1. What is Yonezawa Roadside Station?

Roadside Station Yonezawa celebrated its 5th anniversary on April 22, 2023 (Reiwa 5).

This is a gateway-type roadside station located at the entrance to the southern part of the prefecture, with the concept of “a roadside station where you can experience, create, and spread the word about all of Yonezawa (Okitama).”

It is located halfway between the Fukushima Osao IC and the Yonezawa Kita IC toll-free section, so it is also recommended as a rest spot for tourists in Yonezawa.

The station is roughly divided into the souvenir corner (to the right of the entrance , on the right side of the map ) and the food court (to the left of the entrance, on the left side of the map ).

*From the Yonezawa Roadside Station official website

2. Souvenir corner

The first thing I’d like to introduce is the souvenir corner.

There are farm produce shops and specialty product shops, and a wide range of products are available, including souvenirs, fresh vegetables, and local products!

① Farmers' market

Here is what the farm produce shop looks like.

We sell freshly picked vegetables, agricultural and livestock products, and prepared foods.

You’re sure to find delicious seasonal ingredients, such as mountain vegetables such as “shidoke” and “yamaudo,” and the traditional Yamagata Okitama vegetable “oka hijiki”!

I’ve been there a few times, and when I see all the unusual ingredients, I always end up overfilling my basket with them…

And when you think of Yonezawa, you think of Yonezawa beef!

It’s already delicious just visually!

If you want to try Yonezawa beef, you can do so in the food area we’ll introduce later, so be sure to check it out!

The interview was conducted in late April.

Yamagata’s red jewel cherries were also on display.
*The peak season is usually from early June to early July.

② Specialty products sales outlet

This is the local specialty products store.

Here you can find a variety of carefully selected local products and specialty goods, including “Yonezawa weaving.”

Accessories such as bags made from “Yoneori komon” woven fabric that expresses the “komon pattern” that makes the most of the characteristics of Yonezawa weaving,

There were also crafts on display, such as “Sasano Ittobori craftwork,” a traditional craft that has been handed down for generations in the Sasano district of Yonezawa City.

There are also lots of cute, slightly deformed versions of traditional crafts, so be sure to take your time to look around.

③ Alcohol sales corner

Sugusoba, a farm produce and local specialty store, has a very well-stocked alcohol section!

It is said that the site covers almost all of the 47 sake breweries in the prefecture.

This selection is irresistible for alcohol lovers!

A wide selection of carefully selected sake and wine is available.

④ Convenience stores

There is a convenience store next to the specialty product shop.

The souvenir corner at the roadside station closes at 18:00, but this shop is open until 21:00.

At first glance it looks like a normal convenience store, but upon closer inspection it features ramen and sweets that are only available in the prefecture.

If you’re thinking, “The roadside station is closed, but I still want to buy souvenirs!”, please feel free to use this service.

3. Popular products at Yonezawa Roadside Station

Yonezawa Roadside Station is lined with many different products.

For those wondering, “What’s a good souvenir?”, we asked for recommendations.

① Original Apple Pie / Original La France Pear Pie

The first one is the “Original Apple Pie.”

This product debuted to coincide with the first anniversary of the store’s opening, and apparently sold 10,000 boxes in just six months!

The second release will also see the debut of the “Original La France Pear Pie,” and both are adult-oriented products.

This product is made by wrapping apples and La France pears from Yamagata Prefecture into jam in pie dough kneaded with Tsuyahime rice.

The crispy texture of the dough and the moderate acidity enhance its deliciousness.

It seems that it can only be purchased here, so if you see it, be sure to check it out.

② Beef center pizza

Next up we’re introducing the Beef Domanaka Lunchbox!!

…or rather, “Beef Domanchu Pizza”! (Of course, we also recommend the lunchbox!)

The adult-style “Beef Right in the Middle Lunchbox” has unexpectedly been turned into a pizza.

We are particular about the size of the dough being the same as that of an ekiben.

The dough is made using “Domannaka” rice flour, a typical variety of Yamagata rice, and is fluffy and chewy.

③ Retsu (Yamagata only)

A dry ginjo-style sake with a refreshing aroma and moderate flavor.

This dry Junmai Ginjo sake is stored in a low-temperature bottle for around a year, giving it a dense flavor and a dry, structured texture.

Since it is only distributed within Yamagata Prefecture, it makes a perfect souvenir for alcohol lovers.

4. Food court

Now, it’s time for the fun part: the food court!

The food menu at Yonezawa Roadside Station is of a very high standard and is apparently very popular with people from outside the prefecture as well.

