Snacks and Souvenir Hunting at a Roadside Station in a Recycled School Building
About this spot
Located along National Route 455 heading toward Morioka from Iwaizumi, on the grounds of the former Iwai Town Mitagai Elementary School Bunko campus, this is a nationwide rarity—a roadside station themed around a "school." The shop is called the "school store," the food counter is named the "cafeteria," and the interior features blackboards and wooden desks, evoking a nostalgic classroom atmosphere. Popular items at the cafeteria are simple dishes reminiscent of school lunches—fried bread and soft noodles. The school store offers local specialties and old-fashioned candies, guaranteeing excitement as you and friends say "I remember this!" End your day exploring an underground lake's mysteries by taking a trip back to elementary school days, then head home.
Tips
About 30 minutes by car along National Route 455 heading back to Morioka from the Ryusen Cave area. The cafeteria closes early in the evening, so check closing times and arrive with time to spare. School-lunch-style snacks like fried bread can sell out, so order early if you find them.
Best time to visit
Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Perfect timing is in the early evening before heading home. For snack hunting, arrive earlier in the day.
Access & map
47-2 Mitagai Kadono, Iwaizumi, Shimohei District, Iwate 028-5641
Model course featuring this spot
Ryusen Cave (龍泉洞) - Dragon Blue Underground Lake Exploration
Iwate
Explore features & model courses
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