Discover the Heart of Northern Japan at Kazuno Roadside Station
Nestled at the crossroads of Aomori, Iwate, and Akita prefectures, Kazuno Roadside Station stands as a vibrant gateway to the cultural and natural treasures of northern Japan. Renowned for its 4-year consecutive recognition in Japan’s top 100 souvenir facilities, this destination offers more than just refreshments—it’s a celebration of local heritage. From the world heritage site of Oyu Stone Circles to the dynamic sounds of Hanawa Bayashi, visitors experience authentic traditions, seasonal delicacies like the famed northern peach soft serve, and hands-on adventures such as crafting kiritanpo. With sustainable practices and immersive events like the Mission Hanawa mystery tour, Kazuno Roadside Station invites travelers to truly connect with the spirit of the region.
Why Visit
Visit Kazuno roadside station to taste the region’s only North Limit Peach Soft, made from peaches grown at the northernmost orchards in Japan. Experience the authentic heritage of the Hanawa Bayashi festival, featuring the full-scale, original parade float displayed indoors—unlike any other roadside station in Japan.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Kazuno roadside station, where regional ingredients meet culinary tradition in every bite.
MITACHI Dining & Restaurant
レストラン&ダイニングMITACHI
Specialty
Fine dining featuring locally sourced ingredients from Kakuno City
A premium restaurant offering meticulously crafted dishes using high-quality ingredients from Kakuno, paired with handmade desserts. The atmosphere is elegant and welcoming, ideal for a memorable meal.
Group Dining Restaurant
団体専用レストラン
Specialty
Large-scale dining for groups and events
A spacious restaurant designed for large gatherings, accommodating up to 200 guests. Ideal for group tours, banquets, and corporate events, offering a flexible and professional dining experience.
Soba Light Food Corner
そば軽食コーナー
Specialty
Quick bites with regional soba and seasonal treats
A casual food stall offering light meals and refreshing drinks. Features handmade soba noodles, seasonal soft serve, and side dishes for a quick, satisfying snack.
Kiritanpo Hall
きりたんぽ館
Specialty
Authentic kiritanpo cuisine from the birthplace of kiritanpo
A dedicated hall offering traditional kiritanpo dishes, celebrating the culinary heritage of Kakuno City. The atmosphere is warm and rustic, with a focus on local food culture.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique souvenirs and local crafts at Kazuno roadside station, curated with pride from the heart of Akita.
Kakuno Market Direct Sales
かづのマルシェ直売所
A fresh market offering locally grown vegetables, wild mountain vegetables, fruits, and handmade processed goods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly harvested morning vegetables
Souvenir Store
売店
A comprehensive gift shop offering over 700 types of souvenirs from Kakuno and Akita Prefecture.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kiritanpo Set
Kakuno Woodcraft Shop
秋田木楽舎
A shop specializing in traditional Japanese joinery crafts, offering seasonal decorations and handmade wooden products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Seasonal wooden ornaments
Hanawa Bayashi Festival Exhibition Hall
「花輪ばやし」祭り展示館
A cultural exhibition hall showcasing the elaborate festival floats of Hanawa Bayashi, along with multimedia displays and historical panels.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hanawa Bayashi Festival Float Replica
Featured Products
Explore signature treats like North Limit Peach Soft and Kiritanpo, the birthplace’s famed specialty, along with seasonal harvests.
Kiritanpo Set
きりたんぽセット
A premium set featuring authentic kiritanpo from Kakuno, the birthplace of this traditional dish. Includes ingredients and recipe guide for home preparation.
Northmost Peach Soft Serve
北限の桃ソフト
A refreshing soft serve made from peaches grown in the northernmost region of Japan, known for their sweetness and flavor.
Kakuno Beef Jerky
鹿角牛せんべい
A savory snack made from premium Kakuno beef, dried and seasoned for a rich, chewy texture.
Kakuno Soba Noodles
鹿角そば
Handmade buckwheat noodles crafted from locally grown buckwheat, perfect for traditional or modern dishes.
Kakuno Miso
鹿角味噌
Traditional miso made from locally grown soybeans, known for its rich umami flavor and smooth texture.
Hanawa Bayashi Festival Float Replica
花輪ばやし祭り屋台レプリカ
A detailed miniature replica of the elaborate festival float from the Hanawa Bayashi Festival, ideal for display.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy seamless travel with 24-hour restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and a convenient rest area at Kazuno roadside station.
Parking
Available for visitors at the roadside station.
Near the main entrance
24h Toilet & Rest Area
Toilets, nursing room, and rest space available 24 hours a day. Free Wi-Fi is also provided.
Inside the facility
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the 24h toilet and rest area.
24h Toilet & Rest Area
Information Counter
Provides information about local attractions, events, and tourism in Kazuno City.
Near the entrance
Handmade Experience Hall
Offers hands-on experiences such as making 'miso-attached tanpo' using homemade miso.
Handmade Experience Hall
Tourist Bicycle Rental
Free bicycle rental available for tourists. Available seasonally (winter closed).
Near the entrance
Nursing Room
A private space for nursing mothers, located within the 24h toilet and rest area.
