Station Jumonji

Savor the Harvest of Northern Japan

Jumonji roadside station is a vibrant cultural and culinary hub nestled in the heart of Yokoze City, Akita Prefecture, where rolling farmland meets serene forests. More than a mere rest stop, it’s a celebration of local craftsmanship, seasonal bounty, and community spirit. From sun-ripened apples and crisp autumn vegetables to fresh seafood and handmade sweets, every product tells a story of the land and its people.

What makes Jumonji truly special is its dynamic calendar of events—from the beloved Autumn Harvest Festival with lively yosakoi dances and giant prize draws, to pop-up kitchen cars serving wood-fired pizza and seasonal treats. Visitors can enjoy live music, sample rare produce like salted roasted peanuts, and take part in hands-on traditions like pickling. With a welcoming atmosphere, fresh local flavors, and a deep connection to the seasons, Jumonji offers an authentic taste of rural Japan.

Jumonji roadside station stands out for its rare, seasonal harvest events like the annual Autumn Harvest Thanksgiving Festival, where visitors can enjoy traditional offerings such as freshly made mochi and hearty pork soup, alongside a vibrant yosakoi dance festival. The station also features a unique seasonal highlight: the only in-region market in the area offering unprocessed, locally grown "imperfect" apples—slightly misshapen but bursting with flavor—perfect for homemade jam or pie. These apples, alongside a rotating selection of regional produce like salted roasted peanuts and early-season i-buri daikon, are available only here.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit by 10:00 AM on weekends to secure the last of the fresh Shinano Sweet apples, which are often sold out by midday due to high demand for the seasonal fruit.

• Hidden Gems: Check the produce counter for ungraded apples with minor blemishes or irregular shapes—these are sold at a discount while still being delicious and perfect for making homemade jam or apple pie.

• Weekend Special: On the first weekend of November, visit the central hall between 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM to enjoy live performances by Swan Chorus and Takahara Teruo, both performing seasonal music during the Autumn Harvest Festival.

• Food Truck Timing: Arrive by 4:30 PM on days when the Pizza Hachi Akita kitchen car is present (typically late afternoon), as they only operate until around 5:00 PM and their 100% domestic wheat flour pizza sells out quickly.

• Seasonal Product Tip: Purchase unpickled i-buri daikon in late autumn—these are sold in bulk for home pickling and are especially popular with younger visitors who are trying traditional pickling at home for the first time.

• Special Event Planning: If visiting on November 9, arrive early to enjoy the Yosakoi Festival performance, which takes place simultaneously with the Autumn Harvest Festival and features children’s traditional dance performances.

• Unique Local Find: Look for fresh raw peanuts in the produce section—these are available in shell and can be boiled in 30 minutes with a pinch of salt for a simple, homemade snack, a favorite among local families.

Spring (March-May): Fresh leafy greens like spinach and komatsuna arrive in early spring, with small bamboo shoots available through April.

Summer (June-August): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned in the content.

Autumn (September-November): Peak season for apples and pears, with the Autumn Harvest Thanksgiving Festival held on November 8–9.

Winter (December-February): Limited seasonal items; occasional events like the Kitchen Car Festival in February.