Road Station Fooding

June Kim

Do you know about the michi no eki or “roadside stations?” They’re all around Japan, and they’re similar to rest stops except some of these offer more than just a place to park and use the restroom. Many of these will sell souvenirs, feature local produce, and unique experiences, only to that area! These are great ways to experience different areas around the prefecture! Many stations will have flyers for local events as well as a farmers market for some cheap produce.

You’ll also find restaurants that will try to offer unique cuisine if possible. Each one will usually have a unique soft serve flavor as well. Here’s some food that you might find around Akita’s roadside stations!

Kazuno Antler, Kazuno

At Kazuno Antler, there are quite a few places to eat in this roadside station that’s built around a square. Not only can you see a museum featuring some local festivals, but you can also try out their local Kazuno beef! You can even have it as a beef hamburg set

Akitako, Akita City

While Akitako offers some great views of the ocean as well as a sprawling 360 sight of Akita City, you can also do some shopping, which also includes some Costco items at their shopping area. While their restaurant includes some fancy Japanese food, you can also try out one of the oldest udon and soba vending machines still in operation in Japan. While the soba and udon itself is nothing special, it’s interesting to try out for just a few hundred yen.

Michi no Eki, Nikko

If you’re in southern Akita, Nikko and Yurihonjo have quite a few things to offer. If you happen to be in that southwestern tip though, be sure to drop by the Nikko roadside station. There’s a lot to explore including some free foot baths and a variety of

food stalls and restaurants. Included in these is a Korean shop that offers some delicious Korean food and if you can manage some Korean with the owner there, you might be able to get some complimentary pickles!

Showa, Katagami

Showa has a beautiful greenhouse with a variety of flowers and plants. Though strolling through these flower fields during spring time is ideal, enjoying the greenery in other seasons is also enjoyable as well. But exotic plants aren’t the only thing that’s great about this roadside station. If you have a craving for some steak, the restaurant here can help with that! The portions are rather generous and you can enjoy a nice open and relaxing atmosphere as well!

Michi no Eki, Hinai

Ready for dessert? You can’t miss the soft serve ice cream cones at these roadside stations! While flavors can vary from normal to weird, such as vanilla, Hokkaido milk, and mountain grape to shishito pepper and even Hinai egg flavor (as pictured)! But some of them are absolutely worth trying out, even if it doesn’t sound like something up your alley. The strangest sounding flavors may surprise you!

Lurking in the cold, Jody Frye