Station Irihirose

Discover the Heart of Niigata’s Rural Charm

Irihirose roadside station welcomes travelers to the serene beauty of Inahirose, nestled in the lush landscapes of Niigata Prefecture’s Fish Pond Region. Located near the tranquil Mirror Lake, this vibrant roadside station blends natural serenity with local culture, offering a refreshing escape from the everyday. Surrounded by rolling farmland and forested hills, it serves as a gateway to the region’s rich agricultural heritage and timeless traditions.

What sets Irihirose apart is its authentic local flavor—visitors can savor freshly made dairy products, seasonal vegetables, and regional specialties at the on-site market and the popular Mirror Lake Restaurant. With seasonal events, artisan crafts, and scenic views, it’s more than a pit stop—it’s a celebration of community, nature, and the simple pleasures of rural Japan.

Visit Irihirose for its unique access to the region’s only handmade yuzu-infused rice crackers, crafted from locally grown rice and fresh yuzu from nearby orchards. The roadside station also offers panoramic views of the pristine Mirror Pond, where visitors can enjoy seasonal flower displays and guided nature walks along the restored forest trail—experiences unavailable at any other roadside station in the area.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM on days when the water supply is interrupted (such as October 16), as the roadside station operates only during this window and closes at 12:00 PM due to the outage.

• Dining Plan Adjustment: Avoid dining at Lake Mirror Restaurant (Kagetsu Pool Restaurant) during scheduled outages, as it will be temporarily closed when water is cut off—plan meals at the roadside station’s deli counter instead.

• Restroom Alternative: If the roadside station restroom is unavailable during a water outage, use the restroom at the Fishima City Hall Inahirose Branch Office (Inahirose Hall), located at 215-1 Inazawa, Fishima City, as it is one of the designated nearby facilities.

• Bakery Timing: Purchase fresh-baked milk bread from the roadside station’s bakery before 11:00 AM on weekends, as it typically sells out by that time and is not restocked during the day.

• Food Truck Schedule: Check for food trucks on-site during weekend afternoons, as they are known to set up in the parking area between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, offering local snacks and drinks.

• Local Product Pickup: Visit the deli counter between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to pick up the day’s limited batch of local honey and pickled vegetables, which are only available in small quantities and often sell out by midday.

• Parking Strategy: Use the main parking lot near the entrance to access the roadside station’s main facilities, as the area near the lake restaurant is less accessible during water outages and may be restricted.

Spring (March–May): Canola flowers bloom in late March to April, and fresh bamboo shoots are available at the roadside station market.

Summer (June–August): Fresh watermelon is harvested in July, and the lake restaurant offers seasonal seafood dishes.

Autumn (September–November): Chestnuts are in season from early October, and the surrounding mountains display vibrant fall foliage.

Winter (December–February): Snow-covered scenery enhances the peaceful atmosphere, and hot roasted chestnuts are sold at the roadside station.