Discover the Heart of Northern Japan’s Natural Beauty and Local Flavor
Nestled in the scenic town of Futatsui, just minutes from the lush kimi-machi-saka Park and ancient Akita cedar forests, this roadside station is a vibrant gateway to rural charm. A hub of local pride, it offers fresh, seasonal ingredients, handmade delicacies like the famed jappu ice treat, and the revived taste of traditional Tsurukata soba. With family-friendly facilities, seasonal events, and breathtaking autumn foliage nearby, it’s a destination where nature, culture, and community come together.
Why Visit
Futatsui roadside station is home to the region’s only ja-pu—a unique, soft-serve-style frozen strawberry syrup treat made with locally crafted syrup and served in a cone, a seasonal favorite only available until November. Just steps away, the nearby Kimitachi-saka Park offers autumn foliage views with a rare combination of vibrant red maples and ancient Japanese cedar forests, all within sight of the station’s red-roofed entrance.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, locally sourced meals at Futatsui roadside station, where seasonal ingredients meet traditional flavors in a welcoming dining atmosphere.
Koikoi Dining
koikoi食堂
Specialty
Local cuisine with seasonal ingredients
A cozy restaurant offering traditional dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for enjoying authentic regional flavors.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated selection of regional crafts, gourmet treats, and local produce at Futatsui roadside station’s vibrant shopping area.
Farmers Market & General Store
産直・物販コーナー
A marketplace featuring fresh, locally grown produce and regional specialty items.
Products
Must-Try Item
Large-sized peanuts
Light Food Corner
軽食コーナー
A casual food area offering quick bites and popular local treats.
Products
Must-Try Item
Jappu (local frozen strawberry dessert)
Historical & Cultural Corner
歴史・民俗資料コーナー
A cultural space showcasing local history, traditions, and heritage artifacts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local folklore collection
Kids' Corner
キッズコーナー
A dedicated play area for children with safe, fun, and interactive equipment.
Products
Must-Try Item
Cushion play equipment
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like handcrafted soba noodles and seasonal treats such as the beloved chilled 'Jappu,' made with local passion.
Hakko Soba
鶴形そば
Handmade soba noodles made from 100% local buckwheat flour and soy milk, known for their delicate texture and rich flavor.
Soba Shochu
そば焼酎
A smooth, aromatic shochu made from buckwheat, offering a unique regional taste.
Soba Muki Jitsu
そばむき実
Roasted buckwheat seeds, a traditional snack with a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
Soba Gyu
そばがゆ
A warm, comforting buckwheat porridge made with local soba flour, ideal for breakfast or a light meal.
Large-Sized Peanuts
大粒の落花生
Extra-large peanuts harvested at peak season, known for their sweet taste and juicy texture.
Salted Boiled Peanuts
塩ゆでした落花生
Peanuts boiled in salted water, perfect as a savory snack or appetizer.
Jappu
じゃっぷぅ
A unique frozen dessert made by extruding frozen strawberry syrup like soft-serve ice cream, known for its refreshing and smooth texture.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including spacious parking, accessible restrooms, a children’s play area, and a dedicated event plaza.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking lot with 116 standard car spaces, 23 large vehicle spaces, 3 covered accessible spaces for people with disabilities, and 1 electric vehicle charging station.
On-site
Restrooms
The facility includes 26 female toilets (including 1 multi-purpose toilet, 1 children's urinal, and 1 children's Western-style toilet), 11 male toilets (including 1 multi-purpose toilet, 1 children's urinal, and 1 children's Western-style toilet), and 1 unisex multi-purpose toilet.
On-site
Information Center
The roadside station features an information center with a history and folklore exhibition area open from 9:00 to 18:00.
On-site
Kids' Play Area
The kids' play area (Kids' Corner) includes a cushion playground that was recently repaired and reopened. It is available for children up to 12 years old, free of charge, from 9:00 to 18:00.
On-site
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
There is one electric vehicle charging station available on-site.
On-site
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi access is available at the roadside station.
On-site
Activities & Experiences
Participate in seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and nature-inspired experiences, from autumn foliage walks to festive local celebrations.
Red Maple Viewing
紅葉見頃
Enjoy the vibrant autumn foliage at Kimimachi阪 Park, where trees are turning color and creating a beautiful scenic view. The park is currently at 50-70% peak coloration.
Duration
120 min
Be cautious of bear sightings; it is recommended to travel in groups and make noise with bells or radios while walking.
Local Food and Craft Fair
屋台イベント
Participate in a local food and craft fair held at the covered event plaza, featuring regional cuisine, handmade goods, and traditional crafts from local artisans.
Duration
180 min
Event moved indoors due to rain forecast; please check for updates.
Fresh Peanut Sampling
大粒の落花生旬です！
Sample large, sweet peanuts harvested at peak season. Enjoy them raw or try the salted boiled variety available in the refrigerated section.
Duration
30 min
None
Jappu Ice Cream Tasting
じゃっぷぅ
Taste the famous local frozen dessert 'Jappu', a unique icy treat made from frozen strawberry syrup, known for its smooth and refreshing texture.
Duration
30 min
Served cold; consume with care due to extreme chill.
Kids' Play Area
キッズコーナー
Children can enjoy playing on the repaired cushion playground equipment, designed for safe and fun outdoor play.
Duration
120 min
Indoor facility; weather does not affect access.
Handmade Soba Experience
鶴形そば
Learn about and sample traditional handmade soba noodles made from 100% local buckwheat flour and soy milk, a local specialty with a unique texture.
Duration
60 min
None
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around seasonal highlights like red maple viewing and limited-time treats, and always prepare for wildlife encounters in nearby natural areas.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit by 9:30 AM to secure the last fresh batch of ja-puu at the Fujida Coffee stand, as it sells out daily by 11:00 AM and is only available until November 3rd this season
- Hidden Gems: Head to the cold storage section to sample the large-sized, sweet roasted peanuts, which are at peak harvest and available in both raw and salted boiled varieties
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the roofed event plaza between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM to experience the rotating local craft and food vendors, including the traditional clothing shop "Yōfuku Iin Mimi"
- Best Time for Redleaf Viewing: Arrive early in the morning, preferably before 9:00 AM, to enjoy the best views of the maple trees in the Kimi-machi Sakamichi Park, as sunrise offers the clearest and most vibrant colors
- Actionable Food Tip: Purchase the Hakko Soba (Hakko-style buckwheat noodles) from the refrigerated section and cook them with hot water at home—only 390 yen for a 3-pack, and the product has been freshly restocked after the factory fire
- Family-Friendly Tip: Use the kids' play area between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, where the newly repaired cushion play structure is safe and comfortable for children under 12, and free to use
- Event Awareness: Check the Instagram page before visiting, as the roadside station often hosts sudden changes in events—such as the relocation of the town festival to the covered event plaza during rainy weather
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Late March to April features peak canola flower viewing near the station, with fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.
Summer (June-August): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned in the content.
Autumn (September-November): Red maple leaves reach peak color in late October, with large, sweet peanuts harvested and available at the market.
Winter (December-February): No specific seasonal activities or products mentioned in the content.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a well-maintained kids' play area, free access, and family activities like events and themed festivals.
Food Lover Review
Features local specialties like Hakkei soba and seasonal treats such as 'jappu' ice dessert, with fresh produce and diverse dining options.
Car Camping Review
Provides ample parking, restrooms, and sheltered areas; suitable for overnight stays with some limitations.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by natural beauty with scenic views of Kimitachi阪 Park, Seven Mountains, and seasonal foliage.