Roadside Station Minami is located in Minami Town, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, along National Route 156. Boasting an excellent location overlooking the clear waters of the Nagara River, it is a convenient stop for travelers on long drives and a welcoming place to enjoy the region’s natural beauty, fresh local ingredients, and traditional foods.
The station also has a morning market where visitors can purchase fresh vegetables and fruit grown with care by local farmers. With its selection of regional specialties and opportunities to experience Gujo’s local culture, Roadside Station Minami is a popular destination for both residents and travelers.
Located at the gateway to the Gujo area, Roadside Station Minami is known as the first roadside station established in Gifu Prefecture. It stands along National Route 156 in a scenic setting overlooking the Nagara River, making it a convenient place for drivers to take a break.
Morning coffee is also popular here. Since the station opens early, visitors can enjoy a quiet start to the day with a warm cup of coffee before continuing their journey through the countryside.
The station’s shops and food outlets offer a wide selection of specialties from Gujo. One of the highlights is keichan, a local dish made with seasoned chicken and vegetables. Several varieties are available, including an original curry-flavored version, allowing visitors to compare different seasonings and discover their favorite.
Another popular choice is the handmade prepared food made by local women, affectionately known as the mothers of Minami. These home-style dishes have earned a loyal following among people familiar with the area.
Other local products include miso made by a regional producers’ cooperative and yogurt produced by Gujo High School. These distinctive items are popular with repeat customers and offer a taste of the community’s food culture.
Shunsai Ichiba, the station’s morning market, brings together fresh produce from approximately 70 registered local farming households. Visitors can browse seasonal vegetables, flowers, seedlings, and other products grown in the surrounding area.
The market also sells locally produced miso made by a regional food-processing cooperative. Three varieties are available—soybean, rice, and barley miso—each with its own distinctive flavor.
Another specialty is wild-caught ayu sweetfish from the Nagara River. The fish is sold in vacuum-sealed frozen packs and as overnight-dried fish. Both Gujo ayu and Mino ayu are available, making this a particularly interesting place for visitors seeking regional river-fish products.
The restaurant at Roadside Station Minami enjoys a scenic location overlooking the clear waters of the Nagara River. It serves carefully prepared meals in a welcoming atmosphere, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy local cuisine while taking a break from driving.
Whether you are stopping for a full meal or simply want to rest during a journey through Gifu, the riverside setting adds to the experience.
The station’s shop offers a variety of regional specialties and souvenirs from Gujo and Minami. Visitors can browse handmade prepared foods and locally produced items that make memorable gifts or keepsakes from their trip.
For travelers looking for local snacks or souvenirs to take home, the shop is a convenient place to discover products that reflect the area’s traditions and food culture.
At Shunsai Ichiba, local farmers sell freshly harvested vegetables, flowers, and young plants. The selection changes with the seasons, giving visitors the chance to enjoy produce at its freshest and appreciate the natural abundance of the Gujo region.
The market is also a good place to discover ingredients and agricultural products that are closely connected to everyday life in the local community.
Roadside Station Minami also has a tourist information center where visitors can obtain information about sightseeing in Gujo. It serves as a useful base for discovering the area’s attractions, local culture, and natural scenery.
Whether you are exploring the region for the first time or traveling along National Route 156 on a longer journey, a stop here offers an opportunity to rest, sample local foods, and learn more about Gujo.