Discover the Heart of Iwaizumi: Where Forest, Water, and Tradition Meet
Nestled in the lush green embrace of Iwaizumi, this roadside station stands as a vital connection between the rugged beauty of the Sanriku Coast and the serene depths of the surrounding forests. Located just a 10-minute drive from the famed Ryūzen-dō Cave and a 15-minute journey from the ocean, Iwaizumi serves as a cultural and culinary crossroads, welcoming travelers with authentic local charm.
At the heart of the station lies a celebration of regional pride: fresh produce from local farms, handcrafted pickles, and the renowned Iwaizumi short-horned beef. The on-site restaurant, Daichi Kōbō, offers hearty meals made with ingredients sourced directly from the land, while the vibrant Wakuwaku Market showcases seasonal harvests and traditional snacks. With its commitment to sustainability and community, Iwaizumi is more than a stop—it’s a journey into the soul of Iwate.
Why Visit
Visit Iwaizumi roadside station to experience the unique fusion of pristine mountain springs and coastal flavors. Home to the only artisanal mineral water ice cream made from龍泉洞’s naturally filtered spring water, this station offers a taste of the region’s purest resource. Savor the rare Iwaizumi short-horn beef, raised in the high-altitude pastures, in dishes crafted exclusively at the大地工房 restaurant. These are not just products—they are stories of land, water, and resilience, found nowhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor the rich flavors of Iwaizumi at the roadside station’s local restaurant, where fresh, regional ingredients take center stage.
大地工房
大地工房
Specialty
Locally sourced ingredients including Iwaizumi short-horn beef and fresh produce
A restaurant dedicated to using local ingredients such as Iwaizumi short-horn beef and farm-fresh vegetables. The menu highlights seasonal and regional flavors in a warm, natural setting.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated selection of regional treasures, from artisanal goods to seasonal produce, all at the Iwaizumi roadside station.
Wakuwaku House
わくわくハウス
A shop offering a wide range of local specialty products from Iwaizumi, including Iwaizumi short-horn beef, Ryusendo water series, and traditional pickled vegetables.
Products
Must-Try Item
Iwaizumi Short-Horn Beef
Wakuwaku Market
わくわく市場
A direct farm-to-table market where fresh vegetables, mountain vegetables, mushrooms, and handmade pickled foods are sold daily by local farmers.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handmade Pickled Vegetables
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like Iwaizumi short-horn beef and龙泉洞 water, crafted with pride from the town’s pristine natural resources.
Ryusendo Water Series
龍泉洞の水シリーズ
Natural spring water sourced from the Ryusendo Cave, known for its purity and mineral content.
Iwaizumi Short-Horn Beef
いわいずみ短角牛
High-quality beef from locally raised short-horn cattle, known for its rich flavor and tenderness.
Iwaizumi Field Wasabi
いわいずみの畑わさび
Fresh wasabi grown in the fields of Iwaizumi, offering a bold and authentic flavor.
Mixed Grains and Pickles
雑穀・漬物
A traditional mix of locally grown grains and hand-pickled vegetables, perfect for healthy eating.
Ankaji Daikon
安家地大根
A unique, large-sized radish grown in the Ankaji region, known for its crisp texture and sweet taste.
Donguri Series
どんぐりシリーズ
A line of products made from acorns, including snacks and flour, highlighting sustainable local ingredients.
Hyuuzu
ひゅうず
A traditional local sweet made from fermented rice and sugar, known for its soft texture and nostalgic flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy modern amenities including accessible restrooms, ample parking, and a multi-purpose hall, all designed for comfort and convenience.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has parking for 32 regular cars, 5 large vehicles (buses and trucks), and 2 accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities. It also serves as the stop for the Iwaizumi Town Bus (Otomu Bus Stop).
Adjacent to the roadside station
Toilet
Equipped with automatic cleaning systems for hygiene. Features a wheelchair-accessible toilet with ostomy support, available 24 hours a day.
Inside the roadside station
Information Center
The roadside station serves as a contact and information hub for visitors, offering details about local attractions, transportation, and events.
Inside the roadside station
Play Area
The nearby Raku Ten Eagles Iwaizumi Baseball Field hosts youth baseball tournaments and baseball clinics, providing recreational opportunities for children.
Adjacent to the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Not explicitly mentioned in the content, so this facility is not included.
Wi-Fi
Not explicitly mentioned in the content, so this facility is not included.
Nursing Room
Not explicitly mentioned in the content, so this facility is not included.
ATM
Not explicitly mentioned in the content, so this facility is not included.
Pet Area
Not explicitly mentioned in the content, so this facility is not included.
Onsen
Not explicitly mentioned in the content, so this facility is not included.
Bike Rental
Not explicitly mentioned in the content, so this facility is not included.
Insider Tips
Plan your visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, and check seasonal updates for special local offerings and events.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:15 AM to secure a seat at the大地工房 restaurant before it fills up, as lunch service starts at 11:00 AM and the restaurant often reaches capacity by 11:30 AM on weekends
- Hidden Gems: Visit the わくわく市場 (wakuwaku market) before 10:00 AM to find the day’s fresh harvest of 野菜類 (vegetables) and 山菜 (mountain vegetables), which are delivered daily by about 60 local farmers
- Exclusive Product Timing: Purchase the limited-edition いわいずみの畑わさび (Iwaizumi field wasabi) at the shop only during the peak season from April to June, as it is available in short supply and often sells out by midday
- Best Time for Local Specialties: Stop by the deli counter between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM to grab the day’s fresh batch of 手づくり漬け物 (handmade pickles), which are made daily and restocked only once per day
- Unique Experience: Take a 10-minute walk from the roadside station to the 楽天イーグルス岩泉球場 (Rakuten Eagles Iwaizumi Baseball Stadium) to see youth baseball practices or clinics, which are held regularly during weekday afternoons
- Seasonal Food Alert: On weekends in early summer, look for the limited-run ひゅうず (hyūzu), a traditional Iwaizumi snack made from roasted chestnuts and sugar, available only at the わくわく市場 until midday
- Water-Based Product Tip: Buy the龍泉洞の化粧水 (Ryūzendo mineral water skincare line) during the first week of each month, as new batches are released on the 1st and are often sold out by noon
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots appear in early spring, and the roadside station features seasonal produce from local farmers starting in April.
Summer (June–August): Wild mountain vegetables and fresh herbs are available at the market, with peak harvests in July.
Autumn (September–November): Harvest season brings abundance of root vegetables and pickled goods, including the popular "安家地大根" (Ankaji Daikon).
Winter (December–February): Limited fresh produce, but the shop offers preserved foods and hot drinks, ideal for cold weather visits.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a spacious parking area, accessible restrooms including ostomy-friendly facilities, and nearby attractions like the baseball field and forest trails. While no dedicated play area is mentioned, the natural surroundings and proximity to outdoor activities enhance family appeal.
Food Lover Review
Features a variety of local specialties such as Iwaizumi short-horn beef, mountain vegetables, pickled foods, and regional sweets. The farm market offers fresh produce, and the restaurant uses local ingredients, delivering authentic regional flavors and high-quality dining.
Car Camping Review
Provides ample parking and clean, 24-hour restrooms with accessible facilities. While not a dedicated camping site, the nearby Fureai Land Iwaizumi campsite is just one minute away, offering a quiet, scenic environment for overnight stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by forest and near natural attractions like Ryūzendo Cave and Kuma-no-Hana Viewpoint. The area features seasonal landscapes, clear water, and well-maintained viewpoints, creating a serene and visually appealing atmosphere.