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Michi-no-Eki JournalMap
Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Yamanashi Prefecture · Kanto

Michi-no-Eki Tomizawa

道の駅 とみざわ

When the giant bamboo shoot comes into view, it is time to discover the flavors of southern Yamanashi. Tomizawa turns a Route 52 rest stop into a chance to shop, eat, and take a short walk.

Updated Michi-no-Eki JournalRead in Japanese

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Location
Nanbu Town, Minamikoma District
Road
National Route 52
Hours
8:30–18:00
On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, the station opens at 8:00 a.m. The official restaurant page lists 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.
Parking
Cars: 42 / Large vehicles: 14
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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
Giant bamboo shoot monument and shop

The quickest introduction to Nanbu Town’s character.

If eating
Grilled ayu sweetfish set meal, Tomizawa Burger, and Tomizawa miso tanmen

The restaurant lists a 3:00 p.m. closing time, so a lunchtime visit is safest.

If shopping
Bamboo shoots, Nanbu tea, Satoyama prepared foods, and seasonal vegetables

The highlights change with the seasons.

If just resting
Parking area, 24-hour toilets, and public telephone

A practical break about three minutes from Tomizawa IC.

If heading farther
Fukushi River Gorge or Sansui Tokuma-no-Sato

Add some time by the water on a fine day.

Soma’s detour notes

Tomizawa is most rewarding when you take an unhurried break.

Naomi Soma would first check the ease of parking and using the toilets here, then see what is in season at the shop. The giant bamboo shoot is a photo landmark, but Nanbu tea, prepared dishes, meals featuring ayu or bamboo shoots, and time to continue to the Fukushi River are what make the stop memorable. Check the restaurant hours early. If the weather is fine, head to the water; if you are tired, choose a hot spring. Tomizawa works well as a pause that sets the pace for the whole drive.

Highlights

Michi-no-Eki Tomizawa was the first roadside station registered in Yamanashi Prefecture. Its giant bamboo shoot monument marks its location on National Route 52. In a short visit, you can shop for Nanbu Town specialties: bamboo shoots in spring, watermelons in summer, ginger in autumn, Jerusalem artichokes and chorogi (Chinese artichokes) in winter, as well as Nanbu tea and bamboo crafts. Local ingredients feature in dishes such as a grilled ayu sweetfish set meal, the Tomizawa Burger, and Tomizawa miso tanmen noodles. The parking area, toilets, and public telephone are available 24 hours, making this a convenient short break on a drive via Tomizawa IC or Shin-Shimizu IC.

  • #Giant bamboo shoot monument
  • #Nanbu tea
  • #Bamboo shoots
  • #Ayu sweetfish dishes
  • #National Route 52
  • #Nanbu Town, Yamanashi Prefecture
Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

01

Follow the giant bamboo shoot to the flavors of Nanbu Town

The monument is hard to miss from National Route 52. After taking a photo, look around the shop for bamboo shoots, Nanbu tea, bamboo crafts, and seasonal vegetables to make the most of the stop.

02

Choose from ayu and bamboo shoot inspired dishes at the restaurant

Dishes such as the grilled ayu sweetfish set meal, Tomizawa Burger, and Tomizawa miso tanmen evoke the Fukushi River and local bamboo shoots. The restaurant closes relatively early, so plan to eat by early afternoon.

03

Rest, then head for a gorge or a hot spring

The parking area and toilets are open 24 hours, making this a useful first break after Tomizawa IC or a stop before driving toward Shizuoka. On a clear day, continue to Fukushi River Gorge or Sansui Tokuma-no-Sato; for a relaxing soak, head to Okuyama Onsen or Nanbu-no-Yu.

04

Seasonal goods give each visit a different focus

Look for bamboo shoots in spring, watermelons in summer, ginger in autumn, and Jerusalem artichokes and chorogi in winter. Stock varies with deliveries, so visit earlier in the day if shopping is your main purpose.

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 change of pace on a long drive

Take a break just three minutes from Tomizawa IC

Just off the Chubu-Odan Expressway’s Tomizawa IC toward Shizuoka, you can make a quick stop for the toilet, parking, and shop. If pressed for time, see the monument, pick up some Nanbu tea or a prepared dish, and continue to your next destination.

Tomizawa IC → Michi-no-Eki Tomizawa → National Route 52 toward Minobu or Shizuoka.

The restaurant lists a 3:00 p.m. closing time; in the evening, plan on shopping and a rest instead.

A stop focused on eating and shopping

Buy bamboo shoots and Nanbu tea, then have lunch

Browse seasonal vegetables, Nanbu tea, bamboo crafts, and Satoyama prepared dishes before choosing a grilled ayu sweetfish set meal or Tomizawa miso tanmen at the restaurant. The Tomizawa Burger offers another recognizable local choice if family members want different things.

