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Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Yamagata Prefecture · Tōhoku

Roadside Station Shirataka Yana Park

道の駅 白鷹ヤナ公園

River breezes from the Mogami and charcoal-grilled ayu. Take a family break with Shirataka flavors beside a sightseeing yana fish weir described as Japan's largest.

Updated Michi-no-Eki JournalRead in Japanese

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Location
Shirataka Town, Nishiokitama District
Road
National Route 287
Hours
10:00–17:00
These are approximate hours for the roadside station shop. The restaurant, yana stall, and winter operations have different schedules. Shops may close in winter; check official notices.
Parking
Cars: 250 / Large vehicles: 0
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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.

Eat first
Charcoal-grilled salted ayu

For a short stop, head to the yana stall; for a full lunch, choose the restaurant's ayu set meal.

See the river
Japan's largest-scale sightseeing yana fish weir

Viewing the yana, a traditional river fish weir, is a reason to visit from April to November. The ayu fishing season becomes more noticeable from August.

Rest with children
Benches, play equipment, and a multipurpose toilet

Children can move around outside before or after eating, making this a useful change of pace on a long drive.

Take something home
Prepared ayu and Shirataka pickles

Choose easy-to-serve foods such as ayu simmered in sweet soy sauce, ayu chips, seina-zuke (pickled greens), and omi-zuke (mixed chopped pickles).

Choose by season
Carp streamers, safflowers, and autumn ayu

Spring brings carp streamers, summer safflowers, autumn the Ayu Festival, and winter wind-dried ayu. Each season offers a different reason to return.

Add one more stop
Hot spring or washi papermaking

After lunch, add a bath at Palace Shōfū or a reserved activity at the Miyama Washi Center to fill half a day. Washi is traditional Japanese paper.

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph
A family-friendly order of stops

When you smell ayu grilling, show the children the river before lunch

After parking, use the toilets, briefly see the yana weir and riverbank, then choose your ayu meal once the children have settled. Leave time to go outside again afterward: adults can shop while children use the benches or play equipment. If it rains, a hot spring or washi activity can replace outdoor time.

1

Before lunch

Seeing the yana fish weir first makes the ayu meal part of the journey, rather than just another fish dish.

2

After lunch

Choose prepared ayu or pickles at the shop, then continue to Palace Shōfū or the Miyama Washi Center if time allows.

3

On a rainy day

Keep outdoor time short and plan an easy sequence of restaurant, multipurpose toilet, and hot spring.

Highlights

Roadside Station Shirataka Yana Park stands beside the Mogami River on National Route 287, with ayu (sweetfish) dishes and a sightseeing yana fish weir at its heart. At the yana stall, choose charcoal-grilled salted ayu or tofu dengaku (grilled tofu with a miso glaze); the restaurant offers an ayu set meal, ayu rice, and ayu simmered in sweet soy sauce. Spring brings carp streamers and cherry blossoms, summer safflowers and weir viewing, autumn migrating ayu and the Ayu Festival, and winter wind-dried ayu. Plan to eat ayu, let children move around by the river, or add a hot spring or handmade-paper experience to make the stop distinctly Shirataka.

  • #Ayu dishes
  • #Sightseeing yana fish weir
  • #Mogami River
  • #Shirataka Ayu Festival
  • #Safflowers
  • #Family break
  • #National Route 287
Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

01

See the yana weir as well as eat ayu

At Ayu Chaya, food and scenery meet in one place. Even buying charcoal-grilled salted ayu and sitting on a bench brings the Mogami River and yana fish weir close enough to feel that you have arrived in Shirataka.

02

An easy sequence for a family break

Parking, toilets, food, riverside benches, and play equipment are close together, so children can go outside when they get restless. On rainy or very hot days, make a shorter stop centered on the indoor restaurant and multipurpose toilet.

03

Shirataka's seasonal events gather here

The opening of the yana, safflowers, autumn ayu, the Shirataka Ayu Festival, and wind-dried winter ayu all change the character of a visit. Check official event dates when planning a stop.

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 first visit to Shirataka Yana Park

Make ayu lunch the main event

Look briefly at the yana weir, then choose an ayu set meal or ayu soba at the restaurant. After eating, browse the station shop for ayu simmered in sweet soy sauce, ayu chips, and Shirataka pickles to enjoy at home.

Parking → toilets → yana weir viewing → Ayu Chaya restaurant → roadside station shop.

The restaurant mainly serves lunch. Wednesday and seasonal schedules can vary, so check official notices before setting out if ayu dishes are your main reason to visit.

A family drive on National Route 287

Give children a break first

Instead of heading straight to a meal, make short stops at the toilets, riverbank, and benches before a snack. Charcoal-grilled salted ayu or tofu dengaku brings a taste of Shirataka even when a wait for the restaurant does not suit the family.

