Station Minamiuonuma

Discover the Heart of Snow Country’s Heritage

Minamiuonuma roadside station, nestled in the serene embrace of Niigata’s snow-drenched landscapes, is a vibrant gateway to the rich traditions of South Fish Flats. More than a rest stop, it’s a cultural crossroads where local history, art, and nature converge. At its core are three distinct spaces: the Imaizumi Memorial Hall, a gallery dedicated to renowned artist Shiko Munakata and other masterworks; the Seasons of Taste Hall, a bustling market offering the day’s freshest produce from local farms; and the Rest Garden, a year-round outdoor haven with playgrounds and seasonal snow parks.

Here, visitors savor the essence of the region—crisp autumn apples, sweet persimmons, and the famed Koshihikari rice at the Tappoya dining hall. With its thoughtful blend of art, agriculture, and community, Minamiuonuma offers a deeply authentic experience of rural Japan, inviting travelers to slow down and connect with the land and its people.

Visit Minamiuonuma roadside station to experience the only art museum in the region dedicated to Shiko Munakata, whose bold woodblock prints are displayed in the Imaizumi Memorial Hall. Here, you’ll also find the only on-site restaurant serving freshly cooked local Koshihikari rice with traditional dishes made from seasonal produce, including the rare sawa-shi persimmon and roasted chestnuts harvested from the area’s mountain slopes.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the freshest seasonal produce, as local farmers deliver new arrivals to Shikiajiwaikan at 9:00 daily and stock sells out quickly.

• Hidden Gems: At the deli counter in Shikiajiwaikan, look for the daily special of fresh, hand-peeled raw peanuts (na ma rakuhana) available only during the fall harvest season—these are not advertised but stocked when available.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the Tappoya restaurant offers a limited-time “Seasonal Rice Box” featuring local vegetables like sautéed kabocha squash and pickled daikon, served with fresh rice harvested in the same season.

• Art Experience Tip: Visit the Imaizumi Memorial Hall on Fridays between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM when the museum staff conducts free 30-minute guided tours of the Shiko Munakata exhibition, focusing on his woodblock prints and regional influence.

• Outdoor Activity Timing: Use the playground and shaded benches in Iko no Hiroba before 11:00 AM in summer to avoid midday heat; the park’s shaded areas become extremely hot by noon and offer limited relief.

• Seasonal Product Alert: Check Shikiajiwaikan’s entrance display on November 3rd for the first batch of fresh persimmons (sawashi kaki, pre-soaked to remove bitterness), which are only available for a 48-hour window after delivery.

• Gift Shopping Hack: Purchase locally made dried chestnuts and yuzu marmalade together in the Shikiajiwaikan gift section to receive a complimentary reusable fabric bag—this combo deal is only available on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market in early spring, with seasonal produce like spinach and onions appearing from April.

Summer (June-August): Asparagus and fresh beans harvested in late June, with the playground open for children’s outdoor activities.

Autumn (September-November): Peak season for apples, pomegranates, and sweet persimmons, with fresh root vegetables like daikon and taro available through November.

Winter (December-February): Snow Kids Park open for winter fun, offering a unique snowy experience in the region’s deep snow.