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Yamagata Prefecture · Tohoku

Roadside Station Chokai

道の駅 鳥海

Stop on National Route 7 for Sea of Japan rock oysters and grilled gin-garei, plus vegetables grown with water from Mount Chokai.

Updated Michi-no-Eki JournalRead in Japanese

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Location
Yuza Town, Akumi District
Road
National Route 7
Hours
9:00–18:00
From November through February, 9:00–17:00 is a guide. The direct sales shops are listed as 9:00–17:00, closing at 16:30 in winter.
Parking
Cars: 197 / Large vehicles: 12
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How to enjoy

Choose how to enjoy your visit

Eat, shop, play, take in the view or rest. Choose from the station’s strengths to suit your day.

See first
Grilled fish and rock oysters at Genki na Hamaten

Rock oysters are the summer draw; grilled gin-garei is the year-round choice.

Buy to take home
Melons, bell peppers, white eggplants and processed foods

The produce shop reflects Yuza’s mountains, villages and dune land.

Eat something light
Tsuyahime rice balls, skewers and bakery goods

With the ramen shop closed, snacks and bread are useful alternatives.

Continue to the sea
Juroku Rakan Iwa and Kamaiso spring water

Good additions for a clear evening or a summer coastal walk.

Add on the return trip
Apon Nishihama

A hot spring open from 6:00 in the morning until evening makes a fitting end to a drive.

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph
Riho’s stopover notes

Choose what to eat first, and Yuza’s sea and mountains feel closer.

Riho Kurose sees Chokai as a place to choose Yuza’s seasonal food on National Route 7, rather than a stop defined by its many facilities. Check the grilled gin-garei and rock oysters at Genki na Hamaten, then select melons or bell peppers at Himawari no Kai. On a lighter meal day, Tsuyahime rice balls or Hohho bread are satisfying. From there, decide whether to head to the sea, the springs or a hot spring; the stop becomes part of the day’s outing.

Highlights

Roadside Station Chokai, in Yuza Town at the northern end of Yamagata Prefecture, brings seafood and mountain produce together on National Route 7. At the Genki na Hamaten seafood shop, look for grilled gin-garei flatfish and wild rock oysters in summer. At the Himawari no Kai produce shop, look for dune-grown melons, bell peppers, white eggplants and processed foods. Even without a full meal, grilled fish, onigiri made with Tsuyahime rice, soft serve and bakery goods make a worthwhile stop. On a clear day, continue to Juroku Rakan Iwa, Kamaiso or Maruike-sama, then add a bath at Apon Nishihama on the way back for a half-day drive around Yuza.

  • #Wild rock oysters
  • #Grilled gin-garei
  • #Himawari no Kai
  • #Hohho Bakery
  • #Yuza-grown melons
  • #Juroku Rakan Iwa
  • #Kamaiso spring water
  • #National Route 7
Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

01

Grilled fish and rock oysters at Genki na Hamaten give you a first reason to stop

Head first to the Genki na Hamaten seafood shop to decide what to eat. Its year-round favorite is grilled gin-garei; there are also squid tempura, fried seasonal fish and wild rock oysters in summer. The food can catch your attention as soon as you leave the car. Oyster quantities and queues vary in season, so an oyster-only plan for late afternoon can be difficult.

02

Himawari no Kai sells the seasons of Mount Chokai’s water and the dunes

At the Himawari no Kai produce shop, the selection reflects Yuza’s mountains, villages and dunes: summer melons, bell peppers, white eggplants and blueberries; Shonai persimmons in autumn; and Chinese yams and dried vegetables in winter. For gifts or food to take home, also look at Akari miso, okoshi puffed-rice sweets, dried sweet potatoes and ancient rice.

03

Plan around light meals and the bakery while the ramen shop is closed

A practical meal combines the fast-food counter, Hohho Bakery and prepared foods from the seafood shop. Official information says the Aji no Eki ramen shop is closed. Instead of relying on noodles, consider Tsuyahime rice balls, Shonai pork udon or soba, Tsuyahime gelato, Hohho’s white bread or Mount Chokai melon bread.

