Roadside Station Obachanichi Yamaoka | Enjoy the giant waterwheel and local delicacies

Located in Yamaoka-cho, Ena City, Gifu Prefecture, Roadside Station Obaachanichi Yamaoka is a roadside station filled with the local handicraft culture and warmth. Its symbol is a wooden waterwheel with a diameter of 24 meters, said to be one of the largest in Japan, and it is not only a popular place to stop by during a drive, but also a tourist spot worth making the effort to visit.

Started by local grandmothers, this direct-from-the-farm market offers a wide selection of fresh vegetables and processed foods. As the name of the facility suggests, it has a nostalgic, rustic charm that continues to be loved by tourists and locals alike.

The symbol of the roadside station: a giant wooden waterwheel

The biggest attraction of this roadside station is a huge wooden waterwheel with a diameter of 24 meters. It recreates the history of Yamaoka Town, where the waterwheel was used to crush clay for pottery, and serves as a landmark symbolizing the industrial culture of the region.

The area in front of the waterwheel is a popular photo spot, and along with the surrounding nature, which changes its appearance with the seasons, it attracts visitors. It is also a place worth stopping by for travelers looking for photogenic scenery.

Specialty foods and local products

At the facility's restaurant, Suishaan, you can enjoy simple, flavorful local cuisine, such as Zaru Soba noodles made with locally grown buckwheat flour, Gohei mochi, and seasonal mountain vegetable set meals. The Gohei mochi in particular is popular with tourists, and its fragrant walnut sauce will whet your appetite.

The direct sales store is lined with fresh vegetables, homemade pickles, side dishes, processed foods, locally produced woodwork, and more. Some of the products are "one-of-a-kind" handmade items that change every time you visit, making them perfect for souvenirs.

Nearby stopover spots

• Sakaori Rice Terraces:A famous rural landscape spot with beautiful stone walls and terraced rice fields. Popular with photography enthusiasts.
• Iwamura Castle Ruins:One of Japan's three great mountain castles, the remains of the stone walls are a delight for history buffs.
• Iwamura Main Street:This is an area where the old townscape remains, and you can enjoy strolling and visiting cafes.

Summary: A roadside station where you can feel the warmth of the people and the local community

Roadside Station Obaachanichi Yamaoka is more than just a resting place; it's a place where you can experience the local culture and warmth of the people. The presence of the giant waterwheel, the smiling faces of the local grandmothers, and the simple local cuisine are all filled with the charm of this area.

If you visit Ena City, be sure to stop by this roadside station. Nature, history, food, and people. A heartwarming experience awaits you as you experience it all.