[Roadside Station Joso] It’s that time of year again! Our annual new rice event runs from Thursday, October 1, through Saturday, October 31! In Ibaraki—the leading rice-producing region in the Kanto area— we’re hosting the “Rice Festival: Good Fortune Comes to Those Who Welcome Straw!”

"Roadside Station Joso" (Location: Joso City, Ibaraki Prefecture;Operated by COLLECT Co., Ltd.) will host the “Rice Festival—Good Fortune Comes to Those Who Embrace Straw” from Thursday, October 1, 2026, through Saturday, October 31, 2026.This popular annual event, held during the new rice season and which drew over 40,000 visitors last year, will be held for an extended period this year. To coincide with the new rice harvest, we have prepared new activities that allow you to fully enjoy the delicious rice of Ibaraki Prefecture.There are plenty of fun events, including the “Rice Bale Toss Challenge,” where you throw rice bales to see how high you can get them; the “Straw Pile Treasure Hunt,” where you search for treasure cards hidden in a massive pile of straw; and the “Rice Tasting Challenge,” where you try to identify Ibaraki Prefecture’s representative rice brands!With the addition of the hugely popular “Mochi-pounding Festival” and more, we hope you’ll enjoy a month filled with all things rice.

“Rice Festival—Good Fortune Comes to Those Who Embrace Straw”—Packed with High-Impact Events

■ The new rice season has arrived! We’re bringing you delicious rice and smiles from Ibaraki, “the Kanto region’s premier rice-producing area”!

Ibaraki Prefecture, which boasts the largest rice cultivation area and highest yield in the Kanto region and is known as “the Kanto region’s premier rice-producing area,” produces a diverse range of rice varieties, including “Koshihikari”—one of Japan’s most renowned rice brands—as well as “Milky Queen.”We have organized the “Rice Festival ~Good Fortune Comes to a House with Straw~” out of a desire to share the appeal of Ibaraki’s delicious rice with everyone—both our loyal customers at “Roadside Station Joso” and first-time visitors—during this new rice season.

The sentiment behind “Good Fortune Comes to the Straw-Adorned Gate” is a play on the proverb “Good Fortune Comes to the Smiling Gate,” which means that happiness naturally comes to homes and people where smiles and laughter are always present. We are hosting an event centered around rice (straw) that is full of laughter, hoping that our guests will enjoy themselves and smile,and we’re expressing our wish that “happiness will come” to them.

To bring smiles and happiness to your homes through Ibaraki Prefecture’s delicious rice and fun events, we’ve prepared a variety of activities where you can fully enjoy rice in different ways—including the highly photogenic “Rice Bale Toss Challenge,”the “Straw Pile Treasure Hunt,” the “Signature Tractor,” and the “Rice Tasting Challenge” (for 300 yen), all designed to let you enjoy rice in a variety of ways.

We’ve also prepared special deals as a token of our gratitude to everyone who supports “Roadside Station Joso.” At the “Mochi-pounding Festival,” we’ll be handing out freshly pounded mochi for free; at the Joso Inaho Dining Hall, you can get free rice refills with your set meals; and at Hagama Onigiri, you’ll receive 1.5 times the usual portion of rice balls.It’s truly an event where “fortune comes to those who open their doors to straw”—full of great deals and nonstop laughter. Please be sure to stop by during this bountiful autumn season.

■ Have you ever seen anything like this!? There are plenty of events that will make you want to take photos!

[Featured New Events]

● Rice Bale Toss Challenge

How high can you throw a rice bale (approx. 5 kg)!? This is a game where you compete to see how high you can toss it. The height marker goes up to 5 meters, and you’ll receive a prize of rice based on the height you reach. It’s a truly spectacular main event!

<Overview>

Dates: October 10 (Sat) – 12 (Mon, Holiday),

　　　　　October 24 (Sat) – 25 (Sun) *Cancelled in case of rain

Location: In front of the Grand Staircase

Time: Held twice daily—around 10:00 AM and around 1:00 PM

Participants: First 50 people for each session

Participation Fee: 1,000 yen (tax included)

Details: If you jump 5 meters or more, you’ll receive 5 kg of rice produced in Ibaraki Prefecture

　　　　　3 meters or more: Receive 3 kg of rice from Ibaraki Prefecture

　　　　　1 meter or more: Receive 1 kg of rice produced in Ibaraki Prefecture

　　　　　*For women and elementary school students in 6th grade or younger: 5 kg of rice for a throw of 3 meters or more; 3 kg of rice for a throw of 1 meter or more

Rice Bale Toss Challenge

● Treasure Hunt in the Straw Pile

A mountain of straw has appeared in the plaza!? Find treasure cards hidden among the massive pile of straw. 10 participants per round with a 1-minute time limit!

