Discover the Heart of Aomori at Shichinohe Roadside Station
Located just a five-minute walk from the Shichinohe-Towada Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen, Shichinohe Roadside Station is a vibrant gateway to the natural beauty and cultural heritage of northern Aomori. Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Hakkoda Mountains, this modern roadside station seamlessly blends local agriculture, artisan crafts, and regional cuisine into a welcoming experience for travelers.
Visitors are drawn to its diverse offerings: fresh produce from over 200 local farms at the Jisai Seven Colors Hall, unique souvenirs like black garlic, pickled long yam, and locally crafted Nambu small picture horses, and the acclaimed Takayama Uichi Memorial Museum, which showcases the dreamlike works of the famed regional painter. With a 24-hour information center, a flower exhibition hall, and a festival float museum that brings the autumn festival to life, Shichinohe offers something for every traveler. Don’t miss the legendary horse meat ramen—ranked a top local favorite and a must-try for food enthusiasts.
Why Visit
Visit Shichinohe roadside station to experience the only place in the region where you can taste authentic keiran—a traditional northern Japanese dish of egg-shaped dumplings in a clear broth, historically served as a celebratory food during the Edo period and now uniquely preserved in this area. Just steps from the Shichinohe-Towada Shinkansen station, the roadside station also houses the only public exhibition of the elaborate festival floats from the annual Shichinohe Autumn Festival, complete with authentic festival music and drum performances. These are experiences you cannot find anywhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at Shichinohe roadside station, where hearty dishes like horse meat ramen and traditional keiran await.
Restaurant Emma
レストラン絵馬
Specialty
Local specialty cuisine featuring horse meat and fresh vegetables from Shichinohe
A restaurant located within the souvenir shop, offering traditional dishes from Shichinohe with a focus on local ingredients and regional flavors. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for travelers seeking authentic taste of the area.
Soba Corner
そばが食べられるコーナー
Specialty
Freshly made soba noodles from local ingredients
A casual food stall offering handmade soba noodles, emphasizing the freshness and quality of locally grown ingredients. The setting is simple and inviting, ideal for a quick, satisfying meal.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a variety of regional treasures and fresh local goods at Shichinohe roadside station’s vibrant shops.
Souvenir Shop
物産館
A retail shop offering a wide range of local specialties, including Shichinohe's famous sweets, regional sake called 'Komizumi', traditional crafts like 'Minami Kogamagama' (southern small picture horse), and souvenirs from across Aomori Prefecture.
Products
Must-Try Item
Komizumi Sake
Local Produce Store
産直七彩館
A direct-from-farm market where farmers from Shichinohe sell fresh produce and processed goods. The store emphasizes seasonal and locally grown vegetables, pickled items, and handmade soba noodles.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh vegetables from local farmers
Florist
花き展示館
A flower shop specializing in local flowers and plants from the Hakkoda mountain range. It offers cut flowers, seedlings, and floral arrangements from the Hakkoda Rose Country.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hakkoda Rose Country arrangements
Transport and Tourist Information Center
道路・観光情報館
A 24-hour information center providing road conditions, tourist brochures, and rest facilities including accessible toilets, baby changing stations, and nursing rooms.
Products
Must-Try Item
24-hour access
Festival Float Museum
しちのへ秋まつり山車展示館
A museum displaying festival floats from the annual Shichinohe Autumn Festival. Visitors can experience the festival atmosphere through music and visual displays.
Products
Must-Try Item
Autumn Festival floats
Takayama Uichi Memorial Museum
七戸町立鷹山宇一記念美術館
A museum dedicated to the life and works of Uichi Takayama, a renowned modern Japanese fantasy painter from Shichinohe. The exhibition features his signature motifs of butterflies and flowers in a dreamlike world.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fantasy paintings by Uichi Takayama
Featured Products
Sample signature products like long yam, garlic, black garlic, and apple juice, crafted from Shichinohe’s rich agricultural heritage.
Long Yam Pickle
長芋の漬物
A traditional pickle made from locally grown long yams, known for its crisp texture and tangy flavor.
Garlic Oil
にんにくオイル
A fragrant oil made from locally grown garlic, ideal for cooking and seasoning.
Black Garlic
黒にんにく
A fermented garlic product with a sweet, rich flavor, known for its health benefits and unique taste.
Cassis Soft Cream
カシスソフトクリーム
A refreshing soft cream made exclusively from locally grown cassis in the foothills of Hakkoda, offering a sweet and tangy flavor.
Horse Meat Ramen
馬肉ラーメン
A signature ramen dish featuring locally sourced horse meat and fresh vegetables from Shichinohe, with a sweet and savory miso broth.
Soba Noodles
そば餅
Handmade soba noodles made from locally milled buckwheat, known for their rich flavor and chewy texture.
Southern Small Picture Horse
南部小絵馬
A traditional craft from the southern region of Aomori, known for its intricate designs and cultural significance.
Southern Brocade Weaving
南部裂織
A traditional textile craft from the southern region of Aomori, characterized by its vibrant patterns and craftsmanship.
Green Beans
枝豆
Fresh green beans harvested from local farms in Shichinohe, known for their tenderness and natural sweetness.
Snap Beans
スナップエンドウ
Crisp snap beans grown in the fertile fields of Shichinohe, perfect for salads and stir-fries.
Black Beans
黒豆
High-quality black beans grown in the region, known for their rich flavor and nutritional value.
