Station Ogachi

Discover the Heart of Akita’s Heritage at Ogachi

Nestled in the southernmost reaches of Akita Prefecture, Ogachi roadside station stands as a tribute to the legendary Heian-era poet Ono no Komachi, whose birthplace is said to be here. Inspired by her graceful journey, the station’s architecture reflects her traditional traveling attire, the ichime-gasa, blending history with modern design. More than a rest stop, it’s a cultural gateway where nature, tradition, and local flavor come together.

Set within a serene forested landscape, Ogachi is Japan’s first roadside station designed as a "station in the woods," harmonizing with its surroundings. Visitors enjoy seasonal specialties like handcrafted peach desserts and warm soba noodles, all made with locally sourced ingredients. The station also offers a curated selection of regional products, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking authentic Akita experiences.

Ogachi’s roadside station stands out as the only one in the region offering handcrafted peach desserts made from locally grown East Mountain peaches, including a signature peach parfait. It also features a seasonal warm soba menu with fresh, locally sourced tempura, available only in autumn and winter.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the restaurant’s counter for the morning coffee and pastry service, as the first batch of freshly baked milk bread is sold out by 11:00 AM daily.

• Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to find the limited daily batch of handmade peach jam, made from locally grown East Mountain peaches and available only during the seasonal promotion.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, head to the outdoor seating area near the entrance between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to catch the rotating food truck lineup, which features regional specialties like grilled fish from the Oga Peninsula.

• Best Menu Choice: Order the warm soba with tempura at the restaurant between October and March, as the seasonal “atatakai soba” is only available from October 1st through March 31st, and the tempura soba set (1,300 yen) includes freshly fried tempura and a generous portion of noodles.

• Best Value Option: Request the “kitchen table” seating at the second-floor restaurant for the group lunch package, which includes rice, pickles, and a choice of miso soup or Iwate udon, priced at 1,600 yen per person, offering the best value for larger groups.

• Special Product Pick: Purchase the “Komachi no Sato” online shop’s “Peach Dessert Set” (includes peach parfait, peach crepe, and peach yogurt) during the autumn season, as it is only available in limited quantities from October through December.

• Best Photo Spot: Stand beneath the large wooden archway near the main entrance, shaped like the traditional “Ichi Me Gasa” (town woman’s hat), between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM when sunlight highlights the intricate carvings and casts a warm shadow across the path.

Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market; peak season for canola flower picking in late March to April.

Summer (June-August): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned in the content.

Autumn (September-November): Autumn harvest features local peaches, with peach desserts introduced in October.

Winter (December-February): Limited seasonal activities; warm soba served from October through winter months.