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Shizuoka Prefecture · Chubu

Michi-no-Eki Utsunoya Pass

道の駅 宇津ノ谷峠

Three sites on either side of the Utsunoya Tunnel: tororo and Shizuoka oden make this pass more than a rest stop.

Updated Michi-no-Eki JournalRead in Japanese

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Location
Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City, and Fujieda City
Road
National Route 1
Hours
7:00–19:00
These hours are for Tenjinya on the Shizuoka outbound side. Orders for set meals close at 18:30, and the shop closes at 19:00. From December 31 to January 3, hours are 7:00–17:00. Okabe Chaya on the Fujieda inbound side opens 8:00–20:00. The information corner and nursing room on the Shizuoka side open 9:00–19:00; toilets and parking are listed as available 24 hours.
Parking
Cars: 80 / Large vehicles: 29
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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.

Decide first
Shizuoka side or Fujieda side

The facilities occupy three sites around the tunnel. Shopping is available on the Shizuoka outbound and Fujieda inbound sides; dining is on the Shizuoka outbound side.

For a meal
Tenjinya's tororo set meal and Shizuoka oden (Shizuoka outbound side)

7:00–19:00; set-meal orders close at 18:30.

For shopping
Tea, mandarins, and seasonal produce

The local products shops on the Shizuoka outbound and Fujieda inbound sides sell locally grown produce.

For a walk
Meiji Tunnel and Tsuta no Hosomichi

Meiji Tunnel is about a 10-minute walk from the Fujieda side. The listed time for Tsuta no Hosomichi from the Shizuoka side is about 60 minutes.

For a side trip
Kashibaya, the former large inn at Okabe-juku

The transport ministry lists it as about a five-minute drive from the Fujieda side.

Late or early
Fujieda side open until 20:00; Shizuoka side from 7:00

Toilets and parking at all three sites are listed as available 24 hours.

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph
Natsuki's detour notes

Decide which side to park on before ordering tororo.

Natsuki Mizuno's first tip here concerns parking. Utsunoya Pass has three sites around the tunnel, and the dining area is only on the Shizuoka outbound side. If you arrive traveling inbound, plan to cross the pedestrian bridge. Then you can enjoy rice with grated jinenjo wild yam and Shizuoka oden. It opens at 7:00, fitting an early start. After eating, walk to Meiji Tunnel and pick up a bag of tea on your return. A rest stop can grow into a half-day outing.

Highlights

Michi-no-Eki Utsunoya Pass is unusually split among three sites around the Utsunoya Tunnel on National Route 1: the inbound and outbound sides in Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City, and the inbound side in Fujieda City. On the Shizuoka outbound side, Tenjinya's shop and dining area open 7:00–19:00, serving tororo set meals made with locally grown jinenjo wild yam and Shizuoka oden, a regional simmered dish. Okabe Chaya's shop on the Fujieda inbound side opens 8:00–20:00. Toilets and parking are available 24 hours; decide which side suits your direction of travel before arriving.

  • #Utsunoya Pass
  • #Tororo set meal
  • #Shizuoka oden
  • #Tsuta no Hosomichi trail
  • #Meiji Tunnel
  • #National Route 1
  • #Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City
  • #Fujieda City
Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

01

Three sites around the tunnel: choose your side before you arrive

This roadside station has three sites around the Utsunoya Tunnel on National Route 1: inbound and outbound sites in Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City, and an inbound site in Fujieda City. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism describes its three sites with parking and shops on both sides of the pass as an unusual arrangement in Japan. A pedestrian bridge connects the two Shizuoka sites; Fujieda has only an inbound site. Shopping is available on the Shizuoka outbound and Fujieda inbound sides; dining is on the Shizuoka outbound side. Plan your stop around your direction of travel if you want food or shopping.

02

Wild yam tororo set meals and Shizuoka oden from 7:00

Tenjinya Michi-no-Eki Utsunoya Pass Outbound Branch operates on the Shizuoka outbound side from 7:00 to 19:00. Its specialty is rice topped with tororo, grated locally grown jinenjo wild yam; it offers a tororo set meal and a breakfast set. There is also Shizuoka oden, rice balls, boxed meals, souvenirs, and takeout. Set-meal orders close at 18:30 and the shop at 19:00. Payment is by cash or PayPay. Okabe Chaya Michi-no-Eki Utsunoya Pass Inbound Branch sells goods on the Fujieda inbound side from 8:00 to 20:00 and accepts cash and credit cards.

