Michi-no-Eki Shizukuishi Anekko

Route 46 is the old Akita road between Morioka and Akita, and Anekko sits near the prefectural border, about 30 minutes west of Morioka IC. It is a good place to stop before the road climbs into the mountains. The name means "young woman" in the local dialect.

The produce hall reopened after a renovation in March 2023 and sells Shizukuishi vegetables and local products. There are several places to eat, and Shizukuishi beef turns up on most menus. Hitomebore soft serve, made with local milk, is the cheap treat. At the soba shop Shizuku-an you can book a soba-making session, at least seven days ahead.

Next door, Shin-Hashiba-no-Yu is a day-use hot spring with a sauna and an outdoor bath; adults paid 520 yen at last check. The Nijiiro Park campground and the Japan Herb Garden on site close for winter. Beyond here Route 46 crosses the mountains to Lake Tazawa, so allow for snow in winter. There is a quick charger for electric cars.