04

Extend a Route 7 break into a half-day outing from the Yuza-Chokai interchange

The station is about five minutes from the Yuza-Chokai interchange on National Route 7, a useful turning point for a drive toward the Akita border or along the Shonai coast. For a short stop, use the toilets and visit the grilled-fish and produce shops. On a clear day add Juroku Rakan Iwa or Kamaiso’s spring water; with more time, visit Maruike-sama and the Ushiwatari River, then finish at Apon Nishihama hot spring.

Route idea

Ways to plan your stop

Spend your time at the station or add somewhere nearby. These ideas help you plan around your companions and the weather.

A short break on National Route 7

See Yuza’s coast and farms in 30 minutes

After using the toilets, check the grilled gin-garei and prepared foods at Genki na Hamaten, then choose one seasonal vegetable or fruit at Himawari no Kai. Even without a sit-down meal, you can take something to enjoy in the car or at your lodging.

Parking → toilets → Genki na Hamaten → Himawari no Kai → depart

Popular seafood and grilled foods sell at different rates through the day. If you arrive late, focus on shopping.

A June–August drive along the Shonai coast

Make summer rock oysters and melons the main event

Summer brings wild rock oysters, melons, bell peppers and blueberries together. If you plan to queue for oysters, aim for an earlier visit; companions can use the wait to browse the produce shop or bakery.

Genki na Hamaten → Himawari no Kai → Kamaiso Beach or Juroku Rakan Iwa

Oyster availability changes with catches, deliveries and prices. Check same-day official notices or the shop.

A family break during a long drive

For children, combine snacks with a short coastal detour

This station is better for toilets, Tsuyahime rice balls, soft serve, bread and a short shop visit than a long play session on large equipment. In clear weather, go a little farther to Juroku Rakan Iwa or Kamaiso. If rain or tiredness sets in, choose a bath at Apon Nishihama.

Station → Juroku Rakan Iwa or Kamaiso → Apon Nishihama

Check wind and footing at the shore and among rocks; carry very young children or keep the visit short.

Returning from Sakata or the Akita border

Finish an evening at Juroku Rakan Iwa and a hot spring

After a light meal, head to Juroku Rakan Iwa for a Sea of Japan sunset. Summer illumination and the Juroku Rakan festival can add to the visit; a bath at Apon Nishihama rounds off the day.

Station → Juroku Rakan Iwa → Apon Nishihama

Sea winds can be strong in the evening. Check the current year’s illumination and festival notices before going.

A clear day for waterside scenery

Spend half a day among springs and Mount Chokai

After eating at the station, head to Maruike-sama and the Ushiwatari River to see Yuza’s spring-fed landscape. If heading toward Mount Chokai, check the tourism association’s trail and road information. If mountain weather looks uncertain, switch to coastal Kamaiso or a hot spring.

Station → Maruike-sama and Ushiwatari River → Mount Chokai area if time allows

Mountain temperatures, winds and trail conditions change. Prepare differently for a hike than for casual sightseeing.

Hours

Opening hours

Roadside Station Chokai
9:00–18:00; November–February 9:00–17:00

Hours are a guide. Closed January 1; individual shops and seasons vary.

Direct sales shops
9:00–17:00; November–February 9:00–16:30

Hours are a guide; Genki na Hamaten and Himawari no Kai both have seasonal changes.

Fast-food counter
9:00–18:00; November–February 9:00–17:00

Hours are a guide. Menus and sellouts depend on the day.

Hohho Bakery
9:00〜17:00

Hours are a guide. Baking times, seasonal breads and sellouts vary.

Toilets
Listed as available 24 hours

A multipurpose toilet and ostomate facilities are listed.

Family

Visiting with children

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Stars show the editorial recommendation for each age group on a five-point scale. Read the reasons alongside each rating.

