Discover the Heart of Shonai’s Natural Bounty
Nestled along National Route 47, Shonai roadside station stands out with its iconic giant windmill, a striking landmark welcoming travelers into the serene countryside of Minamiboso. Opened in 2016 as the fifth roadside station in the Shonai region, it blends rural charm with modern convenience. This vibrant hub showcases local agriculture, offering fresh seasonal produce such as wild mountain vegetables, summer greens, and premium rice, all available directly from farmers.
At the heart of the station is the restaurant Irodori, where guests can enjoy a diverse menu while gazing at the windmill. Seasonal specialties like bamboo shoots, mountain vegetables, and handmade pickles highlight the region’s culinary heritage. With EV charging stations, accessible restrooms, and a 24-hour rest area, Shonai is a perfect stop for travelers seeking both flavor and comfort.
Why Visit
Visit Shonai for its iconic giant windmill, a striking landmark on National Route 47, and the only roadside station in the region where you can enjoy seasonal mountain vegetables like fresh warabi ferns and yamagata bamboo shoots, served in the on-site restaurant Irodori. The station also features the only local artisanal milk ice cream made from Jersey cow milk, available exclusively here.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor seasonal flavors at Shonai's roadside station, where the windmill views set the scene for a delightful meal.
Irodori Restaurant
いろどり
Specialty
Local ingredients and seasonal vegetables served in a variety of dishes
A restaurant located at Shonai roadside station, offering a wide range of dishes made with fresh local produce. Guests can enjoy meals while viewing the large windmill, creating a relaxing and scenic dining experience.
Shopping Highlights
Discover fresh local produce and handmade goods at Shonai's roadside station, straight from the region's farms and artisans.
Farm Produce Direct Sales Store
農産物直売所
A direct sales store offering fresh seasonal vegetables, mountain vegetables, rice, and flowers from local farms
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Seasonal Vegetables
Farmers' Market
風車市場
A market featuring locally grown produce and seasonal specialties from nearby farms
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Seasonal Vegetables
Featured Products
Taste the essence of Shonai with signature specialties like wild mountain vegetables, seasonal fruits, and traditional fermented products.
Shonai Mountain Vegetable Pickles
庄内山菜漬物
Traditional pickled mountain vegetables from the Shonai region, known for their crisp texture and natural flavor
Shonai Soybean Paste
庄内味噌
Authentic Shonai-style soybean paste made using traditional methods and local soybeans
Shonai Rice
庄内米
High-quality rice grown in the Shonai region, known for its soft texture and rich flavor
Shonai Mountain Vegetable Dried
庄内山菜乾物
Dried mountain vegetables preserved using traditional methods, ideal for soups and stews
Shonai Seasonal Vegetable Set
庄内旬野菜セット
A curated selection of seasonal vegetables from the Shonai region, perfect for home cooking
Shonai Flower Bouquet
庄内花束
Fresh flower bouquet made with seasonal blooms from local farms
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities at Shonai, including 24-hour restrooms, EV charging, and accessible facilities for all visitors.
Parking
Parking available for visitors at the roadside station.
Near the main entrance
Restroom
Restrooms are available 24 hours a day, including facilities for ostomy users.
Near the main entrance and restaurant area
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
Information center providing local tourism and event details.
Near the main entrance
Play Area
A play area for children is available for family visitors.
Adjacent to the parking area
EV Charging Station
EV charging corner available for electric vehicles.
Near the parking area
ATM
ATM available for visitors' convenience.
Near the main entrance
Pet Area
Designated pet-friendly area for visitors with pets.
Outside near the parking area
Insider Tips
Visit during peak harvests to enjoy the freshest local ingredients and plan your trip around seasonal highlights at Shonai.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure fresh-baked milk bread from the on-site bakery, which sells out by 11:00 AM and is only available during morning hours
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to find limited-edition seasonal pickled mountain vegetables, including salted wild ferns and konoiko (a local mountain radish), which are restocked only once daily
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the food truck "Yamagata Harvest" sets up between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM near the parking area, offering grilled summer vegetables and local mountain mushroom skewers
- EV Charging Tip: Use the EV charging corner located just south of the main building—charge during daylight hours between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM for fastest access, as the station shuts down after 6:00 PM
- Seasonal Menu Alert: At the restaurant Irodori, order the "Spring Mountain Vegetable Bowl" (available from mid-April to early June) to enjoy freshly foraged warabi (fiddlehead ferns), aiko (a local wild herb), and ko-gomi (wild garlic) served with house-made miso soup
- Best Time to Buy Local Rice: Purchase the new harvest rice (available from late September) between 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM, as it is only stocked once per week and typically sells out by noon
- Restroom Access: Use the gender-neutral, ostomy-friendly restroom located directly behind the main entrance—this facility is open 24 hours and includes a full-size changing table and grab bars
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Peak season for wild mountain vegetables including fiddlehead ferns, akiko, and shepherd's purse; fresh bamboo shoots available in April.
Summer (June–August): Freshly harvested moon mountain bamboo shoots and daily summer vegetables; shiso rolls popular in July.
Autumn (September–November): Freshly harvested rice, karadori yam, Shonai persimmons, and seasonal mushrooms available.
Winter (December–February): Salt-preserved mountain vegetables, winter mushrooms, and local miso and other preserved goods.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Shonai roadside station features a play area, stroller-friendly paths, and family-oriented dining at Restaurant Irodori. Kid-friendly food options and educational elements like seasonal produce displays enhance the experience. Restrooms and facilities are accessible and well-maintained.
Food Lover Review
Shonai offers diverse, high-quality dining with local specialties such as seasonal mountain vegetables, fresh summer vegetables, and regional processed foods. The farmers market provides excellent fresh produce, and Restaurant Irodori delivers a rich culinary experience with a variety of dishes.
Car Camping Review
Shonai provides 24-hour restrooms, vending machines, and EV charging, supporting overnight stays. The area is relatively quiet with a peaceful atmosphere. However, overnight parking is not explicitly permitted, limiting its suitability for extended camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
Shonai boasts scenic views with a prominent windmill as a landmark, offering excellent photo opportunities. The surrounding natural landscape varies by season, with beautiful spring and autumn displays. The overall aesthetic appeal is strong and inviting.