A Scenic Stop by the Tsugaru Strait for Seafood and Sea Views
Located along Route 228 in Matsumae, Michinoeki (Roadside Station) Kitamaebune Matsumae is the perfect stop for travelers exploring Japan’s southernmost castle town.
With stunning views of the Tsugaru Strait and easy access to Matsumae Castle and Matsumae Park, this roadside station offers both scenic rest and delicious discoveries.
Inside, visitors can browse a local market filled with freshly caught seafood, regional delicacies, and processed marine products like squid, rock seaweed, and Matsumae-zuke, a traditional seafood preserve from Matsumae made with squid, kelp, and other local ingredients.
One popular item is Haru-dore Wakame no Gohan no Moto (spring-harvested wakame rice mix), made with natural seaweed collected locally each spring.
Simply mix it with warm rice to enjoy a light, nutritious taste of Matsumae—a perfect edible souvenir.
The on-site Umikaze Shokudō (Sea Breeze Cafeteria) serves seasonal seafood rice bowls featuring local specialties like fresh tuna, sea urchin, and the Hokkai Shrimp Rice Bowl (Shima-ebi Don)—a dish topped with sweet, striped shrimp caught nearby.
Be sure to check out the Umikaze Terrace, where you can dine or relax while gazing out over the open sea.
