Discover the Flavors of Iwate at Murone Roadside Station
Nestled along National Route 284 in Iwate Prefecture, Murone Roadside Station is a vibrant gateway to the region’s rich culinary heritage and natural beauty. Located just outside the city of Iwate, this welcoming stop blends rural charm with modern convenience, offering travelers a chance to connect with local culture through food, community, and stunning landscapes.
What sets Murone apart is its curated selection of regional specialties. From the legendary Murone’s Zansho Pickle, a handcrafted three-bowl pickle made with care over five years, to the award-winning Oyama Chicken dishes—celebrated for their perfect balance of flavor and texture—every item tells a story. The station also features a popular Chicken & Vegetable Corn and a unique Mackerel Essence Dressing made with fresh mackerel from Kesennuma, delivering bold umami without the fishy aftertaste. Whether you’re sampling the Premium Murone Selection Box or enjoying a meal at the on-site Murone Dining Hall, the experience is one of authenticity, quality, and local pride.
Why Visit
At Murone roadside station, discover the region’s only artisanal "Zan-shō-zuke" pickle, a traditional three-sen pickle revived after five years of meticulous refinement by local artisans. This bold, savory condiment—featuring crisp local vegetables and a tangy twist—is enhanced with a unique bonito-infused dressing that eliminates any fishy odor, making it a hit even with pickled seafood skeptics.
Equally iconic is the station’s “Oyama Chicken Set,” featuring award-winning chicken karaage made from Iwai-dori chickens, grilled chicken skewers with a signature sauce, and a range of frozen dishes that taste like those served at the famed Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo restaurant. These are not just snacks—they’re culinary heirlooms, available nowhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
At Murone roadside station, enjoy fresh mountain and sea flavors in a welcoming食堂. Savor local favorites like the acclaimed fromage fromage and seasonal specialties.
Murone Dining Hall
味処むろね食堂
Specialty
Traditional local cuisine with mountain and sea ingredients
A cozy dining hall located within the roadside station, offering a warm atmosphere and hearty meals made from fresh regional ingredients. The menu features a variety of local specialties, including house-made pickled vegetables and grilled meats.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated selection of regional treasures at Murone roadside station, where local craftsmanship meets taste.
Murone Specialty Market
道の駅むろね厳選セット
A curated selection of popular regional products from Iwate Prefecture, featuring locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes.
Products
Must-Try Item
Murone's Famous Pickled Vegetable
Murone Seafood & Pickles Shop
むろね賛笑漬・ドレッシングセット
A shop specializing in local pickled vegetables and seafood-based condiments, featuring unique products made with traditional methods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Murone's Famous Pickled Vegetable
Murone Chicken & Meat Market
むろね鶏づくしセット
A dedicated shop offering a variety of chicken and meat products, including marinated and ready-to-cook items.
Products
Must-Try Item
Murone's Famous Pickled Vegetable
Featured Products
Highlighting Murone’s signature items, this section features beloved local specialties like the famous Zan-shou pickled vegetables and savory seafood dressings.
Murone's Famous Pickled Vegetable
むろねの賛笑漬
A traditional pickled vegetable made with local ingredients, known for its bold and addictive flavor. Perfect for rice, salads, or as a side dish.
Murone's Famous Pickled Vegetable (Spicy)
むろねの賛笑漬（ピリ辛）
A spicy version of the famous pickled vegetable, offering a bold and fiery flavor that enhances any meal.
Murone's Famous Pickled Vegetable (Extra Spicy)
むろねの賛笑漬（激辛）
An extra spicy version of the famous pickled vegetable, designed for those who love intense flavors.
Murone's Famous Pickled Vegetable and Dressing Set
むろね賛笑漬・ドレッシングセット
A set that includes the famous pickled vegetable and a seafood-based dressing, perfect for enhancing salads and other dishes.
Murone's Famous Pickled Vegetable and Dressing Set (Spicy)
むろね賛笑漬・ドレッシングセット（ピリ辛）
A set that includes the spicy pickled vegetable and a seafood-based dressing, ideal for those who enjoy bold flavors.
Murone's Famous Pickled Vegetable and Dressing Set (Extra Spicy)
むろね賛笑漬・ドレッシングセット（激辛）
A set that includes the extra spicy pickled vegetable and a seafood-based dressing, perfect for those who love intense flavors.
Murone's Famous Pickled Vegetable and Dressing Set (Spicy and Extra Spicy)
むろね賛笑漬・ドレッシングセット（ピリ辛・激辛）
A set that includes both the spicy and extra spicy pickled vegetable and a seafood-based dressing, perfect for those who love bold flavors.
Murone's Famous Pickled Vegetable and Dressing Set (Spicy and Extra Spicy)
むろね賛笑漬・ドレッシングセット（ピリ辛・激辛）
A set that includes both the spicy and extra spicy pickled vegetable and a seafood-based dressing, perfect for those who love bold flavors.
