Skip to content
Michi-no-Eki JournalMap

Yamagata Prefecture · Tohoku

Michi-no-Eki Yamagata Zao

道の駅 やまがた蔵王

Freshly baked baumkuchen, fruit pudding and Zao beef. Three minutes from Yamagata-Kaminoyama IC, this roadside station at the approach to Zao is a place to take home Yamagata food.

Updated Michi-no-Eki JournalRead in Japanese
Location
Yamagata City
Road
National Route 13
Hours
09:00–17:30
These are the building's opening hours. ESCARGOT ZAO BAUM STUDIO is open 9:00–17:00; Yamagata Pudding and SLOWJAM, 9:30–17:00; and TAKAHASHI BEEF FARM, 10:00–17:00 (the shop directory also lists a 9:30 opening). Hours may change.
Parking
Cars: 279 / Large vehicles: 34
My stamp

Record this station in your journal

Records are saved in this browser. Visited stations receive a stamp and count towards your nationwide progress.

Nationwide progress
— / 1,238 stations
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
Fruit Pudding Soft Serve at Yamagata Pudding

This sweet is listed as exclusive to the roadside station. The shop is open 9:30–17:00.

Take home
Freshly baked baumkuchen and Zao beef

ESCARGOT opens at 9:00; TAKAHASHI BEEF FARM closes at 17:00.

For lunch
Gutto Yamagata food court

The food court lists soba, ramen and Yonezawa beef dishes, among other options.

Take a short walk
Follow the connecting passage to Gutto Yamagata and Shoku no Eki

You can walk between them without getting wet on a rainy day.

A road trip stop
Three minutes from Yamagata-Kaminoyama IC, at the approach to Zao

The listed driving times are 10 minutes from Yamagata-Zao IC and 15 minutes from Yamagata Station.

Leave the car
Use park and ride toward Sendai or Zao

Apply at the general information desk, by phone or by email before using it.

Riho's stopover notes

At Yamagata Zao, choosing one sweet first makes the visit easier.

Riho Yoshimi sees this station less as a large complex and more as a place to decide whether to take home pudding, baumkuchen, canelés or Zao beef. Eat and shop at the four indoor stores, then add Gutto Yamagata and Shoku no Eki via the connecting passage. A break three minutes from Yamagata-Kaminoyama IC becomes a Yamagata food stop.

Highlights

Michi-no-Eki Yamagata Zao is Yamagata City's first roadside station, on National Route 13 about three minutes by car from Yamagata-Kaminoyama IC on the Tohoku-Chuo Expressway, at the approach to Zao. It opened on December 3, 2023. Its four indoor food shops are ESCARGOT ZAO BAUM STUDIO (baumkuchen, a layered ring cake), Yamagata Pudding Michi-no-Eki Zao, SLOWJAM (café and sweets), and TAKAHASHI BEEF FARM (Zao beef and other meat and processed products). A connecting passage leads to the neighboring souvenir shop Gutto Yamagata and farmers' market Shoku no Eki. The complex also has an imoni gathering area for this Yamagata-style meat and vegetable stew, the multipurpose Juhyo Hall, highway and local bus stops with park-and-ride parking, paid overnight vehicle spaces, and rapid EV charging.

  • #Baumkuchen
  • #Yamagata Pudding
  • #Zao beef
  • #Imoni gathering area
  • #Juhyo Hall
  • #Gutto Yamagata
  • #Park and ride
  • #National Route 13
Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

01

Three sweet shops and one butcher: eat and shop inside the station

The four indoor food tenants are ESCARGOT ZAO BAUM STUDIO, which bakes baumkuchen in its workshop; Yamagata Pudding Michi-no-Eki Zao, a fruit pudding specialist using Yamagata-produced Yamabe milk and benibana eggs; SLOWJAM, with canelés and pound cakes; and TAKAHASHI BEEF FARM, selling Zao beef direct from its own farm. Choosing one sweet to eat and one item to take home makes even a short stop a chance to shop for Yamagata flavors.

