Ryukoku Roadside Station

Fresh vegetables and fruits, of course,
Original products are available at the directly managed processing plant!

Located in the Yatsushiro region, Hikawa-cho is rich in tomatoes and strawberries, Yoshino pears and grapes in summer, Taishu persimmons in autumn, and citrus fruits such as "Banpeiyu" in winter. Yoshino pears and yuzu (a citrus fruit) are the town's most prized specialties. The directly-managed processing plant produces a wide variety of processed products, which are sold at the roadside station. In addition to chanpon and pear curry, the farm restaurant offers a cafeteria-style selection of small dishes. At the take-out corner, "Oyatsu Kobo" (snack studio), you can enjoy grass green tea soft ice cream, pear curry bread made from glutinous rice flour, and other standard items.

Map of Ryukoku Roadside Station

Roadside Station Ryukoku Gourmet Information

Yoshino pears, a local specialty

Hikawa-cho was the first place in the prefecture to start pear cultivation in 1904. Since then, the town has been famous for pears for more than 100 years, with the "Kosui," "Toyosui," and "Akizuki" varieties available from the end of July, followed by "Niitaka," "Shinko," and "Atago. All of them have the brand name "Yoshino Pear" and were even presented to the emperor. Except for "Niitaka," which is grown in greenhouses, the pears are basically grown without bags. Normally, the pears are covered with bags to protect them from harmful insects, but they are exposed to full sunlight to bring out their natural mellow sweetness. The processed product is "Yoshino Manno Tare" (Yoshino All-Purpose Sauce).

Local product: Yuzu Yuzu

The banshaku yuzu is one of the world's largest citrus fruits, about the size of a volleyball. The late white citron, which is native to the Malay Peninsula, now accounts for 90% of Japan's production in the Yatsushiro region, and is harvested at the end of November, when it loses its sourness and tastes slightly sweet and sour. The yuzu is prized for its four pleasures: the sight of its large, glossy yellow shape, its rich aroma, its taste, and its peel, which can then be put in a bath. The roadside station also sells original processed products such as Banbaku Yuzu Monaka, candy, jelly, and cider.

Eat this Pear Curry

An original menu item at the station's Rural Restaurant. Grated pear pulp puree is added to curry roux and simmered. The mild first impression is followed by the richness and spiciness of the curry. The spicy and fruity curry has become a popular menu item and is now available in retort pouch products and curry bread. During the pear season, the roux is served topped with pears. 650 yen.

Around Roadside Station Ryukoku

Tategami Gorge (Higashiyama-cho, Iwate-ken)

If you want to have fun in the area

A large rock wall 75 meters high and 250 meters wide, formed by the erosion of Paleozoic limestone by the clear Hikawa River. The view from the suspension bridge and riverbank is breathtaking. Tategamikyo Village Park has well-equipped log cabins and lodges, as well as a campground with a view of Tategamikyo. There are also lodging facilities such as satochi yashiki (old private houses) equipped with sunken hearths and goemon baths, and you can enjoy playing in the Hikawa River that runs alongside the park.