Discover the Heart of Yamanashi’s Natural Beauty
Minobu roadside station is nestled within the expansive Fuji River Craft Park in the southern part of Yamanashi Prefecture, serving as a vibrant gateway to the scenic Kawaguchi region. More than just a rest stop, it’s a cultural and natural hub where visitors can explore diverse attractions, from flower gardens and art installations to outdoor adventures and local crafts.
Located at the heart of the park, Minobu offers a seamless blend of relaxation and discovery. Highlights include the Cherry Blossom Garden, the Art Square, and the renowned Fuji River Cutting Art Forest Museum. With walking trails, picnic areas, a dog park, and seasonal events, it’s a perfect destination for families and nature lovers alike. The station’s relocated restaurant, Daisy, provides a cozy spot to enjoy regional flavors, while the nearby craft park invites visitors to create and connect with the local spirit.
Why Visit
Visit Minobu roadside station to experience the only artisanal milk ice cream made from Jersey cows raised in the region’s pristine highlands, available exclusively here. Explore the unique cutting-edge art of the Kirienomori Forest Art Museum, where intricate paper cutouts transform into immersive forest installations—a one-of-a-kind cultural experience only found within the Fuji River Craft Park.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at Minobu roadside station, where fresh, regional dishes are crafted with care.
Daisy Restaurant
レストラン デイジー
Specialty
Local cuisine with seasonal ingredients
A cozy restaurant located within the roadside station, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu features traditional dishes from Yamanashi Prefecture, prepared with care and served in a relaxed dining environment.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique crafts and seasonal goods at Minobu roadside station’s welcoming retail spaces.
General Store
売店
A general retail shop offering a variety of everyday items, snacks, and local souvenirs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local fruit jam
Red Roof Store
赤い屋根の売店
A charming souvenir shop with a red roof, specializing in locally made crafts and regional products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hand-painted ceramic mug
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties and authentic local products that capture the essence of Minobu.
Yamanashi Apple Jam
山梨りんごジャム
Delicious jam made from fresh apples grown in Yamanashi Prefecture, known for its rich flavor and natural sweetness.
Mountain Vegetable Dried Mix
山菜乾物ミックス
A blend of dried wild mountain vegetables harvested from the region, perfect for soups and stews.
Soba Noodle Gift Set
そば粉ギフトセット
A premium gift set containing handmade soba flour and a recipe booklet for making authentic soba noodles at home.
Hand-Painted Ceramic Mug
手描き陶器マグカップ
A unique ceramic mug hand-painted with traditional Japanese patterns, ideal as a keepsake or gift.
Local Herbal Tea Blend
地元ハーブティー
A calming blend of wild herbs collected from the surrounding forests, known for its soothing properties.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy comfortable amenities and nature-connected facilities at Minobu roadside station.
Roadside Station Michinoeki Minobu
The roadside station is located within the Fujigawa Craft Park, serving as a tourism information hub for the five towns in the Kyo-nan region of southern Yamanashi Prefecture. It is currently operating inside the restaurant building.
Within Fujigawa Craft Park, Minobu Town, South Koma District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Parking Area
Parking is available on-site within the Fujigawa Craft Park for visitors.
Fujigawa Craft Park premises
Restroom
Restrooms are available for visitors within the roadside station and surrounding park facilities.
Throughout the Fujigawa Craft Park and roadside station area
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors at the roadside station and within the park facilities.
Roadside station and park facilities
Play Area
Play areas include the Saikyo no Mori (Survival Forest), Fort Playground, and other recreational spaces for children.
Saikyo no Mori, Fort Playground, and surrounding park areas
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors at the roadside station.
Roadside station premises
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Roadside station
Nursing Room
A nursing room is available for parents with infants at the roadside station.
Roadside station
Bike Rental
Bike rental services are available for visitors exploring the park and surrounding areas.
Fujigawa Craft Park
Pet Area
A designated pet area, including the Craft Mountain (Dog Park), is available for visitors with pets.
Craft Mountain (Dog Park), Fujigawa Craft Park
Insider Tips
Gain local insights and practical advice to make the most of your visit to Minobu roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the restaurant Daisy before the lunch rush, as the bakery counter’s fresh milk bread sells out by 11:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: Visit the red-roofed shop between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to find limited-edition craft products from local artisans that are only available during the summer months
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the craftsman’s corner in the Art Square hosts live wood carving demonstrations from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM—arrive early to get a close-up view
- Best Photo Spot: Take a picture at the Japanese Garden’s stone lantern path just after sunrise (around 6:30 AM) when the morning light enhances the reflection in the pond and minimizes crowds
- Must-Try Food: Order the apricot jam sandwich at the restaurant Daisy during the summer months—only available from July 1st to August 31st
- Off-Peak Experience: Visit the Flower Maze between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM on weekdays to enjoy the maze with fewer visitors and still see the full bloom of the seasonal flowers
- Sticker Hunt Tip: Complete the roadside station stamp rally by visiting the Craft Mountain area and the Red Roof Shop—both stamps are only available on weekdays (excluding holidays)
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Canola flowers bloom in late March to April, and fresh bamboo shoots are available at the market.
Summer (June-August): Apples ripen in late summer, and the picnic and barbecue areas are busiest.
Autumn (September-November): Maple leaves turn vibrant in late October, and the art gallery hosts seasonal exhibitions.
Winter (December-February): The garden offers quiet walks, and the restaurant serves seasonal hot dishes.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Minobu roadside station offers a playground, nature trails, and interactive activities like the survival forest and flower maze. The park includes stroller-friendly paths, family dining at the restaurant, and educational elements like the art gallery and nature observation areas.
Food Lover Review
Minobu features a dedicated restaurant, local produce from the orchard, and seasonal specialties. The food variety is strong, with fresh ingredients and a focus on regional flavors, though the selection is limited to one main dining option.
Car Camping Review
The station provides restrooms and vending machines, but lacks designated overnight parking. Quiet hours are not clearly stated, and camping facilities are absent, though the surrounding park allows for informal parking and picnicking.
Scenic Beauty Review
Minobu offers scenic views from the observation platform, well-maintained gardens, and seasonal beauty in the flower beds and autumn foliage. The natural surroundings, including the forest and river, enhance the aesthetic appeal and provide strong photo opportunities.