Get up to 5 kg of rice corresponding to your treasure card. A great chance to score some treasure at a great deal!!

<Overview>

Dates: October 10 (Sat) – 12 (Mon, Holiday),

　　　　　October 24 (Sat) – 25 (Sun) *Cancelled in case of rain

Location: Plaza next to the Grand Staircase

Time: Held twice each day—starting around 11:00 a.m. and around 2:00 p.m.

Capacity: First 10 participants per session

Participation Fee: 1,000 yen (tax included)

Details: 1 “Treasure Card” for 5 kg of rice produced in Ibaraki Prefecture

　　　　　10 “Treasure Cards” for 500g of Ibaraki Prefecture rice

　　　　　10 “Treasure Cards” for assorted sweets

Straw Pile Treasure Hunt

● Rice Tasting Challenge

A sensory challenge where you taste and compare three varieties of rice from Ibaraki Prefecture—including the prefecture’s representative brands “Koshihikari” and “Milky Queen,” as well as the original Ibaraki variety “Fukumaru”—all served freshly cooked. Those who guess correctly will receive a “1 kg bag of rice from Ibaraki Prefecture” as a prize!

<Overview>

Dates: October 3 (Sat) – 4 (Sun),

　　　　　October 10 (Sat) – 12 (Mon, Holiday)

Location: In front of the 1st-floor exit

Time: Held twice daily—around 10:45 a.m. and around 1:45 p.m.

Capacity: First 20 participants per session

Participation Fee: 300 yen (tax included)

<Characteristics of Each Variety (Produced in Ibaraki Prefecture)>

“Koshihikari”: Characterized by a plump texture and a well-balanced blend of moderate sweetness and umami; it features a light flavor while still offering moderate firmness and stickiness.

“Milky Queen”: Characterized by strong stickiness and a chewy texture, this rice remains soft even when cooled, making it ideal for bento boxes and onigiri.

“Fukumaru”: Its most distinctive features are its large grains—among the largest in the country—and a satisfying, hearty texture.

Rice Tasting Challenge

● Rice Side Dish Popularity Poll

We’re conducting a survey to find out which of Roadside Station Joso’s popular products pairs best with rice!

Ten winners will be selected by lottery from among those who voted for the rice accompaniment that ranked first in the poll.

Additionally, one winner will be selected from those who submit an “impactful side dish idea.”

A total of 11 winners will receive 5 kg of rice and the top-ranked rice accompaniment.

A QR code for the survey will be posted near the information counter on the first floor; please scan it to cast your vote.

<Overview>

Dates: October 1 (Thu) – 31 (Sat)

Location: Near the Information Counter on the 1st floor

Tasting Hours: (Weekdays) 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. / (Weekends and Holidays) 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Participation Fee: Free

Details: Lineup of Side Dishes to Go with Rice

　　　　　　　・Lotus Root with Kelp and Fish Roe: 849 yen (tax included)

　　　　　　　・Otemoto Meat Miso Hamburger Steak: 1,085 yen (tax included)

　　　　　　　・Chicken with Dried Anchovies and Nametake Mushrooms: 648 yen (tax included)

　　　　　　　・Chicken, Dried Anchovies, Mentaiko, and Mayo: 760 yen (tax included)

　　　　　　　・Chicken, Dried Anchovies, Plum, and Bonito Flakes: 735 yen (tax included)

Rice Side Dish Popularity Contest

● Tractor Message Board

Tractors are agricultural machines used to till the soil in fields and rice paddies and to efficiently perform various tasks. Let’s write messages on these tractors to express our gratitude to the farmers!

A photo spot you won’t find anywhere else!

<Overview>

Dates: October 10 (Sat) – 12 (Mon, Holiday)

Location: Below the Grand Staircase

Time: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Admission: Free

Sign-and-Draw Tractor

■ Our popular annual event is back!

● All-You-Can-Pack Vegetables

This agricultural event takes place every weekend.

Fill your basket with as many seasonal vegetables as you can in 30 seconds!