Parking → multipurpose toilet → benches by the yana stall → salted ayu and dengaku → a short play break.

Conditions underfoot at the river change with the weather. Decide in advance how to keep small children from getting too close to the water.

A day to enjoy Shirataka's events and seasons

Visit for a spring-to-autumn event

The yana opening and carp streamers draw visitors in spring, safflowers in summer, and migrating ayu and the Ayu Festival in autumn. Parking and meal waits are less predictable on event days, so eat lunch early or leave room to switch to stall snacks.

Check official event information → roadside station → yana weir and stalls → nearby safflowers or cherry blossoms if time allows.

Dated events change status after they finish. Before leaving, check the newest notices from the official site, tourism association, and social media.

A day when adults and children want a restful finish

Finish a half-day trip at a hot spring

Have ayu at the station at midday, then head to Palace Shōfū and Furusato Forest Park in the afternoon for food, outdoor play, and a bath. The climb toward the hills offers a different Shirataka view from the Mogami riverside.

Roadside Station Shirataka Yana Park → Palace Shōfū and Furusato Forest Park → return to National Route 287.

Hot spring closure days and last admission times can change. Check the admission cutoff before planning an evening bath.

Hours

Opening hours

Roadside station shop
10:00〜17:00

The official facility guide gives approximately 10:00–16:30 for November–March. In winter 2025–26, the shop closed from December; part of it reopened after renovation on April 29, 2026.

Yana stall
10:00〜16:00

Seasonal operation from early April to late November, with Wednesday listed as the weekly closing day. Closed in winter.

Ayu Chaya restaurant
11:00〜15:30

Last order is listed as 14:30. Wednesday is the usual closing day, although it opens during Golden Week, Obon, and the September ayu fishing season. It closed from November in winter 2025–26 and resumed normal service after renovation on May 11, 2026.

Rest area and public toilets
24 hours

The barrier-free map lists the rest area and public toilets as available 24 hours a day.

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
★★★☆☆

Suited to a short break using the multipurpose toilet, baby changing table, and indoor restaurant.

The short distance between the toilets and food may be more useful than a riverside walk.

Ages 2–3
★★★★☆

Benches, play equipment, soft serve ice cream, and dengaku make it easy to break up a meal stop.

Hold hands by the river. Keep outdoor play short in heat or rain.

Ages 4–6
★★★★☆

Seeing the yana weir before eating ayu makes an easy introduction to how the fish is caught.

If ayu bones are a concern, choose a seat and dish that let an adult portion out the fish.

Elementary school children
★★★★★

The Mogami River, yana fishing, safflowers, and washi papermaking can turn the stop into a half-day outing.

Activities at the Miyama Washi Center have conditions and may require reservations; arrange these with the facility before visiting.

Toilets and baby facilities

The facility information lists a multipurpose toilet, ostomate facilities, a baby changing table, and a baby chair.

Meals

The restaurant also lists soba, Western-style dishes, and children's menu items.

Rainy days

The yana weir and outdoor benches are less appealing in rain; focus on the restaurant, shop, and nearby hot spring.

Very hot days

The riverside may feel pleasant, but sun and waiting can be tiring. Plan an indoor break first.

Rest

Ideas for a restful stop

  1. 1
    Park close to the entrance

    From the main parking area, go first to the multipurpose toilet and building, then decide whether to visit the riverbank based on the weather.

  2. 2
    Plan meals around midday

    The restaurant mainly serves lunch. Later in the day, taking food home from the shop may be less tiring.

  3. 3
    Check the ground before approaching the yana

    Weather changes the footing near the river and weir. The view alone can still give a sense of Shirataka.

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

Sightseeing yana fish weir

A focus for visits from April to November. The ayu season becomes more evident after yana fishing opens in August.

In front of the yana stall

A place to eat charcoal-grilled ayu, tofu dengaku, and soft serve ice cream outdoors. Keep the stop short on busy days.

Mogami riverside

The view changes with spring carp streamers, summer river breezes, and autumn ayu.

Roadside station shop

A place to look for seasonal purchases such as prepared ayu, safflower products, and pickles.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

The yana weir is worth seeing even without a meal

Tourism information prominently features the sightseeing yana weir, described as Japan's largest. Even if someone in your group does not eat ayu, seeing the river and weir before returning to the shop gives the stop a purpose.

Source: Yamagata Prefecture tourism information

With children, use the toilets, rest outside, then eat

A baby changing table, multipurpose toilet, play equipment, and benches are listed, so take care of immediate needs on arrival before eating. Adults should plan how to keep children safely away from the water.

Source: Official facility guide and barrier-free map

Spring and autumn events change the crowds

The spring yana opening, autumn Ayu Festival, and Migrating Ayu Festival make the station a destination in its own right. On event days, allow more time for parking, meals, and possible sellouts.

