Station Obanazawa

Discover the Heart of Yamagata at Obanazawa Roadside Station

Nestled in the scenic countryside of Yamagata Prefecture, Obanazawa roadside station offers a welcoming retreat for travelers seeking authentic local experiences. Named after the regional dialect word for "to relax," this vibrant hub blends natural beauty with community spirit, located just off the main highway near the Obanazawa North IC. It’s more than a pit stop—it’s a celebration of the region’s agricultural richness and cultural heritage.

Visitors are greeted by a lively marketplace featuring fresh, locally sourced produce and seasonal fruits delivered directly from nearby farms. The station’s signature offerings include a charming gift shop and a cozy dining area where you can savor regional specialties made with ingredients straight from the fields. With modern amenities like EV charging stations, accessible restrooms, and a family-friendly information lounge, Obanazawa ensures comfort for every traveler.

Obanazawa roadside station stands out for its exclusive access to the region’s only farm-to-table market featuring organic produce from local family farms, including heirloom varieties of mountain-grown spinach and rare red-skinned potatoes. Its signature offering is the handmade chestnut miso soup served daily at the on-site eatery, crafted using chestnuts harvested from the surrounding forests. This is a destination where the taste of the local terroir is not just sampled—it’s celebrated.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM to secure the day’s fresh batch of milk bread from the bakery section, which sells out quickly and is not restocked during the day
• Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter near the entrance to find seasonal pickled vegetables and fermented tofu made from local ingredients—these are only available in limited quantities each day
• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the “Michinoku Fresh Market” features rotating local farmers who sell heirloom vegetables and berries directly from their farms—arrive before 10:00 AM to see the full selection
• Foodie Tip: Order the “Nemaru Specialty Set” at the food counter for a full local experience—this includes a portion of the region’s famous mountain vegetable stew and a slice of the house-made milk bread
• Parking Strategy: Use the designated accessible parking spaces located closest to the main entrance if you have mobility challenges—these are reserved and clearly marked with four spots for disabled access
• EV Charging: Plug in your electric vehicle at the 24-hour EV charging station located just south of the main building; it supports standard charging and is operational even after regular business hours
• Information Hub: Visit the information lounge area to pick up free maps of local hiking trails and seasonal event calendars—this counter is staffed daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM and offers multilingual assistance

Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the roadside station from April through May.

Summer (June–August): Peak season for locally grown strawberries and fresh vegetables at the market.

Autumn (September–November): Harvest season for chestnuts and sweet potatoes, featured in local products.

Winter (December–February): Limited seasonal offerings, but warm meals and local preserves available year-round.