Parking → shop → restaurant → pause by the monument.

Seasonal vegetables and prepared dishes vary with deliveries. Morning to late morning is easier if shopping is the main goal.

A day for waterside scenery, fresh green leaves, or autumn colors

Add Fukushi River Gorge on a fine day

Use the station for toilets and drinks before heading to Fukushi River Gorge, turning a rest stop into the start of a nature walk. Fresh greenery in May and autumn foliage from mid-November to early December give the area different looks.

Michi-no-Eki Tomizawa → Fukushi River Gorge → Sansui Tokuma-no-Sato or Okuyama Onsen.

Weather changes the footing and perceived temperature in the gorge. Keep walks short with small children.

Families wanting some activity after eating

Take children on to Sansui Tokuma-no-Sato

The station itself is not a place for extended play. For children aged four and over, consider the fish hatchery center, catching fish in shallow water, or the bamboo workshop at Sansui Tokuma-no-Sato. Eat and shop at the roadside station, then make the nearby site the play stop.

Michi-no-Eki Tomizawa → Sansui Tokuma-no-Sato → head home early or visit a hot spring.

Sansui Tokuma-no-Sato normally closes on Tuesdays, or the next day if Tuesday is a public holiday. Seasons and hours vary for the fish hatchery center and activities, so check ahead.

A day to unwind after a drive

Choose a hot spring to suit your day

Choose Okuyama Onsen for a secluded mountain hot spring, or Nanbu-no-Yu for a facility where you can rest later into the evening. A light meal at Tomizawa before setting off helps avoid looking for dinner late in the day.

Michi-no-Eki Tomizawa → Okuyama Onsen or Nanbu-no-Yu → homeward journey.

Okuyama Onsen is about 30 minutes from Tomizawa IC; it lists Tuesday closures (the following day if Tuesday is a public holiday) and a 4:00 p.m. last admission.

Hours

Opening hours

Shop and station facilities
Weekdays 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. / Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Based on Nanbu Town and the official access page; temporary changes are possible.

Restaurant
Weekdays 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. / Sundays and holidays 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

The official restaurant page lists these hours. The town page also lists the restaurant until 5:00 p.m.; for a meal, check the operator’s latest notice. Saturday restaurant hours are not separately stated there.

Parking area, toilets, and public telephone
24 hours

Confirmed on the official access page.

Family

Visiting with children

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

Age 1 and under
★★★☆☆

Better for 24-hour toilets and brief shopping than for nursing or a long stay.

The shop and toilets are a short walk from the parking area. If using the restaurant, avoid the busy lunchtime period for a calmer stop.

Ages 2–3
★★★☆☆

See the bamboo shoot monument and make a short circuit of the shop.

A simple sequence of eating, shopping, and returning to the car may be less tiring than letting children run around the station.

Ages 4–6
★★★★☆

Adding Sansui Tokuma-no-Sato or a waterside stop turns the visit into playtime.

Have lunch and use the toilet at the station, then head out for fish catching or the bamboo workshop.

Elementary school age
★★★★☆

Connect the stories of bamboo shoots, Nanbu tea, ayu sweetfish, and the Fukushi River.

Extend the drive to Fukushi River Gorge in the fresh green or autumn foliage season, or to Okuyama Onsen, for a short outing that also teaches about the area.

Baby changing table

The Kanto roadside station facilities listing does not show one, and the official site does not mention one. Contact the station in advance if you need it.

24-hour toilets

Confirmed on the official access page.

Extended play at the station

For play, plan a separate stop at Sansui Tokuma-no-Sato or around the Fukushi River.

Meal timing

The restaurant lists a 3:00 p.m. closing time, making a late lunch risky.

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

Spring bamboo shoots

In spring, bamboo shoots, the station’s symbol, take center stage in the shop and local events. The 2026 Bamboo Shoot Festival ended on April 12; check Nanbu Town announcements for future events.

Seasonal direct sales

Look for watermelons in summer, ginger in autumn, and Jerusalem artichokes and chorogi in winter. Stock varies, so visit earlier if shopping is your goal.

Fresh greenery and autumn colors at Fukushi River Gorge

Fresh greenery usually runs from early to late May, and autumn colors from mid-November to early December. Pause at the station before heading to the waterfront.

Operating calendars for nearby hot springs

Okuyama Onsen and Nanbu-no-Yu may announce temporary closures or monthly events. Check the day’s notices before a hot spring trip.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

Planning to eat by 3:00 p.m. helps avoid disappointment

The operator’s restaurant page lists a 3:00 p.m. closing time on weekdays, Sundays, and holidays. Later in the day, leave room to switch to prepared food or souvenirs from the shop.

