Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture. Blessed with abundant nature and a cool climate, this region is home to a number of spots that are packed with the charm of direct sales. One such spot is the "Hatagakusha" farm products direct sales shop. Located at 40-2 Akasakada, Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture, 028-7554, it is a renovated former schoolhouse with a nostalgic atmosphere. In this issue, we will report on our visit to this direct sales place and our encounter with flowers (especially "Rindo") and fresh vegetables.
Rindou" Flower Stories Encountered at Direct Produce Stores
The first thing we would like to tell you about is the "Yasuyo Rindo," a flowering tree that is the pride of Hachimantai City. We are also informed that these rindos are well lined up at this direct sales place.
In fact, the official website for the farm's direct sales introduces the facility as follows: "Hata Gakushu-sha Agricultural Products Direct Selling Center: The exterior of the facility is immediately recognizable as a former elementary school. Not only do we sell produce, but we also carry out a variety of activities in this elementary school that we have grown attached to." The official website of the farm is also listed as "Hatakegakusha".
When we think of "Rindo", we usually imagine bright blue-purple flowers, but the "Yasushiro Rindo" cultivated in Hachimantai is one of the best in Japan in terms of both production volume and quality.
The direct sales stands are lined with such rindos as cut flowers, which are sold along with freshly picked vegetables, as seen on social networking sites.
Buying "flowers" on a trip is a nice way to enjoy them when you get home. Here, along with vegetables, there is a well-stocked "seasonal flower section" that was perfect for buying a little color for gifts or for home.
Atmosphere of a direct sales shop and the unique charm of a "former school
The location of this direct sales shop is also good. In the mountain village of Akasakada, a building converted from an old schoolhouse stands on a quiet site, and just standing at the entrance gives one a relaxed feeling. The vegetables, flowers, local specialties, and handmade prepared foods are all on display, and the "localness" and "seasonality" of the products are clearly conveyed.
It features an interior that retains the atmosphere of a wooden schoolhouse, a spacious parking lot, and shelves lined with products brought in by local farmers. It is a good place to stop by during a trip or to take your time and enjoy shopping.
The city of Hachimantai also recognizes the value of this direct-sale shop, as it is introduced on the Hachimantai City Direct-Sales Guide Map, making it a "spot worth visiting".
Seasonal Vegetables, Processed Foods, Flowers Actually Bought & Recommended
Here are a few of the items I came across at the direct sales counter (product content varies depending on the time of year, but this is what was available at the time of my visit).
- Vivid "Rindou" cut flowers. Mostly blue-purple ones, but also pink ones. The branches are long, so they looked great in a vase.
- Handmade vegetables from local farmers. Potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, and cucumbers are all grown in the cool climate unique to mountain villages.
- Processed foods and handmade side dishes were also available. Handmade jams, pickles, tofu, etc., all make good souvenirs.
- The flower seedlings and potted seedlings corner is also ready, and the lineup makes you think, "I want to grow them in my garden or on my balcony! The lineup will make you think, "I want to grow them in my garden or on my balcony!
The combination of flowers, vegetables, and processed goods made my souvenir bag stuffy. With more luggage for the trip, I wished I had taken more time to shop (laughs).
Tips for visiting and enjoying your stay
- Operating Period and HoursOpen from mid-April to late November. Hours of operation are 9:00-17:00.
- AccessTakizawa: If you are driving from Takizawa or Morioka, it is relatively smooth if you take Route 282 to the mountain side and follow the "Akasakada" information sign.
- ParkingParking space available on site. The "good time" starts as soon as you get out of your car in the relaxed atmosphere of the old school building.
- Things to do after shopping: After buying flowers and vegetables at the direct sales shop, take a stroll in the nearby mountain village or stop by a café. Making a relaxing trip while feeling nature will make your stay more satisfying.
- Refrigeration support for souvenirsIf you are bringing home vegetables, flowers, etc., be prepared with cold bags, newspapers, etc.
- Search for the season: The variety of rindos and vegetable lineup changes seasonally. Depending on the time of year you visit, you can have the pleasure of obtaining "products only available now.
Why would we recommend this place?
- Flowers + vegetables + mountain airare all available. It is unique in that it is not just a vegetable direct sales shop, but also focuses on flowers (rindou).
- The charm of Hachimantai as a tourist destination (nature, highlands, and driving over mountains) and the local flavor of the direct sales shop are matched in just the right balance, making a "stopover during your trip" enjoyable.
- The space, which makes use of an old school building, has an atmosphere of "nostalgia" and "local history" just by visiting, which is a nice change of pace.
- Many of the products are made by local farmers, and you can enjoy the "direct delivery from the production area" feeling that you cannot experience at ordinary supermarkets.
To conclude: feel the blessings from the mountain village together.
The Hachimantai Farmer's Field Learning Center is a place that welcomes travelers with flowers and vegetables grown by local people in the mountain village of Hachimantai. Just by stopping by, time passes a little "slower" and each purchase becomes a memory of your trip.
If you are going to Hachimantai for a drive or a sightseeing trip, add this direct sales shop to your itinerary. A flower, a bag of vegetables, or some local "nurture" will add another dimension to the enjoyment of your trip.
Be sure to visit someday!
Location Information
Hatakegakusha: Direct Sales of Agricultural Products
Address: 40-2 Akasakada, Hachimantai, Iwate 028-7554 ・Tel: 0195-72-6226
Operating period: mid-April to late November ・Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (subject to change depending on the season)
We hope you will take home with you the bounty of the mountains and the fragrance of flowers.