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Michi-no-Eki JournalMap

Akita Prefecture · Tohoku

Michi-no-Eki Futatsui (道の駅 ふたつい)

道の駅 ふたつい

A roadside station beside the Yoneshiro River and Kimimachizaka, connecting play, food, and the story of Akita cedar.

Updated Michi-no-Eki JournalRead in Japanese
Location
Noshiro City
Road
National Route 7
Hours
9:00–18:00
The farm-produce and retail area, snacks, and kids’ area are generally open 9:00–18:00. koikoi Shokudo is open 11:00–18:00, with last orders at 17:00.
Parking
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How to enjoy

Choose how to enjoy your visit

Eat, shop, play, take in the view or rest. Choose from the station’s strengths to suit your day.

Settle in first
Toilets, nursing room, and kids’ area

With children, moving around first can make restaurant waits and shopping easier. The nursing room and toilets are listed as available 24 hours a day.

For a meal
koikoi Shokudo or three snack shops

For lunch, try Zaza-men or Ta-no-Moto soba. For a shorter stop, choose a Nanakura Dog, crepes, or Dohachi rice balls.

For shopping
Seasonal Futatsui and Noshiro foods and Akita cedar crafts

Processed Shirakami green-onion products, Kimimachi Mio Beer, Noshiro Raspberry Roll, and Akita cedar woodwork make local take-home choices.

If it is sunny
Kimimachizaka and the Yoneshiro River

Add a nearby viewpoint and river scenery to make the station a starting point for Futatsui.

If it rains
Indoor areas and the covered plaza

A short circuit of the kids’ area, history and folklore exhibits, shopping, and snacks keeps plans flexible.

Nono’s stopover notes

Play, eat, and take home memories of the river and cedar.

Nono Kosaka sees this station as a place where families can reset their pace. Start with toilets and the kids’ area, choose between the restaurant and snacks, then head to Kimimachizaka in sunshine or the indoor wood exhibits in rain. Once children have had a little time for themselves, adults can more easily enjoy Futatsui’s food and scenery.

A play stop before the meal makes a drive along the Yoneshiro River much easier to manage.

Highlights

Michi-no-Eki Futatsui is on National Route 7 in Futatsui, Noshiro City, just off the Nihonkai Engan Expressway at Kimimachizaka IC. An indoor kids’ area, 3x3 basketball court, dog run, rental bicycles, and access to canoe experiences let children stretch before the family eats or shops. At koikoi Shokudo, choose Zaza-men, Ta-no-Moto soba, or a Tsurugata beef roast-beef rice bowl; for a lighter bite, try a Nanakura Dog, Gela Soft, Fukuta Coffee, or Dohachi rice balls. On a clear day, add Kimimachizaka, the Yoneshiro River, or Mount Nanakura. In rain, combine the indoor history and folklore exhibits with shopping for a stop that offers more than a driving break.

  • #Yoneshiro River
  • #Kimimachizaka
  • #Indoor kids’ area
  • #Zaza-men
  • #Akita cedar
Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

01

Let children move before mealtime

The indoor kids’ area is generally open 9:00–18:00, with toilets and a nursing room nearby. Outside, consider the 3x3 basketball court and dog run from April through November, and rental bicycles from April through October. On a long drive, a chance to move first can make the transition to food and shopping easier.

02

Choose a meal with a Futatsui flavor

At koikoi Shokudo, the main draws are ginger and minced-pork Zaza-men noodles, Ta-no-Moto soba made with locally grown buckwheat, and a Tsurugata beef roast-beef rice bowl. The snack area also offers Nanakura Dogs, Gela Soft, Fukuta Coffee crepes and summer Jappu, and Dohachi rice balls, giving families options when the restaurant is busy.

03

The scenery changes as soon as you step outside

Kimimachizaka Prefectural Natural Park, the Yoneshiro River, and Mount Nanakura across the river are close by. For a short visit, see the observation deck or love-letter postbox; with more time, walk in Kimimachizaka. If the season and your energy suit, consider Mount Nanakura or canoeing. Going beyond the station brings Futatsui’s landscape into focus.

Route idea

Ways to plan your stop

Spend your time at the station or add somewhere nearby. These ideas help you plan around your companions and the weather.

Long drives with preschool and elementary-school children

Keep a family lunch break within the station

After parking, locate the toilets and nursing room, let the children play briefly in the kids’ area, then eat. If the restaurant is busy, switch to a Nanakura Dog, crepes, or Dohachi rice balls to shorten the wait for children.

Parking → toilets and nursing room → kids’ area → koikoi Shokudo or snacks → farm-produce and retail area

The kids’ area and shops are generally open 9:00–18:00. The restaurant is generally open 11:00–18:00, with last orders at 17:00.

A stop of 30 minutes to half a day

Add scenery on a clear day

Have a light bite at the station, see the observation deck or love-letter postbox, then head to Kimimachizaka. Cherry blossoms or autumn leaves take center stage in season; a view of Mount Nanakura across the Yoneshiro River makes the Futatsui stop more memorable.

