Michi-no-Eki Yonezawa

Head to Yonezawa City’s Kawai district to a deep dive into the Okitama region, a spot known as the gateway to southern Yamagata and former castle town of the esteemed Sengoku-era Uesugi clan. Stropping through the area today you’ll find Michi-no-Eki Yonezawa, a gateway-style roadside complete opened in April 2018.

Once inside you’ll notice the entire property is designed to mimic full-on castle town style with a sense of flair that goes way beyond a simple rest stop. There’s a full-scale tourist information center to get you the latest and greatest things to do while traveling in Yonezawa, plus heaps of tasty food option where you can try the famed city brand Yonezawa beef, plus a market selling fresh, safe, and delicious produce and prepared foods from the Okitama area.

Inside, the women’s restroom includes a powder room illuminated with OLED lighting for a comfortable space to freshen up. There is also a paid EV charging station (20yen per minute) for electric vehicles. The regional information corner provides pamphlets related to the Uesugi family, allowing visitors to learn about the area’s history while exploring the facility.

For those arriving by train, a convenient one-coin taxi service connects JR Yonezawa Station with the roadside station. Rental bicycles are also available, making it easy to use Michi-no-Eki Yonezawa as a base for exploring the city and surrounding area at your own pace.