Discover the Heart of Aomori’s Agricultural Heritage
Tsuruta Roadside Station, nestled in the scenic heart of Aomori Prefecture, is a vibrant gateway to northern Japan’s natural beauty and rich farming traditions. Located just minutes from major attractions like Hirosaki Castle and the renowned Tancho Crane Natural Park, it’s the perfect stop for travelers exploring the region.
Renowned for its award-winning grapes—some even dubbed "big enough to challenge solo"—and a wide array of fresh, locally grown produce, Tsuruta offers more than just a rest stop. With 24-hour parking, clean facilities, and seasonal flower markets, it’s a place where culture, nature, and community come together.
Why Visit
Tsuruta’s roadside station stands out as the only place in the region where visitors can taste and buy the famed Stueben grapes grown exclusively in Tsuruta Town—some so large they’re sold by the half-kilogram. Home to the largest grape-growing cooperative in Japan, the station offers seasonal tastings and direct access to the harvest, making it a must-visit for fruit lovers seeking the nation’s most celebrated table grapes.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at Tsuruta's roadside station, where fresh, homemade meals await in a welcoming, relaxed setting.
Banryu Chinese Restaurant
中華飯店『幡龍』
Specialty
Authentic Chinese cuisine with a focus on handmade noodles
A family-friendly Chinese restaurant offering a wide variety of handmade noodles. Known for its traditional flavors and warm, inviting atmosphere, it's a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking hearty, home-style Chinese meals.
Shopping Highlights
Discover seasonal treasures and regional crafts at Tsuruta's roadside station, a haven for thoughtful souvenirs and local finds.
Farmers Market
新鮮野菜・果物の直売
Direct sales of fresh vegetables and fruits grown by local farmers in Aomori Prefecture.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly harvested seasonal vegetables
Original Products Store
オリジナル商品・特産品
A shop specializing in original and regional specialty products from Tsuruta Town.
Products
Must-Try Item
Tsuruta Grape Products
Soybean and Rice Processing Facility
大豆・お米加工施設
A facility that processes soybeans and rice, offering locally produced goods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handcrafted soybean paste
Featured Products
Experience the best of Tsuruta’s harvest, from world-famous grapes to uniquely grown produce and handcrafted specialties.
Tsuruta Large-Sized Grapes
ビックサイズぶどう
Exceptionally large grapes known for their sweetness and juiciness, often enjoyed as a unique treat or shared among friends.
Tsuruta Grape Juice
つるたぶどうジュース
Freshly pressed juice made from locally grown Tsuruta grapes, capturing the natural flavor of the region's famous fruit.
Tsuruta Soybean Paste
つるた味噌
Handcrafted soybean paste made using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients, known for its rich umami flavor.
Tsuruta Seasonal Vegetable Box
つるた旬野菜セット
A curated box of seasonal vegetables grown by local farmers in Tsuruta, offering fresh, farm-to-table quality.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy 24-hour access to parking, restrooms, and vending machines, plus spacious, convenient amenities for every traveler.
Parking Lot
Spacious parking area available 24 hours a day, with room for large buses.
Located along National Route 339 bypass
Toilet
Toilets available 24 hours a day.
Located within the roadside station premises
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi access available throughout the facility.
Throughout the roadside station
Information Center
Information desk providing details on local events, tourism, and nearby attractions.
Inside the roadside station main building
ATM
ATM available for cash withdrawal 24 hours a day.
Located within the roadside station premises
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging station available for visitors.
Located at the roadside station parking area
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around local events and seasonal harvests for the most authentic and rewarding roadside station experience.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM to secure parking in the large 24-hour lot before it fills up, especially on weekends when visitors from Aomori City and Goshogawara arrive early
- Hidden Gems: Head directly to the agricultural produce stall near the entrance to sample the seasonal flowers—ask for the current variety, which changes monthly and includes chrysanthemums in autumn and tulips in spring
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM, the roadside station hosts a rotating “farmers’ corner” where local growers display fresh, morning-harvested vegetables like purple carrots and heirloom tomatoes
- Must-Try Product: Purchase the “Big Size” grapes at the direct sales counter—they are sold by weight and are available only during the peak season from late August through early September
- Dining Tip: Order the homemade ramen at the restaurant Banryu before 11:30 AM, as the noodles are made fresh daily and are often sold out by noon
- Unique Facility: Use the 24-hour restroom located just past the entrance, which features a large family-sized toilet and is conveniently situated near the parking area for overnight travelers
- Local Event Insight: Check the event board near the information desk every Friday to see announcements for the upcoming “Tsuruta Stueben Grape Festival,” held annually in late October with live music and grape tastings
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market in early spring, with seasonal flowers like tulips and daffodils featured in April.
Summer (June-August): Blueberry harvest season from July to August, offering U-pick opportunities and fresh fruit desserts.
Autumn (September-November): Annual Stueben grape festival held in October, featuring local grapes and harvest celebrations.
Winter (December-February): Limited seasonal offerings; visit for quiet relaxation and nearby winter scenery.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers spacious parking, restrooms, and seasonal activities with a flower stand and scenic views for children.
Food Lover Review
Features fresh local produce, unique grapes, artisanal products, and a family-friendly Chinese restaurant.
Car Camping Review
Provides 24-hour parking and basic facilities, though no official overnight camping policy is stated.
Scenic Beauty Review
Offers scenic views of the surrounding farmland and nearby attractions with strong seasonal appeal.