Station Tamatskuri

Taste the Heart of Ibaraki at Tamatskuri

Nestled in the serene countryside of Minamiboso, Tamatskuri is a roadside station where the rhythm of rural life meets the freshness of local harvests. Located in the heart of Namegata City, this vibrant hub celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage with direct-from-farm produce delivered daily by passionate local growers.

What sets Tamatskuri apart is its unique lineup of seasonal specialties, including the iconic Rowdy Burger—a playful twist on local favorites like the duck and pork packs, all crafted with regional ingredients. Visitors can also enjoy fresh kitchen truck fare, explore the vibrant community space, and take in panoramic views from the nearby Rainbow Tower. A year-round destination, Tamatskuri offers an authentic, flavorful journey through Ibaraki’s countryside.

Tamatskuri roadside station stands out for its exclusive line of locally crafted burgers, including the signature Tamatskuri Burger, a unique fusion of regional ingredients like fresh local beef and seasonal vegetables, all served in a paper wrapper made from recycled rice husks. The station also features the only known on-site farm-to-table kitchen in the area, where visitors can watch chefs prepare meals using produce harvested that morning from nearby fields. This hands-on, hyper-local dining experience is unmatched anywhere else.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s fresh produce, as the morning delivery of seasonal vegetables from local farmers arrives at 8:00 AM and is sold out by midday.

• Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to try the limited-edition seasonal vegetable bento boxes, which are only available during peak harvest months and change weekly.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, stop by the kitchen car at 11:00 AM to order the "Tamatskuri Burger" with the special "Duck Pack" patty, which is only served during weekend events and sells out by 1:00 PM.

• Seasonal Must-Try: In late summer, look for the "Summer Corn & Tomato Combo" at the fresh produce counter—this seasonal bundle is only available from August 10 to September 15 and includes a free recipe card.

• Best Photo Spot: Visit the "Rainbow Tower" (Kohi no Tō) between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM on weekdays when natural light highlights the colorful glass panels and provides the best photo opportunities.

• Local Product Hack: Purchase the "Tamatskuri Honey & Local Herb Jam" set at the gift shop before 2:00 PM, as it is only available during the first two hours of the day and is not restocked.

• Dining Tip: Order your "Nemegata Burger" with the "Spicy Chicken Pack" at the counter between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to get a free side of pickled local cucumbers, a limited-time offer only during lunch hours.

Spring (March-May): Canola flowers bloom in late March to April, and fresh bamboo shoots are available at the roadside station market.

Summer (June-August): Fresh seasonal vegetables arrive daily, and the kitchen truck offers local summer treats.

Autumn (September-November): Harvested autumn produce, including sweet potatoes and pumpkins, is featured at the roadside station.

Winter (December-February): Limited seasonal offerings include winter vegetables and special holiday menus.