Discover the Heart of Japan’s Strawberry Capital
Ninomiya roadside station is nestled in the vibrant town of Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture, where rolling farmland meets the charm of rural Japan. Renowned as the birthplace of Japan’s top strawberry, this bustling hub celebrates the region’s agricultural excellence with a vibrant array of seasonal produce, handcrafted goods, and locally inspired cuisine. From the famed 'Tochikai' and 'Tochiotome' strawberries to fresh harvests of onions, sweet potatoes, and seasonal vegetables, every item reflects the dedication of Tochigi’s farming communities.
More than just a stopover, Ninomiya offers an immersive experience—savor gourmet creations like the Strawberry Milk Pie and seasonal gelato, explore a curated marketplace featuring local artisans, or enjoy a meal at the inviting "Omotenashi Plaza," where dishes highlight regional specialties like sweet pork with Moka onions. With events ranging from autumn squash contests to seasonal baking festivals, and even limited-edition collaborations with renowned local brands, Ninomiya is a living celebration of Tochigi’s culture, flavor, and community spirit.
Why Visit
Ninomiya roadside station is the definitive destination for true strawberry enthusiasts, home to the only roadside station in Japan dedicated entirely to the nation’s top strawberry, Tochikai. Visitors can taste the rare, ultra-juicy Tochikai berries in season, enjoy them in exclusive treats like the Baruchami hot chocolate spoon, or savor them in the region’s only Tochikai milk pie. Beyond the fruit, the station offers a unique experience with the Tochikai sparkling wine—crafted from the same premium berries—and the Tochikai candy and gummy hearts, each capturing the distinct sweetness and aroma of this iconic fruit.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at Ninomiya roadside station, where seasonal dishes and fresh produce shine.
Welcome Plaza
おもてなし広場
Specialty
Local cuisine with fresh ingredients from Moka City
A dining area offering hearty meals made with locally sourced ingredients, including seasonal vegetables and regional specialties. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for a relaxing meal during a road trip.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local goods and regional specialties at Ninomiya roadside station.
Sweets Workshop Bakery
スウィーツ工房 ベーカリー
A bakery specializing in seasonal breads, pastries, and themed treats, including limited-time events like the Autumn Bread Festival.
Products
Must-Try Item
Autumn Bread Festival Set
Dried Sweet Potato Corner
干しいも
A dedicated section offering various dried sweet potatoes, including products from Haraya Dried Sweet Potato Workshop and Tontafamily.
Products
Must-Try Item
Haraya Dried Sweet Potato
Crafts Corner
工芸品コーナー
A curated selection of handmade crafts and decorative items, including traditional tatami edge designs and seasonal motifs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Horse Pattern Tatami Edge (2026 Year of the Horse)
Flower and Plant Shop
花と観葉植物
A shop selling seasonal flowers, potted plants, and indoor greenery for home and office decoration.
Products
Must-Try Item
Seasonal Blooms
Souvenir Corner
お土産コーナー
A shop offering a wide range of local souvenirs, including regional sweets, jams, and gift sets.
Products
Must-Try Item
Love Strawberry Premium Gift Set
Coffee Shop
真岡珈琲 ソワカフェ
A specialty coffee shop offering premium drip bags and seasonal blends, including a collaboration with the Tochigi Prefectural Museum.
Products
Must-Try Item
‘Unusual’ Blend Coffee (Collaboration with Tochigi Prefectural Museum)
Pickles Shop
渡辺漬物
A shop specializing in traditional pickled vegetables, including the popular cabbage pickle.
Products
Must-Try Item
Cabbage Pickle
Dried Fruit and Nuts Shop
梅の種
A shop offering unique snacks such as sour plum-flavored sesame seeds.
Products
Must-Try Item
Sour Plum Flavored Sesame Seeds
Local Specialty Market
いさわ堂
A temporary market stall offering traditional Japanese sweets like dango and yōkan.
Products
Must-Try Item
Dango
Featured Products
Explore signature items like premium strawberries and crafted local treats.
Mitsuhara Fruit Sauce
ミツハフルーツソース
A nostalgic, traditional-style sauce made using old-fashioned methods. Popular as a dipping sauce for Zao's famous 'imo fry'.
Tochika Sparkling
とちあいかスパークリング
A fruity sparkling wine made with Tochika strawberries from Yashima. Features a smooth, rich taste with a blend of strawberry and wine notes.
Ketsu no Tamago
結の卵
A premium egg made from free-range domestic chickens, using groundwater and environmentally friendly practices. Designed for everyday meals.
Tochigi Limited LuLulun (Tochiotome Scent)
栃木限定LuLulun（とちおとめの香り）
A limited-edition facial mask with the scent of Tochiotome strawberries, inspired by Tochigi's strawberry capital. Offers hydration and a refreshing experience.
Yashima Stone Crafts
大谷石を使った雑貨アイテム
Handcrafted home decor items made from Yashima stone, known for its gentle color and warm texture. Ideal as gifts or interior accents.
Tochika Strawberry Gummy
とちあいかイチゴグミ
Heart-shaped gummies made with premium Tochika strawberries. Cute red hearts that are perfect as gifts or souvenirs.
Tochiotome Jam
とちおとめジャム
Homemade jam made with fully ripe Tochiotome strawberries from local farmers. Captures the natural sweetness and aroma of fresh strawberries.
Tochika Candy
とちあいかキャンディー
Candy made with Tochika strawberries, offering a sweet, vibrant aroma and juicy, fruit-like taste.
Plum-flavored Sesame Seeds
梅の種
Sour plum-flavored sesame seeds with a refreshing tartness that becomes addictive after the first bite.
