Station Tanesankarahara

Discover the Heart of Iwate’s Natural and Cultural Heritage

Tanesankarahara, nestled along National Route 397 where inland forests meet coastal landscapes, stands as a vibrant roadside station at the gateway to the famed Tanesankarahara Highland. Revered by writer Kenji Miyazawa and immortalized in his work The Wind of the Three Dragons, this site is part of the designated Ihiatohe landscape, offering visitors a deep connection to nature and literature. At the heart of the station lies the Polan Cultural and Agricultural Center, a hub of local flavor and craftsmanship.

Here, travelers can savor regional specialties like marinated rare cuts of local clear-water chicken, traditional pickled plums, and artisanal woodcrafts. The farm-to-table produce corner showcases seasonal mountain delicacies, while the scenic trails—inspired by Miyazawa’s stories—invite leisurely walks through the forest. Seasonal events and vibrant markets transform Tanesankarahara into a living celebration of community, tradition, and the rhythms of the land.

Tanesankarahara is the only roadside station where you can taste authentic flavor of the region’s rare breed of chicken, the Clear Stream Chicken, especially its marinated giblet skewers—a local specialty exclusive to this site. Wander the themed walking trails like “Tane Ri no Kei” and “Bruvel no Kei,” inspired by Kenji Miyazawa’s “The Wind of the Three Brothers,” and discover how his literary world lives on in the landscape. Seasonal events like the “Autumn Tanesan Street Market” bring the community’s craftsmanship and heritage to life.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure the day’s first batch of fresh-baked milk bread from the on-site restaurant, which sells out quickly and is not restocked during the day.

• Hidden Gems: At the produce counter, look for the seasonal mountain vegetable selection, especially wild garlic and fuki-no-to, which are available only during spring and early summer and often sell out by midday.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, head to the northern side of the highway near the forest park to explore the "Tane Ri no Koe" trail and "Bruvel no Koe" trail—paths named after characters from Kenji Miyazawa’s The Wind of the Three Brothers, with informational signage and benches along the way.

• Best Purchase: Buy the marinated chicken heart (味付鶏ハラミ) at the gift shop only on weekdays, as it is produced in limited batches and is often sold out by Friday afternoon.

• Event Timing: Attend the "Autumn Tane Ri Bazaar" event on the first Saturday of October (e.g., October 5, 2025) to experience local food vendors, live music, and exclusive craft sales not available at other times.

• Local Food Tip: Order the "Koji Namban" pickle at the restaurant counter—it’s made with locally fermented rice bran and only available during the summer months, typically from June through August.

• Parking & Access: Use the parking area located just north of the main building when visiting the forest park trails, as the southern lot is often reserved for event vehicles and may be inaccessible during festival days.

Spring (March-May): Fresh mountain vegetables available at the farm market, with the first bamboo shoots appearing in April.

Summer (June-August): Ideal for walking the Miyazawa-inspired trails in the forest park, especially during the July event.

Autumn (September-November): Hosts the "Autumn Tanesankarahara Festival" with local food stalls and seasonal harvest displays.

Winter (December-February): Closed for three days from December 31 to January 2, but restroom access remains available 24 hours.