02

Walk to neighboring Gutto Yamagata and Shoku no Eki under cover, even in rain

Gutto Yamagata, with more than 4,000 kinds of souvenirs, local sake and seasonal fruit, and Shoku no Eki, a farmers' market for Yamagata vegetables and fruit, are next door and connected to the roadside station by a covered passage. Gutto Yamagata has a food court serving soba, ramen and Yonezawa beef dishes, among others. Shoku no Eki is listed as open 9:00–18:00 with no regular closing days.

03

Enjoy an imoni gathering without bringing supplies

At the south-side imoni area, visitors can enjoy imoni, Yamagata's meat and vegetable stew, provided by local farmers without bringing their own supplies. For reservations and details, contact the operator Sato Farm (Imoni Japan, 090-6938-5245, 10:00–17:00) directly. The area's washing station cannot be used in winter to prevent freezing.

04

Buses, park and ride, overnight vehicle stays and EV charging offer several ways to use the station

East of the station are local and highway bus stops and a waiting room with a changing room. The Kaminoyama–Sendai highway bus, overnight buses toward the Kanto region, and local routes to Zao Onsen and Katta summit (seasonal) stop here or pass nearby. There are also 39 park-and-ride spaces (application required), five paid overnight vehicle spaces with power, and three rapid EV chargers.

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 near National Route 13 and Yamagata-Kaminoyama IC

Take sweets and meat home in 30 minutes

After parking, use the toilet first, then pick a sweet at Yamagata Pudding, baumkuchen at ESCARGOT, and Zao beef imoni or hamburger steak at TAKAHASHI BEEF FARM. All four shops are inside the building, so a short visit can cover both eating and shopping.

Parking → toilets → Yamagata Pudding → ESCARGOT → TAKAHASHI BEEF FARM → departure

Opening times vary by shop (9:00–10:00). They close at 17:00, before the building closes at 17:30.

A drive with a lunch stop

Lunch at the Gutto Yamagata food court

The adjacent Gutto Yamagata food court lists soba, ramen and Yonezawa beef dishes, among other options. After eating, use the connecting passage to visit Shoku no Eki for vegetables and fruit before returning.

Roadside station → Gutto Yamagata food court → Shoku no Eki → roadside station

Menus and hours can change. Check the official website and each shop's current information.

A day using buses, or a trip of several days

Leave the car and head for Zao Onsen or Sendai

The Kaminoyama–Sendai highway bus departs from the stop east of the station, where local buses between Yamagata City Hall and Kaminoyama/Takamatsu-Hayama also stop. For the Yamagata Station–Zao Onsen bus, get off at Omotezao-guchi (表蔵王口) and walk west for about five minutes. The waiting room has a changing room.

Parking (east side) → apply at the general information desk → bus stop

Park-and-ride parking requires an advance application. The roadside station does not sell bus tickets; check schedules with each bus company.

A day with an early start for Zao or Yamagata City

Stay overnight in a vehicle before visiting Zao

There are five paid overnight vehicle spaces. Each is as large as two standard-car spaces and has a 100 V/15 A power supply. Check-in is 13:00–17:00, checkout is by 10:00 the next morning, and the listed price is ¥2,000 per space. Reserve by phone, email or at the general information desk from up to one year ahead.

Check in at the general information desk → overnight vehicle space → return the item to the drop box or information desk the next morning

There are no showers or bathing facilities; the nearest is Kurosawa Onsen, about 1.3 km away. From around December through the end of February, outdoor water taps cannot be used at night. Open fires and fireworks are prohibited.

An autumn gathering with a Yamagata flavor

Hold an imoni gathering without bringing supplies

At the south-side imoni area, visitors are invited to buy Yamagata vegetables and meat for an imoni gathering or barbecue, while local farmers provide a bring-nothing imoni option. Imoni is a local meat and vegetable stew. Ask Sato Farm (Imoni Japan) directly about reservations and details.

