Station Miyako

Discover the Heart of Sanriku at Miyako Roadside Station

Nestled along the scenic coast of Minamiboso, Miyako Roadside Station sits at the gateway to the Iwate-Miyako National Park, just steps from the breathtaking Jōdo-ga-hama Beach. More than a stopover, it’s a vibrant cultural and culinary hub where the rhythms of rural life meet the energy of modern tourism. Located in the bustling Otsuki district, the station serves as the central anchor for exploring the region’s natural beauty, history, and local traditions.

Visitors are drawn to its diverse offerings: fresh seafood from the pristine waters of Miyako Bay, regional specialties like bento boxes and seaside ramen, and a lively produce market featuring seasonal harvests and artisanal goods. The signature “Unineko Café” offers a playful twist with its popular soft-serve ice cream, while the adjacent Shiohaze Park and the “Miyako Umineko Maru” sightseeing boat terminal make it an ideal base for coastal adventures. Whether you’re savoring a meal with ocean views, shopping for local treasures, or simply soaking in the scenic surroundings, Miyako Roadside Station delivers an authentic taste of Sanriku’s spirit.

Visit Miyako roadside station to experience the only seaside restaurant in the region offering views of the pristine Shodai Beach while dining on freshly caught Sanriku seafood. The highlight is the exclusive udon-style ramen made with fish broth from locally harvested sea urchin, a flavor found nowhere else. Nearby, the outdoor "Uni Neko Café" serves a signature soft-serve ice cream made from local milk and topped with real sea urchin roe—available only here.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit the roadside station by 9:00 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the restaurant before the 10:30 AM opening, especially during peak season when the sea urchin and seafood ramen menu sells out quickly.

• Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter in the produce section for fresh sea urchin skewers and bottled sea urchin paste, which are only available during the autumn season and often sell out by midday.

• Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the outdoor udon cat café between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to try the limited-time tempura menu, which includes local fish and vegetables and is only served during the September to November period.

• Best Purchase Time: Go to the first-floor souvenirs section between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM to find the day’s fresh batch of sea urchin-themed merchandise and seasonal local snacks, which are restocked daily and rarely restocked later.

• Free Activity: Use the restroom and free Wi-Fi at the roadside station’s main entrance before boarding the Miyako Umineko Maru tour boat, as the boat’s departure point is located directly adjacent and no public restrooms are available at the dock.

• Seasonal Event Tip: Arrive on November 2nd to attend the 22nd Anniversary Celebration event, where the roadside station offers a special discount on all sea urchin products and free samples of limited-edition local sake.

• Dining Shortcut: Order the “Bamboo Seafood Bowl” at the restaurant between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM to guarantee the freshest daily catch, as this dish is prepared only once per day using fish landed that morning.

Spring (March–May): Fresh sea urchin from the coast is available at the roadside station, with the peak season running from April to May.

Summer (June–August): The outdoor udoneko cafe serves fried snacks starting September 1, but summer offers the best access to the nearby Shōdo-hama Beach and the Umineko Maru cruise.

Autumn (September–November): The udoneko cafe’s fried menu runs from September 1, and the autumn fishing season brings fresh seafood to the market.

Winter (December–February): The roadside station remains open year-round, offering seasonal seafood and local souvenirs, though outdoor activities are limited.