Tochika Strawberry Milk Pie
とちあいかミルクパイ
A luxurious pie made with abundant Tochika strawberries and rich milk cream. The delicate balance of sweetness and acidity creates a heavenly experience.
Tochiotome Chocolate Banana Waffle Cookie
とちおとこチョコバナナワッフルクッキー
A gourmet cookie combining the rich flavor of Tochiotome bananas and dark chocolate. Crispy waffle texture with a creamy chocolate coating.
Fresh Douryaki with Twice the Tochika Strawberries
生どら焼き！真岡産とちあいか2倍！
A fresh douryaki made with 100% homemade Tochika strawberry jam and fresh cream. Slightly tangy and rich in flavor.
Swinging White Cat
首振り白猫
A cute white cat figurine with a swinging motion. Adds a touch of charm and relaxation to desks or windowsills.
Nikko Pudding Caramel
日光プリン生キャラメル
A creamy caramel made by Nikko Pudding Shop, known for its rich and smooth texture.
Love Strawberry Premium
恋するいちごプレミアム
A premium gift set featuring large 2L Tochiotome strawberries. Elegant packaging and high-quality ingredients make it ideal for special occasions.
Strawberry Pastry Croissant
苺パイクロワッサン
A croissant filled with strawberry juice and a flaky pastry. Offers a burst of fresh strawberry flavor with every bite.
First Love Sugar
初恋糖
Granulated sugar made with 100% Tochiotome strawberries. Features large pieces of freeze-dried strawberries for a bold, fresh strawberry taste.
Bachami
バーチャミ
A new type of chocolate spoon made with 100% Tochiotome strawberries. Dissolves in hot milk, coffee, or tea for a unique chocolate drink experience.
Green Chili Yuzu Miso
青唐ゆず味噌
A unique miso paste combining the spiciness of green chili and the refreshing tang of yuzu. A balanced, flavorful condiment.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including spacious parking and relaxing rest areas.
Parking
The roadside station provides parking for approximately 60 vehicles, including space for large buses.
Front of the roadside station
Restroom
Toilets are available for visitors to use, providing basic hygiene facilities.
Inside the roadside station building
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors, with plans to expand multilingual signage and improve connectivity.
Throughout the premises
Information Center
The roadside station serves as a hub for regional information, including details on local attractions, events, and agricultural products.
Main entrance area
Play Area
A space for children to enjoy, with seasonal events and interactive displays such as the annual long eggplant contest.
Near the outdoor plaza
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available, with plans to expand solar panel and battery storage infrastructure.
Near the parking area
ATM
An automated teller machine is available for visitors' financial needs.
Near the entrance
Nursing Room
A private room for mothers to breastfeed or care for infants, ensuring comfort and privacy.
Inside the building, near restrooms
Insider Tips
Find local insights and practical advice for making the most of your visit to Ninomiya.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure the day’s fresh batch of milk bread from the bakery, which sells out by 11:00 AM and is unavailable later in the day.
- Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the entrance for the seasonal Shinshu-style pickled cabbage (白菜漬たる), which is often sold out by midday and only available during limited seasonal runs.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the Sweets Workshop Bakery between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM to purchase the exclusive Autumn Bread Festival set, which includes two types of seasonal bread and a free coffee coupon.
- Best Value Purchase: Buy the Milk Strawberry Jelly (とちあいかイチゴグミ) and Strawberry Chocolates (バーチャミ) together during the holiday season—they are sold as a special gift set with a 10% discount, available only from late November through December.
- Seasonal Food Tip: Order the Pork and Onion Stir-Fry Bento (旨甘米豚 × 玉ねぎ自家製タレソース炒め) from the Omote Nashi Plaza food hall at 11:30 AM to guarantee it’s still available, as it sells out by 1:00 PM and is not restocked.
- Unique Souvenir: Look for the Horse Pattern Tatami Edge (丙午にちなんだ駿馬の柄) in the crafts section—this handmade material from Kobayashi Tatami Shop is only available in limited quantities each year and is especially popular during the lead-up to the new lunar year.
- Special Event Tip: During the Yoshiko Autumn Pottery Market (October 1–4), visit the roadside station’s gift corner to purchase Dried Flower Wreaths and Dried Flower Smog—these items are only available during the pottery market and are not restocked afterward.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Peak season for fresh strawberries, with 'Tochi-ai' and 'Tochi-otome' varieties available from late March through May.
Summer (June–August): Seasonal treats include summer-only soft serve and fresh produce like tomatoes and green beans.
Autumn (September–November): Highlights include the annual Naga-Nasu (long eggplant) contest, fresh chestnuts, and seasonal jams.
Winter (December–February): Features limited-edition strawberry-themed desserts and warm drinks like the "Bachami" hot chocolate.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a variety of child-friendly food options, stroller-accessible paths, and a relaxed atmosphere. Though no dedicated play area is mentioned, the engaging seasonal events and interactive food displays provide educational and entertaining experiences for children.
Food Lover Review
Features a diverse range of high-quality local specialties, including seasonal fruits like Tochika and Tochiotome, artisanal jams, unique confections, and regional dishes such as pork and onion stir-fry. The wide selection of fresh produce and gourmet treats enhances the overall culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, vending machines, and ample parking for vehicles, including large buses. While not explicitly designed for overnight stays, the spacious layout and quiet surroundings during off-peak hours make it suitable for short-term stops and rest breaks.
Scenic Beauty Review
Boasts scenic views of rural landscapes and seasonal natural beauty, with well-maintained gardens and seasonal displays. The surrounding countryside offers photo opportunities, and the overall atmosphere is peaceful and visually appealing.