Roadside station Kotooka

Overview

Roadside Station Kotooka stands along National Route 7 in Kado, Mitane Town, Yamamoto District, Akita Prefecture. Its nickname, the “Village of Clay Flutes,” reflects a simple local craft tradition of earthen whistles. As a rest stop on a major artery running north to south through northern Akita, it offers travelers a place to pause, shop for regional produce, and get a feel for everyday life in Mitane Town.

Highlights

• ●A handy rest stop for northern Akita drives along National Route 7
• ●A simple local culture symbolized by the “Village of Clay Flutes” nickname
• ●A place to discover Mitane Town produce and regional goods
• ●A point on the main route linking Akita City with Noshiro and Aomori

History

The station opened on April 16, 1996, built to give drivers on National Route 7 a place to rest while sharing information about the surrounding area. The affectionate name “Village of Clay Flutes” refers to earthen whistles, close cousins of the ocarina, and has become a symbol of local culture. Since opening it has served as one of the gateways to Mitane Town, linking road users with the community.

Map

40.0222, 140.0803 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Pull in for a break while driving National Route 7
2. 2Browse local produce and regional goods for travel souvenirs
3. 3Soak up the cultural mood behind the “Village of Clay Flutes” nickname
4. 4Set off again toward the Mitane Town countryside

Did you know?

💡 The nickname “Village of Clay Flutes” comes from the tradition of shaping and firing simple earthen whistles. The name “Kotooka” carries on the sound of the former place name Kotooka in this district, so the station's name preserves a memory of the land itself.

Nearby spots