Discover the Warmth of Rural Japan
Sannai is a roadside station nestled in the serene countryside of Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, where nature and tradition blend seamlessly. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling farmland, it offers travelers a peaceful retreat rich in local charm.
Home to the beloved restaurant Nokkou-an, Sannai delights visitors with handcrafted soba made from regional buckwheat, while its wood-themed shop, “Kino Ka,” showcases artisanal crafts and local produce. With a tranquil atmosphere and a focus on sustainable, community-driven experiences, Sannai invites you to slow down and savor the essence of Akita’s rural heart.
Why Visit
Sannai is home to the only restaurant in the region serving handmade soba made from locally milled buckwheat, including their signature kashiwa soba. Visitors can also explore the unique woodcraft shop, where artisans create hand-carved souvenirs using native Akita cedar, a craft exclusive to this roadside station.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic regional flavors at Sannai's roadside station, where farm-to-table dining meets warm hospitality.
Farm Fragrance Inn
御食事処 農香庵
Specialty
Traditional Japanese cuisine featuring local ingredients
A cozy dining space offering authentic Japanese meals with a focus on seasonal and regional produce. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, blending rustic charm with modern comfort.
Kouri Noodle & Soba Shop
うどん・そば 香里ん亭
Specialty
Handmade soba and udon noodles
A casual counter-style stall serving freshly made soba and udon noodles, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local crafts and seasonal goods at Sannai's roadside station, curated with care.
Wood Fragrance Plaza
ウッディプラザ木の香
A general retail shop offering a variety of local products, crafts, and souvenirs from the region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Wooden crafts
Sato Kombu Store
佐藤こんぶ店
A specialty store dedicated to selling high-quality dried kelp (kombu) and related seafood products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Dried kelp
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like handcrafted wooden items and regional treats, proudly made in Akita.
Dried Kelp
こんぶ
Premium dried kelp harvested from the coastal waters of Akita Prefecture, known for its rich umami flavor and long shelf life.
Wooden Craft Set
木工セット
Handcrafted wooden items made from locally sourced timber, ideal as souvenirs or decorative pieces.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge with comfortable rest areas, clean restrooms, and 24-hour access at Sannai roadside station.
Information Center
The roadside station features an information center where visitors can obtain local information and guidance.
At the roadside station premises
Toilet
Restrooms are available and accessible 24 hours a day, year-round.
In the rest area building
Parking
Parking facilities are available for visitors.
Near the main entrance of the roadside station
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Coloring Corner
A dedicated coloring corner (ぬりえコーナー) is available for children to enjoy creative activities.
Inside the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging station is available for visitors.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors to use.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around seasonal highlights and check for temporary closures to make the most of your trip.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit by 10:30 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the restaurant Nōkōan before the lunch rush begins, as the signature buckwheat noodles are served from 11:00 AM and often sell out by 1:30 PM during peak days.
- Hidden Gems: Look for the seasonal buckwheat noodle special “Kashiwa Soba” at Nōkōan, which is only available from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM on Mondays through Fridays, and is not listed on the main menu but announced weekly in the “This Week’s Special Lunch” section.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the deli counter between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to buy the limited batch of fresh “Milk Bread” baked daily at the on-site bakery, which sells out by 11:00 AM.
- Best Time for Souvenirs: Purchase the “Satō Konbu” seaweed snacks between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays, as the stock is replenished early in the morning and the most variety is available before the midday visitor surge.
- Unusual Facility Use: Use the 24-hour restrooms located in the rest area building during late-night visits, as they remain open year-round and are especially convenient when traveling after dark on the route between Yokote City and the nearby Akita Furusato Village.
- Special Event Tip: Check the “Nuri-e Corner” (coloring corner) on weekends between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, when staff provide free coloring materials and themed sheets based on local nature and forest themes—only available during these specific hours.
- Avoid Restaurant Downtime: Avoid visiting Nōkōan on Tuesdays in November, as the restaurant closes for equipment maintenance from 11:00 AM, and no lunch service is available on that day.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market in April; canola flowers bloom in late March to early April.
Summer (June–August): Local udon and soba served at the roadside station from June through August.
Autumn (September–November): Kashiwa soba served from October 27 to 31; autumn produce available through November.
Winter (December–February): Limited hours for restaurant and shop; ideal for quiet visits and seasonal woodcraft displays.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers play area with coloring corner, child-friendly meals, stroller access, and educational woodcraft displays.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse dining with local soba and regional specialties, fresh produce, and artisanal food products.
Car Camping Review
Provides 24-hour restrooms and vending machines; quiet during daytime, but no explicit overnight parking policy.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by natural forest scenery, offers peaceful views, seasonal landscapes, and scenic photo spots.