The restoration work that had been ongoing due to the damage caused by Typhoon No. 19 has been completed, and the Sanriku Railway Rias Line will reopen on March 20th!
With a total length of 163km, why not enjoy a trip full of sights, experiences, and delicious food on the Sanriku Railway, the longest third-sector railway in Japan?
This time, the dog siblings Sobacchi will introduce you to the northern part of the Iwate coast in spring!
INDEX
- Kuji Station
- Michinoekinoda (Roadside Station)
- Plant field in Noda village
- Iwate Nodamura Araumi Scallop
- Ordinary Antenna Shop Aide (Usual Antenna Shop Aide)
- Mifune Seika
- Kamikanda butcher shop
- Shimokawara store
- Sacchan Dengaku Nakamura Shoten
- Filming location information for the movie “Stardust Town”
- Katsura Watermill Square (Waterwheel Market) (Katsura Watermill Square)
- Stardust Town filming location MAP
*The contents posted are as of February 13th and 14th, 2020.
Kuji Station
Sanriku Railway’s “Gateway to the North” Kuji Station. Start your trip to Kuji, which is full of charms of the sea and mountains, such as the Kosode coast, known for its northernmost ama divers, and Japan’s best amber production area!
I can’t wait to see what kind of encounters await me on the northern Sanriku coast in spring! So let’s go!
Kuji Station
Address: 3-38-2 Chuo, Kuji City
Inquiry phone number 0194-52-0177
[Sanriku Railway] https://www.sanrikutetsudou.com
Onihamouchi Honten
Onihauchi is popular for its “Akaoni Set Meal,” which is a set of extra-large rice balls and either soba or udon noodles. The amount of rice used to make onigiri is about 2 cups. Despite being so filling, it’s reasonably priced at 1,000 yen (tax included), and is popular not only with locals, but also with its impressive appearance, which attracts many visitors from far away. There is also a wide variety of single-item menus such as the “Mini Akaoni Set Meal” with smaller rice balls, soba noodles, and udon noodles.
① I had imagined it, but when it was brought in front of me, I couldn’t help but exclaim, “Jejejee!?”
The store manager, Yu Komukai, also has this smile on his face!
②This size makes you happy just by looking at it! When you bite into it, the piping hot rice is firm but fluffy in your mouth.
③4 types of toppings (salmon unless specified). For those who couldn’t finish their food, we also have aluminum foil to take home!
④The store name “Onihanouchi” comes from the folk tale “Setsubun no Oni” from Iwate Prefecture. There is an introduction page on the table menu, so please take a look.
The owner, Kaoru Komukai (far right), is 85 years old! Since the store opened in 1985, she has been standing in the store with a wonderful smile.
Michinoekinoda (Roadside Station)
Nearest station: Rikuchu Noda Station
A roadside station attached to Rikuchu-Noda Station on the Sanriku Railway, equipped with a tourist product center, farm-fresh facilities, and a restaurant. In front of the station, you will be greeted by statues of cows and cows that have come and gone on the salt road.
①The popular “Restaurant Paapuru” is a farm restaurant run by local mothers. This is the “Papuru Ramen”, which has plenty of seafood and thin curly noodles that go perfectly with the elegant salt soup.
We also recommend the “Noda Salt Ramen,” which uses Noda Salt, a specialty of Noda Village.
② “Isoju”, which is made with sea urchin and scallops wrapped in a fluffy egg and full of the aroma of the ocean, has been a popular menu item since the restaurant first opened.
③ Rich vanilla with a hint of saltiness makes it irresistibly delicious! It is said that many people come from far away just to try this “Nodashio soft serve”.
Sobacchi detour information
Plant field in Noda village
There is a field with many topiary along National Route 45 from Kuji City to Tanohata Village (Ube Town, Kuji City). Although the field is privately owned, tours are free. The wood used is yew, and it seems that everything was made by hand by the owner, making it a feast for the eyes of passersby.
Contact Noda Village Tourism Association / Phone 0194-78-2012
Scallops (Scallops)
Nearest station : Jufugaura Kaigan Station
“Hotatenbodai”, a viewing rest facility designed with the motif of scallops, a Nodamura specialty, opened in 2017. From the outdoor observation deck where the Great East Japan Earthquake Tsunami Monument and Showa Tsunami Monument are built in March 2018, you can see the gentle arc of the scenic spot Jufugaura.
The unique roof is made from over 100 donated cypress trees. The walls of the rest room are painted using scallop shells.