Light bite at the station → observation deck → Kimimachizaka → Koibumi Shopping Street if time allows

Cherry blossom and autumn color timing and crowds vary. On walking days, consider footwear, weather, and children’s stamina.

Families with elementary-school children or older; days for a little outdoor activity

Extend a summer visit to the water

Some Yoneshiro River canoe experiences meet at the canoe boathouse beside the station. For the short Petit Canoe course, on-site or telephone applications are listed as possible until one hour before the activity. Combined with a meal, it can make a half-day outing.

Check booking at the station → snack or lunch → canoe boathouse → shop after the activity

Operating season, closure days, age rules, and alternate routes when river levels rise may change. Follow the official canoe guidance.

Tohoku drives with uncertain weather

Find wood and local history on a rainy day

When walking outside is difficult, see ancient cedar and regional materials in the history and folklore exhibits, then browse Akita cedar crafts and locally processed foods. Even a meal and shopping can reveal the mountains and river behind Futatsui.

Toilets → history and folklore exhibits → farm-produce and retail area → snack and coffee

Choose the outdoor 3x3 court, dog run, rental bicycles, and canoeing according to season and weather.

Family

Visiting with children

Stars show the editorial recommendation for each age group on a five-point scale. Read the reasons alongside each rating.

Age 1 and under
★★★★☆

Use the nursing room and multipurpose toilet first to plan a short break.

The nursing room and toilets are listed as available 24 hours a day. Keeping meals flexible with a brief snack or shopping stop can make moving around easier.

Ages 2–3
★★★★★

The indoor kids’ area lets children move a little while sheltered from rain or heat.

Play, toilets, then food can ease the wait. Check weather and safety around the outdoor court and dog run.

Ages 4–6
★★★★★

Break the visit into the kids’ area, 3x3 court, views, and a sweet treat.

On a clear day, take a short walk in Kimimachizaka; in rain, see the large pieces of wood in the history and folklore exhibits.

Elementary-school children
★★★★★

Mount Nanakura, Yoneshiro River canoeing, and Akita cedar connect learning with play.

Canoe courses have different age requirements. Even as a low mountain, Mount Nanakura calls for care: check the family’s stamina and current bear information before hiking.

Event

Make an event part of your visit

Permanent spaces and dated events are listed separately. Events can change both the atmosphere and crowds; use the official links for details.

Checking event dates.

Spaces used for events

37th Akita Cedar Village Futatsui Festival

The official notice announced the event for August 1–2, 2026, with planned sales of Akita cedar crafts, woodworking activities, free bicycle rentals, discounted Petit Canoe rides, and stalls. After the event, treat these as examples of the station’s cedar and activity themes rather than a standing festival.

“Let’s Go to the Shopping Street!” Part 2

An official notice describes a July 25, 2026–January 31, 2027 promotion: spend a qualifying amount on shopping or dining at the station to receive a coupon for Futatsui and Koibumi Shopping Street.

Customer Feedback Campaign

An official notice lists a July–December 2026 entry campaign using receipts from the farm-produce and retail area. If shopping, check the in-store notice.

Seasonal menus and farm produce

As of July 2026, the official website and social media listed summer arrivals and dishes such as chilled junsai water-shield soba or udon, edamame, blueberries, and melons. Seasonal products may sell out or vary with deliveries.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

Do not rely only on the restaurant at weekend lunchtime

The official menu highlights local dishes such as Zaza-men and Tsurugata beef rice bowls, while the three snack shops offer other choices. Travel-site reviews and social media also show visitors enjoying meals, sweets, and shopping separately; a snack alternative can help families if the restaurant has a wait.

Source: Official restaurant and snack information; travel-site and social-media trends

Children have indoor options on rainy days

The kids’ area, history and folklore exhibits, retail area, and snacks are all within the station, leaving plenty for a short stop in rain or intense heat. This makes it a useful rest point on National Route 7 or the Nihonkai Engan Expressway without relying on outdoor play.

Source: Official facility information; trends in family travel websites

The dog run can be a focus for visitors with dogs

Official social media and visitor information continue to mention the dog run, making it a possible break for dogs on a long trip. Its season is generally April–November, so plan differently in winter or rough weather.

Source: Official facility information; official Instagram trends

Kimimachizaka in spring and autumn; canoeing in summer

Cherry blossoms and autumn leaves give Kimimachizaka different faces. The Futatsui Town Tourism Association lists Yoneshiro River canoeing from May 1 through October 31, with Petit Canoe from June 1; the station facility guide gives April 27 through October for canoe experiences. Check the current course schedule, especially for late April. When the season fits, add one outdoor destination to a station break.

Source: Futatsui Town Tourism Association; canoe experience information

Mount Nanakura offers walks that require preparation

Mount Nanakura has trails and low-mountain walks, but Noshiro City’s mountain map explicitly warns of bear sightings. Even with elementary-school children, prepare footwear and time, go with others, and check the latest information before heading out.

Source: Noshiro City Mount Nanakura map
Before your visit

Things to check before setting out

Opening and closure days, individual businesses and facilities for children or dogs can affect your plans.

