Discover the Heart of Ibaraki’s Rural Charm
Located in the vibrant city of Hitachi-Ota, this roadside station sits at the crossroads of nature, culture, and local tradition. Nestled between rolling farmland and lush greenery, it serves as a welcoming gateway for travelers exploring northern Ibaraki Prefecture. More than just a rest stop, Hitachi-Ota offers a vibrant blend of seasonal markets, live entertainment, and authentic regional cuisine.
Visitors can savor fresh farm-to-table specialties at the on-site restaurant ShunSai, shop for local delicacies like konnyaku and handmade sweets, or enjoy the seasonal “Ito Kuri Kabocha” autumn festival. With live music events, flower garden volunteering, and a bustling farmers’ market, the station pulses with community spirit. Whether you're sampling artisan gelato, browsing regional crafts, or simply soaking in the scenic views, Hitachi-Ota delivers an unforgettable, immersive experience of rural Japan.
Why Visit
Visit Hitachi-Ota roadside station to taste the region’s only artisanal milk ice cream made from Jersey cows, crafted fresh daily at Hitachi Gelato. Explore the unique seasonal "Shin Ibaraki Soba Festival," where locally grown buckwheat is transformed into hand-pulled soba noodles at the event’s dedicated stall. This is the only place where you can experience this tradition in real time, paired with live local music performances in the scenic lakefront plaza.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, locally crafted meals at Hitachi-Ota roadside station, where seasonal flavors take center stage.
ShunSai
旬彩
Specialty
Seasonal Japanese cuisine with local ingredients
A restaurant offering fresh, seasonal Japanese dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, emphasizing traditional flavors and modern presentation. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxed dining experience.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a vibrant mix of regional goods and artisanal finds at Hitachi-Ota roadside station’s unique shops.
ShunSai
旬彩
A specialty shop offering seasonal food products and takeout meals from the ShunSai restaurant
Products
Must-Try Item
Seasonal Vegetable Tempura
Farmers Market
農産物直売所
A direct sales market for fresh local produce from nearby farms
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Tomatoes
Kame印本舗
亀印本舗
A souvenir shop offering locally made crafts and traditional goods
Products
Must-Try Item
Ceramic Tea Set
Hitachi Gelato
Hitachi Gelato
A gelato shop specializing in artisanal Italian-style frozen desserts
Products
Must-Try Item
Strawberry Gelato
Mugen
夢玄
A shop specializing in local alcoholic beverages and sake
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Sake
BIENVERT
BIENVERT
A bakery offering fresh bread, pastries, and traditional Japanese sweets
Products
Must-Try Item
Matcha Croissant
Tyokubai
直売所
A general retail store selling a variety of local products and daily necessities
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Pickles
Tokusan
常陸乃国かぐや姫
A dairy shop specializing in local milk, cheese, and dairy-based products
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Cheese
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature specialties like local vegetables and handmade sweets.
Local Tomatoes
地元トマト
Fresh, ripe tomatoes grown in the local region, known for their sweetness and firm texture
Local Sake
地元酒
Premium sake brewed using traditional methods and local rice from the area
Ceramic Tea Set
陶器の茶器セット
Handcrafted tea set made by local artisans using traditional techniques
Local Cheese
地元チーズ
Artisan cheese made from locally produced milk with a rich, creamy flavor
Local Pickles
地元漬物
Traditional pickled vegetables made with local ingredients and time-honored recipes
Strawberry Gelato
イチゴジェラート
Creamy gelato made with fresh local strawberries and natural ingredients
Matcha Croissant
抹茶クロワッサン
Buttery croissant infused with high-quality matcha green tea powder
Fresh Milk
新鮮な牛乳
Locally sourced milk, pasteurized and delivered daily for maximum freshness
Local Fish
地元魚
Freshly caught fish from nearby waters, known for its tenderness and flavor
Seasonal Vegetable Tempura
旬野菜の天ぷら
Lightly fried seasonal vegetables with a crisp, golden batter
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including ample parking and relaxing rest areas at Hitachi-Ota roadside station.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking lot with 14 large vehicle spaces and 208 standard vehicle spaces.
On-site
Restroom
Restrooms are available for visitors at the roadside station.
On-site
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors at the roadside station.
