Discover the Heart of Yamagata at Mogami Roadside Station
Nestled along a scenic stretch of highway in the lush, mountain-ringed town of Mogami, this roadside station is more than a pit stop—it’s a vibrant gateway to the region’s natural beauty, local culture, and seasonal treasures. Named after the warm local dialect word “あっつぇ” meaning “there is,” Mogami Roadside Station celebrates the abundance of joy, kindness, and deliciousness found throughout the area.
Guests can unwind by the flowing Mogami River at the riverside community space, explore regional tourism and road safety information, or savor locally crafted treats like asparagus croquettes and yam stew croquettes. With 24-hour rest areas, a fully equipped visitor center, and a commitment to connecting travelers with nearby towns and seasonal events, Mogami offers a welcoming, informative experience for every journey.
Why Visit
Visit Mogami roadside station to experience the only roadside station in the region offering real-time, region-wide travel information—including road closures, weather alerts, and disaster updates—making it an essential stop for safe, informed journeys. Beyond logistics, it’s the only place where you can savor the uniquely local Asparagus Croquette, made with fresh, hand-harvested green asparagus from the very fields that line the nearby Mogami River, paired with a seasonal jam crafted from wild mountain berries found only in this valley.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, local flavors at Mogami roadside station, where seasonal ingredients meet hearty mountain cuisine.
Light Food Corner
軽食コーナー
Specialty
Local specialties with fresh vegetables and regional ingredients
A casual food stall offering light meals and snacks made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Perfect for a quick bite during a road trip.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional treasures and handmade goods at Mogami roadside station’s curated market.
Information Counter
観光案内所
Provides tourism information, digital displays, tablet-based search services, and a collection of recommended local spots.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local tourism guide cards
Road Information Corner
道路情報コーナー
Offers real-time traffic, weather, and disaster information for safe and convenient travel.
Products
Must-Try Item
Real-time traffic information
Featured Products
Experience signature specialties like asparagus croquettes and mountain yam stew, crafted from the area’s finest produce.
Asparagus Croquette
アスパラコロッケ
Crispy croquette made with fresh local asparagus, available as a standalone product.
Potato Stew Croquette
芋煮コロッケ
Delicious croquette with the rich flavor of Yamagata's famous potato stew, available as a standalone product.
Vegetable Bread
野菜パン
Homemade bread made with fresh seasonal vegetables, available as a standalone product.
Baked Goods
焼き菓子
Freshly baked pastries made with local ingredients, available as a standalone product.
Jam
ジャム
Locally made jam using seasonal fruits, available as a standalone product.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge with 24-hour rest areas, restrooms, and a welcoming information center at Mogami roadside station.
Toilet
Restrooms are available at the roadside station.
Parking
Parking facilities are available for visitors.
Tourist Information Center
The tourist information center provides face-to-face tourism guidance, digital signage for information display, tablet-based information search services, and offers a tourist card featuring recommended spots by local residents. It also provides brochures for sightseeing in Mogami Town and neighboring municipalities including Oganezawa City, Oshu City in Miyagi Prefecture, and Yamagata Prefecture's Yuza City.
Rest Area
A 24-hour accessible rest area is available for drivers to take breaks during their journey. It is recommended to rest early and frequently to avoid fatigue.
Road Information Corner
Provides essential driving information such as traffic updates, weather forecasts, and disaster alerts. Traffic information is updated in real time from road managers and police. Weather information includes local forecasts and weather warnings.
Community Space
A community space located by the Mogami River, featuring tables and chairs for relaxed rest. Enjoy the changing scenery of the clear river throughout the seasons. The space is also available for events and community activities hosted at the roadside station.
By the Mogami River
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around local harvests and festivals for the fullest experience at Mogami roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to catch the fresh batch of handmade vegetable bread and seasonal jam from the snack counter, which are restocked daily and often sell out by midday.
- Hidden Gems: Ask at the tourism information desk for the "local favorites" card—this hand-curated list includes lesser-known hiking trails and seasonal farm stands in the Mogami region not listed in standard guidebooks.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the community space between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to enjoy live local music performances by regional folk artists, a unique feature not available on weekdays.
- Essential Stop: Use the road information corner to check real-time traffic and weather updates for the Tōhoku Expressway and National Route 4, especially before traveling through mountain passes during winter months.
- Best View Spot: Sit at the riverside community space facing the Mogami River between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to see the afternoon sunlight reflect off the clear water, a particularly scenic time when the river is calm and the surrounding forest is in full summer green.
- Must-Try Food: Order the asparagus croquette at the snack counter—made with fresh local asparagus from Mogami, this is the only location in the region where it is available, and it is best enjoyed before 3:00 PM when the fryer is still hot.
- Off-Peak Access: Visit the tourism information desk between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to speak directly with a staff member who can provide personalized route planning for exploring nearby attractions like the Yana Chaya tea house or the Mogami River fishing spots.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May): Cherry blossoms peak in mid-April, and fresh mountain vegetables like wild asparagus and ferns are available through June.
Summer (June-August): Green asparagus harvest begins in early summer, and Ayu fishing along the Mogami River is a seasonal highlight.
Autumn (September-October): Early autumn brings blooming buckwheat flowers and the first harvest of new soba and rice.
Winter (December-February): Heavy snowfall creates a pristine white landscape, ideal for visiting the town’s ski resort.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a 24-hour rest area and a riverside community space with tables and benches ideal for families. No dedicated play area, but the scenic river view and nearby events provide engaging experiences for children.
Food Lover Review
Features locally crafted items like asparagus croquettes, potato stew croquettes, homemade vegetable bread, and exclusive jams. Offers a variety of regional specialties and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Car Camping Review
Provides 24-hour rest areas and toilets, suitable for short stops. No explicit overnight parking policy, and the site lacks dedicated camping facilities or quiet zones for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located along the scenic Shimo-kogawa River with seasonal changes enhancing the view. Offers beautiful natural surroundings and picturesque spots for photos, especially during autumn and winter.