Savor the Heart of Tochigi’s Rural Heritage
Mikamo roadside station is a vibrant cultural and agricultural hub nestled in the serene landscape of Tochigi Prefecture, just minutes from the Shonan Expressway. Surrounded by rolling farmland and the expansive渡良瀬遊水地 (Tone River Floodplain), it offers travelers a rare blend of natural beauty and authentic local charm. More than a pit stop, Mikamo is a celebration of Tochigi’s farming traditions, where fresh produce, handmade treats, and seasonal events bring communities together.
Visitors can enjoy handcrafted udon and soba made with local flour, savor sweet紫サツマイモ (purple sweet potato) manju and gelato, or browse the bustling万葉の里 (Man'yo no Sato) fresh produce market. With its family-friendly park, scenic viewpoints, and seasonal festivals like the Tone River Hot Air Balloon Race and Cherry Blossom Festival, Mikamo invites guests to slow down, connect with nature, and taste the spirit of rural Japan.
Why Visit
Visit Mikamo roadside station to taste the region’s only purple sweet potato manjuu, crafted by local hands using heirloom varieties grown in Fujikawa Town. Savor authentic, seasonal dishes like hand-pulled udon made with local flour, served with fresh river fish tempura and views of the sacred Sanboshi Mountain. For a unique treat, sample the vibrant purple sweet potato gelato—only made here from locally harvested tubers.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor seasonal flavors at Mikamo roadside station, where fresh local ingredients meet traditional craftsmanship.
Restaurant Mikamo
食事処（レストランみかも）
Specialty
Seasonal local vegetables, handmade noodles, and tempura made with river fish
Enjoy a variety of flavors while overlooking the changing seasons of Mount Sanbetsu. The restaurant serves handmade udon and soba using local flour, paired with fresh seasonal vegetables and tempura made from locally caught river fish.
Gelato Workshop
ジェラート工房
Specialty
Artisanal gelato made with local purple sweet potatoes
A cozy gelato workshop offering handcrafted frozen treats using locally sourced ingredients, perfect for a refreshing break.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local treasures and handmade goods at Mikamo's vibrant market stalls.
Kaa-san's Kitchen
かあさんの台所
A specialty shop offering locally crafted food products using regional agricultural produce.
Products
Must-Try Item
Purple Sweet Potato Manju
Mannen no Sato
万葉の里
A direct sales facility for local agricultural products, flowers, and processed farm goods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fujikawa Town Tomatoes
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature items like purple sweet potato manju and artisanal gelato.
Purple Sweet Potato Manju
かあちゃんまんじゅう
Steamed buns filled with sweet purple sweet potato paste, made with locally grown ingredients and traditional craftsmanship.
Purple Sweet Potato Gelato
紫サツマイモジェラート
Creamy gelato made from locally grown purple sweet potatoes, offering a rich and naturally sweet flavor.
Zunda Gelato
ずんだジェラート
Traditional edamame paste gelato with a smooth, nutty taste and subtle sweetness.
Sakura Gelato
さくらジェラート
Light and floral gelato infused with cherry blossom essence, capturing the essence of spring.
Fujikawa Town Tomatoes
藤岡町トマト
Freshly harvested tomatoes grown in Fujikawa Town, known for their sweetness and firm texture.
Local Sweet Potatoes
地元サツマイモ
High-quality sweet potatoes grown by local farmers in Fujikawa Town, ideal for cooking and baking.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge with well-equipped restrooms, parking, and helpful information services.
Parking Lot
Provides parking for 83 standard vehicles, 39 large vehicles, and 3 disabled-accessible vehicles.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Restroom
Includes 12 male toilets, 12 female toilets, and 1 multi-purpose toilet.
Within the roadside station premises
Information Center
Offers road information, nearby roadside station details, tourism information, and emergency medical facility maps and brochures.
Located within the roadside station
Play Area
Features a children's playground with adventure fort and other recreational facilities for kids.
Near the southern entrance of Mikamo Mountain Park
Restaurant Mikamo
Serves seasonal dishes such as handmade udon and soba using local flour, seasonal vegetables, and tempura made from river fish, with views of Mount Sanbe.
Inside the roadside station
Local Product Sales Store
Sells locally produced agricultural products, flowers, and processed goods, including fresh vegetables from local farmers and signature sweet potatoes and tomatoes from Fujoka Town.
Inside the roadside station
Gelato Workshop
Offers specialty gelato made from purple sweet potatoes, as well as seasonal flavors like zunda and sakura an.
Inside the roadside station
Event Plaza
A multi-purpose space used for hosting events and promoting community interaction.
Located within the roadside station complex
Mikamo Mountain Park
A prefectural park with three entrances, featuring a children's playground, adventure fort, and scenic views. Accessible within 2 minutes from the Sano-Fujoka IC on the Tōhoku Expressway.
Approximately 2 minutes by car from Sano-Fujoka IC on the Tōhoku Expressway
Insider Tips
Visit during festivals or early in the day to enjoy the best local flavors and fewer crowds.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM on weekends to secure the day’s first batch of fresh-baked Kaa-san Manjuu made with purple sweet potatoes, which are known to sell out by midday.
- Hidden Gems: Head directly to the Kaa-san’s Kitchen counter to try the purple sweet potato gelato, a signature item that changes flavors seasonally—look for limited editions like sakura or edamame in spring and summer.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the Events Plaza between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to catch the live cooking demonstrations featuring local dishes using seasonal produce from the Man’yō no Sato market.
- Best Food Timing: Order the hand-pulled buckwheat and soba noodles at the Restaurant Mikamo between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to enjoy them with the freshest seasonal vegetables and tempura, as the kitchen prepares new batches every hour.
- Local Product Tip: Purchase the Purple Sweet Potato Jam at the Farm Produce Sales Counter before 4:00 PM, as it is only available during the harvest season and often sells out by late afternoon.
- Outdoor Activity Timing: Visit the Mikamo Mountain Park via the southern entrance before 3:00 PM to experience the Wanpaku Plaza and Adventure Fortress when the playground is most active and staffed with seasonal activity guides.
- Event Proximity: If attending the Tone River Balloon Race in April, arrive at the roadside station by 7:30 AM to secure parking and access to the event’s official information board with flight schedules and viewing maps.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Visit during April for the Taiga Balloon Race and cherry blossom festival, with blooming flowers and fresh spring vegetables available at the market.
Summer (June-August): Ideal for the early August fireworks festival and water activities at Yagawa Lake, with summer produce like tomatoes and sweet potatoes in peak season.
Autumn (September-November): Enjoy the scenic views of the Yagawa Floodplain and seasonal harvests, including late-season sweet potatoes and fresh root vegetables.
Winter (December-February): Experience the New Year's Jogging Festival and the early February first market, with cozy indoor treats like sweet potato manju and gelato.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Mikamo roadside station features a dedicated children's playground, family-friendly activities, and stroller-accessible paths. Kid-friendly food options like manju and gelato are available, and educational elements include local farming and seasonal events, enhancing the experience for families.
Food Lover Review
The station offers diverse dining with seasonal dishes, local specialties like purple sweet potato manju and gelato, and fresh produce from the direct sales market. High-quality regional ingredients and artisanal food products elevate the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Mikamo provides clean restrooms, vending machines, and ample parking. While the area is relatively quiet, there is no explicit overnight parking policy. Facilities support short stays, though it lacks dedicated camping infrastructure.
Scenic Beauty Review
The station offers scenic views of the Tsuruga reservoir and the vast Tone River floodplain. Seasonal landscapes, photo opportunities at the heart-shaped lake, and tranquil natural surroundings enhance its aesthetic appeal and atmosphere.