Scallop body
- Address
- 10-40 Noda, Noda Village, Kunohe District
- Inquiries
- Nodamura Tourism Association/Telephone 0194-78-2012 (Nodamura Chamber of Commerce and Industry main phone)
- Access
- Approximately 13 minutes on foot from Tofuugaura Kaigan Station, approximately 4 minutes by car from Rikuchu-Noda Station
- Business Hours
- Toilet available hours 9:00-17:00
Information from Sobaccchi
Iwate Nodamura Araumi Scallop
The scallops from Noda Village, grown in the ocean currents of the Sotoumi, are thick, sweet, and packed with flavor, making them extremely delicious. The proud scallops raised by the fishermen known as “Araumidan” can be purchased at the “Noda Scallop Festival” held every December, and you can also try a variety of scallop dishes.
https://araumidan.jp
Marine Rose Park Noda Tamagawa
Nearest Station Noda-Tamagawa Station
A part of the Noda Tamagawa Mine, which was one of the largest manganese deposits in Japan, is open to the public as a tourist tunnel. Inside the mine shaft, various raw stones, minerals, and fossils are displayed, and the mining process at the time is realistically recreated with machines and dolls on display, allowing you to learn about the history of the mine.
The precious raw stone “rosestone”, which is mined only in Noda Village in Japan, is processed into accessories such as marine rose for jewelry. At the Teshigotoya Honten Shop, which processes and sells marine roses, you can purchase processed marine rose products and accessories, as well as experience making accessories.
MANGAN BOYz
MANGAN BOYz are underground idols who came from 400m underground. It is made up of 43 members located inside the Marine Rose Park Noda Tamagawa Mine, and about 7 selected members are active in events and other activities. It seems that he sometimes goes outside of his hometown Noda village, so you might see him nearby.
MANGAN BOYz came out from the tunnel of Noda Tamagawa Mine for the first time in about 20 years! There may or may not be a popular general election…? From now on, we look forward to your continual support.
①Jahn! ! ! The MANGAN BOYz, who are usually in the mine, dressed up in special fashion to welcome Sobacchi. It seems that the selected members are selected each time.
② All the dolls that recreate the times. Maybe there are regular MANGAN BOYz candidates among them…?
The rock tunnel feels like an underground exploration. It’s amazing that they dug such a long tunnel!
③At the back of the tunnel, you can see a large raw stone of rosette. A beautiful dramatic rose color!
④A bat woke up and came to play with the energetic Socchi.
⑤ Mr. Yoshinori Shirouchi, the creator of MANGAN BOYz, the representative of “Marine Rose Park Noda Tamagawa” and “Teshigotoya”, showed us around the park and workshop.
⑥The delicately colored marine rose accessories will make your heart flutter.
Ordinary Antenna Shop Aide (Usual Antenna Shop Aide)
Nearest station Fudai Station
An antenna shop attached to Sanriku Railway Fudai Station that sells specialty products, souvenirs, and fresh produce. This store has a wide selection of products and is visited not only by station users but also by locals and people from the surrounding area. Processed products made using Fudai’s signature “kelp” are perfect as souvenirs.
This time, I took a trip from Fudai Station and enjoyed a stroll through the shopping district.
Together with the Fudai village mascot character Suki konbu “Sukki” and salted kelp “Enzo”!
Mifune Seika
First, we went to Mifune Seika, which sells handmade ice sweets that have been made using the same manufacturing method since the 1950s. There are many delicious-looking cakes in the store! Founded in the Meiji era, this is a long-established store that continues to be loved by locals and has all kinds of sweets, including Western sweets, cheap sweets, and boxed sweets perfect for gifts.
①The frozen case was filled with the very popular “Aisukyan Dee”. Simple and nostalgic flavors available in two types: red (strawberry flavor) and white (cider flavor).
②The number of pieces made at one time is 2800! Apparently, the reason why the rod is slanted is because it makes it easier to insert it by hand.
3. “During the summer, we receive a lot of orders from people living in the Tokyo metropolitan area and other people who are away from Fudai.We ship all over the country,” says the owner, Takahisa Mifune.
It’s truly a traditional soul food that even locals buy in boxes!
Mifune Seika
- Address
- 13-128-1 Fudai Village, Shimohei District
- Inquiries
- 0194-35-2020
- Access
- About 10 minutes walk from Fudai Station
- Business Hours
- 8:00～20:00
Closed every day
Kamikanda butcher shop
Next, head to the Kamikanda butcher shop across the street. When you think of a local butcher shop, you’ll probably think of this place because it has such a wide selection of products, but the side dishes next to the meat case also have a wide variety of items, such as “Fudai’s Wagyu Minced Cutlet with Kelp,” croquettes, and curry bread.It’s an irresistible lineup when you’re hungry. .
① “Fudai’s Wagyu Minced Cutlet with Kelp” has a luxurious flavor of Wagyu beef and Kelp that spreads when you put it in your mouth!
②I couldn’t help but smile!
③ Representative Keiji Kamikanda (far left) emphatically states, “Kombu from Fudai is edible kelp.”
“Please try our ‘Special Nama Sauce with Fudai’s Kelp’! It’s full of shredded kelp and is perfect for seasoning not only meat but also stir-fried vegetables, fried rice, and other dishes!”
