Michinoeki Itako

Michi-no-Eki Itako is a unique roadside station that includes a ground-golf course. The 40-hole, 6,000-tsubo (approx. 19,800㎡) course is among the largest in the Kanto region, and you can also enjoy views of Itako’s expansive scenery. Clubs and balls are available for rental, so you can play ground golf hands-free. The clubhouse includes a kids’ space, and from spring to autumn you can even try crayfish fishing in a pond within the course, making it especially recommended for families. The farmers’ market “”Itaro”” is also popular, offering good deals on local produce; since Itako is a major rice-producing area, the selection is rich, and freshly pounded rice cakes may also be stocked. The casual eatery “”Ofukuro-tei”” offers reasonably priced side dishes made with local ingredients, and there is also the “”Uruoi-kan”” shop for specialty goods and original merchandise. Access is about 800 meters from the Higashi-Kanto Expressway Itako IC. By train, it’s about a 10-minute walk (or 5 minutes by taxi) from JR Kashima Line “”Nobukata Station.”