Discover the Heart of Tochigi’s Rural Charm
Nestled in the scenic town of Yaita, this roadside station offers a vibrant gateway to the region’s rich agricultural heritage and community spirit. Surrounded by rolling farmland and lush forests, Yaita is more than a pit stop—it’s a celebration of local life, where fresh produce, handmade treats, and sustainable practices come together in harmony.
Home to the popular Seasonal Fresh Yaita produce market and the beloved Tsutsuji Restaurant, visitors can savor regional specialties like apple soft serve and hearty meals made with locally grown vegetables. The newly revitalized WatoWaN café, housed in an eco-friendly model house, supports inclusive employment while serving aromatic roasted manju and delicate desserts. With ample parking, accessible facilities, and year-round accessibility, Yaita invites travelers to slow down, connect with nature, and taste the true essence of Tochigi.
Why Visit
Visit Yaita roadside station to savor the region’s only apple soft cream made from locally grown Yaita apples, a signature treat unavailable elsewhere. Explore the eco-friendly "WatoWan" café, a renovated model house supporting disability employment, where you can enjoy handmade roasted manjuu and delicate udon made with local broth. These unique, purpose-driven experiences set Yaita apart from other roadside stations.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at Yaita roadside station, where fresh, seasonal ingredients meet hearty regional cuisine.
Tsutsuji Tei
つつじ亭
Specialty
Local vegetable-based curry and apple soft cream made with Yaita-grown apples
A rural restaurant offering hearty meals centered around fresh, locally sourced vegetables. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a focus on traditional Japanese flavors and seasonal ingredients.
Oshokuji & Ganko Sho WatoWan
お食事・甘味処 和と輪
Specialty
Sustainable dining with a focus on local ingredients and inclusive employment
A renovated eco-friendly facility that combines environmental sustainability with social welfare, offering a variety of meals and desserts. The ambiance is calm and thoughtful, emphasizing quality, tradition, and accessibility.
Tsutsuji Tei
つつじ亭
Specialty
Quick, casual meals and snacks with a focus on local produce
A casual food stall offering fast, convenient options for visitors on the go. The menu emphasizes fresh, regional ingredients and simple, satisfying flavors.
Shopping Highlights
Discover farm-fresh produce and local crafts at Yaita roadside station’s vibrant market.
Seasonal Fresh Produce Market
旬鮮やいた
A direct sales market offering fresh, locally grown vegetables and fruits, with seasonal items always in stock.
Products
Must-Try Item
Locally grown seasonal vegetables
Eco House Café
エコハウス
A sustainable café located in a renovated eco-friendly building, offering a range of food and drinks made with local ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Grilled Manju with Toasted Aroma
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature specialties like apple soft serve and handmade snacks.
Grilled Manju with Toasted Aroma
香ばしい香りの焼きまんじゅう
A uniquely aromatic and slightly crispy baked bun, known for its rich, toasty flavor and soft interior.
Gelato
ジェラート
Creamy, Italian-style gelato made with locally sourced ingredients and available in a variety of seasonal flavors.
Apple Soft Cream
りんごソフトクリーム
A sweet and refreshing soft cream made with fresh apples grown in Yaita, offering a natural fruity taste.
Seasonal Fresh Vegetables
旬の新鮮野菜
Freshly harvested vegetables from local farms, available in seasonal varieties throughout the year.
Seasonal Fresh Fruits
旬の新鮮果物
Locally grown fruits picked at peak ripeness, offering the best flavor and freshness.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including spacious parking, clean restrooms, and accessible facilities.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking lot with 99 spaces, including 8 large vehicle spots, 87 regular car spots, and 4 disabled-accessible spots.
Near the main entrance
Toilets
There are 21 toilets available, including 10 for men, 8 for women, and 3 for people with disabilities.
Throughout the facility
Information Counter
An information corner is available for visitors to get guidance and assistance about the roadside station and surrounding areas.
Near the main entrance
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi access is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging facilities are available at the roadside station.
Near the parking lot
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors' convenience.
Near the main entrance
Nursing Room
A dedicated nursing room is available for mothers with infants.
Inside the restroom area
Play Area
A play area is available for children to enjoy.
Near the outdoor seating area
Pet Area
A designated pet-friendly area is available for visitors with pets.
Near the main entrance
Insider Tips
Visit early for the freshest picks and check seasonal events for special local treats.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit the produce market "Shun Sen Yaita" by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s fresh mountain vegetables, which are restocked at 8:30 AM and often sell out by 11:00 AM.
- Hidden Gems: At the "Oshoku & Gomisashi" eco-house, order the grilled manju with a hint of roasted sesame from the takeout counter—it’s only available until 4:00 PM and sells out fast.
- Weekend Special: On the first Saturday of every month, the "Yamagata Saga Produce Market" sets up in the parking area, offering rare regional products like smoked chestnuts and handmade koji miso—arrive by 10:00 AM to avoid missing the limited batch.
- Must-Try Menu Item: Order the locally made "Apple Soft Cream" at Tsubaki Restaurant between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM to get the day’s first serving, as it’s made with fresh apples from Yaita and is often sold out by 1:00 PM.
- Best Time for Local Goods: Purchase the "Hometown Delivery" limited edition gift set (100 available) from the information counter between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM on weekdays, as they are released daily at 10:00 AM and sell out quickly.
- Unique Experience: Visit the renovated eco-house "Oshoku & Gomisashi" on a Tuesday or Thursday to enjoy the full menu of house-made udon and seasonal desserts, as the restaurant is closed on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays but open the rest of the week.
- Practical Tip: Use the accessible toilets located near the entrance of the main parking lot—these are clearly marked with a disability symbol and are the only ones equipped with adult-sized changing tables.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Peak season for fresh bamboo shoots at the market and canola flower picking in late March through April.
Summer (June-August): Fresh local produce at the farm stand and limited-time "furusato bin" sales in June.
Autumn (September-November): Apple harvest season with locally grown apples featured in dishes and seasonal events.
Winter (December-February): Year-round access to the farm stand, with seasonal root vegetables and winter comfort foods available.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Yaita roadside station offers ample parking, stroller-friendly paths, and clean restrooms. It features a children's play area and interactive displays. Kid-friendly food options include fresh fruit, local ice cream, and simple meals at the restaurants.
Food Lover Review
The station excels with diverse dining options including a local restaurant serving regional dishes, a fresh produce market, and a specialty shop offering unique local products like apple soft cream and handmade mochi.
Car Camping Review
The station provides 99 parking spots, 24-hour restroom access, and vending machines. While it lacks designated camping zones, the quiet setting and clean facilities make it suitable for short overnight stops.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by rural landscapes and seasonal flowers, Yaita offers scenic views and well-placed photo spots. The area features natural beauty, especially during cherry blossom and hydrangea seasons, with a peaceful, aesthetic atmosphere.