Age 1 and under
★★★☆☆

Convenient for toilets and a short shopping stop.

Baby-changing beds in the general toilets and a multipurpose toilet are listed. Keep a visit to crowded shops brief and carry the child between stops.

Ages 2–3
★★★☆☆

Soft serve, bread and rice balls make a break easy.

The seafood shop and parking area can be busy. Get easy-to-eat bread or rice balls first, and keep any coastal walk short according to wind and footing.

Ages 4–6
★★★★☆

Grilled fish, melons and a coastal detour can be memorable.

Rather than keeping children in the rock-oyster queue, split time between the produce shop and bakery. Hold hands at Juroku Rakan Iwa and Kamaiso.

Primary school age
★★★★☆

Connect seafood, springs and Mount Chokai in a day of discovery.

See seasonal fish at Genki na Hamaten, then connect the food to the spring-fed landscape at Maruike-sama, the Ushiwatari River or Kamaiso. Check footwear and warm clothing if going toward Mount Chokai.

Event

Make an event part of your visit

Permanent spaces and dated events are listed separately. Events can change both the atmosphere and crowds; use the official links for details.

Checking event dates.

Spaces used for events

Yuza seasonal food calendar

The station’s seasonal calendar helps you choose a visit month for wild rock oysters, melons, winter cod, wild vegetables and Shonai persimmons.

Juroku Rakan Iwa illumination

The tourism association lists illumination from July 17 to August 16, 2026. Check current information before an evening coastal visit.

Yuza Town fireworks festival

The tourism association lists July 25, 2026. Allow for possible summer-weekend congestion on the coast and National Route 7.

Mount Chokai summer opening and climbing information

The annual July 1 summer mountain opening and climbing information help with weather and road decisions for a trip from the station toward Mount Chokai.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

Summer rock oysters bring excitement, but depend on time and deliveries

An official July 2026 notice reported rock oysters on sale, and visitor accounts also identify them as a summer draw. As a popular item with limited quantities, they may be gone later in the day; be ready to choose grilled fish, prepared seafood or the produce shop instead.

Source: Roadside Station Chokai Flat official notices

Grilled gin-garei is a memorable year-round staple

Official information for Genki na Hamaten describes grilled gin-garei as a popular year-round item. Outside oyster season, the aroma of grilled fish and prepared foods still make a stop worthwhile.

Source: Genki na Hamaten seafood shop

Popular seasons can crowd the shops; consider the second and third parking areas

Visitor reports often mention waits for grilled fish and seafood and congestion in the front parking area during summer and holidays. Official information lists second and third parking areas, so there is no need to insist on a space by the entrance.

Source: Facility information and summary of visitor reports

With the ramen shop closed, focus on snacks and the bakery

The official page lists the Aji no Eki ramen shop as closed. Plan around the fast-food counter, Tsuyahime rice balls, Hohho Bakery and prepared seafood instead of relying on ramen alone.

Source: Roadside Station Chokai Flat food information

Summer brings seafood and dune melons; winter brings cod and sandfish

The station’s seasonal calendar shows wild rock oysters from June through August, melons and bell peppers in July, and winter cod and sandfish from December through January. Look in different shops depending on your visit month.

Source: Roadside Station Chokai Flat seasonal calendar
Before your visit

Things to check before setting out

Opening and closure days, individual businesses and facilities for children or dogs can affect your plans.

  • Summer rock oysters depend on popularity, quantity and market price. Arrive early if they are your goal, and switch to grilled gin-garei or prepared seafood if they sell out.
  • The official listing says the Aji no Eki ramen shop is closed. Plan meals around the fast-food counter, bakery and prepared seafood.
  • The produce and seafood selection changes greatly by month: look for melons and bell peppers in summer, winter cod and sandfish in winter, and wild vegetables in spring.
  • The front parking area and shops can be busy at holiday and summer lunchtimes. Consider the second and third parking areas.
  • For Juroku Rakan Iwa or Kamaiso, check sea winds, waves and footing. Allow plenty of time before sunset if going for the view.
  • For Mount Chokai, account for cooler temperatures and changing mountain weather. Check tourism association trail and road information; choose the coast or a hot spring if conditions are unsuitable.
Food

Eating and shopping

Specialities, places to eat, sweets and bakeries can all give you a reason to stop. Check individual menus for current prices and availability.

