Discover the Heart of Rural Akita at Kamioka Roadside Station
Nestled along National Route 13 in the scenic神岡 (Kamioka) region of Akita Prefecture, this roadside station is a gateway to authentic local life. Originally the first of its kind on Route 13, Kamioka Roadside Station blends heritage with modern charm. Visitors can savor regional specialties like local rice and fresh vegetables, explore the bustling Kamioka Night Market, and enjoy the famed soft cream from a collaboration with the Kitaakita Soy Sauce Company. It's more than a stop—it's a celebration of community, flavor, and tradition.
Why Visit
Kamioka roadside station stands out for its exclusive collaboration with Tohoku Soy Sauce Co.'s "Aji Douraku no Sato," offering a rare, regionally crafted soy sauce soft cream available nowhere else. It also features the only on-site tasting of artisanal Jersey cow milk ice cream made from locally raised dairy, paired with seasonal farm vegetables from nearby神岡 farms.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Kamioka roadside station, where fresh ingredients and regional recipes come together in every bite.
Restaurant
レストラン
Specialty
Local ingredients and fresh produce from Kamioka
A fully accessible restaurant with a barrier-free design, offering a variety of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including the famous Akitakomachi rice and fresh vegetables from Kamioka. The atmosphere is welcoming and suitable for all visitors, including wheelchair users.
Kamioka Yatai Market
かみおか屋台市場
Specialty
Collaborative soft cream from local soy sauce company
A bustling food stall market featuring seasonal and locally inspired street food, with a special collaboration with the Tohoku Shoyu Co., Ltd. offering a popular soft cream that remains a year-round favorite.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated selection of local goods and regional specialties at Kamioka roadside station’s vibrant marketplace.
Local Specialty Store
物産館
A dedicated store showcasing a wide range of local specialty products from Kamioka and the Shonai region, offering direct sales of regional goods to visitors.
Products
Must-Try Item
Tohoku Shoyu Soft Cream
Featured Products
Explore signature products like handcrafted soft cream and premium local produce from the仙北 region.
Akitakomachi Rice
あきたこまち
Premium short-grain rice grown in the Kamioka region, known for its excellent texture and flavor.
Kamioka Vegetable Pack
神岡野菜セット
A curated selection of fresh, seasonal vegetables grown in the Kamioka area.
Tohoku Shoyu Soft Cream
東北醤油ソフトクリーム
A unique soft cream created through a collaboration with Tohoku Shoyu Co., Ltd., combining savory soy flavor with creamy sweetness.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities and thoughtful design, including accessible spaces and rest areas for all visitors.
Information Center
Provides tourism information for Akita Prefecture and essential driving information for travelers.
Located at the roadside station
Restroom
Available for visitors at the roadside station.
Located at the roadside station
Parking
Available for vehicles at the roadside station.
Located at the roadside station
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi access available for visitors at the roadside station.
Located at the roadside station
Local Products Store (Museum Shop)
Sells local specialty products from Kamioka and other areas of Senboku region. Open from 9:00 to 18:00.
Located at the roadside station
Restaurant
Reopened in March 2007 with barrier-free design for wheelchair users. Offers meals using fresh local ingredients such as 'Akita Komachi' rice and local vegetables. Can accommodate about 60 people. Open from 11:00 to 15:30 (last order at 15:00).
Located at the roadside station
Kamioka Yatai Market
Features soft-serve ice cream in collaboration with Tōhoku Shōyu Co., Ltd.'s 'Aji Dōraku no Sato'. Popular year-round. Open weekdays from 9:00 to 17:00 (last order at 16:30), weekends from 9:00 to 18:00 (last order at 17:30).
Located at the roadside station
Kamioka Onsen Takayama-yu
Nearby hot spring facility located in Kamioka. Accessible via a provided link.
Near the roadside station, accessible via http://www.dakenoyu.jp/
Insider Tips
Learn local favorites and hidden gems to make the most of your visit to Kamioka roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the Kamioka Yatai Market before the soft-serve from the Taste of the Road by Tohoku Soy Sauce Co. sells out, as it often does by 11:00 AM during peak hours
- Hidden Gems: Visit the Kamioka Souvenir Shop between 9:00–10:00 AM to find the day’s fresh batch of Kamioka Local Vegetable Bento—a limited-time offering only available until 12:00 PM
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, head to the Kamioka Yatai Market between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to sample the Tohoku Soy Sauce Co. Soy Sauce Ice Cream—a seasonal item only available during these hours
- Dining Strategy: Order the Akitakomachi Rice Bowl at the Restaurant between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM to avoid the lunchtime rush and ensure a table with a view of the roadside station’s central garden
- Souvenir Shortcut: Purchase the Kamioka Local Vegetable & Soy Sauce Combo Pack at the Souvenir Shop before 3:00 PM to guarantee availability, as it frequently sells out by 4:00 PM
- Parking Tip: Use the eastern parking lot near the Kamioka Yatai Market—it’s closer to the soft-serve stand and avoids the long walk from the main entrance during busy afternoons
- Best Photo Spot: Take a photo at the Kamioka Historical Marker located just south of the Restaurant entrance—this is the original site of the Ichirizuka (one-mile post) that gave the station its name and is marked with an English plaque
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Canola flowers bloom in late March to April, and fresh bamboo shoots are available at the market.
Summer (June–August): Soft serve from the local soy sauce company is available year-round, with peak visits during summer months.
Autumn (September–November): Harvest season for local produce, including Akitakomachi rice and regional vegetables.
Winter (December–February): Limited seasonal offerings; visit for quiet relaxation and nearby hot spring access.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers play areas, kid-friendly food, stroller access, and interactive local exhibits.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse local cuisine, fresh produce, unique regional specialties, and artisanal products.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms and vending machines, quiet surroundings, but no clear overnight parking policy.
Scenic Beauty Review
Boasts scenic views, photo spots, seasonal landscapes, and a pleasant, inviting atmosphere.