<Overview>

Dates: October 3 (Sat) – 4 (Sun),

　　　　October 10 (Sat) – 12 (Mon, Holiday),

　　　　October 17 (Sat) – 18 (Sun),

　　　　October 24 (Sat) – 25 (Sun),

　　　　October 31 (Sat)

Location: Special outdoor venue

Time: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. *Event ends when supplies run out

Admission: 500 yen (tax included)

Capacity: First 50 people per session

*Information regarding the vegetables’ places of origin will be provided on the day of the event.

*The selection of vegetables will be announced on our official Instagram account as soon as it is finalized.

Weekend-Only All-You-Can-Pack Vegetable Event

● Rice Scooping Game

A game where you scoop rice into a wooden cup within a 30-second time limit. Take home as much fresh new-crop rice from Ibaraki Prefecture as you can scoop!

<Overview>

Dates: October 3 (Sat) – 4 (Sun),

　　　　October 10 (Sat) – 12 (Mon, Holiday),

　　　　October 17 (Sat) – 18 (Sun),

　　　　October 24 (Sat) – 25 (Sun),

　　　　October 31 (Sat)

Location: Special outdoor venue

Time: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. *Event ends when supplies run out

Admission: 500 yen (tax included)

Capacity: First 50 people per session

Rice Scooping

● Mochi-pounding Event

We will be handing out freshly pounded mochi for free. You can choose between mitarashi and kinako flavors.

<Overview>

Dates: October 10 (Sat) – 11 (Sun)

Location: In front of the Grand Staircase *Venue subject to change depending on weather

Time: Around 11:00 a.m. each day *Event ends when supplies run out

Admission: Free

Capacity: First 50 people each day

Mochi-pounding Festival

■ An Event Where You Can Enjoy a Meal at a Great Price

● -Joso Inaho Shokudo-: Unlimited rice refills with set meals (made with rice from Ibaraki Prefecture)

“Joso Inaho Shokudo” serves meals that generously feature Ibaraki Prefecture’s signature meats—such as Hitachi Beef, Rose Pork, and Tsukuba Chicken—as well as local specialties like clams, a wide variety of seafood, Chinese cabbage, rice, and natto. For select set meals served at this restaurant, you can get “unlimited rice refills”!

<Overview>

Dates: October 17 (Sat) – 18 (Sun),

　　　　　October 24 (Sat) – 25 (Sun),

　　　　　October 31 (Sat)

Location: Joso Inaho Shokudo

Hours: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (last order)

Featured Items: Straw-Wrapped Natto Set Meal, Seafood “Bakudan” Sticky Set Meal,

　　　　　Inaho Shokudo Set Meal, Tonkatsu Set Meal, Karaage Set Meal

Joso Inaho Shokudo: Unlimited rice refills with set meals

●- Hagama Onigiri ~Inaho no Sato~- Weekdays Only! Onigiri Portions Increased by 1.5 Times! (Made with Ibaraki Prefecture rice)

At the hugely popular “Hagama Onigiri ~Inaho no Sato~” corner—featuring onigiri packed with plenty of fillings and made with Ibaraki Prefecture rice steamed to fluffy perfection in a hagama pot—two of our most popular onigiri varieties will be available in 1.5 times their usual size, exclusively on weekdays!

<Overview>

Dates: October 19 (Mon) – 30 (Fri) *Weekdays only

Location: Hagama Onigiri ~Inaho no Sato~

Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM *While supplies last

Details: Participating Items

　　　　Grilled Salmon Onigiri: October 19 (Mon) – 23 (Fri)

　　　　Allergens: Salmon

　　　　Mentaiko Rice Ball: October 26 (Mon) – 30 (Fri)

　　　　Allergens: None

Mentaiko Rice Ball: Regular Size / 1.5x Size

●-TAMAGOYA Joso Restaurant- Weekdays Only!

Free “manga-style” serving of rice with raw egg! Free large servings of plain rice and chicken rice!

The only one of its kind in Japan! “TAMAGOYA Joso Restaurant,” an egg specialty shop at Roadside Station Joso, where you can savor our original brand of eggs, “Ten-teri Eggs.”

The “Rice with Raw Egg Set,” where you can fully savor our original blend “Ten-teri Eggs,” is now available with piping-hot white rice cooked with new-crop rice served in a “manga-sized” portion! Each serving is enough for about four people.

