Discover the Heart of Rural Japan at Shimobe Roadside Station
Nestled along National Route 300 in the scenic town of Minamiboso, Shimobe Roadside Station is more than a pit stop—it’s a vibrant gateway to local culture and natural beauty. Located within the Lower Rural Cultural Park, the station seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, offering travelers a true taste of regional life.
Visitors can savor authentic Kagawa udon at the on-site eatery "Warasato," shop for locally crafted goods, and enjoy outdoor adventures at the popular Shimobe Auto Campsite—inspired by the beloved manga Yuru Camp△. With facilities including a co-working space, coin showers, and family-friendly amenities like a nursing room and accessible toilets, Shimobe welcomes everyone. Whether you're camping, grilling, or simply exploring, this roadside station offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature.
Why Visit
Shimobe roadside station stands out as the only spot along National Route 300 where you can savor authentic Sanshui udon made with locally milled flour from mountain-grown wheat, served at the on-site eatery "Wara-sato." Nestled within the Shimo-Butsuryo Rural Culture Park, it also hosts Japan’s only public udon-making workshop where visitors can craft their own noodles using traditional methods. The station’s unique "Yuru-Camp △ no Sato" campground, inspired by the popular anime, offers themed camping experiences and is the only facility of its kind in the region.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Shimobe roadside station, where traditional Sanuki udon awaits.
Udon Smile
讃岐うどん「笑里」
Specialty
Authentic Sanuki udon with a warm, rustic atmosphere
A traditional udon restaurant offering handmade Sanuki-style noodles, known for their chewy texture and simple, comforting flavors. The dining space features a cozy, countryside-inspired interior with a focus on local ingredients.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional crafts and local treats at Shimobe’s vibrant market stalls.
Local Produce Market
地元産品販売所
A market featuring fresh, locally grown vegetables, fruits, and seasonal produce from nearby farms in Yamanashi Prefecture.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh strawberries
Craft & Souvenir Shop
工芸品・お土産店
A specialty shop offering handmade crafts, regional souvenirs, and locally made gifts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hand-painted ceramic mug
Bakery Corner
ベーカリー角
A small bakery offering freshly baked bread, pastries, and seasonal treats made with local ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yamanashi apple croissant
Alcohol & Beverage Store
酒・飲料販売所
A shop specializing in regional alcoholic beverages, including local sake, wine, and craft beer.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yamanashi mountain spring sake
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature specialties crafted from fresh, locally grown ingredients.
Yamanashi Strawberry Jam
山梨県産いちごジャム
A sweet, rich jam made from fresh, locally grown strawberries harvested in the spring season.
Sanuki Udon Noodles (Packaged)
讃岐うどん（パック販売）
Dried Sanuki-style udon noodles packaged for home cooking, made with traditional methods and local wheat.
Mountain Spring Sake
山の恵み純米酒
A premium sake brewed using water from natural mountain springs in Yamanashi, known for its clean, crisp taste.
Hand-Painted Ceramic Mug
手描き陶器マグカップ
A unique, hand-painted ceramic mug crafted by local artisans using traditional techniques.
Local Apple Honey
地元りんご蜂蜜
A natural honey infused with the essence of Yamanashi apples, offering a sweet, fruity flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, and family-friendly spaces at Shimobe roadside station.
General Parking
A multi-purpose parking area is available. The parking lot along National Route 300 is accessible 24 hours a day.
Along National Route 300
Toilet Facilities
Restrooms are available along National Route 300 and are accessible 24 hours a day. The facility also includes a multi-purpose toilet.
Along National Route 300
Information Center
The roadside station features an information center providing details about the facility, local attractions, and events.
Inside the roadside station
Play Area
The facility includes a play area suitable for children, located within the Shimo-be Rural Cultural Park.
Shimo-be Rural Cultural Park
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging facilities are available for visitors.
Near the parking area
Nursing Room
A nursing room is available for mothers with infants, providing a comfortable space for breastfeeding and baby care.
Inside the roadside station
Bicycle Rental
Bicycle rental services are available for visitors who wish to explore the surrounding area.
Near the bicycle stand
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors' convenience.
Inside the roadside station
Pet Area
A designated pet-friendly area is available for visitors with pets.
Near the parking area
Insider Tips
Plan ahead for peak visits and take advantage of 24-hour access to key facilities at Shimobe.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a spot at the barbecue area before it fills up, as the day-use BBQ facility is popular with local families and often reaches capacity by midday.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter near the entrance to find the seasonal "Shimobe Harvest Jam," made with locally grown berries and available only from July to September—stock up early as it sells out quickly.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the "Udon Waresato" stall serves freshly made Sanuki udon with a special limited-edition sauce that’s only available during weekend hours (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM).
- Best Photo Spot: Take a picture at the "Bamboo Grove Path" located behind the main parking area—this shaded trail leads to a quiet garden with a traditional stone lantern, perfect for peaceful photos and a short walk.
- Camping Tip: Reserve the "Yuru-Camp△ no Sato" campsite at least two weeks in advance, especially for weekend stays, as it’s frequently booked by fans of the Yuru-Camp△ anime series and fills up fast.
- Family-Friendly Feature: Use the multi-purpose toilet near the children’s play area—this facility includes a changing table and is equipped with a baby bath, ideal for families with young children.
- Bike Riders' Advantage: Park your bicycle at the dedicated bike stand near the front entrance and ask staff for a free "Shimobe Cycling Route Map" to access the scenic trail along the river path, which connects directly to the nearby village.
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): Peak season for fresh strawberries and cool mountain air makes the campsite ideal.
Autumn (September–November): Harvest season for chestnuts and persimmons; hiking trails offer vibrant foliage.
Winter (December–February): Quiet visits with hot drinks at the café and scenic snow-covered landscapes.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Shimobe offers a playground, nursing room, accessible toilets, and stroller-friendly paths. The campsite and BBQ area cater to families, while the udon shop provides kid-friendly meals. Educational farm culture elements enhance the experience.
Food Lover Review
Shimobe features a dedicated udon restaurant serving local specialty dishes. Fresh produce and regional souvenirs are available. The food variety and quality are strong, with a focus on authentic local ingredients.
Car Camping Review
The roadside station has 24-hour restrooms and vending machines. The campsite is quiet and comfortable, though no explicit overnight parking policy is stated. Facilities support basic camping needs.
Scenic Beauty Review
Shimobe is situated along National Route 300 with scenic rural views. The surrounding landscape offers seasonal beauty, and the site provides well-placed viewpoints. The overall atmosphere is peaceful and visually appealing.