03

Walk into the pass from the parking area: Meiji Tunnel and Tsuta no Hosomichi

According to the transport ministry, Meiji Tunnel, a nationally registered tangible cultural property, the entrance to the Tsuta no Hosomichi hiking trail, and the Kiwadagawa River weir are each about a 10-minute walk from the Fujieda side. From the Shizuoka side, Tsuta no Hosomichi takes about 60 minutes, while Ohaoriya is about a 20-minute walk. You can leave your car and walk straight onto an old Tokaido pass route. The area is also part of the Tokaido Suruga 2 Passes and 6 Post Towns Scenic Byway.

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 morning drive west from Shizuoka

Stop first thing for a tororo breakfast

Tenjinya on the Shizuoka outbound side opens at 7:00 and offers a breakfast set. Make it your first stop for rice with grated jinenjo wild yam. You can pick up rice balls or Shizuoka oden afterward for lunch later in the day.

National Route 1 outbound → Shizuoka outbound parking area → breakfast at Tenjinya → takeout from the shop.

The Shizuoka outbound site is accessible only from the outbound carriageway. If traveling inbound, park on the inbound side and use the pedestrian bridge.

A day to explore the old Tokaido and Meiji Tunnel

Use the station as a base for walking the pass

From the Fujieda inbound side, Meiji Tunnel, the entrance to Tsuta no Hosomichi, and the Kiwadagawa River weir are each listed as about a 10-minute walk away. Tsuta no Hosomichi takes about 60 minutes from the Shizuoka side, and Ohaoriya is about a 20-minute walk. Bring water and food before setting out, then return to the station for another break.

Parking area → pick up a drink at the local products shop → Meiji Tunnel or Tsuta no Hosomichi → return to the station to rest.

The pass route includes paved stretches and mountain paths. Decide how far to walk after checking the time needed and sunset.

Days with uncertain travel times

Fujieda for a later stop, Shizuoka for an early one

Okabe Chaya on the Fujieda side opens 8:00–20:00; Tenjinya on the Shizuoka side opens 7:00–19:00. For a stop later in the day, plan around the Fujieda shop; for an early morning stop, use the Shizuoka shop. Toilets and parking at every site are listed as available 24 hours.

Check your expected arrival time → choose an open side → use the toilets and shop before continuing.

The Fujieda side closes on January 1. The Shizuoka side shortens its hours to 7:00–17:00 from December 31 to January 3.

A half-day drive

Continue to Okabe-juku for a half-day outing

Kashibaya, a former large inn, is listed as about a five-minute drive from the Fujieda side. After walking the pass, head down to the old Okabe post town to put Utsunoya Pass's place on the old Tokaido route into context. Eat and shop at the station first to leave more time for the rest of the outing.

Fujieda inbound side → Meiji Tunnel or Tsuta no Hosomichi → return to the station → Kashibaya (about five minutes by car).

Nearby facilities have their own hours and closing days. Check each facility's official information shortly before visiting.

Hours

Opening hours

Tenjinya Michi-no-Eki Utsunoya Pass Outbound Branch (Shizuoka outbound side)
7:00-19:00

Shop and dining area. Set-meal orders close at 18:30. December 31–January 3 hours: 7:00–17:00. Tel: 054-256-2545.

Okabe Chaya Michi-no-Eki Utsunoya Pass Inbound Branch (Fujieda inbound side)
8:00-20:00

Shop. Closed on January 1. Tel: 054-667-5080.

Information corner (Shizuoka side)
9:00-19:00

Road Museum Utsunoya Pass Information.

Information corner (Fujieda side)
8:00-20:00

Inside the Fujieda inbound facility.

Nursing room (Shizuoka outbound side)
9:00-19:00

One room on the outbound side.

Toilets, parking, and EV rapid charger
24 hours

The EV rapid charger is on the Shizuoka outbound side.

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.

Ages 1 and under
★★★★☆

A nursing room and diaper-changing stations make this a useful stop during a journey.

Official information lists one nursing room on the Shizuoka outbound side (9:00–19:00) and diaper-changing stations in each toilet. Toilets are available 24 hours.

