Michi-no-Eki Ippuku-dokoro Yokokawa is a roadside station located along the Akiha Kaidō, a route connecting the Enshū and Shinshū regions…

Michi-no-Eki Ippuku-dokoro Yokokawa is a roadside station located along the Akiha Kaidō, a route connecting the Enshū and Shinshū regions.

As its name suggests, it’s a place where travelers can take a relaxing break (ippuku-dokoro = “a place to take a breather”).

We’ll introduce you to the local specialty of Tenryu, featuring shiitake mushrooms at the heart of its famous dishes, showcasing their full charm.

What kind of place is Michi-no-Eki Ippuku-dokoro Yokokawa?

Ippuku-dokoro Yokokawa is located along National Route 362 in Tenryu Ward.

This roadside station gives the impression of a mountain tea house that has stepped right out of an old folk tale.

Around Michi-no-Eki Ippuku-dokoro Yokokawa, you can enjoy abundant natural activities like cherry blossoms in spring, river play in summer, and colorful autumn leaves in fall.

The origins of Michi-no-Eki Ippuku-dokoro Yokokawa date back to 1988, when a small unmanned roadside stand opened next to a bus stop.

At that time, fresh shiitake mushrooms and vegetables, local specialties, were sold, and their popularity caused traffic problems due to long lines.

Because of this, in 1995, 28 local volunteers invested to establish the current Michi-no-Eki Ippuku-dokoro Yokokawa.

It was officially designated as the fifth Michi-no-Eki in Shizuoka Prefecture on April 17, 1998.

A Michi-no-Eki that was established and is operated by local residents—not through government initiative, but by preparing the land and buildings themselves—is said to be extremely rare even on a national level.

Since its opening, the facility has continued to evolve with the times and customer needs—adding a soft-serve stand when the Shin-Tomei Expressway opened, and expanding its terrace seating during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the summer of 2025, mist showers were installed on the terrace seating area.

It’s a perfect place to stop by even on a hot day during your drive.

Near Michi-no-Eki Ippuku-dokoro Yokokawa, you’ll find the “Yokokawa Activation Facility Nyoki-Nyoki,” which can be used by groups of up to around 25 people.

It’s usually used for preparing the deli items sold at Michi-no-Eki Ippuku-dokoro Yokokawa and as a meeting space, but it’s also available for local events.

Highlights of Michi-no-Eki Ippuku-dokoro Yokokawa

Michi-no-Eki Ippuku-dokoro Yokokawa offers a wide variety of local specialties and famous dishes made with fresh ingredients from the area.

We’ll introduce you to the local dining area, souvenir corner, and popular takeout foods one by one.

Enjoy Local Flavors at Mendokoro Yokokawa

At the eatery “Mendokoro Yokokawa,” you can savor soba and udon made with seasonal local ingredients.

We tried the signature dishes: the Tempura Set (cold soba) for 1,300 yen and the Shiitake Soba for 1,000 yen.

Tempura Set (cold soba)

Shiitake Soba

The types of tempura change with the seasons.

You can check the tempura selection for the day on the signboard outside the shop.

On the day I visited, there was a luxurious lineup of 10 different summer vegetables.

All the tempura, freshly fried, was perfectly crispy!

Especially the local specialty shiitake mushrooms were thick and had a wonderfully firm, juicy texture that’s simply irresistible.

The summer vegetables were all rich in flavor, allowing me to fully enjoy the bounty of nature.

In spring, local mountain vegetables are served as tempura.

It makes you want to come back in a different season.

They carefully selected the noodles for their soba and udon after tasting several kinds from across Japan, ultimately choosing the ones that best matched their dishes.

And the dashi (soup stock) served with the noodles is just as special.

The gentle, well-balanced soup stock is a unique blend of shiitake mushrooms, dried bonito, and kelp.

It has a mellow, rich flavor that’s so delicious you could drink it on its own.

Mendokoro Yokokawa has 27 seats indoors and an additional 54 seats on the terrace.

The terrace seats are perfect for enjoying a delicious meal while taking in the natural mountain scenery!

Besides noodles, the menu also features dishes like tempura rice bowls and pork cutlet rice bowls, where the flavorful dashi really shines.

Local specialties! Perfect souvenirs to take home

Let’s step inside the shop filled with local specialty products.

There’s also an irori hearth, creating a warm, nostalgic atmosphere.

The first thing that catches your eye is the local specialty shiitake mushrooms from Tenryu.

Tenryu is an ideal area for growing shiitake mushrooms, producing thick and flavorful ones.

You can purchase delicious shiitake mushrooms grown with a commitment to 100% log cultivation.

Fresh shiitake mushrooms are in season from around October to March, but dried shiitake—packed with concentrated umami—are available year-round.

Using dried shiitake mushrooms can really take your simmered dishes to the next level.

