Station Kotooka

Discover the Heart of Northern Japan’s Rural Charm

Kotooka roadside station lies in the serene countryside of Mitane, Akita Prefecture, where rolling rice fields meet ancient forests and traditional farming heritage thrives. More than a pit stop, it’s a vibrant gateway to local culture, offering fresh regional specialties like Akita’s famed Koshihikari rice and handcrafted dairy products. Visitors enjoy hands-on experiences, seasonal festivals, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape—making every journey through Kotooka a memorable journey into Japan’s rural soul.

Kotooka roadside station is home to the region’s only farm-to-table dairy bar, featuring rich, creamy milk ice cream made exclusively from local Jersey cow milk. Visitors can also experience hands-on cheese-making workshops using traditional methods passed down through generations of local farmers.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure the limited-edition Kurokawa-style pickled vegetables, which are only available during the morning hours and often sell out by 11:00 AM.

• Hidden Gems: Head directly to the local craft corner near the entrance to find hand-carved Akita cedar wood souvenirs, which are only restocked on Mondays and Fridays.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays, visit the deli counter between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to sample the freshly made yuzu-koshō chicken skewers, a seasonal special available only during summer months.

• Best Product to Buy: Purchase the Kotooka-exclusive "Kurokawa Rice Cake" at the main counter before 1:00 PM—it is only produced in the morning and is not restocked after lunch.

• Parking Tip: Use the rear parking lot near the hiking trail entrance, as it fills up quickly during peak hours; the front lot is reserved for visitors using the on-site bus stop.

• Special Experience: Participate in the 1:30 PM seasonal workshop on traditional Akita-style paper lantern making, held every Thursday and Sunday from June to September—register at the information desk in advance.

• Dining Tip: Order the "Kotooka Farm Breakfast Set" at the on-site café between 8:30 and 9:30 AM to enjoy locally sourced eggs and milk bread served with a complimentary cup of regional barley tea.

Spring (March–May): Peak season for fresh bamboo shoots (April–May) and canola flower picking (late March–April).

Summer (June–August): Ideal for enjoying local summer vegetables and seasonal fruit harvests at the roadside station.

Autumn (September–November): Best time for mushroom foraging and autumn foliage viewing in surrounding forests.

Winter (December–February): Quiet season with hot local dishes and seasonal winter vegetables available.