Kamikanda butcher shop
- Address
- 13-112-6 Fudai Village, Shimohei District
- Inquiries
- 0194-35-2210
- Access
- About 10 minutes walk from Fudai Station
- Business Hours
- 8:00～20:00
No regular holidays
Shimokawara store
Shimogawara Shoten, which manufactures and sells unique sweets such as “Konbunosuke”, a manju with Fudai-produced kelp kneaded into the filling, and “Kon Busse”, a busse that uses kelp powder in the sandwich cream, has been around for a long time. In addition to the store selling nostalgic sweets, cakes, and daily necessities, we also sell handmade bread at various locations in the village. Apparently, many regulars look forward to the bread they bake every Tuesday and Friday.
① Sweets from Shimokawara Shoten with fun names. “Komaiyaki” was selected as a sweet for JAL coffee service from January to February 2020.
② “Konbunosuke” (photo ① bottom right) is a beautiful green bean paste with shredded konbu exposed when you break it.
③The charming ninja illustration on the “Konbunosuke” label was apparently modeled after the face of the shop owner, Hidenobu Nakamura!
Shimokawara store
- Address
- 13-95-22 Fudai Village, Shimohei District
- Inquiries
- 0194-35-2037
- Access
- About 10 minutes walk from Fudai Station
- Business Hours
- 7:00～21:00
No regular holidays
Sacchan Dengaku Nakamura Shoten
This is Nakamura Shoten, also known as “Sacchan Dengaku”, where the aromatic smell of charcoal grilling is irresistible. I’m happy to have freshly baked food! The garlicky miso goes well with the firm tofu, giving it a refreshing taste and warming body. In addition to tofu, this shop also sells grilled mackerel and other items, making it popular with locals.
①Shopkeeper Mitsugu Nakamura
②The nickname “Sacchan” is the name of the previous mother. Now, his wife Reiko has inherited the taste of dengaku.
③ Loved for over 40 years! I use skewers made by a local carpenter.
We are very busy with customers all the time on this day! Please note that our business hours are limited from Thursday to Sunday from 16:00 to 18:00.
Sacchan Dengaku Nakamura Shoten
- Address
- 13-63 Fudai Village, Shimohei District
- Inquiries
- 0194-35-2524
- Access
- About 3 minutes walk from Fudai Station
- Business Hours
- 16:00～18:00
Closed Monday to Wednesday
Pick up information
Filming location information for the movie “Stardust Town”
The movie [Stardust Town] stars Non, who has close ties to Kuji City, as the heroine.
The heroine played by Non is a country girl who dreams of becoming a singer.
Filming took place at Kuji City’s Mogran Pia, Katsura Watermill Square, and other locations.
The movie will be released nationwide in March 2020.
Kuji Underground Aquarium Science Museum Moglan Pia
Japan’s only underground aquarium. There are exhibits condensing the sea of Kuji and an aquarium made from the tunnel of an oil storage base, and you can also see demonstrations of free diving by southern diving divers and northernmost ama divers. Also, Moglan Pia’s cheering squad leader Sakana-kun’s corner is very popular.
In the movie “Stardust Town,” the heroine’s date scene was filmed in a tunnel aquarium.
Katsura Watermill Square (Waterwheel Market) (Katsura Watermill Square)
A festival where you can enjoy local cuisine such as tofu dengaku and gunpa mochi made by local mothers is held once a month from May to December at Katsura Watermill Square.
In the movie “Hoshikuzu no Machi”, the opening scene of Non-san and the festival attended by about 50 local extras were filmed.
Katsura Watermill Square (Waterwheel City)
- Address
- Katsura Watermill Square, Hatagami, Yamane-machi, Kuji City
- Inquiries
- Yamane Rokugo Study Group Secretariat (in Kuji Station Hotel) / Phone 0194-53-5281
- Access
- Approximately 40 minutes by car from Kuji Station
- Business Hours
- First Sunday of every month from May to December (Waterwheel Festival in November) 10:00-14:00
Stardust Town filming location MAP
Click here for an interview with Non and a location map filled with the charm of the movie “Stardust Town”!
View Stardust Town filming location MAP
https://www.city.kuji.iwate.jp/kanko/event/other/hosikuzu_map.html
Click here for the latest tourist information in Kuji City!!
[Kuji City Tourism and Products Association Twitter]
https://twitter.com/amarin_kuji
[Kitasanriku “Amachan” Tourism Promotion Council Twitter]
https://twitter.com/iwate_amakyo
*The contents posted are as of February 13th and 14th, 2020.
Part 2 Let’s go to Sanriku! Special Feature – View the Tanohata, Iwaizumi, and Miyako areas
Part 2 Let’s go to Sanriku! Special feature – there’s more! I see
Let’s go to Sanriku! Click here for the first part!