In addition to shiitake mushrooms, handmade steamed bread and kusa mochi (mugwort rice cakes) made by local mothers, as well as limited-edition shiitake gyoza, are also popular.

There’s also a fresh vegetable section, a Tenryu specialty products corner, and a nostalgic dagashi (traditional Japanese snacks) corner.

They focus mainly on local ingredients and handmade goods.

A perfect souvenir for your trip: Famous takeout foods

The day I visited was a midsummer scorcher, with temperatures topping 32°C.

Many riders were taking a break, soft-serve ice cream in hand.

This slightly darker soft-serve is Ippuku-dokoro Yokokawa’s specialty: shiitake soft-serve ice cream.

This darker-colored soft-serve is Ippuku-dokoro Yokokawa’s specialty: shiitake soft-serve ice cream.

Rich vanilla soft-serve, with just a hint of shiitake powder mixed in!

Let’s try this rare treat found in very few places in Japan — shiitake soft-serve ice cream.

When you take a bite, the rich sweetness of vanilla is followed by a delicate dashi aroma—almost like a clear Japanese soup—that lingers in your nose.

The sweet-and-savory flavor is surprisingly addictive.

It’s no wonder this treat can sell over 300 servings in a single day—it’s that delicious.

I have a feeling I’ll want to stop by for one every time I pass through the area from now on!

There are two types of cones available, with the recommended one being the cone infused with maple syrup.

The added rich sweetness creates a perfect harmony of flavors.

Another summer favorite is the handmade chilled amazake.

It contains no alcohol, so even drivers can enjoy it with peace of mind.

The natural sweetness of the rice seeps into your body, making it perfect for beating the summer heat.

Other snacks include croquettes, seasoned rice ball onigiri, and curry bread (available only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays), offering a variety of light bites.

All of these are perfect for a little “ippuku” break!

Facilities & Services at Michi-no-Eki Ippuku-dokoro Yokokawa

Restrooms:
Men: 3 urinals, 1 stall
Women: 3 stalls
All restrooms are Western-style
Accessible restroom available

Nursing Room: None

Parking:
Large vehicles: 2 spaces
Regular cars: 40 spaces
Handicapped parking: 1 space
EV Charging Station: 1 unit

Multipurpose Room: Seats about 25 people

Free Wi-Fi: Available

Dining: Yes

Shop: Yes

Payment Methods: Cash or PayPay (credit cards not accepted)

Pets: Allowed only in outdoor terrace seating
Registered facility for Wanpass and Hamamako Wanko Tabi pet travel programs

Tourist Attractions Near Michi-no-Eki Ippuku-dokoro Yokokawa

There are many spots around Ippuku-dokoro Yokokawa where you can enjoy nature.

Especially in autumn, the area is lively with visitors coming to see the famous autumn foliage at Myojin Gorge and to join local festivals.

・Akihasan Hongū Akiha Shrine

・Komyōzan Archaeological Site

・Michi-no-Eki Hanamomo no Sato

Looking for activities in Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana?

Check out Yaramaika Tourism for great options!

Crowd Levels and Best Seasons at Michi-no-Eki Ippuku-dokoro Yokokawa

Michi-no-Eki Ippuku-dokoro Yokokawa gets especially busy during the autumn foliage season in November each year.

It’s bustling with visitors coming to see the nearby autumn foliage spot, Myojin Gorge, as well as those attending local fall festivals.

For a more relaxed visit, we recommend coming a little before or after the peak autumn hours.

Michi-no-Eki Ippuku-dokoro Yokokawa — Facility Information

Address: 3085 Yokokawa, Tenryu Ward, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Phone: 053-924-0129

Closed: Tuesdays

Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (until 5:00 PM in July and August)

Men-dokoro Yokokawa (Noodle Shop): 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Official website: https://yokokawa.hamazo.tv/

Message to our readers from Mr. Ozawa, Manager of Michi-no-Eki Ippuku-dokoro Yokokawa

The open terrace seating with umbrellas and tables creates a welcoming atmosphere.

Whether you’re a rider, cyclist, or family on a drive, it’s a spot where everyone can easily stop by and relax.

We hope everyone can enjoy a relaxing, leisurely time here—whether chatting with friends or simply unwinding peacefully.

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This time, we introduced Michi-no-Eki Ippuku-dokoro Yokokawa.

Starting as an unmanned sales stand, Michi-no-Eki Ippuku-dokoro Yokokawa has been carefully nurtured by the local community and continues to evolve with the times.

Whether you stop by during a ride or a drive, you’ll surely find a warm welcome that lets you take a relaxing break.

Come savor the local specialty shiitake dishes and enjoy a nostalgic moment—why not pay a visit and experience it for yourself?

[With cooperation from] Michi-no-Eki Ippuku-dokoro Yokokawa