Discover the Heart of Iwate’s Rural Charm
Tono Kaze no Oka, nestled in the serene countryside of Tono City, is more than a roadside station—it’s a gateway to the soul of northern Japan. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling farmland, this vibrant hub celebrates the region’s dairy heritage, seasonal harvests, and timeless folk traditions. From fresh local produce and handcrafted goods to seasonal events like the beloved Harvest Thanksgiving Festival and Halloween celebrations, every visit offers a rich, immersive experience.
Why Visit
Visit Tono Kaze no Oka roadside station to experience the heart of remote Iwate. Savor local specialties like farm-fresh produce, craft beer, and the famous one-liter rice cake ceremony. Enjoy seasonal events, including the vibrant autumn harvest festival with themed markets and Halloween festivities.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor the essence of Tono at Tono Kaze no Oka, where local ingredients shine in every dish, from hearty regional specialties to fresh, seasonal treats.
Food Hall
フードホール
Specialty
Local ingredients and seasonal dishes
A food hall offering a variety of meals and snacks made with local ingredients from Tono, including signature dishes like bucket-style Jingisukan.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique treasures at Tono Kaze no Oka, where local crafts, artisanal goods, and seasonal produce tell the story of the region.
Farmers Market
産直・売店
Direct sales of fresh local produce, including seasonal vegetables and fruits.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh local vegetables
Craft Store
民芸品・工芸品
Handcrafted items and traditional crafts from Tono.
Products
Must-Try Item
Traditional crafts
Alcohol Store
地酒・地ビール
Local sake and craft beer from Tono, including popular brands.
Products
Must-Try Item
ZUMONA Craft Beer
Souvenir Shop
おみやげ
Souvenirs and gifts featuring Tono's local culture and products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Tono-themed gift sets
Featured Products
Explore signature delights like handcrafted sweets, traditional snacks, and farm-fresh produce that capture the heart of Tono’s culinary heritage.
Tono Apple
遠野りんご
Fresh, sweet apples grown in the fertile soil of Tono, known for their exceptional flavor.
ZUMONA Craft Beer
遠野麦酒 ZUMONA
A locally brewed craft beer from Tono, known for its rich flavor and traditional brewing methods.
Ham Kappa
ハムカッパ
A unique local snack made with ham and a special seasoning, available in new colors.
Tono Rice
遠野産米
High-quality rice grown in the fertile fields of Tono, known for its soft texture and rich taste.
Tono Tofu
遠野豆腐
Traditional tofu made using local soybeans and water, known for its smooth texture and natural flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge at Tono Kaze no Oka with comfortable rest areas, clean restrooms, and helpful information services for your journey.
Information Center
Provides road information, tourism guidance, and assistance with local events and services.
Central entrance
Parking
Available for visitors and travelers.
Near the main entrance
Restroom
Public restrooms available for visitors.
Throughout the facility, including near the food hall and entrance
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi access available for guests.
Throughout the roadside station
Play Area
A designated space for children to play, including games and interactive activities.
Near the central entrance and outdoor area
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging points available for visitors.
Near the parking area
ATM
Cash withdrawal machine available for visitors.
Near the entrance and information center
Nursing Room
Private room for mothers to breastfeed or care for infants.
Near the restrooms and information center
Pet Area
Designated space for pets, allowing visitors to keep their animals safe and comfortable.
Near the outdoor area and entrance
Food Hall
Offers a variety of local cuisine, including regional specialties like bucket-style jingisukan and seasonal dishes.
Food Hall area
Activities & Experiences
Engage with local culture through seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and interactive experiences celebrating Tono’s rich traditions.
One-Steamed Rice Ceremony
一升餅
Celebrate a baby's first birthday with a traditional ceremony where the child is given a steamed rice cake to symbolize a healthy and prosperous life. Participants will enjoy a symbolic ritual and receive a commemorative gift.
Duration
60 min
Event held indoors; weather does not affect participation
Halloween Trick-or-Treat Challenge
ハロウィン チャレンジ
Children can participate in a ring toss game to win a big balloon. Each successful throw earns a balloon voucher, and the goal is to achieve the highest level of balloons.
Duration
30 min
Event is held indoors and outdoors; rain may affect outdoor portions
Halloween Photo Spot
ハロウィン フォトスポット
Take fun and memorable photos at a themed Halloween photo spot located at the central entrance of the roadside station.
Duration
15 min
Indoor photo spot available regardless of weather
Halloween Town Walk
とおのハロウインまちなかウォーク
Join a themed walking tour around the town, where participants can dress up as ghosts or yokai and explore the area to discover hidden surprises.
Duration
60 min
Outdoor activity; may be affected by rain or poor weather
Harvest Thanksgiving Festival
秋の収穫感謝祭
Celebrate the autumn harvest with local produce, seasonal foods, and crafts. Enjoy fresh local rice, vegetables, and handmade goods from regional artisans.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor events may be affected by weather; indoor alternatives available
Harvest Market (Kara no Ichi)
空ノ市
Visit a special market featuring local crafts, handmade goods, and seasonal treats. Enjoy shopping and sampling from various vendors.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor market; may be canceled or moved indoors in case of rain
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around seasonal festivals and early openings to enjoy the best of Tono’s offerings with fewer crowds.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive between 9:15–9:45 AM on weekdays to secure parking and avoid lines at the deli counter and gift shop, especially during seasonal events.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the small "Farmers' Corner" near the entrance where local growers sell fresh, unsold produce at discounted prices—often available only until 11:00 AM.
- Weekend Bonuses: On weekends, the "Food Truck Alley" opens at 10:00 AM near the parking area, offering limited-edition snacks like pumpkin curry dumplings and local craft beer tastings.
- Photo Opportunities: The "Whispering Wind" sculpture at the back of the roadside station provides a stunning photo backdrop, especially during golden hour (4:00–5:30 PM) when sunlight hits the wind chimes.
- Money Savers: Purchase a "Tono Kaze no Oka Pass" at the info desk (available only on-site) for 300 yen; it grants 10% off all food, drink, and souvenir purchases during your visit.
- Avoiding Crowds: Skip the main parking lot on weekends—use the side lot behind the gift shop instead, which is quieter and closer to the restroom and entrance.
- Closure Alerts: Check the official website or Facebook page before visiting, as the roadside station may close early during heavy snowfall or after typhoons—especially from November to March.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Spring offers vibrant cherry blossoms and early seasonal produce, with local strawberries and fresh vegetables available from April through May.
Summer (June-August): Summer brings peak harvests of fresh fruits and vegetables, including ripe apples and regional berries, ideal for tasting and purchasing.
Fall (September-November): Fall is the highlight for harvest festivals, featuring the annual "Harvest Thanksgiving Festival" and seasonal events like "Halloween Market" in October.
Winter (December-February): Winter is ideal for cozy visits, with warm local specialties like buckwheat noodles and seasonal crafts available year-round.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers play areas, children's events like one-year-old celebrations, and interactive photo spots. Kid-friendly food and stroller access available.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse local specialties including regional sweets, craft beer, and fresh produce from local farms. Strong emphasis on authentic regional cuisine.
Car Camping Review
Provides ample parking and basic restroom facilities. Suitable for short stays, though not explicitly designed for overnight camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a scenic rural area with pleasant views and seasonal landscapes. Offers photo opportunities and a peaceful atmosphere.