When you drive from Shinjō along Route 47 into Shōnai, one place you absolutely have to stop by is “Michi-no-Eki Shōnai Fūsha Ichiba”. What starts as a quick “let’s just take a restroom break…” often ends with a full stomach, souvenirs in hand, and even photos taken—this spot has that kind of magical charm. It’s like a “small tourist destination” packed with the charm of Shōnai, and it can easily turn from a mere rest stop into the highlight of your Shōnai drive. This time, we’ll introduce all the ways to fully enjoy this “Fūsha Ichiba” without holding anything back!

A mealtime full of temptations

Michi-no-Eki Shonai is a place where, true to being a treasure trove of Shonai cuisine, the food is simply delicious.
Should I go for a Shonai pork set meal at the Shufu restaurant “Irodori”? Or should I go all out with tonkotsu ramen at the on-site “Ramen Shop Tsubaki Karikawa Branch”?
Every time, I seriously struggle with this two-choice dilemma (laughs). Since many truck drivers stop by, the parking lot is full and the dining area is packed at lunchtime.
But that very “bustle” is proof that this is a “top-notch Michi-no-Eki.”

Restaurant “Irodori”: The Ultimate Pair of Shonai Pork and Shonai Rice

The restaurant “Irodori” inside the facility offers a wide range of dishes using Shonai ingredients. Especially, dishes like the pork bowl and meat udon made with Shonai pork are exquisite!
Shonai pork is characterized by its sweet fat and satisfying texture that isn’t heavy. When eaten together with vegetables sourced from local farmers, it offers a simple yet luxurious flavor.

Shonai pork curry is also recommended.

Another specialty is mochi dishes. The “Mochi Mochi 3-Variety Set,” which lets you enjoy three types—‘anko mochi,’ ‘kinako mochi,’ and ‘shirumochi’—is very popular with tourists.

A menu that reflects Shonai’s deep-rooted mochi culture, which can also be enjoyed as a dessert after a meal.

Ramen Shop Tsubaki Karikawa Branch ― Exclusive Ramen Only Here

The ‘Ramen Shop Tsubaki Karikawa Branch’ located on the premises is appealing because it offers ‘menu items you can only eat here,’ even among the chain stores. The classic combination of pork bone-based soup and hand-rolled thin noodles is taken to the next level with the ‘Koteko Ramen,’ loaded with back fat, which is extremely popular with regulars! It’s the kind of addictive bowl that makes you think, ‘Oh no, I shouldn’t have…’ but you find yourself ordering it again next time. The interior is small, but turnover is quick, so even if there’s a line, you can usually get a seat surprisingly quickly, which is reassuring.

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When I head inland to Sakata, I often stop off for lunch at Ramen Shop Tsubaki Karikawa. I often stop off at Roadside Station Shonai along National Route 47 for a toilet break along the way, and this restaurant is actually located on the same premises as Roadside Station Shonai. That makes it easy to stop by, and as a ramen lover, I always find myself heading towards Ramen Shop Tsubaki. There are restaurants at Roadside Station Shonai, but my...

When I head inland to Sakata, I often stop off for lunch at Ramen Shop Tsubaki Karikawa. I often stop off at Roadside Station Shonai along National Route 47 for a toilet break along the way, and this restaurant is actually located on the same premises as Roadside Station Shonai. That makes it easy to stop by, and as a ramen lover, I always find myself heading towards Ramen Shop Tsubaki. There are restaurants at Roadside Station Shonai, but my...

If the Timing is Right, You Might Come Across Lu Rou Fan!? Food Trucks

In the parking lot, if the timing is right, you might find a food truck selling Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice). Eating Taiwanese cuisine in Shonai feels surprisingly fresh and can become a memorable dish from your trip.
One of the joys is also checking, “I wonder what kind of food trucks are here today?”

Soft Serve Ice Cream is Definitely a Must-Have!