Source: Ayu Chaya annual events and event information

In winter, focus on prepared products and indoor stops

The yana stall is usually closed in winter. Wind-dried ayu and indoor shopping or restaurant visits may suit the season when those facilities are open. Rather than staying long by the river, consider shopping and a nearby hot spring; check winter opening notices first.

Source: Ayu Chaya facility guide and annual events

There is more to Shirataka than ayu

The town is also known for safflower production, with Miyama washi, a hot spring, and a park nearby. Add seasonal flowers, crafts, or a bath to an ayu lunch to see more of the area.

Source: Shirataka Town and nearby tourism information
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.

  • The restaurant, yana stall, and station shop keep different hours. If ayu dishes are the main reason for your trip, check official notices and the facility guide before leaving.
  • The yana stall usually operates from early April to late November. The restaurant and station shop also closed during winter 2025–26, so check official opening notices before a winter visit.
  • Weather affects footing and heat beside the river and yana weir. With small children, decide the order of toilets, food, and outdoor rest in advance.
  • Parking and meal waits grow on event days. Being ready to switch to stall snacks helps keep a family visit flexible.
  • The station also works as a rest stop on National Route 287. To get a sense of Shirataka, add just 10 minutes to look at the Mogami River.
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.

  • Ayu Chaya restaurant
    Ayu set meal
    Official listed examples: ¥2,400 with two fish or ¥1,700 with one fish (tax included)
  • Yana stall and restaurant
    Salt-grilled ayu
    Official listed example: ¥600 (tax included)
  • Ayu dishes
    Miso-glazed grilled ayu, ayu rice, and fried ayu
    Availability varies by day and supply
  • Yana stall
    Tofu dengaku, soft serve ice cream, and shaved ice
    Good for a short break
  • Roadside station shop
    Ayu simmered in sweet soy sauce, ayu chips, and sweet-simmered ayu with roe
    Good to take home
  • Local Shirataka and Yamagata foods
    Lightly pickled thin-skinned round eggplant, seina-zuke, and omi-zuke
    Varies by season and deliveries
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
A full lunch

Ayu set meal, ayu soba, and mountain-vegetable soba

On a first visit, make ayu the focus at the restaurant after seeing the yana weir. Family members who do not like ayu can consider soba, Western-style dishes, or children's menu items.

Lunch service is relatively short; switch to stall snacks if you arrive late.

A light meal outdoors

Charcoal-grilled salted ayu and tofu dengaku

Eat on a bench by the yana stall to enjoy the riverside air as well as the food. This also suits a quick snack or a break for children.

The yana stall operates seasonally and is usually closed on Wednesdays.

Food to take home

Sweet-simmered ayu, ayu chips, and pickles

After eating, visit the shop for a taste of Shirataka to take home. Prepared ayu and pickles can make an easy addition to dinner.

Seasonal flavors

Autumn ayu, wind-dried winter ayu, and safflower products

September's migrating ayu, winter's wind-dried ayu, and summer safflower products each give a reason to return. Stock and events determine availability, so choose from what is offered on the day.

When it is busy

Stall snacks, prepared ayu, and a nearby hot spring

If the restaurant does not fit your schedule during an event or at lunchtime, switch to charcoal-grilled ayu, tofu dengaku, or prepared ayu from the shop. A lighter meal followed by the hot spring at Palace Shōfū can reduce family waiting time.

If eating ayu is essential, plan to arrive earlier.

Access

Location and surroundings

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1
Roadside station
Roadside Station Shirataka Yana Park

River breezes from the Mogami and charcoal-grilled ayu. Take a family break with Shirataka flavors beside a sightseeing yana fish weir described as Japan's largest.

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

Takano-yu Onsen Palace Shōfū and Furusato Forest Park
Hot spring and park
Takano-yu Onsen Palace Shōfū and Furusato Forest ParkJapanese guide
About 15 minutes by carIn the afternoon after an ayu lunch

A family drive combining outdoor play, bathing, and a break.

Craft experience
Miyama Washi Promotion and Research CenterJapanese guide
About 10 minutes by carAfter lunch, timed to a reservation

A rainy day or a trip with elementary school children when you want another taste of Shirataka's local culture.

Okitama Sakura Corridor: Shirataka Area
Flowers and nature
Okitama Sakura Corridor: Shirataka AreaJapanese guide
Drive to each siteA flower-viewing drive from mid-April to early May

A day to add spring Shirataka scenery before or after an ayu stop.

Shirataka Safflower Trail
Flowers and local culture
Shirataka Safflower TrailJapanese guide
Drive to sites around townFor July flowers and safflower products

A day to connect Shirataka's ayu, safflowers, and pickles through food and culture.

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Updated 2026-09-30Explore the nationwide map →