Additionally, for customers ordering the “Tsukuba Chicken Oyakodon,” “Okukuji Shamo Oyakodon,” or “Luxury Omuburg,” we’ll provide a “free large serving” of white rice with the Oyakodon or chicken rice with the Luxury Omuburg.

<Overview>

Dates: October 16 (Fri) – 31 (Sat) *Weekdays only

Location: TAMAGOYA Joso Restaurant

Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Last Order)

“Tamagokake Gohan” Manga-Style Serving

●-TAMAGOYA Joso House- The “Ten-teri Komekome” Pudding Makes a Comeback!

TAMAGOYA Joso House is bringing back its rice pudding—made with amazake from Ishizuka Koji Shop in Joso City and 100% Ibaraki-grown rice flour—featuring a chewy texture and a mild, gentle flavor!

<Overview>

Dates: October 16 (Fri) – 31 (Sat)

Location: TAMAGOYA Joso Restaurant

Hours: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. [Last Order]

Product Name: Ten-teri Komekome Pudding

Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Gelatin

Price: 480 yen (tax included)

Tempura-Glazed Rice Pudding

●-Delicatessen Section- Limited to certain days of the week! Extra rice in rice bowls at the 1st-floor bento counter too! (Made with rice from Ibaraki Prefecture)

Our popular “Rose Pork Rice Bowl” and “Rose Pork Ginger-Style Rice Bowl” come with 50g more rice than usual (weekdays)!

The “Toro Toro Toro Rice Bowl” is available in a “Mega Portion”—170g more than usual—limited to 10 servings!

The “Toro Toro Toro Rice Bowl: Ultimate” is also available exclusively on weekends!! Don’t miss this chance to try these limited-edition items!!

<Overview>

Dates: October 16 (Fri) – 31 (Sat)

Location: Grocery aisles, prepared foods section

Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM *While supplies last

Details: ・[Weekdays Only] Rose Pork Ginger-Grilled Rice Bowl

　　　　　Price: 1,059 yen (tax included)

　　　　　Allergens: Wheat, soybeans, pork, sesame

　　　　・[Weekdays Only] Rose Pork Rice Bowl

　　　　　Price: 1,059 yen (tax included)

　　　　　Allergens: Wheat, soybeans, pork, sesame

　　　　・[Weekdays Only] Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pork Bowl (Mega Portion)

　　　　　Price: 1,815 yen (tax included) *Limited to 10 servings per day

　　　　　Allergens: Wheat, salmon roe, sesame, soybeans, mackerel

　　　　・[Weekends Only] Ultra-Tender Tuna Rice Bowl: Ultimate

　　　　　Price: 2,139 yen (tax included)

　　　　　Allergens: Wheat, salmon roe, sesame, soybeans, mackerel

　　　　*Please note that availability dates vary by item.

Rose Pork Rice Bowl / Ultra-Tender Tuna Rice Bowl (Mega Portion) / Ultra-Tender Tuna Rice Bowl (Ultimate)

*All prices include tax.

*All photos are for illustrative purposes only.

■ “Rice Festival ~Good Fortune Comes to Those Who Embrace Straw~” Event Overview

Event Name: Rice Festival ~Good Fortune Comes to Those Who Embrace Straw~

Dates: October 1 (Thu) – 31 (Sat), 2026

Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: Roadside Station Joso

Schedule:

[Featured New Events]

・Rice Bale Toss Challenge: October 10 (Sat) – 12 (Mon, Holiday), 24 (Sat) – 25 (Sun)

・Straw Pile Treasure Hunt: October 10 (Sat) – 12 (Mon, Holiday), 24 (Sat) – 25 (Sun)

・Best Side Dish for Rice Contest: October 1 (Thu) – 31 (Sat)

・Rice Tasting Challenge: October 3 (Sat) – 4 (Sun), 10 (Sat) – 12 (Mon, Holiday)

・Signature Tractor: October 10 (Sat) – 12 (Mon, Holiday)

[Annual Popular Events]

・Mochi-pounding Festival: October 10 (Sat) – 11 (Sun)

・Rice Scooping: October 3 (Sat) – 4 (Sun), 10 (Sat) – 12 (Mon, Holiday), 17 (Sat) – 18 (Sun), 24 (Sat) – 25 (Sun), 31 (Sat)

・All-You-Can-Pack Vegetable Event: October 3 (Sat) – 4 (Sun), 10 (Sat) – 12 (Mon, Holiday), 17 (Sat) – 18 (Sun), 24 (Sat) – 25 (Sun), 31 (Sat)

