Discover the Heart of Akita’s Rural Heritage
Nakasens, a vibrant roadside station nestled in the serene countryside of Ōsakura City, Akita Prefecture, is a celebration of local tradition, sustainable farming, and authentic regional flavors. Located at the crossroads of nature and community, it stands as a gateway to the rich cultural tapestry of northern Japan.
More than just a rest stop, Nakasens showcases the region’s signature products, including Du-Zhong pork raised on Du-Zhong leaves, aromatic Du-Zhong tea, and crispy smoked i-buri gakko. Visitors can savor handmade soba noodles, enjoy fresh baked goods at Coco Cony, or sample the famed ghost ramen from Kikisoba Fujitani. With seasonal events like the Donpan Festival and the Great Oyama Fireworks, Nakasens offers a truly immersive experience of Akita’s spirit.
Why Visit
Visit Nakasen to experience the region’s only roadside station dedicated to Du Zhong—a unique local herb used in everything from savory to sweet treats. Try the signature Du Zhong pork, raised on Du Zhong leaf feed, and savor its signature sausages and tonkatsu. Don’t miss the exclusive Du Zhong tea, available hot or cold, and the rare 米夢 (Mai Mu) soft serve made with local rice flour, a treat found nowhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic regional flavors at Nakasens roadside station, where local specialties meet fresh, farm-to-table ingredients.
Coco Cony Bakery and Baked Goods
コッペパンと焼き菓子 coco cony
Specialty
Freshly baked bread and pastries
A cozy bakery offering a variety of handmade breads and sweet treats, perfect for a relaxing break with a warm atmosphere.
Hidamari Dining Hall
中華そば・お弁当 ひだまり食堂
Specialty
Chinese soba noodles and bento boxes
A casual dining spot serving hearty Chinese-style soba noodles and convenient bento meals, ideal for a quick and satisfying lunch.
Oni Soba Fujitani Head Office
鬼そば藤谷総本店
Specialty
Spicy ramen with Oni Salt
A renowned ramen shop specializing in bold, flavorful ramen with a signature spicy Oni Salt seasoning, offering a unique and memorable taste experience.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated selection of local crafts, seasonal produce, and unique gifts at Nakasens roadside station.
Komekome Plaza Store
こめこめプラザ売店
A farm produce direct sales store offering a wide range of local specialties, including processed foods and regional products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Duzhong Pork
Featured Products
Explore signature items like Du-Zhong pork, smoked i-buri-gakko, and Du-Zhong tea—crafted with pride from regional heritage.
Duzhong Pork
杜仲豚
A healthy pork raised on Duzhong leaves, known for its lean meat and unique flavor.
Duzhong Tea
杜仲茶
A refreshing tea that tastes great both hot and cold, made from Duzhong leaves.
Iburi Gakko
いぶりがっこ
Smoked with a fragrant aroma and a crispy texture, a traditional local snack.
Kiritanpo
きりたんぽ
Made by grilling local Akitakomachi rice over charcoal, offering a rich, smoky flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, Wi-Fi, baby changing stations, and a comfortable休息室 for travelers.
Parking Lot
Available for 71 regular vehicles, 12 large vehicles, and 1 accessible parking space.
Adjacent to the roadside station building
Toilet
Available 24 hours a day.
Inside the roadside station building
Wireless LAN
Free Wi-Fi available for visitors.
Throughout the roadside station building
Information Center
Provides local tourism information, event schedules, and assistance for visitors.
Inside the roadside station building
ATM
ATM available on-site for cash withdrawal.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Nursing Room
Private space for mothers to breastfeed or care for infants.
Inside the roadside station building
Insider Tips
Visit during off-peak hours for a quieter experience and pick up seasonal treats before they sell out.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on weekdays to catch the fresh batch of rice cake (kiritanpo) being cooked at the charcoal-fired station, as it is only made during this window and often sells out by noon.
- Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the "Dokkuri Kiri" brand rice cakes made with locally grown Akita Komachi rice and smoked over charcoal—these are only available during the 4th to 11th months and are not listed on the main menu.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, head to the coco cony bakery between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to purchase the limited-edition "Dokkuri Kiri" milk bread, which is made only on those days and sells out fast.
- Best Value Purchase: Buy the Du-Zhong tea in bulk from the komekome plaza shop during the ongoing "Life Ware Fair" (ending November 16), where it is available at a special price and includes a free sample pack.
- Must-Try Food Item: Order the ghost soba salt ramen at the Oni Soba Fujitani Main Store between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM on weekdays, as this is the only time the ramen is served and it is not available at other times or locations.
- Unique Experience: Use the restroom with baby changing table in the back corner of the parking area, which is quieter and less crowded than the main restroom, especially during peak hours.
- Local Specialty: Purchase the smoked i-buri gakko (smoked pickled eggplant) from the komekome plaza shop before 4:00 PM, as it is only stocked in limited quantities and often runs out by late afternoon.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Late March to April brings peak canola flower viewing and fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.
Summer (June–August): August 16 hosts the Donpan Festival; the annual fireworks display occurs on the final Saturday of August.
Autumn (September–November): Ibirugakko and kiritanpo are available; the livingware fair runs through November 16.
Winter (December–February): Winter hours apply; enjoy warm meals and seasonal treats like Du Zhong pork and tea.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a baby bed, stroller-friendly paths, and multiple dining options with kid-friendly meals. Though no dedicated play area, the variety of local food and educational products like杜仲茶 make it engaging for families.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse local specialties such as杜仲豚, いぶりがっこ, and kiritanpo. High-quality fresh produce, artisanal杜仲茶, and unique products like米粉ソフト provide a rich culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides 24-hour restrooms and a quiet, secure parking area with 71 regular spots. No overnight camping policy is stated, and while restrooms are accessible, no dedicated camping facilities exist.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a scenic rural area with seasonal landscape variety. The building resembles a traditional rice storehouse, and the surrounding views offer a peaceful, authentic countryside atmosphere.