Discover the Heart of Shimane’s Natural Bounty
San-Eito Mito is a vibrant roadside station nestled in the lush countryside of Mito Town, located in the western part of Shimane Prefecture. Surrounded by verdant forests, rolling farmland, and clean mountain air, it serves as a gateway to the region’s rich natural heritage. More than just a stop along the road, San-Eito Mito offers a genuine体验 of rural life, where visitors can savor local flavors, explore seasonal activities, and connect with the land.
At the heart of the station is Mito’s celebrated yuzu citrus, a regional specialty grown in abundance here. Visitors can taste and purchase unique yuzu-based products, from preserves to fragrant bath salts. The seasonal highlight is the rice field ownership program, where guests can participate in planting and harvesting rice at the nearby Itai River Experience Farm—making every visit a hands-on journey through the rhythms of nature.
Why Visit
San-Eito Mito stands out as the only roadside station in the region where visitors can experience hands-on rice farming through its unique "Tanbo Owner" program, cultivating their own rice in the scenic Plate River Farm just minutes away. Beyond farming, it’s home to the only local shop offering freshly made yuzu liqueur and artisanal yuzu ice cream, crafted from the town’s famed citrus harvest. The annual Roadside Station Appreciation Festival also draws crowds with exclusive local crafts and seasonal food stalls.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at San-Eito Mito roadside station, where fresh, seasonal ingredients meet traditional recipes.
Sakura Dining
桜食堂
Specialty
Traditional Japanese cuisine with seasonal ingredients
A cozy restaurant offering authentic Japanese meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for a relaxing meal in nature.
Yuzu Tea House
ゆず茶屋
Specialty
Yuzu-based beverages and light snacks
A charming tea house specializing in refreshing drinks and delicate pastries made with locally grown yuzu. The ambiance is serene and ideal for a quiet afternoon break.
Forest Kitchen
森のキッチン
Specialty
Quick street food with local flavors
A vibrant food stall offering fast, delicious meals made with ingredients from the surrounding forest and farmland. Ideal for a quick bite while exploring the area.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique crafts and regional treasures at San-Eito Mito, a gateway to authentic local goods.
Yuzu Market
ゆず市場
A specialty shop dedicated to yuzu-based products, offering a wide range of items from food to household goods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yuzu Marmalade
Farmers' Market
農産物直売所
A fresh produce market where local farmers sell their seasonal harvest directly to visitors.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Yuzu
Craft Corner
工芸コーナー
A small shop showcasing handmade crafts and artisanal goods made by local artisans.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yuzu-themed pottery
Local Delights
地元の味
A general store offering a variety of local snacks, drinks, and everyday essentials.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yuzu Sake
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like citrus-infused treats and farm-fresh produce from the heart of the region.
Yuzu Marmalade
ゆずマーマレード
A sweet and tangy preserve made from locally grown yuzu, perfect for spreading on toast or using in recipes.
Yuzu Tea
ゆず茶
A refreshing herbal tea made with dried yuzu peel, known for its citrusy aroma and soothing properties.
Yuzu Soap
ゆずせっけん
A natural soap infused with yuzu essential oil, offering a clean, uplifting scent and gentle cleansing.
Yuzu Candle
ゆずキャンドル
A hand-poured candle with a bright citrus fragrance derived from yuzu oil, ideal for creating a relaxing atmosphere.
Yuzu Sake
ゆずさけ
A unique rice wine infused with yuzu, combining the smoothness of sake with a refreshing citrus twist.
Yuzu Mochi
ゆず餅
Soft, chewy rice cakes flavored with yuzu zest, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and citrus.
Yuzu Pickled Vegetables
ゆず漬け野菜
Fresh vegetables preserved in a yuzu-infused brine, delivering a crisp, tangy flavor perfect as a side dish.
Activities & Experiences
Participate in seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and nature-filled experiences at San-Eito Mito.
Rice Field Owner Program
田んぼオーナーの募集
Participants will experience rice planting and harvesting in a rice field at Itai River Experience Farm, located near the roadside station. The program includes planting rice in May and harvesting in October.
Duration
120 min
Weather-dependent; outdoor activities may be affected by rain or extreme heat.
Rice Harvesting and Threshing
オーナーさん稲刈りとハデ掛けをする！
Participants will harvest rice and perform threshing as part of the rice field owner experience. This event takes place at the end of summer and involves hands-on farming activities.
Duration
180 min
Activities are weather-dependent; hot and sunny conditions are expected, so sun protection is recommended.
Roadside Station Appreciation Festival
第８回・道の駅感謝祭！！
A seasonal festival held at the roadside station featuring local food stalls, crafts, live performances, and community activities. It celebrates local culture and agriculture.
Duration
480 min
Expect heavy foot traffic; outdoor events may be affected by rain.
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around local festivals and seasonal harvests for the most authentic and memorable experience at San-Eito Mito.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on the day of the annual Roadside Station Appreciation Festival to secure a spot at the rice harvesting demonstration and participate in the first round of the rice stalk weaving activity, which begins at 10:00 AM and fills up quickly.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the small display area near the entrance to the field experience zone to view the winning entries from the Dream Street Renaissance Photo Contest, which are rotated monthly and feature unique local landscapes and seasonal events.
- Weekend Special: On weekends during the harvest season, the on-site deli counter offers freshly prepared rice ball bundles made from the same rice harvested by the "Paddy Field Owner" participants—available only from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
- Actionable Tip: Sign up for the "Paddy Field Owner" program through the online form at least one week before the planting event, as each 5m×6m plot is limited to eight groups and sells out fast—registration closes when capacity is reached.
- Best Time to Buy Local Produce: Purchase fresh yuzu-based products at the main sales counter before 12:00 PM, as the first batch of yuzu jam and yuzu marmalade, made daily using locally grown fruit, is sold out by noon.
- Unique Activity: Join the rice stalk weaving workshop held every Saturday at 1:00 PM near the field experience area; no prior registration is needed, but arrive at least 15 minutes early to get a mat and materials.
- Parking Tip: Use the extended parking lot located behind the main building during the Roadside Station Appreciation Festival, as the main lot fills up by 10:30 AM and shuttle buses begin operating from the overflow area.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Late March to April features peak canola flower viewing, while fresh bamboo shoots arrive in early spring at the roadside station market.
Summer (June-August): August brings the annual Roadside Station Appreciation Festival with local food stalls and community events.
Autumn (September-November): Late September marks the start of the annual rice harvest festival, culminating in the October harvest celebration.
Winter (December-February): Winter offers quiet visits with seasonal crafts and local specialties, especially around the year-end holidays.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
San-Eito Mito offers a hands-on rice paddy experience and seasonal events ideal for children. The site features interactive farm activities, stroller-accessible paths, and family-oriented food options, enhancing its appeal for families.
Food Lover Review
The roadside station highlights local specialties like yuzu products and seasonal farm goods. With fresh produce from the nearby paddy field and diverse local cuisine, it provides a rich culinary experience rooted in regional authenticity.
Car Camping Review
San-Eito Mito provides basic facilities like restrooms and vending machines. While it supports overnight stays, it lacks designated camping zones and has limited quiet areas, making it moderately suitable for car camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by lush greenery and seasonal landscapes, San-Eito Mito offers scenic views of rice paddies and natural fields. The setting provides strong photo opportunities and a peaceful, aesthetically pleasing atmosphere year-round.