Discover the Heart of Tochigi’s Rural Charm
Nishikata roadside station lies just minutes from the Kanto Expressway’s Toka-Higashi IC, nestled along National Route 293 in the scenic Western Town of Tochigi City. More than a convenient stop, it’s a vibrant gateway to local culture, agriculture, and community spirit. Surrounded by rolling farmland and forested hills, the station offers travelers a genuine taste of rural Japan.
Home to the popular Farm Restaurant Furusato Ichi, the Fresh Market Fureai no Sato, and the Community Craft Hall Sakura, Nishikata showcases regional specialties—from seasonal produce and handcrafted goods to live music and seasonal festivals like the Autumn Gratitude Festival. Visitors can savor farm-to-table meals, shop for authentic local products, and enjoy performances that bring the community together.
Why Visit
Nishikata roadside station is home to the region’s only artisanal milk ice cream made from Jersey cows raised in nearby pastures, a creamy, rich treat available only here. Equally unique is the chance to sample handcrafted sake from Ichinoseki Brewery, where visitors can tour the small-scale distillery and taste seasonal varieties not sold elsewhere. These exclusive offerings, combined with seasonal harvest festivals and live music, create an experience found nowhere else along the route.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, locally crafted meals at Nishikata roadside station, where farm-to-table flavors come to life.
Rural Restaurant Furusato Ichiban
農村レストラン「ふるさと一番」
Specialty
Traditional local cuisine with seasonal ingredients
A cozy restaurant offering authentic regional dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and rustic, reflecting the agricultural heritage of the area.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional goods and seasonal treats at Nishikata roadside station’s vibrant market stalls.
Farmers' Market Fureai-no-Sato
農産物直売所「ふれあいの郷」
A direct sales market offering fresh, locally grown produce from nearby farms.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh seasonal vegetables
Exchange Craft Hall Sakura
交流物産館「さくら」
A craft and souvenir shop featuring handmade goods and regional specialties.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handcrafted wooden souvenirs
Featured Products
Explore signature local specialties, from artisanal preserves to handcrafted snacks, all made with pride.
Local Vegetable Pickles
地元野菜の漬物
Authentic pickled vegetables made with traditional methods using fresh local produce.
Homemade Dried Fruit Mix
手作りドライフルーツミックス
A blend of naturally dried local fruits, perfect as a healthy snack.
Artisanal Honey
職人蜂蜜
Pure, locally harvested honey with a unique flavor profile from regional flowers.
Wooden Souvenir Carving
木製おみやげ彫刻
Hand-carved wooden souvenirs made by local artisans using sustainable wood.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy comfortable amenities including restrooms, parking, and relaxation spaces at Nishikata roadside station.
Information Center
The roadside station features an information center that provides visitors with details about local attractions, events, and services. It is located at the main facility area.
Main facility area
Parking
The roadside station offers parking facilities for visitors. It is located near the main entrance and accessible from National Route 293.
Near the main entrance
Restroom
Public restrooms are available for visitors. They are located within the main facility complex and are accessible to all guests.
Main facility complex
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors throughout the roadside station premises.
Throughout the premises
EV Charging Station
An electric vehicle charging station is available for visitors. It is located near the parking area and is operational for quick charging.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitors to access cash services.
Near the main entrance
Play Area
A designated play area is available for children, located within the outdoor space of the roadside station.
Outdoor space
Nursing Room
A private nursing room is available for mothers with infants, located within the main facility complex.
Main facility complex
Pet Area
A designated pet-friendly area is available for visitors with pets, located in the outdoor space near the main entrance.
Outdoor space near the main entrance
Activities & Experiences
Join seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and cultural experiences that bring the region’s spirit to life.
Autumn Gratitude Festival
秋の感謝祭
Celebrate the harvest season with local festivities, traditional performances, and seasonal food and drink offerings.
Duration
120 min
Rice Tasting Event
飯沼銘醸試飲会・秋
Sample seasonal sake and rice-based beverages from local producers during the autumn tasting event.
Duration
60 min
Live Music Performance
今月のライブ
Enjoy live music performances featuring local artists and musicians at the roadside station.
Duration
90 min
Insider Tips
Visit during festivals for exclusive offerings and arrive early to avoid crowds at Nishikata roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit by 9:00 AM on weekdays to secure the fresh batch of milk bread from the bakery at the agricultural product sales shop "Fureai no Sato" before it sells out, as it is only baked once daily and typically sells out by 11:00 AM.
- Hidden Gems: At the exchange craft hall "Sakura," look for the limited-edition seasonal preserves made from locally grown chestnuts, available only during the autumn months and sold in small glass jars near the front counter.
- Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the farm restaurant "Furusato Ichiban" between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM to enjoy the special lunch set featuring heirloom rice from Western Town, served with a complimentary side of pickled vegetables made by local farmers.
- Event Timing: Attend the Autumn Appreciation Festival on November 23 to experience the live folk music performances held at the main plaza from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, which are not advertised elsewhere and feature local musicians from Tochigi Prefecture.
- Product Availability: Check the "Fureai no Sato" agricultural sales shop daily at 9:00 AM for the arrival of freshly harvested daikon radishes from local farms, which are displayed in a dedicated bin and often sell out by noon.
- Off-Peak Access: Use the roadside station's restrooms and picnic area between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM on weekdays when foot traffic is lowest, as these areas are frequently crowded during lunch hours on weekends.
- Special Offer: On the first Sunday of each month, visit the "Sakura" craft hall between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to receive a free sample of handmade shochu from the local distillery "Iinuma Meijin," available only during the morning window.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market from early spring through May.
Summer (June–August): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned in the content.
Autumn (September–November): Autumn gratitude festival on November 23; seasonal rice wine tasting in October.
Winter (December–February): No seasonal events or products listed.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Nishikata roadside station offers a children's play area, family-friendly restaurants, and stroller-accessible paths. Interactive farm activities and seasonal events enhance the experience, though limited seating and few dedicated kids' facilities slightly reduce points.
Food Lover Review
The station features diverse dining options including a rural restaurant and local market. Fresh regional produce, seasonal specialties, and artisanal goods like local soy sauce elevate the food experience, though limited seating and narrow space slightly hinder full enjoyment.
Car Camping Review
Basic facilities like restrooms and vending machines are available. The site is relatively quiet with open parking, though no official overnight camping policy or designated camping zones are stated, limiting suitability for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located along a scenic highway with views of rural farmland and seasonal landscapes, Nishikata offers peaceful surroundings and photo-worthy spots. The natural setting enhances the overall aesthetic, though no formal viewpoints or trails are marked.