Ibaraki Prefecture · Kanto

Michi no Eki Hitachiota

道の駅ひたちおおた

In Komon no Sato, this Hitachiota hub brings together grapes, strawberries, local sake, ShunSai, and a last taste of a day in Ryujin Gorge.

Updated 2026-09-30Michi-no-Eki Journal Read in Japanese

Location

Hitachiota City

Road

National Route 349

Hours

Main station: 9:00〜18:00

Some months have a second-Tuesday closure, and there are New Year closures. Follow the latest official information.

Parking

See facility information

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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.

Buy first

Grapes and seasonal fruit

A quick way to take a taste of Hitachiota home. The main attraction changes with the season.

Try an activity

Strawberry house

Open only on designated days. If visiting with children, check that it is open first.

For a meal

ShunSai or gelato

Choose between a full meal and a break for something sweet.

Gifts for adults

Sake from four breweries

Choose some on the way back from Ryujin Gorge or Seizanso to extend the day's memories.

Explore beyond the station

Ryujin Suspension Bridge, Seizanso, and Kujiragaoka

Nature, history, and a town walk reveal different sides of Hitachiota.

Fuka's notes for the way home

Choosing fruit at the end makes Hitachiota harder to forget.

Fuka Seto sees Hitachiota as a strong final stop for sightseeing. Walk high above Ryujin Gorge, slow down at Seizanso, and follow the old streets and slopes of Kujiragaoka. Choose grapes or local sake at the roadside station last, and the scenery comes home in your shopping bag. Komon no Sato is a place to bring a little Hitachiota home.

Highlights

Michi no Eki Hitachiota (道の駅ひたちおおた), also called Komon no Sato, works as both a starting point and a final stop for sightseeing in Hitachiota. Selected as a priority roadside station, it serves as an information and community hub. Its farm shop stocks grapes from the “grape country” of Hitachiota, as well as strawberries, persimmons and other fruit, rice, vegetables, pickles, and sake from four local breweries. With restaurant ShunSai, Hitachi Gelato, and a strawberry house outside, you can shop, eat, pick fruit, and rest in one place. Editor Fuka Seto recommends ending a day at Ryujin Suspension Bridge, Seizanso, and Kujiragaoka here by choosing fruit and sake to take home.

#Komon no Sato
#Priority roadside station
#Grape country
#Strawberry house
#ShunSai
#Hitachi Gelato
#Local sake
#Ryujin Suspension Bridge
#Seizanso
#Kujiragaoka

Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

End your Hitachiota sightseeing day here

After visiting Ryujin Suspension Bridge, Seizanso, and Kujiragaoka, choose fruit, rice, and local sake here to round off the day in Hitachiota. It also works as a starting point, but is especially good for bringing home a reminder of the trip.

Fruit from “grape country” takes center stage

Ibaraki wo Tabeyo describes the farm shop as stocking Hitachiota specialties including seasonal grapes, strawberries, and persimmons. What to look for changes with the season; the shop offers more than vegetables.

The strawberry house gives children something to do

The strawberry house beside the facility advertises picking and strawberries sold by weight, including Ibara Kiss and Yayoihime, on designated operating days. It offers a short experience as well as a purchase.

ShunSai, gelato, and sake offer plenty for adults too

ShunSai serves dishes using local vegetables; there is also Hitachi Gelato and a sake section carrying products from four Hitachiota breweries. Family meals and gifts for adults can both be found here.

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.

After Ryujin Suspension Bridge, Seizanso, or Kujiragaoka

Bring Hitachiota home at the end of a sightseeing day

Take in the scenery at Ryujin Gorge, explore history at Seizanso, and walk around Kujiragaoka. Then pick up grapes, sake, rice, or gelato at the roadside station. A purchase you open at home can recall the places you visited.

Ryujin Suspension Bridge → Seizanso or Kujiragaoka → roadside station.

Allow for travel time from the sights and the station's closing time. The official hours are listed as 9:00–18:00.

Families with children in winter to spring

Make the strawberry house the main event for children

When the strawberry house is open, plan the picking before shopping. Picking and sales by weight vary with the day of the week and growing conditions, so check in advance if this is the reason for your visit.

Strawberry house → gelato → farm shop.

Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday are listed as operating days, but growing conditions can change availability. Check shortly before visiting.

Grape, pear, and persimmon seasons

Take your time in the farm shop during fruit season

Hitachiota is known as “grape country.” Compare fruit in the farm shop and look out for any farmer sales or seasonal posts. If fruit is your goal, the station can be a destination in itself.