[Events Where You Can Enjoy Meals at Great Prices]

<Joso Inaho Cafeteria>

・Unlimited rice refills with set meals: October 17 (Sat), 18 (Sun), 24 (Sat), 25 (Sun), and 31 (Sat)

<TAMAGOYA Joso Restaurant>

・“Tsukuba Chicken Oyakodon,” “Okukuji Shamo Chicken Oyakodon,” “Deluxe Omu-Burg”

Free large portions of rice or chicken rice: October 16 (Fri) – 31 (Sat) *Weekdays only

• “Tamagokake Gohan” (Rice with Raw Egg) – Free “Manga-Style” Portion: October 16 (Fri) – 31 (Sat) *Weekdays only

<TAMAGOYA Joso House>

・“Tempura-Teriyaki Rice Pudding” on sale: October 16 (Fri) – 31 (Sat)

<Hagama Onigiri Inaho no Sato>

・1.5x-sized Hagama Onigiri: (Grilled Salmon Onigiri) October 19 (Mon) – 23 (Fri)

(Mentaiko rice ball) October 26 (Mon) – 30 (Fri)

<Deli Section>

・Extra rice with “Rose Pork Rice Bowl” and “Rose Pork Ginger-Style Rice Bowl”: October 16 (Fri) – 30 (Fri) *Weekdays only

• “Toro Toro Toro Rice Bowl” Mega Portion: October 16 (Fri) – 30 (Fri) *Weekdays only *Limited to 10 servings

・“Toro Toro Toro Rice Bowl: Ultimate”: October 17 (Sat) – 18 (Sun), 24 (Sat) – 25 (Sun), and 31 (Sat)

■ About “Roadside Station Joso”

Located right off the Ken-O Expressway Joso Interchange along National Route 294, this Roadside Station is situated in the southwestern part of Ibaraki Prefecture and serves as the gateway to the prefecture.To showcase the charms of Ibaraki and Joso to the nation, the station features a “Farmers’ Market” that primarily offers the diverse agricultural products nurtured by Joso City’s rich natural environment, as well as a “Dining Area” where you can enjoy local specialties such as Hitachi Beef, Rose Pork,and “Restaurants” where you can savor local specialties such as Hitachi Beef, Rose Pork, and Tsukuba Chicken. It also features a “Shop” offering original sweets and souvenirs made with Ibaraki Prefecture’s sweet potatoes and melons—which boast some of the highest production volumes in the country. With approximately 1,500 items—including products and menu items that can only be purchased or enjoyed here—it is a true “Food Theme Park.”

Exterior of Roadside Station Joso

■ “Michi-no-Eki Joso” Facility Overview

Name: Roadside Station Joso

Address: 1 Musubimachi, Joso City, Ibaraki Prefecture 300-2508

Area: Approximately 20,000 m²

Building Type: Steel-frame construction

Parking Capacity: 114 standard vehicles / 48 large vehicles / 4 spaces for people with disabilities /

　　　　　　　 2 EV charging stations (available 24 hours a day) | Total: 168 spaces

Facility Amenities: ・Restrooms

　　　　　　　 ・Community development facilities

　　　　　　　　 Retail spaces, dining facilities, community facilities, processing room,

　　　　　　　　 Indoor playroom, outdoor gathering area, children’s playground,

　　　　　　　　 Lawn Plaza, Baby Corner, Emergency Power Supply,

　　　　　　　　 water storage tank, public Wi-Fi, observation deck, information corner

　　　　　　　 ・Evacuation Shelter, Emergency Supply Warehouse, EV Fast Charger

Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (※Subject to change depending on the season and other factors)

Facility Management and Operation: TTC Group

　　　　　　　　(Lead Organization: TTC Co., Ltd.; Member Organization: COLLECT Co., Ltd.)

Official Website: https://www.michinoeki-joso.com/

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gogojoso/

■Company Overview

Company Name: COLLECT Co., Ltd.

Representative: President and CEO Takahito Kawagoe

Address: 3600-2 Hashimoto-cho, Mizuho, Joso City, Ibaraki Prefecture

Main Business Activities: Management and operation of Roadside Station Joso

　　　　　　　 Development, manufacturing, and sales of tourist souvenirs,

　　　　　　　 Processing and sale of handicrafts and folk art,

　　　　　　　 Sales of food products; operation of restaurants; and operations related to regional trading company business

URL: https://www.collect-joso.com