Parking → imoni gathering area → indoor toilets and shops

The area's washing station cannot be used in winter to prevent freezing. Cooking in the parking lot is prohibited.

Hours

Opening hours

Building (general information desk)
9:00〜17:30

Hours may change. January 1 is listed as a closure day.

ESCARGOT ZAO BAUM STUDIO
9:00〜17:00

Baumkuchen workshop and shop.

Yamagata Pudding Michi-no-Eki Zao / SLOWJAM
9:30〜17:00

Pudding specialist and café and sweets shop.

TAKAHASHI BEEF FARM
10:00〜17:00

The shop directory also lists a 9:30 opening.

Toilets
South side 24 hours / north side 9:00–17:30

The nursing room is open 9:00–17:30.

Adjacent Gutto Yamagata / Shoku no Eki
9:00〜17:30 / 9:00〜18:00

Shoku no Eki is listed as having no regular closing days.

Family

Visiting with children

Nursing room and diaper-changing table inside

The nursing room is open 9:00–17:30. There is a diaper-changing table and diaper vending machine.

The south-side toilets are open 24 hours

The north-side toilets are open 9:00–17:30. The accessible toilet can be used by anyone.

Check Juhyo Hall's event calendar first

Markets and workshops may change how busy the building is. Check the monthly event listings on the official website.

Do not cook in the parking lot or leave a car there for a long stay

Follow the official visitor guidance and avoid flames or cooking outside the imoni area and overnight vehicle spaces.

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

Juhyo Hall

A multipurpose hall showcasing Yamagata, used for markets, concerts, workshops and exhibitions. It is also available to rent.

Event plaza and event space

There is an event plaza for outdoor workshops and sports activities, plus an event space beside the main entrance where food trucks and other vendors can set up.

Imoni gathering area

A south-side space for a bring-nothing imoni gathering or barbecue. Contact Sato Farm (Imoni Japan) to reserve.

Bus waiting room

Next to the bus stops east of the station, with a changing room. It can be used together with park-and-ride parking.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

Local bus stops are east of the station; for the Zao Onsen bus, walk five minutes from Omotezao-guchi

The Kaminoyama–Sendai highway bus and local buses between Yamagata City Hall and Kaminoyama/Takamatsu-Hayama stop east of the roadside station, behind the main entrance. For the Yamagata Station–Zao Onsen bus, get off at Omotezao-guchi (表蔵王口) and walk west about five minutes. The roadside station does not sell bus tickets.

Source: Michi-no-Eki Yamagata Zao official website (bus timetable information)

Park and ride requires an application

To leave a car while traveling by bus or bicycle, submit your name, emergency contact, license plate number, vehicle model and color, and period of use at the general information desk, by phone (023-676-6868, 9:00–17:30), or by email. No desk procedure is needed after submitting the application.

Source: Michi-no-Eki Yamagata Zao official website (parking facilities)

Outdoor water taps are shut off on winter nights for overnight vehicle stays

From around December through the end of February, outdoor water taps are unavailable at night from 17:30 to 9:00 the next morning to prevent freezing. Visitors are asked not to wash items in the toilets because it can cause faults.

Source: Michi-no-Eki Yamagata Zao official website (parking facilities)

The information desk sells commemorative tickets and stamp rally books

The cashless payment service Beni Pay is accepted at the general information desk and three indoor shops, including for commemorative roadside-station tickets, the 2026 Tohoku Michi-no-Eki stamp rally book, and original goods (ESCARGOT is excluded). A stamp rally book is used to collect stamps at participating roadside stations.

