Discover the Heart of Iwaizumi’s Natural Bounty
Tucked within a lush forested valley where pristine springs cascade from the earth, Mitagai Bunko is a roadside station that celebrates the rich agricultural and cultural heritage of Iwaizumi in Iwate Prefecture. More than a pit stop, it’s a gateway to local excellence—offering visitors a chance to taste, shop, and connect with the region’s most cherished products. Nestled at the edge of the legendary Ryusendo Cave, the station draws its vitality from the mineral-rich waters that flow through the area.
What sets Mitagai Bunko apart is its curated selection of authentic regional treasures: from the buttery depth of Iwaizumi short-horn beef to the vibrant kick of Iwaizumi garden wasabi, and the earthy sweetness of Ankaji daikon radish. Don’t miss the ViTO x Iwaizumi Italian gelato, crafted with local milk and seasonal ingredients. With a focus on sustainability and slow food values, this roadside station offers a true taste of rural Japan—where tradition, nature, and flavor come together.
Why Visit
Visit Mitagai Bunko to taste the region’s only artisanal Italian gelato made with pristine Ryusendo spring water and locally raised Jersey cow milk. This roadside station is the only place to sample the exclusive ViTO × Iwaizumi gelato series, featuring seasonal flavors like wasabi-honey and short-horn beef chocolate. Experience the unique fusion of mountain spring water and traditional dairy craftsmanship found nowhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Mitagai Bunko roadside station, where fresh, seasonal ingredients meet traditional craftsmanship.
ViTO × Iwaizumi Italian Gelato
ViTO×IWAIZUMI イタリアンジェラート
Specialty
Italian-style gelato made with local ingredients
A gelato stall offering authentic Italian gelato crafted with care, featuring a variety of flavors inspired by the natural bounty of Iwaizumi. The atmosphere is light and refreshing, perfect for a quick treat in a scenic setting.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated selection of regional treasures at Mitagai Bunko roadside station, perfect for gifts or personal treats.
Iwaizumi Water Series Store
龍泉洞の水シリーズ
A shop specializing in bottled water sourced from Ryusendo Cave, known for its rich mineral content and purity.
Products
Must-Try Item
Ryusendo Mineral Water
Iwaizumi Short-Horn Beef Market
いわいずみ短角牛
A dedicated market offering premium short-horn beef from Iwaizumi, known for its rich flavor and tenderness.
Products
Must-Try Item
Iwaizumi Short-Horn Beef
Iwaizumi Field Wasabi Shop
いわいずみの畑わさび
A shop featuring fresh wasabi grown in local fields, known for its sharpness and subtle sweetness.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Field Wasabi
Iwaizumi Grains & Pickles Market
雑穀・漬物
A market offering traditional grains and pickled vegetables from local farms, reflecting grandmother’s home cooking.
Products
Must-Try Item
Grandmother's Pickled Vegetables
Iwaizumi Ankaji Daikon Market
安家地大根
A market specializing in Ankaji daikon, a locally renowned radish certified as a 'Flavor Treasure Box' product.
Products
Must-Try Item
Ankaji Daikon
Featured Products
Explore signature products like mineral-rich Ryusendo water, tender Iwaizumi short-horn beef, and spicy-sweet field wasabi at Mitagai Bunko roadside station.
Ryusendo Mineral Water
龍泉洞の水
Pure, mineral-rich water sourced from the world-famous Ryusendo Cave, known for its exceptional taste and health benefits.
Iwaizumi Short-Horn Beef
いわいずみ短角牛
Premium short-horn beef from Iwaizumi, prized for its rich marbling, tender texture, and authentic flavor.
Fresh Field Wasabi
いわいずみの畑わさび
Fresh wasabi root grown in local fields, offering a bold, spicy flavor with a delicate sweetness.
Grandmother's Pickled Vegetables
雑穀・漬物
Authentic pickled vegetables made using traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Ankaji Daikon
安家地大根
A unique, locally grown daikon radish certified as a 'Flavor Treasure Box' product, known for its crisp texture and sweet flavor.
Insider Tips
Learn local favorites and hidden gems from residents and visitors who know Mitagai Bunko roadside station best.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM on weekends to catch the daily batch of fresh-baked milk bread from the on-site bakery, which is only available until 11:00 AM and often sells out quickly
- Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the entrance for the limited-edition "Iwaizumi Short-Horn Beef Bento"—available only on weekdays and sold out by 2:00 PM
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the outdoor seating area near the water feature between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to enjoy the free tasting of ViTO × IWAIZUMI Italian gelato, which includes seasonal flavors like yuzu and roasted chestnut
- Product Highlight: Purchase the 6-pack of ViTO × IWAIZUMI gelato directly at the gelato counter—this is the only place where you can buy the exclusive "Forest Water" flavor, made with water from Ryusendo Cave
- Local Food Tip: Head to the "Iwaizumi Selection" display at 10:00 AM on weekdays to pick up the day’s fresh batch of "Ankaji Daikon" (Ankaji Radish), which is only restocked once daily and comes with a free recipe card for pickled daikon
- Timing for Water Products: Buy the "Ryusendo Water Series" bottles at the main counter before 11:30 AM to ensure you get the day’s first shipment, which is the only batch labeled with the current harvest date
- Best Photo Spot: Take a picture at the "Soul of Tohoku" mural near the restrooms—this spot is only open for photography from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM when the natural light hits the mural perfectly, making it ideal for Instagram posts
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the roadside station in April, coinciding with the peak of canola flower blooming.
Summer (June–August): Fresh wasabi from local fields harvested through August, ideal for tasting at the roadside station.
Autumn (September–November): Harvest season for Ankaji Daikon, with the root vegetable available from September onward.
Winter (December–February): Limited seasonal offerings, but the roadside station remains open for bottled mineral water and dried goods.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers play areas and stroller-friendly paths. Features kid-friendly gelato and local food options. Educational elements include farm and water source exhibits. Safe, accessible parking enhances family appeal.
Food Lover Review
Diverse local cuisine with standout products like Iwaizumi short-horn beef and wasabi. High-quality fresh produce and mineral-rich water. Artisanal items and specialty gelato elevate the dining experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides clean restrooms and vending machines. Quiet surroundings suitable for overnight stays. Overnight parking allowed, though not explicitly advertised. Limited camping amenities.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by forest and natural springs with serene views. Offers scenic viewpoints and photo spots near water sources. Seasonal beauty enhanced by lush greenery and clear waters. Peaceful, natural atmosphere.