The post-meal treat is definitely soft serve ice cream! You can buy it at the direct-sales corner or the restaurant, and in the summer it’s almost a must-have item. Of course, the rich milk flavor is popular, but sometimes they even offer flavors made with dadacha beans, making it a big hit with tourists. You might think, “Soft serve after ramen is impossible…” but somehow you can happily finish it anyway (lol).

Direct Sales “Windmill Market” — A Paradise of Fresh & Unique Souvenirs

At the direct sales corner ‘Fūsha Market,’ you’ll find a wide array of fresh vegetables and fruits brought in by local farmers. At certain times of the day, discount sales start, and you can even buy items for half price! Many locals shop here for their dinner ingredients, and it’s striking to see tourists and residents shopping together. For souvenirs, we recommend Shōnai’s specialty dadachamame beans or the popular gluten-free rice flour sweets.

And what really makes an impact is the sale of river crabs (Chinese mitten crabs)!
When I first saw the sign saying “River crabs for sale,” I naturally assumed they were small freshwater crabs and imagined, “Maybe for deep-fried snacks with sake?”
But I was surprised when I looked into the plastic bucket! Inside were fist-sized mitten crabs.
This rare ingredient, also called the Japanese version of Shanghai crabs, made me think, “As expected of Shonai!”

Experience the legend at the Kappa couple statue

At the entrance, you’ll be greeted by the statues of a kappa couple, ‘Taro and Hanako’. Legend has it that Hanako actually came to Shonai as a bride from Tono. The story connecting the kappa legends of Shonai and Tono is unique, making it enjoyable not just as a sculpture but also as a gateway to the story. Visitors always take photos here, and it’s definitely a spot that looks great on social media.

Spacious Parking & EV Spots for Driver Peace of Mind

The parking lot is spacious enough to accommodate not just regular cars but also large trucks. Located along National Route 47, it is a perfect oasis for long-distance drivers. The restrooms are clean, and the rest areas are comfortable. Additionally, with EV charging spots available, it is a welcome facility for electric vehicle users as well. It gives you the reassuring feeling that ‘if I’m taking a break, this is definitely the place.’

Stunning! Windmill View in Shonai

As the name suggests, you can get a full view of the Shonai windmills from here.
The giant windmills stand out against the blue sky, and their silhouettes at sunset are equally breathtaking. No matter the season, the scenery is picture-perfect, making you want to grab your camera.
In spring, it’s recommended to photograph them with canola flowers, and in autumn, with silver grass.
You can enjoy a little bonus feeling of delight, thinking, ‘I can see this spectacular view just by taking a break at the roadside station!’

Specialty! Aluminum Can Windmill Car

When it comes to ‘Michi-no-Eki Shonai,’ this is it! A mobile sales truck that sells colorful aluminum can pinwheels is almost always there. You might have seen pinwheels made from plastic bottles, but a pinwheel made from aluminum cans has a huge impact! Many families, seeing children happily choosing one, decide, ‘This is the souvenir!’ and take them home. It’s a product that really captures the feel of Shonai, the ‘Town of Wind,’ making it perfect as a memento of your trip.

Access & Business Hours

About a 40-minute drive from Shinjo City and about 30 minutes from Shonai Airport.
For those taking Route 47 without using the Gassan Road, this is truly the best rest stop.
What starts as a quick stop for the restroom can easily turn into an experience of gourmet food, souvenirs, and sightseeing at this roadside station.

Summary

“Michi-no-Eki Shonai Fuusha Ichiba” is not just a rest stop; it is the gateway to sightseeing in Shonai. It offers everything in one place: gourmet like Shonai pork, ramen, and soft serve ice cream, souvenirs such as dadacha beans and river crabs, and tourist spots including the kappa statue and the windmill. When entering Shonai from Shinjo, be sure to stop by and enjoy a “detour that condenses the charm of Shonai.” Just stopping for the restroom would be a real waste!