Farm shop → ShunSai → farm shop again.

Varieties, supply, and direct sales vary by day. Check social media and official notices.

When the weather turns bad

Settle in for ShunSai and shopping on a rainy day

If Ryujin Suspension Bridge or walking around Kujiragaoka is difficult, focus on a meal and shopping at the station. The restaurant, gelato, local sake, and sister-city section offer alternatives to outdoor time.

ShunSai → farm shop → local sake and sweets.

Check official notices for changes to restaurant hours.

Adult travelers and cafe lovers

Pair a visit with a walk around Kujiragaoka

Walk Kujiragaoka's slopes past old shop-storehouses, cafes in traditional houses, and Japanese sweet shops; then buy fruit or sake at the station. The town walk and the farm shop make a distinctly Hitachiota combination.

Kujiragaoka → roadside station → journey home.

Individual shops keep different days. Check ahead if you have a particular shop in mind.

Hours

Opening hours

Main station

9:00〜18:00

Some months have a second-Tuesday closure, and there are New Year closures. Follow the latest official information.

Strawberry house

Listed for Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday only

Subject to growing conditions. Check whether it is open.

Nearby sights

Varies by facility

Check Ryujin Suspension Bridge, Seizanso, and individual Kujiragaoka shops separately.

Family

Visiting with children

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

Under 1

★★★★☆

Indoor rest, toilets, meals, and shopping are together. The strawberry house can be a brief attraction.

It is relatively easy to keep the visit within the station while carrying a baby, with less dependence on the weather.

Ages 2–3

★★★★★

The strawberry house, gelato, and children's play area can make for a satisfying short visit.

At this age, an activity and something sweet at the station may work better than a long sightseeing trip.

Ages 4–6

★★★★★

Strawberry picking and gelato can lead into a conversation about the views at Ryujin Suspension Bridge.

Keep a bridge visit or town walk short; use the station as a rest stop.

Elementary school age

★★★★★

Link Ryujin Suspension Bridge, Seizanso, Kujiragaoka, and the farm shop for a day of nature, history, and food.

Together, these stops can help children remember Hitachiota's name and location.

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

Official notices

Check weekly for temporary closures, Akita product fairs, exhibitions and sales of prison-made goods, classes, and events in the plaza.

Strawberry house

Operating days, growing conditions, and the end of the season change whether picking is available; check current information.

Fruit and direct sales

Check official channels and social media for seasonal grapes, pears, persimmons, strawberries, and farmer sales.

Ryujin Suspension Bridge events

Check current information on carp streamer, lantern, and autumn foliage festivals and illuminations at this nearby destination.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

A priority roadside station for information and shopping

More than a farm shop, it is presented as an information and community hub. Use it to check plans before sightseeing or to choose gifts afterward.

Source: Ibaraki wo Tabeyo and official information

Fruit is a quick taste of Hitachiota's “grape country”

Seasonal fruit includes grapes, strawberries, and persimmons. Posts about face-to-face grape and pear sales show the seasonal energy of the shop.

Source: Ibaraki wo Tabeyo and Instagram posts

The strawberry house makes a memory for children

Beside the facility, the strawberry house advertises picking and sales by weight on designated operating days. It offers a short activity within a station visit.

Source: Ibaraki wo Tabeyo

Ryujin Suspension Bridge is a major draw for nature and events

Described as a 375 m long bridge 100 m above the lake, it also hosts seasonal events involving carp streamers, lanterns, and autumn foliage. The station makes a useful stop on the return trip.

Source: Ryujin Suspension Bridge official site and city website

Kujiragaoka shows another side of Hitachiota

Shop-storehouses, cafes in traditional houses, Japanese sweets, and sloping streets make a town walk that pairs well with the station's farm produce.

Source: Ibaraki tourism model itinerary

The sake section is worth a stop for adults

The sake section carries products from four breweries in Hitachiota. Choose a gift for someone other than the driver, or something to enjoy after getting home.

Source: Ibaraki wo Tabeyo

Movie

Preview the place on video

Official videos show the market and nearby park before you visit. Audio and captions are in Japanese.

Official movie

Watch on the official site

Video candidate search: Michi no Eki Hitachiota Komon no Sato

Only official or facility-posted videos are candidates; use them to check the atmosphere of the farm shop, strawberry house, and events.

Source:

Official movie

Watch on the official site

Video candidate search: Ryujin Suspension Bridge Hitachiota

Only official, municipal, or facility-posted videos are candidates; use them to explore nearby sightseeing routes.

