Discover the Heart of Rural Saitama at Mina-no Roadside Station
Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Chichibu region, Mina-no Roadside Station serves as a vibrant gateway to the natural beauty and authentic culture of Saitama Prefecture. Located just minutes from Chichibu and the scenic Arakawa River, this station offers travelers a peaceful retreat where urban journeys pause to reconnect with the rhythms of the countryside.
More than a rest stop, Mina-no invites visitors to savor locally grown vegetables, handcrafted pickles, and traditional homemade dumplings. The popular rest house features a signature dish—hand-pulled country-style udon made with fresh local green onions—paired with hearty, farm-fresh flavors. With year-round events, seasonal festivals like the Chichibu Ondo Festival, and easy access to nearby attractions such as Myama Park, the Chichibu Gorge, and the famed Red Ribbon Rock formation, Mina-no is a true cultural and culinary hub for travelers seeking an immersive rural experience.
Why Visit
Mina-no roadside station stands out for its authentic taste of rural Rankoshi life. Only here can you savor handmade soba noodles crafted by local mothers using freshly harvested spring greens and seasonal vegetables, a dish so deeply rooted in the community it’s become a regional signature. Equally unique is the station’s access to the nearby Sannsaku area, where visitors can explore the rare red slate rock formation—a geological treasure found nowhere else in the world—just a short walk from the roadside station’s parking lot.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic countryside flavors at Mina-no roadside station, where fresh local vegetables and handcrafted udon are served with warmth and tradition.
Resthouse Mina-no
レストハウスみなの
Specialty
Local fresh vegetables and handmade soba noodles
A cozy dining spot offering traditional rural-style cuisine, featuring fresh vegetables sourced from local farms and hand-pulled soba noodles made by local mothers. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for travelers seeking a comforting meal during a drive.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local treasures at Mina-no roadside station, from seasonal produce to handmade goods crafted with care.
Farmers Market
農産物直売所
A direct sales market offering fresh local vegetables, pickled vegetables, and handmade snacks such as steamed buns.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local pickled vegetables
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature products like farm-fresh vegetables, traditional pickles, and handmade manju, all reflecting Mina-no's rich agricultural heritage.
Local Pickled Vegetables
地元野菜の漬物
Traditional pickled vegetables made from fresh local produce, preserving the authentic taste of the region.
Handmade Steamed Buns
手作りまんじゅう
Soft, freshly made steamed buns crafted with care using local ingredients.
Mina-no Official LINE Sticker Set
み～なの部屋
Official LINE sticker set featuring the friendly characters of Mina-no Town, perfect for fans of local culture.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities at Mina-no roadside station, including 24-hour restrooms, parking, EV charging, and a welcoming information center.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking lot with space for 136 regular cars, 5 large vehicles, and 4 barrier-free parking spots.
At the roadside station premises
Toilet
There are 9 male toilets, 9 female toilets, and 1 barrier-free toilet available.
At the roadside station premises
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available at the roadside station.
At the roadside station premises
Tourist Information Center
The roadside station features a tourist information center open 24 hours a day.
At the roadside station premises
EV Charging Station
There is one rapid EV charging station available for electric vehicles.
At the roadside station premises
ATM
An ATM is available at the roadside station.
At the roadside station premises
Play Area
The nearby Koshin Riverbank (Koshin Riverbed) offers a play area with water facilities and a water toilet, suitable for river activities such as river rafting and riverboat rides.
Koshin Riverbank, 3 minutes by car or 6 minutes on foot
Onsen
A hot spring called 'Mangan no Yu' is located 10 minutes by car from the roadside station. It is a natural hot spring surrounded by rich mountain scenery, ideal for relaxation after a walk.
10 minutes by car from the roadside station
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in local culture through seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and outdoor adventures from river play to scenic hikes.
River Play and Rafting at Koshigawa River
親鼻河原
Enjoy playing in the clear waters of the Koshigawa River and try rafting on the river.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor activity; check weather conditions before participating.
Sakura Viewing at Me no Yama Park
県立美の山公園
Admire over 8,000 cherry blossoms including 60 varieties, from early April to early May, with stunning views of the Ryūfuku Basin and surrounding mountains.
Duration
120 min
Best enjoyed on clear days; avoid rainy or windy weather.
Azalea Viewing at Me no Yama Park
県立美の山公園
View approximately 3,500 azaleas blooming in vibrant reds and pinks in mid-May, creating a stunning carpet-like effect in the forest.
Duration
90 min
Best viewed on sunny days; avoid heavy rain.
