Discover the Heart of Akita’s Coastal Bounty
Nestled along the rugged shores of the Sea of Japan, Oga roadside station stands as a vibrant gateway to the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Akita region. Surrounded by the majestic presence of the Hanfū Mountains and the sacred Malekusan peaks, this station celebrates the deep connection between land, sea, and community.
More than just a rest stop, Oga offers a dynamic mix of fresh seafood, locally grown produce, and handcrafted regional specialties. Visitors can enjoy a taste of authentic Akita through seasonal fish from local fishermen, farm-fresh vegetables, and a range of ready-to-eat meals from the 24-hour “Kitchen Umāinu” vending machine, complete with microwave access. Don’t miss the charming daily appearances of Akita dogs at the Oga-ree lounge—adorable, spirited, and a true symbol of regional pride.
Why Visit
Oga roadside station stands out as the only spot in the region where visitors can experience daily encounters with five live Akita dogs, rotating each day on weekends and holidays. These iconic dogs, celebrated as national treasures, offer rare, heartfelt interactions in a scenic coastal setting. Equally unique is the 24-hour “Kitchen Umai-Ne” vending machine, offering freshly prepared local favorites like grilled mackerel buns and cold rice balls with Oga-style miso, all ready to eat with on-site microwaves. This fusion of authentic Akita heritage and instant local flavor is unmatched anywhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
At Oga roadside station, savor fresh seafood and local flavors in a relaxed setting.
Kitchen Umaienu
キッチン ウマイーヌ
Specialty
24-hour frozen food vending machine offering local Niigata specialties
A 24-hour frozen food vending machine located in the Ogare rest area, offering a variety of local Niigata delicacies. Equipped with a microwave for immediate consumption on-site. The selection changes regularly.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional products and handmade goods at Oga roadside station.
Ogare Rest Area Market
オガーレ
A general retail area offering a wide variety of local products from Niigata, including fresh seafood, agricultural produce, and processed goods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly caught seafood from Niigata waters
Niigata Fish Market
鮮魚・水産品
A dedicated seafood market offering fresh fish and aquatic products sourced directly from Niigata fishermen.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly caught seasonal fish
Niigata Farm Products Store
農産物
A store specializing in locally grown agricultural products from Niigata farmers.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hand-cultivated seasonal vegetables
Featured Products
Sample signature items like premium seafood and artisanal crafts from the region.
Yabutsubaki Pattern Manhole Card
ヤブツバキ柄マンホールカード
A collectible manhole cover card featuring the Yabutsubaki flower design of Niigata City. Part of a public awareness campaign by the Niigata City Sewerage Department.
Niigata Seafood Delicacy Set
新潟海産物ギフトセット
A curated gift set featuring premium seafood products from Niigata, including dried fish, smoked salmon, and marinated seafood.
Niigata Rice and Seafood Combo
新潟米と海産物セット
A premium combination of Niigata's famous rice and locally sourced seafood, ideal for gifting or home use.
Niigata Seasonal Vegetable Pack
新潟旬野菜パック
A seasonal pack of fresh, locally grown vegetables from Niigata farmers, harvested at peak freshness.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, and a 24-hour food vending machine.
EV Fast Charging Equipment
EV fast charging equipment is currently out of service. Please check for updates.
Not specified
Service Counter
The service counter provides assistance with inquiries, including issues with the vending machine and other services. Available during operating hours (9:00–17:00).
Service Counter
Parking Area
Parking is available at the roadside station for visitors and travelers.
General parking area
Restroom
Restrooms are available for visitors at the roadside station.
General facility area
Wi-Fi Access
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the station
Dog Run
A designated dog run area is available for pet owners to let their dogs play and exercise.
Outside the main facility
Nursing Room
A private nursing room is available for mothers with infants.
Inside the station building
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors to withdraw cash.
Near the entrance
Pet-Friendly Area
A designated area for pets, including the dog run, allows visitors to bring their animals to the roadside station.
Outdoor pet area
Bike Rental
Bike rental service is available for visitors who wish to explore the surrounding area on bicycle.
Near the entrance
Onsen
No onsen facility is mentioned in the provided content.
Not available
Activities & Experiences
Engage in seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and meet friendly Akita dogs.
Akita Dog Interaction Area
秋田犬ふれあい処
Interact with one of five Akita dogs displayed daily on weekends and holidays. Each dog appears for about 20 minutes during two sessions: 11:00–11:20 and 13:00–13:20.
Duration
20 min
Activity may be canceled due to bad weather.
Manhole Card Collection
マンホールカードの配布
Receive a free manhole-themed collectible card featuring the 'Yabutsubaki' design from the city of Ogawara. Complete a short survey at the service counter to receive one card per person.
Duration
5 min
Dog Park Access
ドッグランのご利用について
Use the on-site dog park for your pet to play and exercise in a safe, open environment.
Duration
60 min
Access may be restricted during extreme weather conditions.
Insider Tips
Visit during off-peak hours for a quieter experience and check daily updates for fresh catches.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM on weekends to catch the daily 20-minute秋田犬 (Akita dog) meet-and-greet, which runs at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM with one dog on display each time
- Hidden Gems: Check the "Kitchen Umai-Ne" vending machine in the Oga-ree rest area for 24-hour access to frozen local specialties like grilled squid and menchi-katsu, and use the built-in microwave to heat them immediately
- Fresh Seafood Alert: Follow the X (Twitter) account @ogare0701 for real-time updates on fresh fish arrivals, as seafood availability changes daily and is not listed in advance
- Best Time to Visit the Vending Machine: Go before 10:00 AM to ensure the full range of frozen items is available, as popular items like fried fish rolls often sell out by midday
- Specialty Product Tip: Request the "Yabutsubaki" pattern manhole card at the service counter during opening hours (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM), as it is only available through in-person request and not by phone or mail
- Dog-Friendly Visit: Bring your dog to the on-site dog run, which is open during the roadside station’s full operating hours and features dedicated waste disposal bins for pet owners
- Food Truck Note: On weekends, look for food trucks near the main entrance that serve local dishes like kama-maki (grilled rice rolls) — they typically arrive between 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market; peak season for canola flower viewing in late March to April.
Summer (June-August): Summer seafood harvest begins; fresh local fish arrives daily, with peak availability in July.
Autumn (September-November): Autumn dog walks and seasonal events; autumn dog displays held on weekends and holidays.
Winter (December-February): Winter seafood specialties featured; cold-weather comfort foods available in the self-service freezer vending machine.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Oga roadside station offers a dog park, seasonal秋田犬 interactions, and a children’s play area. The interactive events and pet-friendly facilities enhance family appeal, though limited indoor play space slightly reduces points.
Food Lover Review
The station features fresh seafood, local produce, and a 24-hour frozen food vending machine with microwave access. High-quality regional specialties and diverse dining options elevate the food experience.
Car Camping Review
Basic facilities like restrooms and vending machines are available. While parking is accessible, the site lacks designated quiet zones and overnight camping guidelines, limiting comfort for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Overlooking the Japan Sea with views of Mount Kanfū and the Ōga Mountains, the station offers scenic vistas, photo spots, and seasonal natural beauty, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.