Roadside Station Manyo no Sato is a nature-rich roadside station in Kanna Town, Tano District, Gunma Prefecture, located beside the clear waters of the Kanna River. It stands along National Route 299, also known as the Jukkoku Pass Highway, and was the 15th roadside station to be officially registered in Gunma Prefecture.
Surrounded by mountains and a peaceful rural landscape, the facility is a popular stop for travelers and drivers looking to enjoy local food, regional specialties, and a relaxing break in nature.
The site’s distinctive symbol is a traditional water wheel located on the grounds, which warmly welcomes visitors. With the clear Kanna River flowing nearby and mountains surrounding the area, visitors can slow down and experience the natural scenery and food culture unique to Kanna Town.
One of the most popular specialties at Roadside Station Manyo no Sato is handmade soba prepared with buckwheat grown in Kanna Town.
Buckwheat harvested locally is carefully ground in a stone mill at the facility before being kneaded and cut by hand. The resulting noodles have a rich aroma and pleasantly firm texture. As you chew, the natural sweetness of the buckwheat gradually comes through, offering a simple yet deeply satisfying taste that reflects the mountain environment of Kanna.
The restaurant has both traditional tatami seating and table seating, providing a comfortable place to enjoy a meal. In addition to soba, the menu includes combination meals with tendon tempura rice bowls and dishes featuring locally caught river fish.
Another specialty is an ayu set meal featuring sweetfish raised in the clear waters of the Kanna River. Dishes made with locally sourced ingredients offer visitors an authentic taste of the surrounding mountain region.
The on-site shop sells fresh vegetables and other foods harvested in Kanna Town. Seasonal produce grown by local farmers is displayed on wooden shelves, while mountain vegetables, wild plants, and mushrooms are available depending on the season.
The shop also offers processed local foods, including miso and handmade konnyaku. Traditional miso producers in Kanna Town continue to preserve local methods of production, making these products excellent souvenirs for travelers who want to take home a taste of the region.
Visitors can also find locally produced honey, processed foods, and other souvenirs, making it easy to discover and take home some of Kanna Town’s regional flavors.
One of the station’s distinctive original products is Manyo Tofu, made with Awabata soybeans, a specialty crop of Kanna Town.
The tofu is known for its rich soybean flavor and smooth texture. It can be enjoyed simply as hiyayakko, chilled tofu served with toppings, allowing the natural flavor of the soybeans to shine.
The facility also offers soy milk pudding and soy milk drinks. Their gentle sweetness and smooth texture make them a pleasant choice for dessert or a light refreshment.
One of the highlights of Roadside Station Manyo no Sato is its riverside terrace, where visitors can enjoy views of the Kanna River.
On sunny days, guests can relax while watching the clear river flow through the lush greenery. Tables and chairs are provided, making the terrace an ideal place to eat, take a break, or simply enjoy the scenery.
From spring through summer, the riverside is surrounded by vivid green foliage. In autumn, colorful leaves add another layer of beauty to the river landscape, allowing visitors to appreciate the changing scenery throughout the year.
Near the roadside station is the Manyo Suspension Bridge, which crosses the Kanna River. The bridge is extremely narrow, allowing only one person to cross at a time, and gaps between the floorboards provide glimpses of the river and rocks below.
Crossing the bridge offers an exciting experience as well as panoramic views of the clear Kanna River and the surrounding mountains. During the season of fresh greenery, the landscape is particularly beautiful, creating a memorable experience surrounded by nature.
The station’s product center also features a food-processing experience area, where visitors can take part in making processed foods using locally grown ingredients. These activities provide an opportunity to learn more about Kanna Town’s traditional food culture.
An aquarium inside the facility displays fish that inhabit the rivers around Kanna Town. Visitors can observe freshwater species found in the local streams up close, making the exhibit enjoyable for both children and adults.
From Shinmachi Station on the JR Takasaki Line, take a Nihon Chuo Bus service. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes.
From Honjo-Waseda Station on the Hokuriku and Joetsu Shinkansen lines, the roadside station is approximately 50 minutes by car.
From the Fujioka IC or Honjo IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway, take roads including National Route 462 toward Kanna Town. The journey takes approximately 60 minutes.
The drive itself is part of the experience, with mountain scenery and the peaceful rural landscape unfolding along the route.
Roadside Station Manyo no Sato is an inviting destination surrounded by the clear waters of the Kanna River and the mountains of Kanna Town. It offers an easy way for visitors to experience the region’s local flavors, traditional food culture, and beautiful natural surroundings in one place.
Whether stopping for a break during a road trip, enjoying handmade soba, shopping for local specialties, or taking a walk beside the river, there are many ways to enjoy this popular destination in Kanna Town.