Red Beans
小豆
A traditional Japanese red bean, used in both sweet and savory dishes, known for its soft texture and sweet taste.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax with modern amenities including 24-hour restrooms, a family-friendly information center, and EV charging stations.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking area with 21 large vehicle spots and 206 regular vehicle spots, including 8 designated for people with disabilities.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Toilet
The roadside station features a 24-hour accessible restroom with both regular and multi-functional toilets, including a warm water washlet and a nursing room.
Inside the road and tourist information center
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless internet access is available throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Road and Tourist Information Center
Provides information on regional roads, tourism pamphlets, and local travel guidance. Open 24 hours.
Inside the roadside and tourist information center
Festival Float Museum
Displays festival floats from the annual Shichinohe Autumn Festival. Visitors can also hear traditional festival music such as 'Matsuri Kaidan' and 'Hayashi Taiko'. Open from April to November, 10:00–17:00.
Inside the festival float museum
Takayama Uichi Memorial Museum
A museum dedicated to the renowned painter Takayama Uichi, showcasing his works and the cultural heritage of Shichinohe, including the Southern Mini Painting (Nanbu Ko-Ema).
Adjacent to the roadside station
Bike Rental
Bike rental service is available, though the announcement indicates the rental service will end in 2025.
Near the roadside station entrance
Nursing Room
A dedicated nursing room is available for mothers with infants, located within the restroom area.
Inside the restroom facility
EV Charging Station
An electric vehicle charging station is available with a standard charger. The fast charger is currently out of service.
On the premises of the roadside station
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors' convenience.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Pet-Friendly Area
While not explicitly mentioned, the presence of a pet-friendly sign in the facility icon list suggests that pets are allowed in designated areas.
Outside the main buildings
Activities & Experiences
Engage in seasonal events, cultural workshops, and hands-on experiences celebrating Shichinohe’s traditions and natural beauty.
Festival Float Exhibition
しちのへ秋まつり山車展示館
View and experience the grand festival floats from the annual Shichinohe Autumn Festival, and listen to traditional festival music such as ordinary taiko, fast taiko, and rest taiko to fully immerse in the festival atmosphere.
Duration
60 min
Indoor activity, unaffected by weather
Takayama Uichi Memorial Museum Visit
七戸町立鷹山宇一記念美術館
Explore the artistic world of Uichi Takayama, a renowned fantasy painter from Shichinohe, and experience his unique style through his works featuring butterflies, flowers, and a deep exploration of green tones.
Duration
90 min
Indoor activity, unaffected by weather
Autumn Harvest Festival: Taste of Autumn Flavors
秋の大収穫祭～秋の味覚めぐり～
Participate in a seasonal event celebrating autumn harvests, where visitors can taste and explore local autumn produce and traditional food specialties from Shichinohe.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor event; may be affected by rain or cold
Thanksgiving Festival Celebration
道の駅しちのへ大感謝祭
Join the annual large-scale thanksgiving festival at the roadside station, featuring local food, crafts, performances, and community activities to celebrate regional products and culture.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor event; weather-dependent
Insider Tips
Visit early to avoid crowds, and explore the seasonal festivals and local markets for authentic local insights.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:15–9:45 AM to secure the first pick of fresh produce at 産直七彩館, where local farmers begin selling their daily harvests at opening and often sell out by midday.
- Hidden Gems: Ask at the 産直七彩館 counter for the day’s limited batch of hand-pulled soba noodles, which are made fresh every morning and available only until 11:30 AM.
- Food Truck Timing: Head to the 産直七彩館 food corner between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to enjoy the daily rotating lunch special, such as horse meat curry or local vegetable stew, prepared using ingredients from the same farmers' stalls.
- Museum Access: Visit the 七戸町立鷹山宇一記念美術館 between 10:00–11:00 AM on weekdays to experience the quiet atmosphere and view the artist’s original sketchbooks, which are displayed only during morning hours.
- Seasonal Special: Purchase the 七戸産カシスソフトクリーム (Kashi Soft Cream) in July and August, when the seasonal batch made from locally harvested berries is available—this limited edition flavor sells out by 3:00 PM daily.
- Festival Experience: If visiting between April and November, spend 30 minutes at the しちのへ秋まつり山車展示館 to listen to the recorded festival music—especially the “早太鼓” and “休み太鼓” performances—on the audio guide, which is only active during the museum’s open hours (10:00–17:00).
- EV Charging Tip: Use the standard EV charger at the roadside station, as the fast charger is currently out of service; arrive before 5:00 PM to ensure sufficient charging time before the station closes at 6:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April–May): Visit during the spring festival in April and enjoy fresh seasonal produce at the local market.
Summer (June–August): Explore the flower display hall featuring Eastern Hakkoda roses and mountain wildflowers.
Autumn (September–November): Experience the autumn harvest festival and view the autumn festival float exhibit.
Winter (December–March): The festival float museum closes, but the roadside station remains open for year-round access.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Play areas are absent, but stroller-friendly paths and multiple restrooms with baby care facilities enhance accessibility. The festival float museum and art gallery offer educational value. Kid-friendly food options like soft serve and traditional dishes are available.
Food Lover Review
Multiple dining options including a restaurant with regional specialties like horse meat ramen and keiran. Local products such as long yam, garlic, black garlic, and apple juice are prominent. Fresh produce and seasonal items are well displayed in the direct farm store.
Car Camping Review
Restrooms and vending machines are available, with 24-hour access. The site is quiet during daytime hours, though no overnight parking policy is specified. Limited facilities make it suitable only for short stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near the scenic Ou Mountains with views of natural landscapes. The flower exhibition hall and seasonal events enhance visual appeal. The surrounding rural scenery and well-maintained grounds contribute to a pleasant atmosphere.