Ages 2–3
★★★☆☆

Keep eating, toilet use, and the return to the car in short stages.

The facilities center on shops and dining, not a playground. Plan a short stay and avoid taking young children farther onto the pass than is comfortable.

Ages 4–6
★★★☆☆

A short walk to Meiji Tunnel can help keep children engaged.

The tunnel is listed as about a 10-minute walk from the Fujieda side. Allow for the return walk and choose a distance that suits their shoes.

Elementary school age
★★★★☆

Walk a stretch of the old Tokaido pass route.

Tsuta no Hosomichi is listed as taking about 60 minutes from the Shizuoka side. Meiji Tunnel is a nationally registered tangible cultural property, so the walk can lead into the area's history.

Nursing and diapers

The nursing room is on the Shizuoka outbound side. Diaper-changing stations are also listed on the Fujieda side.

Toilets

Ramps are also listed.

Moving between directions

There is only an inbound site on the Fujieda side; you cannot cross on foot to a site for the opposite direction there.

Meal times

Dining is on the Shizuoka outbound side. The Fujieda side is listed for shopping.

Walking days

Wear suitable shoes for the pass route. Tsuta no Hosomichi takes about 60 minutes from the Shizuoka side.

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

Official website notices

Official notices cover days when parking is unavailable, nearby roadworks, and walking events starting or ending at the station. Check before setting out if your plans depend on a date.

Information corners (Road Museum Utsunoya Pass Information)

The Shizuoka information corner opens 9:00–19:00 and the Fujieda one 8:00–20:00. Find information on the pass and old Tokaido here.

Tokaido Suruga 2 Passes and 6 Post Towns Scenic Byway

The station lies on a scenic byway that includes Mariko-juku and Utsunoya Pass. For a walk, the official website's “Walking the Pass” section has maps of Mariko-juku and Utsunoya Pass.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

Three sites make choosing your side the first step

The transport ministry describes the station's three sites, with parking and shops on both sides of the pass, as an unusual arrangement in Japan. The official website lists two Shizuoka sites, inbound and outbound, joined by a pedestrian bridge, and one Fujieda inbound site. Shopping is available on the Shizuoka outbound and Fujieda inbound sides; dining is on the Shizuoka outbound side.

Source: Michi-no-Eki Utsunoya Pass official website / Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Chubu Regional Development Bureau roadside station information

Hours differ between the Shizuoka and Fujieda sides

The Shizuoka side opens 7:00–19:00, shortened to 7:00–17:00 from December 31 to January 3. It has no regular closing day but can close temporarily for equipment inspections or similar reasons. The Fujieda side opens 8:00–20:00 and closes on January 1. Its shop stays open later for an evening crossing.

Source: Michi-no-Eki Utsunoya Pass official website, Access / Eat and Shop

The specialty is wild yam tororo rice; set-meal orders close at 18:30

Tenjinya on the Shizuoka outbound side specializes in rice with tororo made from locally grown jinenjo wild yam and offers tororo and breakfast set meals. The shop's information says set-meal orders end at 18:30 and the shop selling rice balls, boxed meals, oden, and souvenirs closes at 19:00. Takeout is available.

Source: Tenjinya Michi-no-Eki Utsunoya Pass Outbound Branch store information

Pass sights are within walking distance of the parking areas

The transport ministry lists Meiji Tunnel, Tsuta no Hosomichi, and the Kiwadagawa River weir as about 10 minutes on foot from the Fujieda side, and Kashibaya as about five minutes by car. From the Shizuoka side, Tsuta no Hosomichi takes about 60 minutes and Ohaoriya is about 20 minutes on foot. Meiji Tunnel is listed as a nationally registered tangible cultural property.

Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Chubu Regional Development Bureau roadside station information (Shizuoka and Fujieda sides)

Facilities for young children are concentrated on the Shizuoka outbound side

According to the official facilities guide, the Shizuoka outbound side has one nursing room open 9:00–19:00, each toilet has a diaper-changing station, and toilets are available 24 hours. The transport ministry also lists infant supplies, including disposable diapers and milk, for sale. There is one multipurpose toilet each at the Shizuoka inbound and outbound sites and the Fujieda site.

