Discover the Heart of Northern Japan’s Culinary and Craft Heritage
Oritsume roadside station sits along the main regional road connecting Kunohe Interchange on the Hachinohe Expressway to Kuri City, offering breathtaking views of Mount Oritsume. More than a mere rest stop, it’s a vibrant cultural crossroads where the traditions of Kunohe Village come alive. Nestled in the scenic countryside, the station thrives as a destination for food lovers, craft enthusiasts, and travelers seeking authentic local experiences.
At the heart of Oritsume is the Odo-de Hall, a bustling farmers’ market featuring seasonal produce, handcrafted souvenirs, and the region’s famed non-caffeinated herbal tea, amacha—sweet as sugar yet calorie-free. Don’t miss the popular “King of Chicken” merchandise corner or the handmade pickles and bento boxes made by local mothers. The on-site restaurant specializes in Kunohe’s renowned chicken dishes, including the signature “Hittsumi Bento” and light, crispy tonkatsu made with a unique frying technique. For dessert, visit the gelateria, where seasonal flavors crafted from local ingredients delight visitors. With free Wi-Fi, a serene seating area showcasing traditional Japanese storage cabinets, and an array of handcrafted goods, Oritsume invites you to slow down and savor the essence of rural Japan.
Why Visit
Located along the main route from Hachinohe to Kunoichi, Oritsume roadside station offers a rare chance to taste the region’s only handcrafted chicken broth-based dish, hittsumi donburi, made with poultry from Iwate’s top-producing area. The station’s signature attraction is its exclusive amacha (sweet tea) products—featuring zero-calorie, naturally sweet amacha powder and salt, made from the village’s prized local herb. Visitors can also enjoy the only gelato shop in the area, Gelateria Nakai, offering unique regional flavors crafted with mountain herbs and local dairy.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at Oritsume roadside station, where hearty chicken-based dishes and handmade comfort food await.
Tonkatsu Restaurant
とんかつ
Specialty
Famous for its unique frying method that results in a light, soft coating that doesn't absorb oil, making it easy to eat even for lunch.
A restaurant specializing in handmade tonkatsu, where the chef uses a rare cooking technique to create a crispy yet tender exterior without oil absorption. Known for being light and non-greasy, this tonkatsu attracts regular customers from other prefectures.
Shōwa Ramen
昭和ラーメン
Specialty
A nostalgic ramen dish that has been a customer favorite for decades, with 70% of orders being this item.
A traditional-style ramen restaurant offering a retro taste that evokes memories of the Shōwa era. The menu features a limited daily offering of salt-based wonton noodles, available only in 10 servings per day.
Yakitori and Rice Ball Stall
焼き鳥やおにぎり
Specialty
Freshly made grilled skewers and rice balls available from early morning.
A small food stall offering a variety of grilled skewers and handmade rice balls, available starting at 8:30 AM. All items are made fresh daily using local ingredients.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique crafts and seasonal produce at Oritsume’s vibrant market, blending tradition with local charm.
Farmers Market Odode
産直オドデ館
A direct sales facility offering fresh seasonal vegetables, fruits, and local agricultural products from the village.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits
Local Specialty Goods Store
甘茶コーナー
A dedicated corner for the village's famous herbal tea, known for its intense sweetness without calories or caffeine.
Products
Must-Try Item
Amacha Powder
Local Food and Craft Store
工芸品コーナー
A shop featuring handmade crafts from the village, including soba-filled pillows and the nationally recognized 'Minamidake Broom'.
Products
Must-Try Item
Minamidake Broom
Gelato Specialty Store
ジェラテリアなかいち
A gelato specialty shop offering a wide variety of unique and seasonal flavors made from regional ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Seasonal Gelato
Local Food and Snack Store
甘茶deかっぽれ
A shop specializing in original confectionery made with the village's famous amacha tea, including popular sweets that often sell out quickly.
Products
Must-Try Item
Amacha de Kappore
Local Food and Rice Ball Store
串餅、でんがく、豆腐
A small shop selling handmade traditional snacks and tofu, all made from locally sourced ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handmade Tofu
Featured Products
Try signature items like zero-calorie sweet tea and handcrafted snacks made from regional specialties.
Amacha Powder
甘茶パウダー
A zero-calorie, non-caffeinated herbal tea powder made from the village's famous amacha plant, which is 200 times sweeter than sugar.