On-site
Information Center
An information center is available to assist visitors with tourism and local information.
On-site
Play Area
A play area is available for children at the roadside station.
On-site
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors.
On-site
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors at the roadside station.
On-site
Pet Area
A designated area for pets is available at the roadside station.
On-site
Activities & Experiences
Engage in lively workshops and seasonal events that celebrate local culture and craftsmanship.
Autumn Harvest Festival
秋の味覚フェア
Participants can enjoy seasonal autumn produce such as sweet potatoes and chestnuts, including tastings and special events.
Duration
120 min
Potato and Sweet Potato Festival
いもくりかぼちゃ
A festival celebrating local potatoes and sweet potatoes with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and special products.
Duration
180 min
Soba Festival
シン・茨城あげそばフェア
A festival featuring local handmade soba noodles, including tastings, cooking sessions, and local vendor booths.
Duration
150 min
Free Live Music Performance
フリーライブ
Live music performances by local artists held at the roadside station, offering entertainment for visitors.
Duration
90 min
Outdoor events may be affected by rain; check for updates.
Flower Bed Volunteer Planting
花壇の定植ボランティア
Volunteers help plant and maintain flower beds at the roadside station, contributing to the beauty of the site.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor activity; avoid heavy rain or extreme heat.
Photography Exhibition
臼杵市フォトコンテスト写真展
An exhibition showcasing winning photos from a local photography contest, highlighting regional landscapes and culture.
Duration
60 min
Local Culture Display
集中曝涼紹介パネル展
An exhibition featuring panels that introduce local traditions and cultural heritage of the region.
Duration
45 min
Live Music Concert
磯山純千波湖1万人ライブへの道！in道の駅ひたちおおた
A large-scale live music event held at the roadside station as part of a regional concert series.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor event; may be canceled or rescheduled due to rain.
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around special events and seasonal markets for the best experience at Hitachi-Ota roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM on weekends to secure the limited daily batch of fresh-baked milk bread from BIENVERT, which sells out quickly and is not restocked during the day
- Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter at ShunSai between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to sample the seasonal takoyaki made with locally sourced octopus, available only during the "Shin Ibaraki Tempura Soba Fair"
- Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the flower garden area by 10:00 AM to join the volunteer planting session for the seasonal flower beds, which begins promptly at 10:30 AM and includes free seedlings for participants
- Must-Try Product: Purchase the "Hitachi Gelato" chocolate-covered ice cream cone at the Hitachi Gelato stand before 3:00 PM to get the daily special flavor—currently "Miso and Matcha"—which is only available until the end of the day
- Local Event Timing: Attend the "Noufuku Market" on October 25 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM to buy handmade crafts and seasonal produce directly from local artisans, including a special handmade pottery display from the "Ibaraki Pottery Workshop"
- Best Photo Spot: Visit the roadside station’s central courtyard at 4:00 PM on weekdays to see the "Concentrated Cooling Exhibition Panels" lit up by natural sunlight, offering the best lighting for photos
- Souvenir Tip: Buy the "Road Station Ticket" from the front counter before 5:00 PM on days when it is available, as the ticket is only sold in limited quantities and often sells out by early afternoon
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Late March to April features peak canola flower viewing and picking at the roadside station.
Summer (June–August): No specific seasonal offerings or events mentioned in the content.
Autumn (September–November): October hosts the "Shin Ibaraki Udon Festival" and "I'mo Kuri Kaba" autumn flavor fair.
Winter (December–February): November includes live music events and flower bed planting volunteer activities.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Features a dedicated children's play area, stroller-friendly paths, and family activities like seasonal events. Offers kid-friendly snacks and educational farm displays, enhancing appeal for families.
Food Lover Review
Boasts diverse dining options including ShunSai restaurant and local favorites like Hitachi Gelato. High-quality fresh produce and regional specialties such as Ibaraki udon and seasonal harvest items elevate the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides clean restrooms and vending machines, but lacks designated overnight parking. Quiet during off-hours, though limited facilities and no formal camping policy reduce suitability for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Offers scenic views of surrounding farmland and seasonal landscapes, with well-maintained flower beds and photo spots. The natural setting enhances aesthetic appeal, especially during autumn harvests and floral displays.