You can find a variety of delicious Yonezawa foods here, including restaurants where you can taste Yonezawa beef, ramen, soba, and more.

The clean and spacious eat-in space is equipped with tables, counters, and sofa seats, making it suitable for everyone from individuals to families.

First-time visitors will likely be wondering, “What should I eat?”

We also asked the staff about popular menu items.

① Soba shop Juwarian

The first place I would like to introduce is Sobadokoro Juwarian.

At Juwarian, you can enjoy 100% buckwheat soba noodles made using only buckwheat flour and water, without any additives.

The popular menu item is “Juwari Ita Soba.”

You can enjoy our carefully selected 100% buckwheat soba noodles in a flat soba noodle style that is unique to Yamagata.

* Provided by Yonezawa Roadside Station

② Yonezawa Ramen Bishamon

Next on our list is Yonezawa Ramen Bishamon.

You can enjoy Yonezawa ramen, which is based on chicken bones and dried sardines and has a light aftertaste.

The popular menu item is “Yonezawa ramen.”

* Provided by Yonezawa Roadside Station

The custom-made noodles are kneaded by hand in-store and mix well with the soup, allowing you to enjoy it all the way to the last drop.

3. Beef bowl Kenshin-tei

Next up is “Kenshintei,” where you can enjoy delicious meat bowls.

Roast beef bowl, grilled meat bowl, sukiyaki bowl… just looking at the menu is enough to make you hungry.

The most popular menu item at Kenshin-tei is the “Luxurious Three-item Bowl.”

*Provided by Yonezawa Roadside Station

This luxurious bowl lives up to its name, allowing you to enjoy three flavors: loin steak made with domestic Kuroge Wagyu beef, simmered stew, and roast beef.

This is a delicious bowl that will satisfy the desires of those who crave meat.

④ Fast Food FOOD PIT

If you want to satisfy your hunger, we recommend the FOOD PIT.

You can enjoy light meals and sweets that are easy to enjoy and made with carefully selected ingredients.

The most popular item is the “seasonal soft-serve ice cream.”

* Provided by Yonezawa Roadside Station

This soft-serve ice cream has an adult feel, made with seasonal ingredients such as La France pears and cherries.

At the time of the interview, the soft-serve ice cream was made using seaweed apple juice from a seaweed apple farm in Yonezawa City. 

⑤ Yonezawa Beef Steak Restaurant Ushibitei

The last restaurant on our list is Yonezawa Beef Steak Restaurant Ushibitei.

This is a restaurant where you can enjoy Yonezawa beef, the representative of the Yonezawa brand.

We offer rare cuts of Yonezawa beef steak, both marbled and lean, so you can enjoy the difference in flavor between them.

The popular menu item is the “Yonezawa beef steak two-piece lunch.”

* Provided by Yonezawa Roadside Station

Not only can you compare the taste of the two different cuts, but the appetizers, salads, soup and rice also make for a satisfying lunch.
*The part changes depending on the day

5. Message

Finally, Mr. Nakagawa from Yonezawa Roadside Station gave a message to everyone watching VISIT YAMAGATA.

“We have a large selection of seasonal vegetables and fruits from Yamagata Prefecture.

We also hold an event called “Roadside Market” three times a year, and we regularly hold tent markets, food truck sales, and stage events.

We are working hard to ensure that you have a great time every time you visit, so please come along.”

6. Basic information about Yonezawa Roadside Station

・Hours

✤ Restaurant ✤
<Food court>
Weekdays 10:00-18:00 (LO 17:30)
Holidays 10:00-18:00 (LO 18:00)
<Restaurant>
Weekdays 10:00-18:00 (LO 17:30)
Holidays 10:00-18:30 (Last Order 18:00)
* Reservations are required for evening meals (by the day before) 18:00-21:00 (last order 20:00)
* Hours may be subject to change.
[Closed Days]
Irregular holidays (same as Yonezawa Roadside Station)
*******************************************
✤ Shopping / Tourist Information Center ✤
9:00～18:00
[Closed Days]
Irregular holidays (same as Yonezawa Roadside Station)
*******************************************
✤ Convenience store ✤
7:00～21:00
[Closed Days]
Irregular holidays (same as Yonezawa Roadside Station)
*******************************************
✤ Other Facilities ✤
<Available 24 hours a day>
・Toilets・Nursing room・Free rest room・EV charging facility
・Road information corner ・Machi Navigation Card
<Application required>
・Outdoor square/Lawn square