Station Ani

Discover the Wild Heart of Northern Japan

Ani roadside station lies along National Route 105, just south of Kitaakita City in Akita Prefecture, nestled in the famed "Mataki Village" region. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling mountains, this vibrant hub celebrates the region's rich natural heritage and traditional hunting culture.

At the heart of the station is the Matabi Hall, where visitors can sample local delicacies like wild mountain vegetables, matabi (a fragrant mountain herb), and even bear meat—offering a true taste of the wild. The on-site restaurant, Aoshishi, serves up a signature Matabi Ramen, a unique culinary experience not found anywhere else.

With information kiosks, maps, and local guides, Ani roadside station is more than a stop—it's a gateway to nearby attractions like Hatayama Hot Spring, the Mataki Museum, and the serene Anno Falls. Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, it’s a must-visit for travelers seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences in northern Japan.

Ani roadside station is home to the region’s only restaurant serving authentic matsutake ramen, made with wild mountain mushrooms foraged by local mataki hunters. Its on-site shop, Matabi Kan, offers rare, seasonal mountain herbs and dried bear meat—products found nowhere else. Visitors can also explore the nearby Mataki Heritage Museum and Ani Falls, making it a unique gateway to northern Akita’s wild, traditional culture.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure the day’s fresh batch of handmade milk bread from the bakery counter, which sells out quickly and is not restocked after 11:00 AM
• Hidden Gems: Ask the staff at the 「またたび館」 (Amitabi Hall) deli counter about the daily limited supply of dried mountain vegetables and wild mint tea, available only in the mornings and often sold out by noon
• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the restaurant 「あおしし」 (Aoshishi) between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM to try the signature Amitabi Ramen, which is prepared fresh and served with a special seasonal broth only available during the spring and early summer months
• Best Photo Spot: Take a photo at the small wooden viewing platform just behind the roadside station, located directly across from the parking area, which offers a clear view of the riverbank and the nearby forest trail marked with a sign for the Matabi Trail
• Information Desk Tip: Use the information terminal near the entrance to print out the free map of the Matabi Trail and the nearby Kuma Kuma Park, which includes trail difficulty levels and seasonal wildlife sightings
• Specialty Purchase: Buy the limited-edition “Matabi Gift Box” at the 「またたび館」 during the first weekend of each month—it includes dried Amitabi, wild mountain greens, and a small bottle of local honey, and is only available on those dates
• Parking Strategy: Avoid the main parking lot during peak hours; instead, use the smaller lot on the left side of the entrance when arriving on weekends, as it fills up slower and is closer to the restaurant entrance

Spring (March–May): Fresh mountain vegetables and wild asarum (again) available at the roadside station market from late March through May.

Summer (June–August): Enjoy the cool mountain air and visit nearby attractions like Kuma Kuma Garden and Ani Falls.

Autumn (September–November): Ideal for exploring the region’s natural beauty and seasonal harvests, including wild asarum.

Winter (December–February): Limited hours at the roadside station; visit for quiet scenery and seasonal local cuisine.