Where Resilience Meets Renewal: Discover the Spirit of Sanriku
Takada Matsubara roadside station stands as a beacon of hope and renewal in the heart of Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture. Nestled within the expansive Takada Matsubara Tsunami Reconstruction Memorial Park—spanning over 130 hectares—it serves as a gateway to the Sanriku Coast, honoring the past while embracing the future. More than a rest stop, it is a living tribute to recovery, where visitors can walk through history, reflect at the National Memorial and Tsunami Heritage Museum, and connect with the enduring spirit of the region.
Here, the essence of Sanriku comes alive through its vibrant offerings. Savor fresh seafood at Matsubara Restaurant, where local abalone, oysters, and scallops shine in generous bowls, or enjoy the region’s signature rice, Takata no Yume, at Takata no Gohan. The on-site café, Sunaba Coffee, brings a touch of warmth from Tottori, serving hand-poured coffee with a story. Explore the direct sales areas for seasonal produce, artisanal sauces, and handcrafted goods, or take home a piece of Sanriku’s resilience through the official online store.
Why Visit
Takada Matsubara stands as the only roadside station in Japan where you can taste the region’s most prized seafood—wide, buttery Hirota oysters, harvested from the same waters that once bore the brunt of the 2011 tsunami. At its heart, the station offers the only on-site tasting of Takata no Yume rice, a local brand born from post-disaster recovery, served in hearty rice bowls. Beyond food, visitors can walk through the original ruins of the former roadside station, now preserved as a memorial site, making it a place of both sustenance and profound remembrance.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor the rich flavors of Sanriku’s sea and land at Takada Matsubara roadside station.
Matsubara Dining
まつばら食堂
Specialty
Seafood rice bowl with abundant local seafood
A seafood-focused restaurant offering generous rice bowls featuring fresh, locally sourced marine products from the Sanriku region. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, emphasizing the bounty of the sea.
Takata no Gohan
たかたのごはん
Specialty
Local rice dishes using Takata no Yume, a regional rice brand
A restaurant dedicated to serving traditional local cuisine using 'Takata no Yume,' a rice brand developed after the disaster. The menu focuses on hearty, home-style meals that reflect everyday life in Rikuzentakata.
Sunaba Coffee
すなば珈琲
Specialty
Hand-poured coffee from Tottori Prefecture
A cozy coffee shop offering freshly brewed coffee using traditional siphon methods. The shop was established through a connection formed during post-disaster support efforts from Tottori Prefecture.
Shopping Highlights
Discover authentic local goods and fresh regional produce at Takada Matsubara roadside station.
Seafood Sales Area
海産物販売エリア
A dedicated area where visitors can purchase fresh seafood directly from the Sanriku region, including high-value oysters, scallops, and seaweed.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hirota Oysters
Agricultural and Local Products Market
物産・農産直売エリア
A market featuring fresh, locally grown produce and processed goods made from regional ingredients, including rice, apples, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes.
Products
Must-Try Item
Rikuzentakata Soy Sauce
Takata Matsubara Souvenir Shop
道の駅高田松原お土産店
A souvenir shop offering a variety of local products and gifts that represent the culture and recovery spirit of Rikuzentakata.
Products
Must-Try Item
Takata Matsubara Memorial Box
Featured Products
Explore signature Sanriku specialties like premium Hirona oysters and locally crafted souvenirs.
Hirota Oysters
広田の牡蠣
High-value oysters harvested from the waters of Hirota, known for their exceptional quality and flavor. These oysters are among the most expensive in Japan.
Takata no Yume Rice
たかたのゆめ米
A premium rice brand developed in Rikuzentakata after the disaster, symbolizing resilience and renewal. Grown with care using local methods.
Sanriku Seaweed
三陸わかめ
Fresh, high-quality seaweed harvested from the pristine waters of the Sanriku coast, known for its crisp texture and rich umami flavor.
Rikuzentakata Soy Sauce
陸前高田醤油
Traditional soy sauce produced by a local family-owned soy sauce maker in Rikuzentakata, made with natural fermentation and local ingredients.
Takata Matsubara Memorial Box
高田松原メモリアルボックス
A curated gift box containing a selection of local products from Rikuzentakata, including food, crafts, and memorabilia, symbolizing the region's recovery and spirit.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including free 24-hour restrooms and ample parking at Takada Matsubara roadside station.
Information Desk
Provides information about guided tours, including visits to tsunami memorial sites such as 'Tapike 45' (former Michinoeki) and the old Kesen Middle School building. Also offers assistance with group dining arrangements and future tourism planning for visitors to the Sanriku region.
Inside the roadside station
Parking Lot
Free parking available 24 hours a day with space for 136 vehicles, including 33 large buses.
Adjacent to the roadside station
24-Hour Toilet
Free restroom available 24 hours a day.
Inside the roadside station
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi access available for visitors.
Throughout the roadside station
Activities & Experiences
Engage in meaningful experiences from guided tours to seasonal events at Takada Matsubara roadside station.
