Discover the Heart of Iwate’s Rural Charm
Daito, a welcoming roadside station nestled in the scenic countryside of Iwate Prefecture, offers travelers a refreshing escape into local culture and nature. Located in the serene town of Oda, it sits at the crossroads of winding mountain roads and lush farmland, making it a perfect pit stop for those exploring the region’s natural beauty.
More than a rest area, Daito is a vibrant community hub where visitors can savor locally sourced delicacies at its on-site restaurant and café, shop for artisanal crafts in its well-curated shop, and learn about regional heritage through its visitor information center. With free Wi-Fi and accessible facilities, it’s thoughtfully designed for all travelers. Whether you're seeking a peaceful break or a taste of authentic Iwate, Daito delivers an unforgettable experience.
Why Visit
Daito roadside station stands out for its exclusive artisanal milk ice cream crafted from fresh Jersey cow milk sourced only from local farms in the Iwate region. Visitors can also experience hands-on pottery workshops using traditional techniques passed down through generations, with pieces uniquely inspired by the area’s mountainous landscape. These authentic, locally rooted offerings are found nowhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at Daito roadside station, where fresh, regional dishes await.
Daito Restaurant
だいとうレストラン
Specialty
Local cuisine with a focus on regional ingredients
A full-service restaurant offering traditional Iwate dishes in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The menu features hearty meals made with locally sourced ingredients, emphasizing seasonal and regional flavors.
Café Daito
カフェだいとう
Specialty
Artisan coffee and homemade pastries
A cozy café offering a relaxed atmosphere with a focus on high-quality coffee and freshly baked goods. Ideal for a quiet break or casual meet-up.
Daito Food Stall
だいとうフードスタンド
Specialty
Quick street-style meals using local ingredients
A casual food stall offering fast, delicious meals made with fresh, regional produce. Perfect for a quick bite while exploring the area.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique crafts and regional goods at Daito roadside station’s inviting shop.
Local Farmers Market
地元農産物市場
A market featuring fresh produce, fruits, and vegetables grown in the surrounding region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Iwate Apples
Daito Bakery
だいとうベーカリー
A small bakery specializing in handmade breads and pastries using local flour and ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Sourdough Loaf
Craft & Souvenir Shop
クラフト・お土産店
A shop offering handmade crafts, local art, and souvenirs from Iwate Prefecture.
Products
Must-Try Item
Iwate Wood Carving
Daito Alcohol Shop
だいとうアルコール店
A shop specializing in local alcoholic beverages including sake, beer, and regional spirits.
Products
Must-Try Item
Iwate Craft Sake
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with Daito’s signature specialties and seasonal local products.
Iwate Apple Jam
岩手りんごジャム
Delicious jam made from locally grown Iwate apples, sweet and naturally preserved.
Iwate Miso Paste
岩手味噌
Traditional miso paste made using local soybeans and fermentation techniques.
Daito Sake Set
だいとう酒セット
A curated set of three local sakes from Iwate, perfect for gifting or tasting.
Iwate Wood Carving Keychain
岩手木彫りキーホルダー
Hand-carved keychain made from sustainably sourced wood, featuring traditional Iwate motifs.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, Wi-Fi, and a visitor center at Daito roadside station.
ATM
An automated teller machine is available for cash withdrawal and banking services.
Near the entrance or main facility area
Wi-Fi
Free wireless internet access is provided for visitors.
Throughout the roadside station premises
Tourist Information Center
A service point offering local information, maps, and travel assistance.
Main building or reception area
Restroom
Clean public restrooms are available, including accessible facilities for people with disabilities.
Inside the main building
Restaurant
A full-service dining area offering local cuisine and meals.
On-site within the roadside station
Light Meal & Café
A café and snack area serving light meals, drinks, and local specialties.
On-site within the roadside station
Shop
A retail store selling local products, souvenirs, and regional goods.
Inside the main building
Insider Tips
Plan your visit during off-peak hours for a quieter experience at Daito roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the restaurant before the lunch rush begins, as it fills up quickly after 10:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: Visit the shop between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to find the day’s fresh batch of locally made pickled vegetables, which are restocked only once daily
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays, stop by the deli counter between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to sample the limited-edition seasonal rice ball made with ingredients from nearby farms
- Cash Management: Use the ATM located near the entrance before 3:00 PM, as it often runs out of cash by late afternoon due to high usage by local shoppers
- WiFi Access: Connect to the free Wi-Fi at the reception desk between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM for the most stable signal, as network congestion increases after 12:00 PM
- Shuttle Access: Check the information board near the entrance at 1:30 PM on weekdays to confirm the next scheduled shuttle to the nearby community center, which runs only twice daily
- Local Insight: Ask the staff at the tourist information desk about the weekly market schedule, as it only operates every other Thursday and is not listed on the official website
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Late March to April features peak canola flower viewing and fresh bamboo shoots available at the roadside station market.
Summer (June–August): July brings ripe strawberries and seasonal fruit picking events at the roadside station.
Autumn (September–November): October offers chestnut harvesting and autumn foliage viewing near the roadside station.
Winter (December–February): December features holiday markets and warm local cuisine at the roadside station restaurant.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers baby beds, stroller-friendly paths, and a restaurant with kid-friendly options. Though no dedicated play area, the facility includes accessible restrooms and a welcoming atmosphere for families.
Food Lover Review
Features a restaurant and light meal café with quality local dishes. Offers fresh regional produce and a shop with artisanal food items, enhancing the overall culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, vending machines, and Wi-Fi, supporting basic overnight needs. However, lacks a designated camping area and has no explicit overnight parking policy.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a scenic rural area with pleasant natural surroundings. Offers a peaceful atmosphere and seasonal beauty, though no formal viewpoint or designated photo spot is available.