Savor the Sweet Heart of Iwate’s Fruit Country
Nestled in the lush countryside of Shiwa, this roadside station is a vibrant celebration of one of Iwate Prefecture’s most renowned agricultural treasures—its fruit. Located just 20 minutes from Shiwa IC on National Route 396, Shiwa offers travelers a refreshing stop where nature, local culture, and flavor converge. More than a pit stop, it’s a gateway to the region’s bountiful harvests.
At the heart of the station is the Akasawa Direct Sales Center, where sun-ripened apples, grapes, peaches, and seasonal vegetables fill the shelves, alongside 100% fruit juices and handmade preserves. The nearby Shiwa Fruit Park Exchange Hall showcases regional crafts, sake, and ceramics, while the on-site restaurant, Kariin-tei, serves up hearty dishes like local hittsumi rice bowls and wagyu beef steak, all made with farm-fresh ingredients. With ample parking, accessible facilities, and EV charging, Shiwa welcomes all visitors with open arms and a taste of authentic rural Japan.
Why Visit
Visit Shiwa roadside station to taste the region’s only 100% fruit juice made from locally grown, sun-ripened grapes and apples—crafted fresh daily in the on-site produce center. Savor the unique Southern Hittsumi rice bowl, made with heirloom rice and served with a side of local mountain vegetables, a dish exclusive to the restaurant Kariin-tei. This is the only place where you can experience the full flavor of Iwate’s fruit-growing heritage, from juice to meals, all rooted in the land.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor the essence of Shiwa with farm-fresh meals featuring local fruits, vegetables, and signature dishes like南部ひっつみ.
Karin-tei
果里ん亭
Specialty
Local ingredients with a focus on regional cuisine
A restaurant located at the roadside station that offers a variety of dishes made with locally sourced vegetables and wheat flour. The menu features homemade flavors and regional specialties.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated selection of regional goods, from fresh produce to handmade crafts and local specialties.
Produce Center Akasawa
産直センターあかさわ
A direct sales center offering fresh fruits, vegetables, and processed goods from local farms in Shiwa Town.
Products
Must-Try Item
100% Juice
Shiwa Town Craft and Souvenir Shop
紫波町物産館(売店)
A shop featuring local crafts, pottery, folk art, and regional alcoholic beverages.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local sake
Featured Products
Explore Shiwa’s signature products, including premium apples, grapes, 100% fruit juices, and traditional local delicacies.
100% Juice
１００％ジュース
Freshly pressed juice made from locally grown fruits, with no added sugar or preservatives.
Local Sake
地酒
Traditional sake brewed in Shiwa Town using local rice and water, known for its smooth and delicate flavor.
Pottery
陶器
Handcrafted pottery made by local artisans, reflecting the traditional style of the region.
Folk Art
民芸品
Authentic folk crafts made by local artisans, showcasing traditional techniques and designs.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities such as parking, accessible restrooms, a visitor information center, and EV charging stations.
Parking Lot
Provides parking for 37 regular cars and 8 large vehicles.
Near the main entrance
Restroom
22 toilet facilities available, including 2 accessible multi-purpose toilets with ramps and designated parking spaces for disabled visitors.
Throughout the facility
Information Counter
An information corner is available to assist visitors with local information and guidance.
Near the entrance
Nursing Room
A dedicated infant care area is available for parents with young children.
Inside the facility
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging station is available for visitors using electric vehicles.
Near the parking area
Insider Tips
Visit during fruit harvest season for the freshest produce and best local deals at the roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure the freshest selection of seasonal fruits at the Sanchō Center Akasawa store, where locally grown apples and grapes are displayed daily and often sell out by midday.
- Hidden Gems: At the Sanchō Center Akasawa store, look for the 100% juice made from locally harvested grapes—available only in summer and sold in limited quantities.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the Sanchō Center Akasawa store offers a special “Fresh Fruit Box” with a rotating selection of seasonal produce, including peaches and strawberries, available only between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
- Restaurant Timing: Order the Nambu Hittsumi Set at Karin-Tei restaurant by 1:00 PM to ensure it’s served hot, as the kitchen closes at 3:00 PM during winter months and the dish is prepared fresh to order.
- Local Product Tip: Purchase the Shiwa Mochimochi Beef burger at the Shiwa Town Products Store before 3:00 PM, as this special menu item is only available during lunch hours and often sells out by 2:30 PM.
- EV Charging Reminder: Use the EV charging station located near the main entrance during off-peak hours—between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM—to avoid long wait times, as the station is frequently used during peak travel times.
- Best Purchase Time: Visit the Shiwa Town Products Store just before closing at 5:00 PM on weekdays to get the best selection of handmade pottery and local crafts, as unsold items are often discounted at the end of the day.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market; peak season for canola flower picking in late March to April.
Summer (June-August): Fresh strawberries and cherries harvested from June to early August; ideal for enjoying local fruit.
Autumn (September-November): Apple and grape harvest season; best time to visit for fresh produce and fruit juice.
Winter (December-February): Limited produce; visit for indoor shopping and local cuisine at the restaurant.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Features include a dedicated infant corner, stroller-friendly paths, and multiple restrooms. Though no play area is mentioned, the presence of a child-friendly environment and nearby attractions enhances family appeal.
Food Lover Review
Offers a wide variety of local fruits, fresh produce, and regional specialties like the southern hittsumi and sake. The on-site market and restaurant provide high-quality, locally sourced food experiences.
Car Camping Review
Has sufficient parking and restrooms, with EV charging available. However, no explicit overnight parking policy is listed, and the site lacks designated quiet zones for camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a fruit-producing region with scenic rural landscapes. Offers picturesque views of orchards and surrounding nature, with strong seasonal appeal and a peaceful, aesthetic atmosphere.