Discover the Spirit of Craft and Nature at Yoshikawa Toji no Sato
Nestled along Prefectural Road 30, Yoshikawa Toji no Sato offers panoramic views of the majestic Yagami Mountain, Mimi Mountain, and the Myoko Mountain Range. This roadside station is more than a pit stop—it’s a gateway to the heart of Niigata’s rural charm, where tradition meets tranquility. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling farmland, it welcomes travelers with spacious parking for large vehicles and 24-hour access to essential facilities, including a multi-purpose restroom and changing table.
At the heart of the station lies the historic Yoshikawa Brewery, where visitors can explore sake-making heritage through guided tours and tastings. Nearby, the Yuttari Onsen温泉 offers a soothing retreat, while the seasonal farm market, Shiki-ya, showcases fresh local produce. With dining at Kutsurogi Chōya, a charming eatery serving regional flavors, and opportunities for adventure like paragliding from Yagami Mountain, Yoshikawa Toji no Sato blends relaxation, culture, and natural beauty in one unforgettable destination.
Why Visit
Yoshikawa Toji no Sato stands out as the only roadside station in the region where visitors can tour an active sake brewery, tasting rare seasonal releases like the limited-edition Kurokawa Ginjō crafted from locally grown rice. Perched with panoramic views of the towering Miya Mountain and the Mogami River valley, it offers the only public access to a paragliding launch site on Mount Okami, where skilled pilots take off daily in summer.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Yoshikawa Toji no Sato, where rustic cuisine meets mountain freshness.
Relaxation Long House Dining
食事処くつろぎ長屋
Specialty
Traditional Japanese cuisine with a modern twist
A cozy dining space offering a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can enjoy locally sourced ingredients prepared with care. The restaurant emphasizes seasonal flavors and regional authenticity.
Shopping Highlights
Discover seasonal treasures and regional crafts at this vibrant roadside station.
Four Seasons Vegetable Market
農産物直売所四季菜の郷
A direct-to-consumer market offering fresh, seasonal produce from local farms.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh mountain vegetables
Yoshikawa Sake Brewery
酒蔵よしかわ杜氏の郷
A traditional sake brewery offering tastings and bottled sake for sale.
Products
Must-Try Item
Premium Junmai Sake
Yuttari Onsen Spa
長峰温泉ゆったりの郷
A relaxing hot spring facility offering public baths and wellness services.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hot spring bath experience
Featured Products
Taste signature brews and farm-fresh produce from the heart of Niigata’s artisanal heritage.
Yoshikawa Premium Sake
よしかわプレミアム酒
A high-quality junmai sake crafted using traditional methods and local water.
Mountain Vegetable Set
山菜セット
A curated selection of fresh, wild mountain vegetables harvested from the surrounding region.
Local Rice Bundle
地元米束
Premium rice grown in the Yoshikawa region, known for its rich flavor and texture.
Onsen Souvenir Kit
温泉お土産セット
A gift set featuring onsen-themed items including bath salts and hand towels.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy spacious parking, 24-hour restrooms, and convenient amenities for every traveler.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a spacious parking area that can accommodate large vehicles, making it convenient for travelers on road trips.
Located along National Route 30
Multi-purpose Toilet
A 24-hour accessible multi-purpose restroom with diaper changing facilities is available for visitors.
Within the roadside station area
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station for convenient internet access.
Throughout the premises
Information Center
The information center is open from 10:00 to 18:00 and provides assistance and local information to visitors.
Inside the roadside station
Chōmin Onsen Yuttari no Sato
A hot spring facility offering relaxation and wellness, open from 10:00 to 21:00. It features a traditional onsen experience with scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
Adjacent to the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging facilities are available for visitors traveling with electric cars.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitors to withdraw cash conveniently.
Near the information center
Play Area
A designated play area is available for children to enjoy and relax during visits.
Near the main parking and facility entrance
Nursing Room
A private nursing room equipped with facilities for breastfeeding and baby care is available for parents with infants.
Inside the restroom area
Insider Tips
Visit midweek for quieter access and plan around seasonal events for unique experiences.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM on weekdays to get the freshest selection at the seasonal produce market, where summer squash and heirloom tomatoes are restocked daily at opening.
- Hidden Gems: At the agricultural market "Shiki Sai no Sato," ask for the seasonal fruit basket that includes fresh local peaches and mountain strawberries—available only during August and September.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the food hall "Kutsurogi Nagaya" offers a limited-time "Mountain Forest Bento" featuring locally foraged mushrooms and wild greens—available only from 11:30 AM until sold out.
- Avoid the Wait: If visiting the long-term parking area, enter from the west side near the wine cellar entrance to bypass the main entrance queue, especially during peak hours on weekends.
- Best Time to Visit the Wine Cellar: Arrive before 12:00 PM on weekdays to tour the "Yoshikawa Sake Brewery" when staff are available for guided tastings—tours run every 30 minutes starting at 10:30 AM.
- Hidden Hot Spring Perk: The "Yuttari no Sato" hot spring bath allows guests to use the outdoor bath area from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM on weekdays—this is the only time the private outdoor soaking area is open to the public.
- Off-Peak Shopping: Purchase the "Yoshikawa Autumn Harvest Gift Box" at the agricultural market between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM on weekdays, when staff offer a 10% discount to clear inventory before closing.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Late March to April features peak canola flower viewing, with the roadside station offering fresh seasonal produce at the farm market.
Summer (June–August): July and August bring ideal weather for paragliding launches from Mount Ojigami, with mountain views from the roadside station.
Autumn (September–November): October highlights include the annual "Sasaguri Dance Comedy" and seasonal harvests like chestnuts and sweet potatoes at the farm market.
Winter (December–February): December offers special holiday events, while February features a three-day restaurant tasting event at Kutsurogi Nagaya.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a spacious parking area, stroller-friendly paths, and a 24-hour multi-purpose restroom with diaper changing. While no dedicated play area is mentioned, the scenic views and nearby attractions provide natural engagement for children.
Food Lover Review
Features a well-stocked farmers market with seasonal produce and multiple dining options, including a dedicated restaurant serving regional specialties. The presence of a sake brewery adds unique culinary depth and authenticity.
Car Camping Review
Provides accessible restrooms, vending machines, and ample parking for large vehicles. While no designated overnight camping zones are stated, the quiet setting and 24-hour facilities support convenient overnight stops for travelers.
Scenic Beauty Review
Offers panoramic views of Mount Omiyama, Mount Yama, and the Myoko mountain range. The location atop a ridge provides excellent photo opportunities, and seasonal landscapes enhance the visual appeal throughout the year.