Discover the Heart of Southern Yamanashi
Nanbu roadside station lies nestled along the serene banks of the Fuji River in the lush countryside of Minamikoma District, Yamanashi Prefecture. More than a mere rest stop, it’s a vibrant cultural gateway where the bounty of mountain and river converge with the warmth of local tradition. From fresh seasonal produce to handcrafted regional specialties, every element reflects the rich heritage of the area.
At the heart of the station is the Southern Clan Exhibition Hall, honoring the historical roots of the region as the ancestral home of the Southern Clan. Visitors can relax in the expansive grassy plaza or unwind in the nearby Nanbu Onsen, a natural hot spring with nine distinct bathing experiences. With its blend of history, nature, and community spirit, Nanbu offers an authentic, enriching journey through one of Japan’s most picturesque landscapes.
Why Visit
Visit Nanbu roadside station to experience the only dedicated Southern Clan exhibition hall in the region, tracing the legacy of the historic Southern family, the founders of the area. Here, you’ll also find the rare chance to taste fresh, locally foraged mountain bamboo shoots—harvested just hours before—during the annual Bamboo Shoot Festival, a must-attend event for food lovers.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh regional flavors at Nanbu roadside station, where local ingredients meet seasonal menus.
Nanbu Tea House
なんぶ茶屋
Specialty
Traditional Japanese tea experience with local mountain and sea ingredients
A cozy restaurant offering a serene atmosphere where visitors can enjoy seasonal local ingredients sourced from the mountains and sea, paired with authentic Japanese tea culture.
Forest Kitchen
森のキッチン
Specialty
Quick, fresh, and locally sourced street food
A casual food stall offering fast, flavorful meals made with fresh ingredients from nearby farms and forests.
Shopping Highlights
Discover authentic mountain and sea treasures at Nanbu roadside station’s specialty market.
Local Harvest Market
地元農産物販売所
A market featuring fresh seasonal produce, fruits, and vegetables grown in the region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Asparagus
Nanbu Craft & Souvenirs
なんぶ工芸品・お土産
A shop specializing in handmade crafts and local souvenirs made by regional artisans.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handmade Ceramic Tea Set
Mountain Delights Bakery
山の味菓子
A small bakery offering freshly baked goods made with local ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Honey & Walnut Bread
Nanbu Specialty Foods
なんぶ特産品販売所
A general store selling a wide range of local processed foods and regional specialties.
Products
Must-Try Item
Nanbu Pickled Vegetables
Featured Products
Explore signature items like mountain-grown produce and traditional crafts from the region.
Nanbu Seasonal Vegetable Mix
なんぶ旬野菜ミックス
A blend of fresh, locally grown seasonal vegetables packed for easy cooking.
Mountain Herb Tea Blend
山のハーブティー
A carefully blended mix of wild mountain herbs, perfect for a calming tea experience.
Nanbu Pickled Vegetables
なんぶ漬物
Authentic pickled vegetables made using traditional methods and local ingredients.
Honey & Walnut Bread
はちみつとくるみパン
A rich, sweet bread made with locally sourced honey and fresh walnuts.
Handmade Ceramic Tea Set
手作り陶器の茶器セット
A beautifully crafted tea set made by local artisans using traditional techniques.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, and free Wi-Fi at Nanbu roadside station.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking lot with space for 81 regular cars, 24 large vehicles, and 3 disabled parking spots.
Adjacent to the main facility
Restroom
The restroom includes 13 small male toilets, 6 large male toilets, 23 female toilets, and 3 multi-purpose toilets (equipped for ostomy users).
Near the main entrance
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless LAN is available at the roadside station for visitors.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
The information center features monitors, information terminals, and a touch panel system that provides tourism, cultural, historical, and regional information, including videos about local municipalities.
Main building
Play Area
The station includes a grassy area with a dog park nearby, offering space for children and pets to play.
Adjacent to the grassy field
Nanbu Onsen
A daily-use hot spring with abundant natural hot water, featuring 9 different bathing options including a large bath, outdoor bath, and sauna.
On-site
Okuyama Onsen
A scenic hot spring located upstream of the Fushi River, featuring an outdoor bath made with natural stone and a wooden-scented bath that helps relieve travel fatigue.
On-site
Nursing Room
A dedicated room for nursing mothers, located within the rest area with a baby changing facility.
Inside the rest area
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in seasonal festivals and hands-on experiences at Nanbu roadside station.
Sakura Viewing at Millennium Cherry Blossom
千年桜
Visit the ancient Edohigan cherry blossom tree, estimated to be over 600 years old, and enjoy the beautiful spring blossoms in the former Myozan Temple grounds.