Source: Michi-no-Eki Utsunoya Pass official website, Rest Facilities (Shizuoka and Fujieda sides) / Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Chubu Regional Development Bureau

Access is also possible by bus and bicycle

The official website directs travelers from JR Shizuoka Station toward the Shizuoka side on Shizutetsu Justline's Chubu Kokudo Line to the Utsunoya Iriguchi bus stop, and travelers from JR Fujieda Station toward the Fujieda side on the same line to the Mawarisawaguchi stop. The Shizuoka store information lists about four minutes by car from Mariko Interchange on the National Route 1 Bypass and about 30 minutes by bicycle from JR Abekawa Station. It is also registered as a Shizuoka Cycle City “Cyclists' Station.”

Source: Michi-no-Eki Utsunoya Pass official website, Access / Tenjinya store 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 facilities are split among three sites around the tunnel. The dining area is only on the Shizuoka outbound side, so choose your side according to your travel direction before setting out.
  • A pedestrian bridge connects the Shizuoka inbound and outbound sides. The Fujieda side has only an inbound site, with no foot crossing to a site for the opposite direction.
  • The Shizuoka side opens 7:00–19:00 (set-meal orders until 18:30); the Fujieda side opens 8:00–20:00. Plan around your arrival time.
  • The Fujieda side closes on January 1. The Shizuoka side shortens its hours to 7:00–17:00 from December 31 to January 3.
  • For navigation, note the different addresses: 82-2 Utsunoya, Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City (静岡市駿河区宇津ノ谷82-2) on the Shizuoka side and 2190-1 Okabe, Okabe-cho, Fujieda City (藤枝市岡部町岡部2190-1) on the Fujieda side.
  • Toilets and parking are listed as available 24 hours. The EV rapid charger is on the Shizuoka outbound side.
  • Payment methods differ: the Shizuoka side lists cash and PayPay, while the Fujieda side lists cash and credit cards.
  • If walking the pass, check the time needed to reach Meiji Tunnel or Tsuta no Hosomichi and the sunset time before choosing your route.
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.

  • Meal
    Tororo set meal (Tenjinya, Shizuoka outbound side)
    7:00–19:00; set-meal orders close at 18:30
  • Meal
    Shizuoka oden (Tenjinya, Shizuoka outbound side)
    Shop open until 19:00
  • Meal
    Breakfast set (Tenjinya, Shizuoka outbound side)
    Opens at 7:00; sit down for breakfast
  • Shopping
    Rice balls, boxed meals, and souvenirs (Tenjinya, Shizuoka outbound side)
    Takeout available; cash and PayPay accepted
  • Light snack
    Soft-serve ice cream (Tenjinya, Shizuoka outbound side)
    Check the day's notice for availability
  • Shopping
    Local produce including tea, mandarins, bamboo shoots, and yams (local products shops)
    Sold on the Shizuoka outbound and Fujieda inbound sides; selection changes with the season
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 meal

Tororo set meal and breakfast set (Tenjinya, Shizuoka outbound side)

Rice with tororo made from locally grown jinenjo wild yam is the specialty. Opening at 7:00 makes it an option for breakfast or lunch.

Set-meal orders close at 18:30. Leave time to order if stopping in the evening.

A hot bite

Shizuoka oden (Tenjinya, Shizuoka outbound side)

For a shorter stop, enjoy a serving of Shizuoka-style simmered oden without a full meal.

The shop closes at 19:00. Check the day's notice for availability.

Take away

Rice balls, boxed meals, and souvenirs (Tenjinya, Shizuoka outbound side)

Takeout is available. Pick something to eat on the road and something to open at home.

Payment is by cash or PayPay. The Fujieda side accepts cash or credit cards instead.

Buy local produce

Tea, mandarins, bamboo shoots, and yams

The local products shops carry produce grown nearby. Seasonal highlights change, including bamboo shoots in spring.

Items stocked and deliveries vary by season and day.

Shop on the Fujieda side

Goods at Okabe Chaya Michi-no-Eki Utsunoya Pass Inbound Branch

Open 8:00–20:00, later than the Shizuoka side, making it an option for an evening pass crossing.

The Fujieda side is listed for shopping; no dining area like the Shizuoka one is listed.

Access

Location and surroundings

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1
Roadside station
Michi-no-Eki Utsunoya Pass

Three sites on either side of the Utsunoya Tunnel: tororo and Shizuoka oden make this pass more than a rest stop.

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