Discover the Heart of Rural Akita at Ōgata Roadside Station
Nestled in the fertile plains of Ōgata Village in Akita Prefecture, Ōgata Roadside Station is a vibrant gateway to local life and agricultural abundance. More than a stop along the highway, it’s a celebration of community, sustainability, and seasonal flavor, centered around the largest direct-to-consumer farm market in the region. Visitors are greeted by a dynamic array of fresh produce, handmade foods, and regional specialties—many sourced from nearby farms and crafted with care.
What sets Ōgata apart is its seamless integration of commerce, culture, and recreation. The station hosts seasonal events like the Harvest Festival and seasonal market fairs, and nearby attractions—including the Poldera Hot Spring, Rural Resort Ōgata, and the Ōgata Geopark—make it a perfect base for exploring northern Akita. Whether sampling heirloom rice, savoring pumpkin pastries, or browsing artisanal sesame products, every visit connects you with the spirit of the land and its people.
Why Visit
Visit Ōgata roadside station to experience the region’s only direct-sale hub for certified Aomori rice, including rare heirloom varieties like Akita Komachi grown in the fertile fields of Ogata Village. The station is also home to a rotating selection of handmade treats made exclusively with local ingredients—such as seasonal pumpkin scones from Sprinder and a signature sesame-based confectionery line, both crafted by village artisans and available nowhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, locally crafted meals at Ōgata's roadside station, where seasonal ingredients meet traditional flavors.
Kaneko's Kitchen
かねこキッチン
Specialty
Local-style home cooking with seasonal ingredients
A cozy restaurant offering hearty, traditional Japanese home-cooked meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for a relaxing meal after exploring the area.
Kabocha Scone by Sprender
スプレンダー かぼちゃスコーン
Specialty
Pumpkin-themed baked goods
A charming café specializing in seasonal baked treats, with a focus on pumpkin-based pastries and cakes. The cozy space offers a relaxed atmosphere ideal for a sweet break.
Wildflower Cake by No Hana Shifon
野の花シフォン かぼちゃシフォンケーキ
Specialty
Pumpkin-flavored chiffon cake
A delicate café offering light, fluffy chiffon cakes and other sweet treats, with a seasonal focus on pumpkin during autumn events.
Local Delights Food Stall
地元グルメフードスタンド
Specialty
Quick street-style local snacks
A vibrant food stall offering quick, delicious bites made with fresh, regional ingredients. Perfect for a casual, on-the-go meal.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a vibrant selection of regional goods and farm-fresh produce at Ōgata's roadside station.
Egoma Specialty Shop
えごま専門店
A dedicated shop offering a wide variety of sesame-based products, including roasted seeds, oil, and snacks.
Products
Must-Try Item
Roasted Sesame Seeds
Local Produce Market
地元農産物市場
A fresh market featuring seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other locally grown produce.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Autumn Pumpkins
Rural Ogata Souvenir Shop
ルーラル大潟お土産店
A gift shop offering regional souvenirs and locally made crafts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Pumpkin-Themed Souvenirs
Local Food & Drink Shop
地元食品ドリンク店
A shop specializing in regional alcoholic beverages and local food products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Craft Sake
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like Akita Komachi rice and sesame-based treats, proudly made in the region.
Akita Komachi Brown Rice
あきたこまち玄米
High-quality, locally grown brown rice from Akita Prefecture, known for its rich flavor and texture.
Pumpkin Seeds
かぼちゃの種
Roasted and salted pumpkin seeds, a healthy and delicious snack made from locally grown pumpkins.
Sesame Oil
えごま油
Cold-pressed sesame oil made from locally harvested sesame seeds, ideal for cooking and dressing.
Pumpkin Puree
かぼちゃペースト
Smooth, naturally sweet pumpkin puree made from fresh, locally grown pumpkins.
Sesame Snacks
えごまスナック
Crunchy, savory snacks made with roasted sesame seeds and regional seasonings.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, a 24-hour vending machine corner, and ample parking.
Information Center
The roadside station provides information and assistance to visitors, including details about local attractions, events, and services.
Main entrance area
Restroom
Clean and accessible restrooms are available for visitors, including facilities for people with disabilities.
