Discover the Heart of Rural Japan at Showa Roadside Station
Nestled in the serene countryside of Kasukabe, Showa Roadside Station offers a refreshing escape just a short hour from Tokyo’s bustling city center. Surrounded by lush farmland and the picturesque Nakasho Umei Sakura Avenue, this charming destination blends natural beauty with community spirit. More than a mere stopover, it’s a vibrant cultural hub where local traditions meet modern hospitality.
At Showa, visitors can savor regional flavors at the Food Hall, shop for fresh produce and specialty black beans at the Farmers’ Market, or enjoy casual meals from rotating food trucks. The station is also renowned for its iconic large kites—crafted in the area and celebrated during seasonal events. With regular festivals, seasonal activities, and a welcoming atmosphere, Showa Roadside Station invites travelers to slow down, connect with nature, and experience authentic Japanese rural life.
Why Visit
Visit Showa roadside station to experience the region’s only large traditional kite, the "O-tako," crafted in the nearby village of Nakasho and displayed in the springtime festival. Home to the only dedicated black bean shop in the area, it offers roasted black bean snacks and unique souvenirs made from locally grown beans. Just steps away, the serene Nakasho Inner Cherry Blossom Avenue blooms each spring, creating a picturesque path through historic trees that can only be found here.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, local flavors at Showa roadside station, where diverse cuisine awaits in a welcoming food hall.
Spring City Restaurant
春日部飯店
Specialty
Authentic Chinese cuisine with a local twist
A dedicated Chinese restaurant offering a variety of traditional dishes in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
Soba House
庄庵
Specialty
Traditional Japanese buckwheat noodles
A cozy eatery specializing in handmade soba noodles, served in a quiet, rustic setting with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
Food Truck
キッチンカー
Specialty
Mobile street food with rotating vendors
A collection of mobile food vendors offering diverse, on-the-go meals with fresh ingredients and seasonal variety.
Shopping Highlights
Discover regional treasures and seasonal goods at Showa’s roadside station, perfect for unique souvenirs.
Farmers Market
直売所
Sells fresh local vegetables and庄和's specialty product, black beans, as well as regional souvenirs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Black Beans
Featured Products
Experience signature specialties like black beans and local crafts, crafted with pride in the heart of Showa.
Black Beans
黒豆
Locally grown black beans known for their rich flavor and high nutritional value, used in traditional dishes and snacks.
Crayon Shin-chan Poster
クレヨンしんちゃんパネル
A collectible poster featuring the popular Japanese cartoon character, displayed in the exchange plaza and training room.
Kanto Michinoeki Stamp Book 2024
関東道の駅スタンプブック2024年版
A commemorative stamp book featuring all Kanto region roadside station stamps, now sold out and unavailable for purchase.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge with convenient amenities, from restrooms to picnic areas, all set in a peaceful rural setting.
Information Center
The information center is located in the main building and operates from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It provides visitors with information about the roadside station, local events, and nearby attractions.
Main building
Parking
Parking facilities are available for visitors and travelers. The station is conveniently located about one hour from central Tokyo.
Near the main entrance
Restroom
Restrooms are available for public use within the facility complex.
Throughout the facility complex
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the facility complex
Food Court (Shisai-kan)
The food court features various specialty shops offering diverse local and regional cuisine. It includes restaurants such as Spring City Restaurant, Noodle Creation, and Soba Shop Soan.
Food Court Building
Farmers Market (Direct Sales Store)
The direct sales store sells fresh local vegetables and specialty products from Shōwa, including black beans. It also offers souvenirs from various regions across Japan.
Direct Sales Store Building
Food Truck
Food trucks are available for visitors to enjoy quick meals or snacks during shopping or travel breaks. Information about participating vendors and their schedules is provided.
Outdoor area near the main entrance
Play Area
An outdoor play area is available for children to enjoy, located near the main facility complex.
Near the main facility complex
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors using electric vehicles.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors to withdraw cash.
Near the main entrance
Insider Tips
Plan ahead for special events and check for temporary closures to make the most of your visit to Showa.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the first batch of fresh-baked milk bread from the bakery counter in the food hall, which sells out by 11:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: Check the back corner of the direct sales store near the entrance for the limited-run "Black Soybean Mochi" — it’s only available during the autumn harvest season and often sells out by midday
- Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the food hall’s “Soba Corner” between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM to try the seasonal buckwheat soba made from locally grown grain, served only on weekends
- Kitchen Car Experience: Stop by the kitchen car area between 3:00 and 4:30 PM on weekends to sample the “Spring Onion Pancake” — it’s only offered during the spring months and is prepared fresh each day
- Event Timing: Arrive by 9:00 AM on November 29 to participate in the Traffic Safety, Crime Prevention, and Disaster Prevention Fair, which starts with a free safety kit giveaway at the entrance
- Stamp Book Alert: Skip the direct sales store’s stamp counter — the “Kanto Roadside Station Stamp Book 2024” is sold out and no new stock is expected until 2025
- Photo Opportunity: Visit the information hall between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM on weekdays to see the original Crayon Shin-chan panel display, which is only rotated in the conference room on Mondays and Wednesdays
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms bloom along Nakasho Uchi Sakura-midori in early April, coinciding with the peak of fresh bamboo shoots at the roadside station.
Summer (June-August): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned in the content.
Autumn (September-November): Black bean harvest season begins in September, with products available at the roadside station; events include the Safety and Security Fair in November.
Winter (December-February): No seasonal activities or products highlighted in the content.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Showa roadside station features a play area with a crayon Shinchan panel, stroller-friendly paths, and interactive elements like the large kite exhibit. Kid-friendly food options are available, and the space is safe and accessible for families.
Food Lover Review
Showa offers diverse dining with specialty local dishes like black soybeans and regional favorites. The food hall includes dedicated specialty shops, fresh produce, and seasonal offerings, enhancing the overall culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Showa provides basic facilities like restrooms and vending machines. While not designed for overnight stays, the quiet surroundings and accessible parking make it suitable for short stops. Overnight parking is not explicitly permitted.
Scenic Beauty Review
Showa is set in a scenic rural landscape with the scenic cherry blossom avenue nearby. The natural surroundings, seasonal beauty, and well-maintained views offer strong photo opportunities and a peaceful, aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.