Source: Official restaurant page

The seasonal focus of the shop changes clearly

The official site highlights bamboo shoots in spring, watermelons in summer, ginger in autumn, and Jerusalem artichokes and chorogi in winter. Each season gives you a different reason to visit.

Source: Official site

Travel reviews tend to describe short rests and photo stops

Travel sites and posts often mention the proximity to Tomizawa IC, the bamboo shoot monument, and visits of under an hour. A stop for shopping or eating before the next detour fits that pattern.

Source: Summary of travel site and visitor post trends

Children may enjoy a separate nearby activity more than a long station visit

The station is well suited to rest and shopping. For play, consider the fish hatchery center or bamboo workshop at Sansui Tokuma-no-Sato. A brief station stop suits younger children, while older ones can continue to the water or activities.

Source: Nanbu Town information on Sansui Tokuma-no-Sato

Okuyama Onsen and Nanbu-no-Yu offer different kinds of rest

Okuyama Onsen offers the feel of a secluded mountain spring. Nanbu-no-Yu lists opening until 9:00 p.m. and offers books and rest areas. Choose according to how you want to end the drive.

Source: Official Okuyama Onsen and Nanbu-no-Yu 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.

  • If coming for lunch, arrive by early afternoon; the restaurant lists a 3:00 p.m. closing time.
  • In the evening, plan for shop food, souvenirs, or a toilet break instead of a restaurant meal.
  • Come earlier for spring bamboo shoots and other seasonal vegetables to have a wider choice.
  • For Fukushi River Gorge, watch your footing after rain and allow for temperature changes; keep the walk short.
  • With children, keep the station stop brief and plan a separate activity at Sansui Tokuma-no-Sato or a hot spring.
  • Okuyama Onsen lists Tuesday closures (the following day if Tuesday is a public holiday) and a 4:00 p.m. last admission, so leave early if it is your final stop.
  • On a Route 52 break, plan how much time you have between Tomizawa IC and Shin-Shimizu IC.
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.

  • Restaurant
    Grilled ayu sweetfish set meal
    Approx. ¥1,500
  • Restaurant
    Tomizawa Burger
    Approx. ¥800
  • Restaurant
    Tomizawa miso tanmen
    Approx. ¥1,000
  • Shop
    Satoyama series side dishes and boxed meals
    From approx. ¥150
  • Shop
    Japanese black tea made from Nanbu tea
    Approx. ¥540
  • Souvenir
    Takenoko manju (bamboo shoot themed sweet buns)
    Check in-store information for availability
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.

A lunch with local flavor

Grilled ayu sweetfish set meal; grilled ayu ochazuke (fish over rice with tea or broth)

For a Nanbu Town meal before or after visiting the Fukushi River waterfront.

The restaurant closes relatively early, so aim for lunchtime.

Easy-to-recognize specialties

Tomizawa Burger; Tomizawa miso tanmen

For a meal that gives your group choices and a chance to talk about bamboo shoots.

Check current availability and prices in the shop.

Quick takeaway

Satoyama series side dishes and boxed meals; croquettes; curry bread

Even without time for the restaurant, you can choose something to eat in the car or at your lodging.

Prepared foods can sell out, so allow for other options.

Tea and sweets

Japanese black tea made from Nanbu tea; bean mochi; Takenoko manju

For taking a little of the break home with you.

Seasonal products vary with deliveries.

Shop for the season

Spring bamboo shoots; summer watermelons; autumn ginger; winter Jerusalem artichokes and chorogi

The main items change with the season, giving you a reason to return.

Peak season and event days can be busy; earlier visits work best.

Access

Location and surroundings

Driving directions from your location
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1
Roadside station
Michi-no-Eki Tomizawa

When the giant bamboo shoot comes into view, it is time to discover the flavors of southern Yamanashi. Tomizawa turns a Route 52 rest stop into a chance to shop, eat, and take a short walk.

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

Nature and gorge
Fukushi River GorgeJapanese guide
About 30 minutes by carAbout 30 minutes by car

For a fine day when you want to add a waterside walk to shopping and eating at the station.

Nature activities and dining
Sansui Tokuma-no-SatoJapanese guide
About 10–15 minutes by carAbout 10–15 minutes by car

Add a short nature activity when children may tire of staying at the station.

Hot spring and rest
Okuyama OnsenJapanese guide
About 30 minutes by carAbout 30 minutes by car

For a day when you want mountain air and an early end to your drive.

Hot spring and indoor rest
Nanbu-no-Yu, the Hot Spring in the ForestJapanese guide
About 15 minutes by carAbout 15 minutes by car

For days when walking outdoors is difficult or you want a later rest stop.

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Updated 2026-09-30Explore the nationwide map →