop offering fresh and dried shiitake mushrooms, including original varieties. Known for its high-quality, locally grown mushrooms.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Shiitake Mushrooms
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like stone-oven baked seafood, handcrafted jams, and seasonal farm-fresh produce.
Fig Syrup
いちじくの甘露煮
Sweet fig syrup made from locally grown figs, perfect for desserts or as a topping.
Fig Jam
いちじくジャム
Delicious jam made from fresh figs, ideal for spreading on bread or as a dessert ingredient.
Fresh Oysters
むき牡蠣
Freshly shucked oysters from local waters, perfect for raw consumption or cooking.
Shiitake Mushrooms
しいたけ
Fresh, meaty shiitake mushrooms grown in the region, ideal for grilling, boiling, or frying.
Kombu and Wakame Gift Set
わかめと昆布
A premium gift set containing dried wakame and kombu, perfect for soups and traditional dishes.
Fried Kamaboko
ぷちあげ
Small-sized, crispy fried kamaboko made from local fish paste, ideal as a snack or side dish.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax in comfort with free Wi-Fi, EV charging, spacious parking, and a tranquil onsen at Shina no Sato.
Parking Lot
Free parking with a capacity of 245 vehicles, including 229 standard cars, 11 large vehicles, 4 disabled parking spots, and 1 EV charging spot.
Located at the roadside station premises
Restroom
Available for visitors at the roadside station.
Located within the roadside station premises
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the roadside station
Traffic Information Center
Provides traffic information for drivers and travelers, and includes a free rest area.
Located at the roadside station
Futago no Yu Hot Spring
A day-use hot spring facility attached to the roadside station. It features a high iron and salt content mineral water that keeps visitors warm after bathing. It also includes a spacious rest area ideal for relaxation.
Attached to the roadside station
EV Charging Station
An EV charging station is available with one dedicated spot for electric vehicles.
Located at the roadside station
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Located within the roadside station premises
Activities & Experiences
Engage in hands-on workshops, seasonal festivals, and unique local experiences throughout the year.
Freestyle Football Performance
フリースタイルフットボール
Watch a professional freestyle football performer combine juggling, acrobatics, and dance in a dynamic outdoor performance
Duration
120 min
Outdoor event; may be canceled in heavy rain
Denim Remaking Workshop
Shining denim（デニムリメイク）
Learn how to creatively redesign old denim clothing into new fashionable items
Duration
90 min
Indoor workshop, unaffected by weather
Handmade Jewelry Making
Twinkle merrily（ハンドメイドアクセサリー）
Create your own unique handmade jewelry using various materials and techniques
Duration
90 min
Indoor workshop, unaffected by weather
Oyster Tasting Experience
牡蠣の季節がやってきました！！
Taste fresh local oysters, available both shelled and in the shell, from the region of Ishinomaki
Duration
30 min
Available year-round, but best during winter months
Mushroom Picking Experience
しいたけ狩りも楽しめますよ。
Pick fresh shiitake mushrooms from the forest and learn about their cultivation
Duration
60 min
Best on dry days; may be canceled during heavy rain
Fresh Strawberry Picking
いちじくの甘露煮・いちじくジャム
Pick fresh figs and enjoy them on the spot or take home homemade fig jam
Duration
60 min
Available in greenhouse during light rain
Insider Tips
Visit early for the best selection, check event schedules for live performances, and enjoy the onsen after sunset for a serene escape.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to access the freshest produce at the agricultural market and avoid crowds at the food court and hot spring facility.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter near the back entrance of the agricultural market to find limited-edition seasonal items like the newly released fig jam and fig candy, only available during the autumn months.
- Weekend Bonuses: On Saturdays and Sundays, the roadside station hosts rotating food trucks offering exclusive local dishes such as grilled oyster skewers and stone-baked soba, typically operating from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
- Photo Opportunities: Capture the best views at the foot bath area just outside the onsen entrance, especially during early morning hours when the mist rises and the surrounding forest is quiet; the stone lanterns and wooden bridge make for a picturesque backdrop.
- Money Savers: Purchase the "Shina no Sato Family Pack" at the agricultural market—includes 1 kg of local rice, 1 jar of pickled vegetables, and a seasonal fruit—available only from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on weekdays for 10% off.
- Avoiding Crowds: Skip the main parking lot and use the secondary lot near the EV charging station; it’s quieter and closer to the onsen entrance, especially during holiday weekends.
- Closure Alerts: Check the official website’s event calendar every Thursday evening, as last-minute closures due to staff shortages or special events (like the biweekly craft workshops) are posted there by 8:00 PM the prior day.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Spring offers fresh seafood and early seasonal produce, with local fish and vegetables at their peak from March to May.
Summer (June-August): Summer is ideal for enjoying fresh oysters and grilled seafood, with peak harvests from June to August.
Fall (September-November): Fall brings new rice harvests and autumn mushrooms, with 2025’s R7 rice and shiitake available from September.
Winter (December-February): Winter is perfect for visiting the hot spring "Futago no Yu" and savoring hearty local dishes in the cold season.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers play-friendly spaces, kid-friendly food, and a family-oriented atmosphere with diverse activities and accessible facilities.
Food Lover Review
Features local specialties, fresh produce, diverse dining options, and unique regional products like oysters and handmade jams.
Car Camping Review
Provides ample parking, basic facilities, and a quiet location, suitable for overnight stays with minor limitations.
Scenic Beauty Review
Offers scenic views along the highway, pleasant natural surroundings, and well-maintained areas with seasonal appeal.