Discover the Heart of Yamagata’s Culinary Heritage
Nestled in the historic city of Yonezawa, this vibrant roadside station is a celebration of regional pride and tradition. As a beloved cultural hub and a top-rated destination in Japan’s national roadside station rankings, it offers travelers a gateway to the rich flavors of Yamagata—from world-famous Yonezawa beef and crisp La France pears to handcrafted apple pie and local sake. With seasonal events, live performances, and a bustling marketplace, every visit is a journey through taste, culture, and community.
Why Visit
Visit Yonezawa roadside station to savor authentic Yonezawa beef, taste locally crafted sake and甘酒, and enjoy seasonal treats like the famed apple pie. Experience regional culture through live folk music and explore award-winning local specialties in a vibrant, scenic setting.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor the rich flavors of Yonezawa's famed beef and seasonal local cuisine at our vibrant food plaza and specialty restaurants.
Gyubi-tei
牛毘亭
Specialty
Famous for serving Yonezawa beef, a premium Japanese beef brand
A dedicated restaurant specializing in Yonezawa beef, offering a refined dining experience with a focus on high-quality, locally sourced beef. The atmosphere is elegant and traditional, perfect for enjoying premium meat dishes in a serene setting.
Yonezawa Ramen Specialty
米沢ラーメン専門店
Specialty
Authentic Yonezawa-style ramen with locally sourced ingredients
A food stall dedicated to serving traditional Yonezawa ramen, offering a rich, savory broth and hand-pulled noodles. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, ideal for a quick, satisfying meal with views of the surrounding farmland and mountains.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated selection of regional produce, handmade crafts, and exclusive souvenirs at Yonezawa's roadside station.
Farmers Market
農産物直売所
A fresh market offering locally grown produce from the Yonezawa and Okitama regions, including seasonal fruits, vegetables, and eggs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Sakuranbo (Cherry Blossom) Fruit
Yonezawa Beef Specialty Store
米沢牛専門店
A dedicated shop selling premium Yonezawa beef, including various cuts and ready-to-cook packages.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yonezawa Beef Roast Beef (250g)
Yonezawa Craft & Souvenir Shop
米沢織物店
A shop specializing in traditional Yonezawa textiles and handmade crafts, including fabric, bags, and decorative items.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yonezawa Weaving Fabric
Yonezawa Sweets & Bakery
スイーツ専門店
A bakery and sweet shop offering a variety of local pastries, cakes, and confections made with regional ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yonezawa Apple Pie
Yonezawa Alcohol & Beverage Shop
飲料販売所
A shop specializing in local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including traditional sake, plum wine, and fermented drinks.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yonezawa Homemade Amazake
Featured Products
Explore signature treats like the beloved apple pie and seasonal specialties crafted with local pride.
Yonezawa Beef 4-Kind Grilled Set
米沢牛4種焼肉詰合せ
A premium gift set featuring four different cuts of Yonezawa beef—shoulder loin, sirloin, ribeye, and lean meat—perfect for grilling and sharing.
Yonezawa Beef Roast Beef
米沢牛ローストビーフ
A premium roast beef made from Yonezawa beef, served with a traditional Japanese-style sauce. Ideal for gift-giving or special occasions.
Yonezawa Beef Sirloin Steak (Half Cut)
米沢牛サーロインステーキ（ハーフカット）
A half-cut sirloin steak from Yonezawa beef, perfect for grilling at home. Known for its tenderness and rich marbling.
Yonezawa Beef Gift Box
米沢牛ギフトボックス
A beautifully packaged gift box containing premium Yonezawa beef cuts, ideal for gifting during holidays or special events.
Yonezawa Apple Pie
道の駅米沢オリジナル アップルパイ
A homemade-style apple pie made with fresh apples from the Yonezawa region, baked to golden perfection. A signature product of the roadside station.
Nanjo da Be
なんじょだべ
A traditional Japanese snack made from sweet potato and rice flour, known for its soft texture and mild sweetness. A popular local favorite.
Bonten Maru Eggplant Pickle
梵天丸茄子浅漬ギフト
A seasonal pickled eggplant from the Yonezawa region, known for its crisp texture and mild, refreshing flavor. A limited-time gift item.
Yonezawa Homemade Amazake
甘酒
A traditional fermented rice drink made using local rice and koji. Known for its sweet, smooth taste and health benefits.
Yonezawa Dada Cha Bean Potato
殿様のだだちゃ豆ポテト
A unique snack combining roasted soybeans and potato chips, offering a crunchy, savory flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy comfortable amenities including restrooms, parking, and relaxation spaces at Yonezawa roadside station.
Information Center
Provides information about local attractions, events, and tourism in Yonezawa City and the surrounding region.
Main facility area
Restroom
Clean and accessible restrooms available for visitors.
Throughout the roadside station
Parking
Ample parking space available for cars and buses.
Front and side areas of the roadside station
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless internet access available throughout the premises.
All public areas including food court and shopping zones
Children's Play Area
A safe and fun play area for children with various toys and equipment.
Near the entrance and family zone
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging points available for visitors.
Parking area near the main entrance
ATM
Cash withdrawal machine available for visitors' convenience.
Near the entrance and shopping area
Nursing Room
Private room equipped for breastfeeding and baby care.
Near the restroom and family area
Pet Area
Designated space for pets with water and waste disposal facilities.
Outside the main building near the parking lot
Bicycle Rental
Bicycles available for rent to explore the surrounding area.
Near the entrance and visitor center
Onsen (Hot Spring)
Traditional Japanese hot spring bath available for relaxation.
Adjacent to the roadside station complex
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around local festivals and check the event calendar for special tastings and exclusive offers.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to avoid crowds and ensure first access to limited-edition items like seasonal fruit pastries and fresh produce from local farms.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the small deli counter near the entrance during weekday mornings to find unsold but freshly made Yonezawa regional specialties, such as pickled vegetables or seasonal fruit jams, often available at a 20% discount.
- Weekend Bonuses: On Saturdays and Sundays, the food truck area opens early at 8:30 AM and offers a free sample of mizuno-ryu style grilled vegetables with any purchase of a meal combo from the food court.
- Photo Opportunities: Capture the best photo at the roadside station’s central courtyard between 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM when the sun casts a golden glow on the red-tiled roof and the seasonal flower display near the entrance.
- Money Savers: Sign up for the official newsletter via the website to receive a 10% discount code valid on online orders and in-store purchases—available only to members who register before 11:00 AM on weekdays.
- Avoiding Crowds: Skip the main shopping floor on weekends by visiting the west-side retail wing, which opens 30 minutes earlier and remains quieter throughout the day, especially during peak holiday periods.
- Closure Alerts: Check the official event calendar on the website’s homepage before visiting, as the Kanazawa-kō seasonal food stall closes early on weekdays during November and December, and some parking spots are restricted during the autumn festival weeks.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Spring brings cherry blossoms and early seasonal produce, with fresh apples and local vegetables available from April onward.
Summer (June-August): Summer offers peak harvests of cherries and seasonal vegetables, including the popular Sanshō daube eggplant, available from July to September.
Fall (September-November): Fall is ideal for enjoying autumn fruits like pears and apples, with the famous La France pear at its peak in October.
Winter (December-February): Winter features cozy visits with warm sake and traditional snacks, especially during the customer appreciation festival in November.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers play areas, kid-friendly food, stroller access, and seasonal events for children.
Food Lover Review
Features premium米沢牛, local specialties, fresh produce, and diverse dining options.
Car Camping Review
Provides parking and basic facilities; overnight stays possible but not explicitly advertised.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by scenic mountains and farmland with beautiful seasonal views and photo spots.