The building resembles an old inn, with a corridor that has a pond where koi and turtles swim, making it enjoyable. In the large hall, there are folding screens and antiques lined up, creating a very calming atmosphere. Sitting leisurely at the counter, I can closely observe the craftsman's skillful hands, which is exciting. The dishes include sashimi, tempura, chawanmushi, and seasonal fruits, all of which are visually stunning and delicious. The fried taro had a wonderful aroma, was piping hot, and was incredibly fluffy. The chilled draft beer complemented it well, and I had a thoroughly satisfying time.
A food court with a diverse array of flavors to stop by during your journey
The Shiwa Service Area (Upward) Food Court is a facility with a rich selection of delicious menu items. From the mega-sized beef bowl loaded with tender beef to the chewy jaja noodles, everything is exquisite. Additionally, the dessert options, including Koiwai Premium Soft Serve, are plentiful and will help soothe your travel fatigue.
An exquisite yakiniku restaurant in Ishitokura that you can't experience in Morioka
Sanpei is a lively yakiniku restaurant loved by people of all ages. You can enjoy generous portions and high-quality meat. In particular, the non-smelly horumon (offal) is exceptional, and even those who are not fond of horumon will be satisfied with this proud dish. The owner's passion and dedication shine through in the dishes and the enjoyable atmosphere, providing a unique experience that is special to Ishitokura.
A hidden soba restaurant where you can enjoy flavorful soba and creative noodles
Biotope Mebukiya is a restaurant where you can savor flavorful soba made from carefully selected ingredients. The taste of the 'new soba' is particularly exquisite, and it pairs perfectly with the rich broth. The interior has a stylish, café-like atmosphere, and you can also enjoy creative noodles made from uniquely developed millet. It's a special place where you can fully indulge in delicious soba in a hidden, cozy setting.
A direct market where you can enjoy local freshness
Mori no Kura is a direct market that utilizes an old earthen storehouse once used for sake brewing, offering fresh local vegetables, homemade side dishes, and rice balls. Visitors can enjoy the fun of selecting local specialties while sampling them, with pickles and the unique miso-filled bread known as 'ganzuki' being particularly popular. This place, where you can fully appreciate the charm of the local area within a historically rich building, is definitely worth a visit.
The other day, I stopped by for lunch near the local station. The interior was new and bright, and the female staff welcomed me warmly. The hamburger I ordered had a thick, juicy patty that paired perfectly with the crunchy vegetables. The fried potatoes and chicken nuggets, fried at high temperatures, were crispy and irresistible. The ketchup and mustard were self-service, allowing me to adjust the flavors to my liking, which was fun. There was also hot corn soup and self-service coffee, making for a satisfying experience until the very end.
A popular spot in a service area for a comfortable break
Located within the Tohoku Expressway Shiwa (downhill) service area, "Tokutoku" offers a variety of snack foods and light meals. It features a convenient system where purchased meal tickets are automatically sent to the kitchen, allowing for quick enjoyment of the menu. With a wide selection of classic junk food and more, it has become an appealing rest stop that everyone can enjoy.