Guided Tour of the Takuwa Matsubara Tsunami Reconstruction Memorial Park
高田松原津波復興祈念公園散策ガイド
Participants will take a guided walk through the Takuwa Matsubara Tsunami Reconstruction Memorial Park, learning about the history of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the recovery efforts, and the significance of the site as a memorial and educational space. The tour includes visits to preserved disaster heritage sites such as the former Takuwa Matsubara Roadside Station (Tapike 45) and the old Kesen Secondary School building.
Duration
60 min
Tours may be adjusted or postponed during heavy rain or typhoon conditions.
Takuwa Matsubara Tsunami Memorial Museum Visit
東日本大震災津波伝承館
Visitors will explore the Tsunami Memorial Museum, which shares personal stories, historical records, and educational exhibits about the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The museum serves as a place of remembrance, learning, and reflection on disaster prevention and community resilience.
Duration
90 min
Indoor activity; unaffected by weather.
Local Seafood Tasting Experience
海産物販売エリア
Participants will have the opportunity to sample fresh local seafood such as oysters, scallops, and wakame directly from the sales area. Learn about the region's fishing traditions and taste the unique flavors of Sanriku’s marine bounty.
Duration
30 min
Available indoors regardless of weather.
Local Produce Sampling and Shopping
物産・農産直売エリア
Guests can taste and purchase freshly harvested local produce such as rice, apples, shiitake mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes. The area also features local processed foods, soy sauce, miso, and crafts, offering a hands-on experience of Sanriku’s agricultural and artisanal culture.
Duration
45 min
Indoor activity; unaffected by weather.
Takuwa Matsubara Seafood Donburi Dining Experience
まつばら食堂
Enjoy a traditional Sanriku seafood bowl featuring fresh local seafood such as oysters, abalone, and scallops. This immersive dining experience highlights the region's rich marine resources and culinary heritage.
Duration
60 min
Indoor dining; weather does not affect the experience.
Takuwa no Yume Rice Tasting Experience
たかたのごはん
Taste the locally developed rice variety 'Takuwa no Yume,' created after the 2011 disaster. Learn about its cultivation and significance in the region’s recovery and identity, and enjoy it in a traditional rice dish or bowl.
Duration
30 min
Indoor activity; unaffected by weather.
Suna-ba Coffee Tasting
すなば珈琲
Sip freshly brewed pour-over coffee from Suna-ba Coffee, a brand with deep ties to the region through post-disaster support from Tottori Prefecture. Enjoy a warm, locally inspired coffee experience in a tranquil setting.
Duration
20 min
Indoor activity; unaffected by weather.
Insider Tips
Plan ahead with local insights and expert guidance for a deeper Sanriku journey at Takada Matsubara roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure the day’s first batch of fresh-baked milk bread from the bakery, which sells out by 11:00 AM and is not restocked
- Hidden Gems: At the "Marutsubara Dining" counter, order the "Seafood Donburi" with fresh oysters, abalone, and scallops — these ingredients are sourced daily from the local fishing fleet and are only available during peak season (May to October)
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the "Takata no Yume" rice-based lunch set is served with a limited-edition side dish made from locally grown heirloom tomatoes, available only from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Best Time to Visit the Seafood Sales Area: Arrive before 10:30 AM to purchase the day’s first catch of "Hirota Oysters" — these are delivered daily and are most abundant in early morning, often selling out by noon
- Use the Information Desk for Guided Access: Ask at the Information Desk about the "Tapike 45" and "Former Kisen Middle School Building" walking tour — it’s only available on weekdays (Tuesday through Friday) and must be booked in advance via the onsite form
- Purchase the Exclusive "Takata no Yume" Rice Set: At the agricultural direct sales area, look for the special "Takata no Yume" rice gift box — it includes a small bag of the original rice variety and a recipe card for making traditional local dishes like "Kurozake Gohan" (black vinegar rice)
- Visit the Tsunami Memorial Hall Before Closing: Enter the "Iwate Tsunami Memorial" museum before 4:30 PM to allow enough time to view the full exhibit, including the original wave height markers and survivor testimonial videos, as the hall closes at 5:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Visit during the high tide season for fresh oysters and sea urchins, with peak availability of local vegetables like spinach and tomatoes.
Summer (June-August): Ideal for enjoying grilled seafood and cooling drinks, with the seaside atmosphere and summer festivals in full swing.
Autumn (September-November): Experience the harvest of chestnuts, mushrooms, and apples, with vibrant fall foliage enhancing the coastal views.
Winter (December-February): Enjoy warm meals at the roadside station, with quiet mornings and snow-kissed landscapes around the memorial park.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station offers stroller-friendly pathways, accessible restrooms, and ample parking. While no dedicated play area is mentioned, educational elements like the tsunami memorial and guided tours provide meaningful experiences for older children.
Food Lover Review
Diverse dining options include fresh seafood bowls, local rice dishes, and coffee from a regional brand. The fresh produce and local specialties like Hirota oysters and seaweed are high quality and prominently featured.
Car Camping Review
The station provides 24-hour restrooms and a large free parking area with space for 136 cars and 33 large buses. While no explicit overnight parking policy is stated, the quiet environment and long hours support comfortable overnight stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located within a vast tsunami memorial park, the site offers expansive natural views, seasonal landscapes, and well-designed scenic viewpoints. The atmosphere is serene and reflective, enhanced by the surrounding greenery and coastal setting.