24h Toilet & Rest Area
Electric Vehicle Fast Charger
Fast charging station for electric vehicles. Currently unavailable as of August 30, 2025.
Outside the facility
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors' convenience.
Near the entrance
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in hands-on experiences from traditional music performances to seasonal workshops and interactive tours.
Mission -Hanawa- Mystery Solving Event
JR花輪線×街歩き×謎解きイベント｢MISSION -HANAWA-｣
Solve mysteries while riding the Hanawa Line and exploring the local area. This creative event by the team 'KAGENAZO' combines mystery-solving with regional revitalization, using the Hanawa Line route and the natural and historical sites of Kakunodai.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor activity; check weather conditions before participating.
Jomon Food Experience: Journey to the Memory of Food
【縄文食体験】JOMON～食の記憶を探る旅～
Explore the culinary traditions of the Jomon period through hands-on food preparation and tasting. Experience the ancient way of life centered around the Jomon culture, including traditional cooking methods.
Duration
90 min
Indoor activity; weather does not affect participation.
Miso-Attached Tanpaku Handmade Experience
手づくり体験館
Create your own grilled tanpaku using homemade miso paste. This hands-on workshop allows participants to experience the traditional method of making and cooking kiritanpo, a local specialty.
Duration
60 min
Indoor activity; weather does not affect participation.
Hanawa Bayashi Live Performance
花輪ばやし実演披露
Enjoy live performances of Hanawa Bayashi, a traditional Japanese folk music and dance. Experience the vibrant and elaborate performances that reflect the cultural heritage of Kakunodai.
Duration
45 min
Indoor event; weather does not affect participation.
Digital Stamp Rally: Jomon Heritage Tour
御所野･大湯･是川 縄文周遊発掘デジタルスタンプラリー2025
Explore Jomon archaeological sites and surrounding roadside stations using a digital app. Visit at least three designated spots to collect stamps and win prizes.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor activity; suitable for all weather conditions with proper preparation.
Kakunodai-Hiroshima Regional Digital Stamp Rally
鹿角･盛岡広域エリアデジタルスタンプラリー2025
Travel through the Kakunodai and Morioka area to collect digital stamps at various cultural, historical, and culinary sites. Complete the route to win exclusive prizes.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor activity; weather may affect travel plans.
Hanawa Line Photo Contest
花輪線に乗ろう！フォトコンテスト
Capture your favorite moments while riding the Hanawa Line and submit your photos for a chance to win. Celebrate the scenic beauty and cultural richness of the route.
Duration
60 min
Outdoor activity; best during clear weather for photography.
Hanawa Bayashi Festival Exhibition
「花輪ばやし」祭り展示館
Explore the elaborate festival floats and traditional costumes of Hanawa Bayashi. View multimedia displays and historical panels that showcase the cultural significance of this UNESCO-recognized heritage.
Duration
60 min
Indoor exhibition; weather does not affect participation.
Insider Tips
Maximize your visit with local insights on seasonal events, hidden gems, and the best times to enjoy Kazuno’s cultural highlights.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure the last available spot for the hands-on miso-attached tanpo experience at the Handmade Experience Hall before it fills up by midday
- Hidden Gems: Ask at the Kiritanpo Hall counter for the seasonal Kiritanpo Set featuring locally made kiritanpo with a side of pickled vegetables and miso sauce—available only during summer months
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the Kazuno Market Direct Sales Counter before 11:00 AM to purchase the day’s fresh-harvested mountain vegetables and seasonal fruits, which are restocked daily at 7:00 AM and often sell out by noon
- Event Timing: Join the MISSION -HANAWA- real-life puzzle event on Saturdays and Sundays between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM when the staff at the roadside station provides the official puzzle booklets and maps for the JR Hanawa Line route
- Best Souvenir Purchase: Buy the Kiritanpo Set directly from the Kazuno Market Direct Sales Counter—it includes two handmade kiritanpo, a recipe card, and a free sticker—available only through the roadside station and not sold elsewhere
- Cultural Experience: Visit the Hanawa Bayashi Festival Exhibition Hall on Wednesdays or Saturdays between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM when staff perform short demonstrations of traditional Hanawa Bayashi music and display the actual festival floats
- Food Special: Order the Northernmost Peach Soft Serve at the Soba Light Meal Counter between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM when the shop is open for afternoon service and the soft serve is freshly made daily
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May): Enjoy the North Limit Peach Soft launched in April and visit during the Hanawa Bayashi live performance on April 3.
Summer (July-August): Experience the North Limit Peach Soft in peak season and join the Mission-Hanawa mystery tour in August.
Autumn (October-November): Witness peak autumn foliage from late October and participate in the Digital Stamp Rally through the fall.
Winter (December-February): Visit the Hanawa Bayashi Festival Exhibition Hall and explore indoor cultural experiences.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers play and interactive experiences like hands-on cooking and cultural events suitable for children.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse local specialties including kiritanpo, North Limit Peach soft serve, and regional ingredients.
Car Camping Review
Provides 24-hour restrooms and parking, but lacks dedicated overnight camping zones or quiet zones.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near natural attractions with seasonal views, including autumn foliage and mountain landscapes.