Near the main entrance and inside the facility
Parking
Ample parking space is provided for cars and buses, allowing easy access for visitors traveling by vehicle.
Front and side of the roadside station
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station for visitors' convenience.
Throughout the facility
Restaurant
A dining area offering local cuisine and meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Inside the roadside station
Play Area
A children's play area is available for families, providing a safe and fun space for kids to enjoy.
Near the entrance and outdoor area
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors using electric cars.
Parking area near the main entrance
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors to withdraw cash conveniently.
Near the entrance
Nursing Room
A private and comfortable nursing room is provided for mothers with infants.
Inside the facility, near restrooms
Pet Area
A designated area for pets, allowing visitors to bring their animals while visiting the roadside station.
Outdoor area near the entrance
Activities & Experiences
Participate in seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and family-friendly activities throughout the year.
Harvest Celebration Festival
収穫感謝祭
Participants can purchase special discounted 30kg bags of Akitakomachi brown rice during the Harvest Celebration Festival.
0Sunflower Festival
ひまわりまつり
Enjoy a seasonal festival featuring sunflowers, with decorations and themed activities held in the summer months.
0Halloween Events
ハロウィンイベント
Participate in Halloween-themed activities including decorations, themed baked goods like pumpkin scones and pumpkin chiffon cake, and special giveaways for children.
0Children's Snack Gift Program
お子様向けお菓子プレゼント企画
Children who visit the roadside station and make a purchase receive a free snack gift, with special giveaways on selected days.
0Insider Tips
Visit during harvest festivals for exclusive deals and local treats, and check for seasonal pop-ups and special events.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure the limited batch of pumpkin scone and pumpkin chiffon cake available during the Halloween event (October 27–31), as these items sell out quickly and are only available during the event period.
- Hidden Gems: Check the eel and sesame product display near the front entrance—specifically the sesame oil and sesame paste made by local producers, which are not always stocked and are sold only during seasonal promotions.
- Weekend Special: On October 30 and 31, visit the front counter between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to receive a free snack gift with any purchase if you are shopping with children, as part of the Halloween event’s children’s promotion.
- Best Purchase Time for Rice: Visit during the Harvest Thanksgiving Festival (typically late October) to buy special-priced 30kg bags of Akita Komachi brown rice, which are only available for a limited time during this event and are significantly cheaper than regular prices.
- Dining Tip: Order the “Rural Ogata Special Set” at the restaurant between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to get the full seasonal menu featuring locally sourced vegetables and rice, as this lunchtime menu is only available during the harvest season (October–November).
- Camping Access: If you plan to use the nearby campsite, submit your usage form at the roadside station’s front desk by 3:00 PM on the day of arrival, as late submissions are not accepted and space is limited.
- Shopping Tip: Visit the automatic vending machine corner after 5:00 PM in winter (November–March) to access snacks and drinks 24 hours a day, as the main store closes at 5:00 PM but the vending machines remain operational.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots arrive in April, and the roadside station hosts early-season events like the 2025 spring market.
Summer (June–August): The sunflower festival runs from late July to early August, featuring vibrant blooms and seasonal treats.
Autumn (September–November): Harvest celebration for Akitakomachi rice occurs in October, with special 30kg sales and seasonal food events.
Winter (December–February): Limited seasonal offerings, but the roadside station remains open 24 hours via vending machines.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Ōgata offers dedicated children's events, free treats for kids, and seasonal activities like Halloween celebrations. Playful decorations and kid-focused promotions enhance the experience, though no dedicated play area is mentioned.
Food Lover Review
Ōgata features a wide range of local specialties including Akitakomachi rice, pumpkin-themed baked goods, and various regional products. Fresh produce and seasonal items are prominently displayed with high quality and variety.
Car Camping Review
The roadside station provides restrooms and vending machines, with 24-hour access to some facilities. While no explicit camping policy is listed, a campsite registration form is available, suggesting limited overnight use.
Scenic Beauty Review
Ōgata is located in a scenic rural area with seasonal landscapes, including sunflower fields and autumn harvest views. The surrounding natural beauty and well-maintained environment contribute to a pleasant, picturesque atmosphere.