Hydrangea Viewing at Me no Yama Park
県立美の山公園
Experience the magical sight of 4,500 hydrangeas blooming in the misty summer rain, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
Duration
90 min
Ideal during light rain or misty weather.
Poppies in the Sky Field
天空のポピー畑
Visit a breathtaking poppy field at an altitude of 500 meters, set against a clear blue sky.
Duration
60 min
Best viewed on sunny days; avoid strong winds.
Guided Tour of the Red Curtain Schist Outcrop
紅簾石片岩
Take a guided walk to view one of the world’s most beautiful exposures of red curtain schist, a nationally designated cultural property.
Duration
60 min
Wear appropriate footwear; trails may be slippery after rain.
Visit to the Ancient Ginkgo Tree
国神の大イチョウ
Walk to see a 2,000-year-old ginkgo tree, one of the largest in Saitama Prefecture, believed to stand near the tomb of Emperor Chihofu-hiko.
Duration
45 min
Best visited on clear days; avoid extreme heat or rain.
Sake Tasting and Local Craft Workshop
地粉の手打ちうどん
Participate in a hands-on workshop to make traditional hand-pulled udon noodles using local flour, and enjoy tasting your creation.
Duration
90 min
Indoor activity; no weather restrictions.
Ranking of the Saitama Folk Song Festival
秩父音頭祭り
Attend the annual Saitama Folk Song Festival, held on August 14th, featuring dance competitions with over 70 teams from across the region.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor event; bring sunscreen and rain gear.
Guided Tour of the Koshigawa River Boat Ride
荒川船下り
Take a scenic boat ride down the Koshigawa River, enjoying views of the natural landscape and the passing of the steam locomotive.
Duration
60 min
Boat rides may be canceled in heavy rain or high winds.
Insider Tips
Plan your visit during off-peak hours for a quieter experience, and don’t miss the seasonal harvest events that highlight Mina-no’s vibrant community spirit.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit the farm stand by 9:00 AM on weekdays to get first choice of the day’s fresh vegetables, as the "fresh from the field" produce is displayed at opening and often sells out by midday.
- Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the handmade manjuu made with local ingredients—especially the seasonal red bean and chestnut variety available only from April to June.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, the hand-pulled regional udon at the resthouse is made fresh at 10:30 AM and is best enjoyed before 12:00 PM, as it is served only until 1:00 PM and often sells out by noon.
- Best Photo Spot: Capture the best view of the red rock outcrop by arriving at the trailhead at 9:00 AM, as the morning light highlights the red rock formations and the path is less crowded before 10:00 AM.
- Avoid Waiting: Order the signature waraji-shaped pork bowl at the resthouse between 11:15 AM and 11:45 AM to avoid the lunchtime rush, as it is prepared in batches and can take up to 20 minutes during peak hours.
- Seasonal Access: If visiting during the 4th to 6th week of May, go to the Sky Poppy Field via the official route starting from the roadside station’s parking area, as the poppies bloom only during that window and are not visible outside of it.
- Nearby Hidden Trail: Visit the old yew tree site by taking the trail from the roadside station’s parking lot, then walking 300 meters past the information board—this lesser-known path leads to a quiet grove with a historical marker about the ancient tree.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Visit for blooming cherry blossoms at Meiyama Park (early April to early May) and vibrant mountain azaleas in late May.
Summer (June–August): Enjoy the sky-high poppy field at its peak (mid-May to late June) and the annual Kyocho Festival on August 14.
Autumn (September–November): Experience the golden glow of the ancient ginkgo tree and scenic views from Meiyama Park.
Winter (December–February): Ideal for relaxing at Mangan Onsen, with the town’s quiet charm and seasonal farm produce.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers restrooms, stroller-friendly paths, and nearby play areas like the riverbank and parks. Features child-friendly food like hand-made udon and manju. Educational elements include local farming and cultural sites, enhancing family engagement.
Food Lover Review
Serves high-quality local dishes such as hand-pulled udon and regional katsudon. Features fresh produce from the farm stand and unique local snacks. Offers a genuine taste of rural Saitama with seasonal specialties and homemade goods.
Car Camping Review
Provides 24-hour access to restrooms and vending machines. Offers quiet surroundings with nearby scenic spots. No explicit overnight parking policy, but the large parking area supports short-term stays and overnight visits.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by natural landscapes including the Minoyama Park with seasonal blooms and panoramic views. Offers scenic viewpoints of the Koma and Nikko mountain ranges. Features stunning seasonal beauty from cherry blossoms to wild poppies and hydrangeas.