  • Grilled fish
    Grilled gin-garei
    Check availability at Genki na Hamaten
  • Summer seafood
    Wild rock oysters
    Generally June–August; quantity and market price vary
  • Light meal
    Tsuyahime rice balls
    Fast-food counter
  • Bakery
    Hohho white bread
    Hohho Bakery
  • Direct sales
    Yuza-grown melons, bell peppers and white eggplants
    Selection varies by season
  • Take-home foods
    Akari miso, okoshi puffed-rice sweets and dried sweet potatoes
    Processed foods at Himawari no Kai
Food mood

What would you like to eat?

A meal, a sweet treat, market shopping or something to take away: choose a focus for the day instead of trying everything at once.

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph
Eat seafood on the spot

Grilled gin-garei, wild rock oysters, squid tempura, fried seasonal fish

The quickest way to taste this station’s specialties. Look for rock oysters in summer and grilled fish year-round.

Buy the season at the produce shop

Melons, bell peppers, white eggplants, Shonai persimmons, Chinese yams, wild vegetables

Good for food to eat later at home or your lodging. Produce from Yuza’s mountains, villages and dunes appears together.

Choose food that travels well

Tsuyahime rice balls, tama konnyaku (skewered konjac balls), grilled skewers, bread

Helpful when there is no time for a seated meal or when children are selective about food.

Take a sweet break

Tsuyahime gelato, La France pear soft serve, dadacha-mame edamame soft serve, apple pie

Add a quick taste of Yamagata even if you eat lunch elsewhere.

A backup when it is crowded

Bakery, processed foods from the produce shop, a move to the hot spring or coast

If oyster or grilled-fish queues are long, buy bread or other goods and continue to Juroku Rakan Iwa or Apon Nishihama.

Access

Location and surroundings

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1
Roadside station
Roadside Station Chokai

Stop on National Route 7 for Sea of Japan rock oysters and grilled gin-garei, plus vegetables grown with water from Mount Chokai.

Open in Google Maps
Food outlets and the market on the station grounds share the station pin. Nearby places are separate destinations to combine with your visit.
Nearby

Places to visit nearby

Seafood and prepared foods
Genki na Hamaten Seafood ShopJapanese guide
Inside the stationA short walk

For a quick taste of Chokai: check oysters in summer, and grilled gin-garei or prepared foods year-round.

Farm produce direct sales
Himawari no Kai Farm Produce ShopJapanese guide
Inside the stationA short walk

For taking home seasonal fruit or processed foods from Yuza, even without a meal.

Bakery and snacks
Hohho BakeryJapanese guide
Inside the stationA short walk

For companions skipping rock oysters or grilled fish, children’s snacks, or treats for the car.

Coast and historic scenery
Juroku Rakan IwaJapanese guide
About 10 minutes by carAbout 10 minutes by car

For a short coastal walk or sunset after eating seafood at the station.

Coast and springs
Kamaiso Beach and Kamaiso SpringsJapanese guide
About 10 minutes by carAbout 10 minutes by car

For a short nature stop by the sea after a station meal, especially on a clear day or in summer.

Day-use hot spring
Chokai Onsen Apon NishihamaJapanese guide
About 10 minutes by carAbout 10 minutes by car

For a bath after a coastal walk or before the drive home.

Springs and nature walk
Maruike-sama and Ushiwatari RiverJapanese guide
About 15 minutes by carAbout 15 minutes by car

For a clear day when you want to see Yuza’s spring scenery as well as its seafood and produce.

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Updated 2026-09-30Explore the nationwide map →