  • Kimimachizaka IC on the Nihonkai Engan Expressway is nearby, making this a convenient stop from National Route 7 or the expressway
  • Official guidance lists approximately 116 standard-car spaces, 23 large-vehicle spaces, and three covered spaces for visitors with disabilities
  • The farm-produce and retail area, snack shops, kids’ area, and history and folklore exhibits are generally open 9:00–18:00
  • koikoi Shokudo is generally open 11:00–18:00, with last orders at 17:00
  • Official guidance lists January 1 and 2 as closure days
  • Canoeing and outdoor facilities vary with the season, weather, and river conditions
  • In cherry blossom and autumn-leaf season, a combined visit with Kimimachizaka is especially rewarding
Food

Eating and shopping

Specialities, places to eat, sweets and bakeries can all give you a reason to stop. Check individual menus for current prices and availability.

  • Meal
    Zaza-men
    About ¥880; official listed price as of March 2026
  • Meal
    Tsurugata beef marbled sirloin roast-beef rice bowl
    About ¥1,980; official listed price as of March 2026
  • Meal
    Ta-no-Moto soba
    Restaurant dish made with locally grown buckwheat
  • Snack
    Nanakura Dog
    A GRISSINI snack for the road
  • Sweet treat
    Gela Soft and Jappu
    Gela Soft is generally available year-round; Jappu is generally a summer item
  • Shopping
    Kimimachi Mio Beer and Noshiro Raspberry Roll
    Officially recommended products; check in-store prices, which may change
Food mood

What would you like to eat?

A meal, a sweet treat, market shopping or something to take away: choose a focus for the day instead of trying everything at once.

Full lunch

koikoi Shokudo Zaza-men, Ta-no-Moto soba, and Tsurugata beef roast-beef rice bowl

Generally 11:00–18:00, with last orders at 17:00. Choose a Futatsui dish while looking toward the Yoneshiro River and Mount Nanakura from the windows.

Quick bite

GRISSINI Nanakura Dog; Dohachi rice balls and hot snacks

Useful when you want to avoid a restaurant wait, children cannot sit long, or you want to continue your drive soon.

Sweets and a break

Gela Soft, Fukuta Coffee crepes, and summer Jappu

Take a short break after play or a view from the deck. Summer products vary in availability; check the shop or official social media.

Take something home

Processed Shirakami green-onion products, Kimimachi Mio Beer, Noshiro Raspberry Roll, and Akita cedar crafts

Chilled foods, sweets, and woodwork call for different ways of carrying them home. A cooler bag widens your options in summer.

On event days

Farm-produce members’ stalls, food trucks, and seasonal menu items

Check official notices and social media for stalls and changes. In summer 2026, plans included Akita cedar, canoeing, and shopping-street coupons beyond the station.

Access

Location and surroundings

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1
Roadside station
Michi-no-Eki Futatsui (道の駅 ふたつい)

A roadside station beside the Yoneshiro River and Kimimachizaka, connecting play, food, and the story of Akita cedar.

Open in Google Maps
2
Nature views and walks
Kimimachizaka Prefectural Natural Park

Just beyond the station, a signature Futatsui view of the Yoneshiro River and Mount Nanakura.

Open in Google Maps
3
Waterside activity
Yoneshiro River Canoe Experience and Canoe Boathouse

Step out onto the Yoneshiro River from the boathouse beside the station.

Open in Google Maps
4
Low-mountain nature walk
Mount Nanakura and Nature Observation Education Forest

A mountain of native Akita cedar rises across the Yoneshiro River.

Open in Google Maps
5
Town walk and shopping
Futatsui and Koibumi Shopping Street

Continue from station shopping into the town known for its love letters.

Open in Google Maps
6
Inside the station; family break
Michi-no-Eki Futatsui Kids’ Area and History and Folklore Exhibits

Find a place to play and discover local history inside, even in rain.

Open in Google Maps
Food outlets and the market on the station grounds share the station pin. Nearby places are separate destinations to combine with your visit.
Nearby

Places to visit nearby

Nature views and walks
Kimimachizaka Prefectural Natural ParkJapanese guide
Within walking distance of the stationAbout 5 minutes on foot

For a short walk after eating, cherry blossom or autumn-leaf season, a change of pace for children, or a scenic break for adults.

Waterside activity
Yoneshiro River Canoe Experience and Canoe BoathouseJapanese guide
Adjacent to the stationA very short walk

For summer family outings, activities for elementary-school children and older, or a half-day visit combined with a station meal.

Low-mountain nature walk
Mount Nanakura and Nature Observation Education ForestJapanese guide
A short drive from the station; varies by trailheadVaries with driving and walking

For nature learning with elementary-school children or older, low-mountain walks for adults, or views from Kimimachizaka.

Town walk and shopping
Futatsui and Koibumi Shopping StreetJapanese guide
About 5–10 minutes by car from the stationA short drive

For a look at town shops after eating or shopping at the station, or a short rainy-day detour.

Inside the station; family break
Michi-no-Eki Futatsui Kids’ Area and History and Folklore ExhibitsJapanese guide
Inside the stationA very short walk

For families with babies or toddlers, rainy days, play before a meal, or a quick look at Akita cedar and regional exhibits.

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Updated 2026-09-29Explore the nationwide map →