Roadside Station Tono Kaze no Oka is located on National Route 283 in Tono, Iwate Prefecture, serving as a prominent rest facility for travelers exploring the Tohoku region. Part of Japan's network of michi no eki roadside stations that began in 1993, this facility gained recognition as a model station and disaster relief hub during the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, serving as a staging area and support center for officials and volunteers. The station is equipped with satellite transmission facilities and state-of-the-art disaster management functions, reflecting its important role beyond tourism.
The station's most distinctive feature is its spiralled Magnus wind turbine, an unusual windmill whose blades are shaped like a screw. This structure harnesses the area's strong local winds, known for their biting cold (samukaze), to generate power for lighting and air conditioning of the facilities. The wind turbine serves as both a functional energy source and a recognizable landmark for travelers passing through the region.
Visitors can experience authentic Tono cuisine at the on-site restaurant, which serves local specialties including Hittsumi (a traditional wheat dumpling soup) and Kurotsubo Kabusoba (buckwheat noodles). A particularly popular offering is the bucket Jingisukan, served on the terrace from April to October with a set of three kinds of draft beer made with hops produced in Tono for 1,300 yen. The restaurant features large windows and an outdoor terrace where diners can enjoy views of the surrounding countryside and mountains while sampling local flavors.
The Farm Direct/Product Hall offers an extensive selection of regional products, including fresh vegetables, handmade crafts, and Tono's specialty alcoholic beverages. The station is one of the municipalities in Japan authorized to produce and sell doburoku, a traditional unfiltered sake also known as nigori-sake, available in both dry and sweet varieties. Visitors can also purchase locally crafted beer made with Tono-grown hops and other regional souvenirs, including kappa-themed items reflecting the city's folklore.
The facility includes well-maintained public amenities such as a rest area with tatami mats, an observation deck with scenic views, free WiFi, and modern clean washrooms. A newly built shop offers fresh seafood from the coastal town of Ofunato, approximately one hour away, supporting post-earthquake economic recovery efforts in the region.
The station is conveniently accessible, located about 5 minutes from Tono Interchange on the Kamaishi Expressway and about 10 minutes by car from JR Tono Station. Free parking is available for both standard vehicles and larger touring vehicles. Admission to the facility is free, with individual purchases for food, beverages, and products priced separately.