Source:

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.

The official site lists 9:00–18:00 and closures on the second Tuesday of April, June, July, October, January, and March, plus January 1 and 2. Check current information shortly before visiting.
Strawberry house availability depends on operating days and growing conditions. If it is the purpose of a family visit, check ahead.
Grapes, pears, persimmons, and other fruit vary by season and supply. Social media and notices can help you time a visit.
For a trip to Ryujin Suspension Bridge, check events such as illuminations, carp streamers, and autumn foliage, as well as crowds.
Individual Kujiragaoka shops keep different days; check the cafe or sweet shop you want to visit.
If buying sake, leave drinking to non-drivers or enjoy it after you get home.

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.

Fruit and farm shop
Hitachiota grapes
Varies by season and availability
Fruit picking and fruit
Ibara Kiss and Yayoihime at the strawberry house
Check operating days and growing conditions
Meals
Restaurant ShunSai
Check the restaurant information
Sweets
Hitachi Gelato
Check the shop information
Gifts
Hitachiota sake
Check the four-brewery section
Farm shop
Rice, vegetables, pickles, and processed foods
Varies by season and availability

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.

For fruit

Grapes / strawberries / persimmons / pears

An easy way to take seasonal Hitachiota home. Choose according to variety and availability.

For an activity

Strawberry picking and sales by weight

Memorable for children. Check operating days and growing conditions before going.

For a meal

ShunSai / food court

Have a substantial meal before or after sightseeing; it can also anchor a rainy-day visit.

For something sweet

Hitachi Gelato / sweets

Good for a break after a town walk or drive.

Gifts for adults

Sake from four Hitachiota breweries / processed foods

Choose some after Ryujin Gorge or Seizanso to carry the day's memories home.

Access

Location and surroundings

Driving directions from your location

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Explore stations near 常陸太田市 (Japanese guide)

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Roadside station

Michi no Eki Hitachiota

In Komon no Sato, this Hitachiota hub brings together grapes, strawberries, local sake, ShunSai, and a last taste of a day in Ryujin Gorge.

Open in Google Maps

Nature and scenic views

Ryujin Suspension Bridge and Ryujin Gorge

A signature Hitachiota panorama. Buy fruit at Komon no Sato on the way back.

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History and culture

Seizanso (Seizan Goten)

Visit a quiet place associated with Mito Komon, then return to Komon no Sato.

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Town walk

Kujiragaoka Shopping Street

Slopes, shop-storehouses, and cafes in traditional houses: explore another side of Hitachiota beyond the farm shop.

Open in Google Maps

At the station / fruit picking

Michi no Eki Hitachiota Strawberry House

A strawberry experience beside the station makes this more than a shopping stop.

Open in Google Maps

Shopping and gifts

Hitachiota Fruit and Sake Section

Grapes and four breweries: take a taste of your Hitachiota day home.

Open in Google Maps

Hot spring

Satomi Onsen Health Center Nukumori no Yu

End a day reaching Ryujin Gorge or Satomi with a quiet hot spring visit.

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 and scenic views

Ryujin Suspension Bridge and Ryujin GorgeJapanese guide

About 40–55 minutes by carAbout 40–55 minutes by car

A main attraction of Hitachiota sightseeing. Fruit, local sake, and gelato at the station round off the day.

History and culture

Seizanso (Seizan Goten)Japanese guide

About 10–15 minutes by carAbout 10–15 minutes by car

A nearby historic site tied to the station's Komon no Sato name. An option for adult travelers or a rainy day.

Town walk

Kujiragaoka Shopping StreetJapanese guide

About 10–15 minutes by carAbout 10–15 minutes by car

An adult-oriented detour for a feel of the town before or after buying fruit or sake at the station.

At the station / fruit picking

Michi no Eki Hitachiota Strawberry HouseJapanese guide

Beside the stationBeside the station

Especially suited to children aged 2–6. Check operating days and growing conditions before making it your goal.

Shopping and gifts

Hitachiota Fruit and Sake SectionJapanese guide

Inside the stationInside the station

Take a taste of Hitachiota home even on a short stop. A satisfying addition to an adult trip.

Hot spring

Satomi Onsen Health Center Nukumori no YuJapanese guide

About 40–55 minutes by carAbout 40–55 minutes by car

For days when you travel farther north. Pair shopping at the station with a hot spring stop on the way home.

Send your travel companions a possible stop.

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Updated 2026-09-30Explore the nationwide map →