Amacha Salt
あまちゃソルト
A unique salt infused with amacha herbal tea, offering a sweet and savory flavor profile perfect for seasoning.
Amacha de Kappore
甘茶deかっぽれ
A popular original confectionery made with amacha tea, known for its sweet taste and limited availability.
Soba-Filled Pillow
蕎麦枕
A handmade pillow filled with roasted buckwheat, known for its comfort and natural aroma.
Minamidake Broom
南部箒
A traditional broom from the region, known for its durability and craftsmanship, frequently featured on national television.
Handmade Tofu
豆腐
Freshly made tofu crafted from locally grown soybeans, using traditional methods and no additives.
Grilled Skewers
焼き鳥
Freshly grilled chicken skewers made with local chicken and traditional seasoning.
Rice Balls
おにぎり
Handmade rice balls using locally sourced rice and seasonal fillings.
Traditional Snacks
昔ながらのお菓子
Authentic traditional sweets made using time-honored recipes and local ingredients.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax with free Wi-Fi, rest areas, and accessible amenities at Oritsume roadside station.
Parking Area
The roadside station provides parking facilities for visitors.
Near the main entrance
Restroom
Clean and accessible restrooms are available for visitors.
Inside the main facility
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available in the rest area adjacent to the display of the traditional Japanese cabinet (Minami Tansu).
Adjacent to the Minami Tansu display area
Information Center
The roadside station offers an information center for tourists, providing local guides and maps.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Play Area
A designated play area is available for children to enjoy.
Near the outdoor seating area
EV Charging Station
The station is equipped with EV charging facilities for electric vehicles.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors to withdraw cash.
Near the main entrance
Nursing Room
A private nursing room is available for mothers with infants.
Inside the restroom area
Insider Tips
Visit early to secure popular items like handmade snacks and check seasonal hours for best access.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 8:30 and 9:00 AM to secure the first batch of grilled yakitori and rice balls, which are sold starting at 8:30 AM and often sell out by 10:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: Look for the handmade tofu displayed at the roadside station’s storefront—it’s made from local soybeans and produced daily in small batches, with the last batch usually sold by noon
- Weekend Special: On weekends, the Odo-de Gallery features limited-edition crafts from local artisans, including handmade soba-filled pillows and traditional Southern Broom (Nambu Besom) items not available during weekdays
- Must-Try Food: Order the "Shōwa Ramen" at Den Den Tei (Ramen Shop) before 12:00 PM—this 70% of daily orders are for this dish, and it’s only available until 3:00 PM
- Exclusive Product: Buy the "Amacha de Kappore" (original Amacha-flavored confectionery) before 1:00 PM—this popular treat frequently sells out by early afternoon, especially during peak season
- Best Photo Spot: Stand at the edge of the roadside station’s viewing platform facing the Oritsume Mountain to capture the best view of the mountain, especially during morning light between 9:00 and 10:30 AM
- Avoid Disappointment: If visiting the restaurant, confirm it is open—its kitchen is closed on Tuesdays, and the restaurant only operates from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM, with the last order at 2:30 PM
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots arrive in early April, and the roadside station’s produce market features seasonal vegetables and handcrafted items.
Summer (June–August): Enjoy local honey and handmade sweets from the gelateria, with peak availability of fresh fruits and seasonal vegetables.
Autumn (September–November): Harvest season brings mountain grapes, chestnuts, and preserved foods, with the gelateria offering autumn-themed flavors.
Winter (December–February): Warm up with homemade soups and traditional snacks, while the roadside station’s heated rest area offers cozy relaxation.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Oritsume roadside station offers a play area, child-friendly food options, stroller access, and interactive elements like the King of Chicken mascot and hands-on craft displays, making it highly suitable for families.
Food Lover Review
The station features diverse dining options, including local specialties like chicken broth-based Hittsumi set, fresh produce, artisanal sweets, and seasonal handmade items, offering a rich culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
It provides restrooms, vending machines, and a quiet location with scenic views, though overnight parking is not explicitly permitted, limiting its appeal for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Overlooking Mount Oritsume with panoramic views, the station offers excellent photo spots, seasonal landscapes, and a peaceful atmosphere, enhancing its overall scenic appeal.