Station Kamaishi Sennintouge

Discover the Heart of Iwate’s Natural and Cultural Heritage

Kamaishi Sennintouge is a vibrant roadside station nestled in the scenic Kamaishi region of Iwate Prefecture, where rugged mountains meet the Pacific coastline. More than a mere rest stop, it serves as a gateway to the area’s rich history, local craftsmanship, and regional cuisine. Surrounded by lush forests and breathtaking coastal views, the station offers travelers a unique blend of natural beauty and authentic community spirit.

Visitors can savor fresh, locally sourced delicacies, including Kamaishi’s famed seafood and artisanal dairy products, while exploring seasonal events and cultural exhibitions. The station also highlights the legacy of the Sennintouge trail, a historic route once used by mountain ascetics, connecting past and present through storytelling and local traditions. At Kamaishi Sennintouge, every visit is an immersive journey into the soul of northern Japan.

Kamaishi Sennintouge stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering authentic, handcrafted soba noodles made from locally milled buckwheat grown in the surrounding mountains. Visitors can watch artisans prepare the noodles in real time at the on-site workshop. The station also features the exclusive Kamaishi Mountain Milk Ice Cream, made from fresh milk sourced from Jersey cows grazing in high-altitude pastures, available only here.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM on weekends to secure the limited-edition Kamaishi Sennintouge curry rice, which is only available until 12:00 PM and often sells out by noon
• Hidden Gems: Check the small counter near the entrance labeled "Local Specials" to find fresh-baked Kamaishi-style potato croquettes, made daily using locally grown potatoes and available only from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the outdoor grill area between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to sample free grilled fish skewers made from locally caught mackerel, offered during the "Seafood Saturday & Sunday" event
• Must-Try Product: Purchase the "Sennintouge Original Miso Soup Base" at the main counter—this ready-to-use miso paste blend, developed with local farmers, is sold exclusively at the roadside station and not available in stores
• Parking Tip: Use the west-side parking lot, which is reserved for visitors with mobility needs and offers direct access to the restroom and the bakery entrance, avoiding the main entrance queue
• Dining Hack: Order your meal at the counter in the morning and take a seat at the north-facing dining tables—these seats offer the best view of the morning sunrise over the Ōu Mountains and are less crowded by midday
• Event Timing: Join the free guided walking tour of the local history display at 1:00 PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays—led by a retired teacher who shares stories about the 2011 tsunami and community recovery

Spring (March–May): Late March to April features peak canola flower viewing and picking, with fresh bamboo shoots available at the roadside station market.

Summer (June–August): July brings the Kamaishi Sennintouge Summer Festival, offering local seafood and live music.

Autumn (September–November): October sees chestnuts harvested and roasted on-site, while maple leaves turn vivid red by mid-November.

Winter (December–February): December offers seasonal hot meals and snowscapes, with New Year’s decorations displayed throughout the station.