Station Nishikawa

Discover the Heart of Yamagata’s Mountain Bounty

Nishikawa roadside station is a vibrant cultural and culinary destination nestled in the scenic hills of Yamagata Prefecture, where nature, tradition, and craftsmanship converge. As the only roadside station in the region to house a local craft brewery, it offers visitors the rare chance to taste authentic Moon Mountain Beer, including seasonal specialties like the acclaimed Lao Ho Beer, crafted with sustainably harvested cedar chips and local rice.

Beyond the brews, Nishikawa celebrates the region’s rich mountain heritage with fresh seasonal ingredients—wild mountain vegetables, mushrooms, and premium local produce—available at the on-site market. The station’s restaurant delights with seasonal specialties like chilled buckwheat noodles with mountain vegetable broth and hearty cold Chinese noodles, while the adjacent Mizusawa Hot Spring Bath invites guests to unwind in a traditional wooden facility built with locally sourced cedar. It’s a true retreat where taste, nature, and relaxation come together.

Nishikawa roadside station is the only place in Yamagata Prefecture where you can taste Moon Mountain Brewery’s exclusive smoked beer, crafted using chips from the locally harvested Kei-ou Sakura trees. The same brewery also produces a rare variety of craft beer made with rice from nearby Yoshikawa, blending traditional flavors with innovative techniques. Visitors can enjoy these unique brews alongside seasonal dishes like the roadside station’s signature chilled soba with mountain vegetable dashi, a dish made exclusively from local ingredients.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM on weekdays to get the best selection of the day’s fresh bukkake dashi soba at the restaurant, as it is only served from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and often sells out by early afternoon.

• Hidden Gems: Head to the deli counter at the store between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM on weekdays to find the limited-edition Lao Ho Beer, made using chipped branches from the local Enko Sakura trees and blended with locally milled Tuyahime rice—this special brew is only available during seasonal campaigns and often sells out quickly.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, arrive before 2:00 PM to secure a seat for the Yakiniku and Moon Mountain Beer Dinner, a special event featuring the restaurant’s exclusive Moon Mountain Wagyu sukiyaki set with unlimited beer—reservations required and limited to 20 guests per day.

• Best Purchase Time: Buy the Summer Noodle Set at the roadside station store between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM during the “Obon Welcome Sale” (August 1–17), as it is offered at a discounted price only during this window and includes a unique summer noodle recipe using local mountain vegetables.

• Beverage Tip: Order a Moon Mountain Beer Joystick at the restaurant during the October Campaign (October 1–November 3) for the best value—this special offer includes a large glass of beer and a complimentary appetizer pack that pairs perfectly with the seasonal Lao Ho Beer.

• Spa Access: Use the free bath access at Mizusawa Hot Spring Hall when booking a restaurant dinner during the summer Moumou Festival—this offer is only valid for one visit per guest and is included with the dinner reservation.

• Discount Strategy: Purchase the Mizusawa Hot Spring Hall Bath Coupon Pack during the July 18–31 In-Bath Coupon Boost Campaign to receive 15 coupons instead of the usual 12—this special offer is only available in cash and is not valid outside the campaign dates.

Spring (March–May): Fresh mountain vegetables and wild herbs peak in early spring, with seasonal menus featuring local foraged ingredients at the roadside station.

Summer (June–August): Summer-only dishes like chilled soba and cold noodles are served from July through August, coinciding with the hot season.

Autumn (September–November): The Oktober Campaign runs from September 12 to November 3, offering discounted Moon Mountain Beer and seasonal smoked beer made with locally harvested cherry wood.

Winter (December–February): While no specific winter events are listed, the hot spring bathhouse remains open, providing a warm retreat during colder months.