Duration
60 min
Itozakura Flower Viewing
イトザクラ
Explore the large Itozakura tree with drooping branches and delicate pink flowers in the former Hogen Temple garden, a highlight of the town's spring scenery.
Duration
45 min
Aoi Festival
あじさい祭り
Walk through the vibrant display of 90 varieties and about 30,000 hydrangeas at Utsubuna Park, celebrating the harmony between nature and people.
Duration
90 min
Best enjoyed on clear days; avoid heavy rain
Bamboo Festival
たけのこまつり
Experience the local bamboo harvest season with fresh bamboo sales, cooking demonstrations, and traditional food tastings.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor event; check weather forecast before attending
Southern Fire Festival
南部の火祭り
Witness the dramatic lighting of hundreds of torches, including the 'Hyakuhachi Tai' (108 torches), in a traditional summer ceremony along the Fuji River.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor event; may be canceled due to rain or strong winds
Explore the Southern Clan Exhibition
南部氏展示室
Discover the history and legacy of the Southern Clan, the founding family of the town, through exhibits and historical displays.
Duration
45 min
Relax at Nanbu Onsen
なんぶの湯
Enjoy a relaxing soak in one of nine different hot spring baths, including an outdoor bath and sauna, surrounded by natural scenery.
Duration
90 min
Best enjoyed in cooler weather
Oyama Onsen Experience
奥山温泉
Relax in a natural stone-built outdoor bath or a wood-scented indoor bath, offering a peaceful retreat in the mountains.
Duration
90 min
Best enjoyed in cooler weather
Hiking at White Bird Mountain Forest Park
恋人の聖地 （白鳥山森林公園）
Hike to the summit of White Bird Mountain Forest Park, a scenic viewpoint known as a 'lover's sanctuary' with panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape.
Duration
120 min
Wear appropriate footwear; check trail conditions before hiking
Fusui River Gorge Walk
福士川渓谷
Take a peaceful walk along the scenic Fusui River Gorge, surrounded by lush greenery and natural mountain landscapes.
Duration
60 min
Best enjoyed on dry, clear days
Picnic at the Grass Field
芝生広場
Relax and enjoy a picnic on the spacious grass field, perfect for families and pets, with a nearby dog park available.
Duration
120 min
Avoid extreme heat or rain; bring sun protection
Insider Tips
Visit during seasonal events for the best local flavors and unique cultural encounters.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the café before the morning rush, as the bakery’s fresh milk bread sells out by 11:00 AM and is only available on weekdays.
- Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the "Nanbu Tea" seasonal blend, which is only available in the spring and summer months and is sold exclusively at the roadside station.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the food truck area near the picnic grounds between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM to sample the limited-time "Takano-ko Gohan" rice bowl made with fresh local bamboo shoots.
- Best Photo Spot: Head to the southern edge of the grassy field just before sunset to capture the panoramic view of Mount Fuji over the Fuji River, especially during the "Aoi Matsuri" in June when the area is lit with traditional lanterns.
- Must-Visit Exhibit: Take the free guided tour of the Nambu Clan Exhibition Room on the first and third Sundays of each month at 1:30 PM to see rare historical artifacts and original documents from the Nambu family's era.
- Best Time for Local Produce: Arrive on Wednesdays between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to purchase the day’s fresh harvest of "Nanbu Mountain Apples" directly from the farmers’ stand before they sell out.
- Unusual Facility: Use the wheelchair-accessible children’s toilet and baby changing room located inside the rest area, which is equipped with a full-sized changing table and is open 24 hours, ideal for long family stops.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Visit for the thousand-year-old cherry blossoms in full bloom at Myōzen-ji Temple and the vibrant Itōzakura trees in the Hōgan-ji garden.
Summer (June–August): Experience the annual Aoi Festival in mid-June and the spectacular Southern Fire Festival on August 15.
Autumn (September–November): Explore the scenic Fushigawa Gorge and enjoy the autumn foliage at Shirogami Mountain Forest Park.
Winter (December–February): Relax in the natural hot springs at Nanbu no Yu and Ogayama Onsen.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Features include a dedicated kids' room, play area, baby changing facilities, and a dog park. The grassy field allows children to run freely. Family-oriented amenities and safe, accessible facilities enhance the experience.
Food Lover Review
Offers diverse local cuisine including seasonal produce, regional specialties like fresh bamboo shoots, and a restaurant with locally sourced ingredients. The market provides high-quality, fresh items and artisanal products.
Car Camping Review
Provides 24-hour restrooms, parking, and vending machines. The site is quiet with ample space, though overnight parking isn't explicitly permitted. Suitable for short stays but not ideal for extended camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by natural landscapes including the Fuji River, forest parks, and mountain views. Features stunning vistas like the 'Lovers' Shrine' and seasonal beauty from cherry blossoms to hydrangeas.