Murone's Famous Pickled Vegetable and Dressing Set (Spicy and Extra Spicy)
むろね賛笑漬・ドレッシングセット（ピリ辛・激辛）
A set that includes both the spicy and extra spicy pickled vegetable and a seafood-based dressing, perfect for those who love bold flavors.
Murone's Famous Pickled Vegetable and Dressing Set (Spicy and Extra Spicy)
むろね賛笑漬・ドレッシングセット（ピリ辛・激辛）
A set that includes both the spicy and extra spicy pickled vegetable and a seafood-based dressing, perfect for those who love bold flavors.
Murone's Famous Pickled Vegetable and Dressing Set (Spicy and Extra Spicy)
むろね賛笑漬・ドレッシングセット（ピリ辛・激辛）
A set that includes both the spicy and extra spicy pickled vegetable and a seafood-based dressing, perfect for those who love bold flavors.
Murone's Famous Pickled Vegetable and Dressing Set (Spicy and Extra Spicy)
むろね賛笑漬・ドレッシングセット（ピリ辛・激辛）
A set that includes both the spicy and extra spicy pickled vegetable and a seafood-based dressing, perfect for those who love bold flavors.
Facilities & Amenities
Murone roadside station offers convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, and picnic areas for a relaxed journey.
Parking
The roadside station provides parking facilities for visitors.
Near the entrance and main facility area
Restroom
Public restrooms are available for visitors.
Near the main entrance and food service area
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station for visitors.
Throughout the station, including dining and shopping areas
Information Center
An information center is available to assist visitors with local attractions, events, and services.
Near the main entrance
Play Area
A designated play area for children is available for families.
Near the outdoor seating and picnic area
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors with electric cars.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors to withdraw cash.
Near the main entrance and shop area
Pet Area
A designated pet-friendly area is available for visitors with pets.
Near the outdoor seating and picnic area
Insider Tips
Local insiders recommend arriving early to secure popular items and visiting during seasonal events for exclusive experiences.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00–10:00 AM on weekends to secure the fresh batch of milk bread from the bakery, which sells out by 11:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the Murone's Zan Shō Tsukudani (Spicy and Extra Spicy Pickled Vegetables), a local specialty made with traditional three-bushel pickling method and available in 100g units
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the food truck near the parking area offers Murone's Chicken Skewers Set (two skewers with special sauce) for ¥500 only between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM
- Best Purchase: Buy the Murone’s Premium Set (¥6,000) for a complete taste of regional favorites including Iwai Chicken in Miso Marinade, Handcrafted Coarse-Grind Sausage, and Mura Zawa Crab Rice Mix—all shipped frozen with easy-to-follow heating instructions
- Best Salad Upgrade: Pick up the Murone’s Clam Broth Dressing (180ml) to pair with the Zan Shō Tsukudani—it’s made with genuine clam extract from Kesennuma and eliminates any fishy taste while enhancing freshness
- Best Time to Avoid Wait: Skip the lunch rush between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM; the Murone’s Dining Hall can be crowded, and the Iwai Chicken Yakitori is best enjoyed fresh before 1:00 PM
- Best Takeaway: Order the Murone’s Chicken Themed Set (¥4,600) online for delivery—includes Room Root Chicken, Sasa Mimi Sweet-Savory Fried Chicken, and Chicken Stir-Fry—all pre-cooked and ready to reheat in under 2 minutes
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Canola flower picking peaks in late March to April; fresh bamboo shoots are available at the market.
Summer (June–August): Fresh sea urchin and seasonal vegetables are at their freshest; the roadside station's hot spring bath is ideal for cooling off.
Autumn (September–November): Fresh oysters from Kesennuma are available; the roadside station's special set includes seasonal seafood.
Winter (December–February): Hearty dishes like miso-glazed pork and grilled chicken are in demand; the hot spring bath offers warmth.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Play areas and children's activities are limited, but the roadside station offers kid-friendly food options. Facilities include stroller-friendly paths and accessible restrooms. Interactive elements like the farm-to-table experience and local product displays enhance the educational value.
Food Lover Review
The roadside station features diverse dining options, including a popular fried chicken restaurant and a local specialty food shop. It offers high-quality local products such as marinated pickles, seafood dressing, and frozen gourmet sets with regional ingredients.
Car Camping Review
Restrooms and vending machines are available for travelers. The site provides a relatively quiet environment suitable for overnight stays. However, there is no explicit overnight parking policy, and camping facilities are not designated.
Scenic Beauty Review
The roadside station is situated along a scenic highway with views of natural landscapes. It offers excellent photo opportunities near the entrance and surrounding areas. Seasonal beauty is enhanced by local produce displays and the surrounding rural scenery.