Source: Michi-no-Eki Yamagata Zao official website (notices)
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 building is open 9:00–17:30, while shops close at 17:00. If you plan to shop, arrive before 17:00.
  • ESCARGOT is listed as opening at 9:00, Yamagata Pudding and SLOWJAM at 9:30, and TAKAHASHI BEEF FARM at 10:00. Start with whichever shop is open on an early visit; the shop directory also lists 9:30 for TAKAHASHI BEEF FARM.
  • The connecting passage leads to Gutto Yamagata and Shoku no Eki, so you can walk there without getting wet in rain or snow.
  • Park and ride requires an application, and overnight vehicle stays require a reservation. Arrange them at the general information desk (9:00–17:30), by phone or by email.
  • The official website announced that outdoor shop THE NORTH FACE ZAO would open inside the building at 9:00 on September 20, 2026. Its hours are not yet listed in the official shop directory.
  • Markets and other events at Juhyo Hall appear in the official website's monthly event listings. Dates may change.
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.

  • Takeaway
    Soft baumkuchen, size S (ESCARGOT ZAO BAUM STUDIO)
    ¥980 (tax included; official listed price)
  • Sweet
    Zao Snow Pudding (Yamagata Pudding Michi-no-Eki Zao)
    ¥464 (tax included; official listed price). Exclusive to the roadside station.
  • Sweet
    Fruit Pudding Soft Serve (Yamagata Pudding Michi-no-Eki Zao)
    ¥880 (tax included; official listed price). Exclusive to the roadside station.
  • Sweet
    Yamagata Canelé and Zao Canelé (SLOWJAM)
    ¥400 and ¥450, respectively (tax included; official listed prices)
  • Local flavor
    Zao Beef Imoni and Zao Beef Hamburger Steak (TAKAHASHI BEEF FARM)
    ¥756 and ¥648, respectively (tax included; official listed prices)
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.

Stop for sweets

Zao Snow Pudding, Fruit Pudding Soft Serve, Yamagata Canelé and Zao Canelé

Even outside mealtimes, a roadside-station-exclusive pudding or canelé offers a short taste of Yamagata.

The fruit varies by season. Prices are those listed officially and may change.

Take something home

Baumkuchen (soft, hard and chocolate varieties), and the Yamagata no Megumi pound cake

Baumkuchen baked in the workshop is an easy choice for a longer-lasting souvenir.

ESCARGOT is open 9:00–17:00. Check official updates for sellouts or changes to hours.

Take home meat

Zao Beef Imoni, Zao Beef Hamburger Steak and Takahashi meat sauce

At TAKAHASHI BEEF FARM, which sells Zao beef direct from its own farm, you can buy ingredients to recreate Yamagata's imoni and other meat dishes at home.

Keep refrigerated products cool in transit. The shop closes at 17:00.

Have lunch

Gutto Yamagata food court (soba, ramen and Yonezawa beef dishes)

Use the connecting passage to Gutto Yamagata, then visit Shoku no Eki after eating.

Follow each shop's current menu and opening hours.

Explore the farm market too

Vegetables and fruit at Shoku no Eki; souvenirs and local sake at Gutto Yamagata

Shoku no Eki is listed as open 9:00–18:00 with no regular closing days; Gutto Yamagata is listed as open 9:00–17:30.

Selection varies with the season and deliveries.

Access

Location and surroundings

Driving directions from your location
Open in your map appOpen in Google Maps
Explore stations near 山形市 (Japanese guide)

If the map does not load, open it in Google Maps

1
Roadside station
Michi-no-Eki Yamagata Zao

Freshly baked baumkuchen, fruit pudding and Zao beef. Three minutes from Yamagata-Kaminoyama IC, this roadside station at the approach to Zao is a place to take home Yamagata food.

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.
Share

Send your travel companions a possible stop.

Share on XShare on LINE

Send a correction

Let us know if information on this page, such as hours or closing days, is incorrect. Our editors will review your message before updating the guide.

We use your submission only to review and improve our content and to reply about your message.

Updated 2026-09-30Explore the nationwide map →