Official Guide: Misato Town Junsai Day 2026 on Resort Shirakami & at Higashi-Noshiro Station

This guidance applies to travelers planning to ride Resort Shirakami Train No. 3 on June 30, 2026, or visit Higashi-Noshiro Station on the same day. It details special events promoting the local specialty "junsai" (watershield) organized by JR East Akita Branch.

Who This Guidance Applies To

• Passengers holding reservations or planning to board Resort Shirakami Train No. 3 on June 30, 2026, particularly between Ichinoharako (八郎潟) and Iwatodate (岩館) stations.
• Travelers passing through or stopping at Higashi-Noshiro Station on June 30, 2026, between 10:00 and 15:00.
• Individuals interested in experiencing local Akita Prefecture culture and the seasonal delicacy "junsai."

Event Schedule and Steps for Participation

The "Misato Town Junsai Day 2026" comprises several simultaneous events on the train and at the station. Participation is free unless specified otherwise. Here is the ordered schedule of events:

Step 1: Junsai Tasting & Consultation at Higashi-Noshiro Station (Pre-Boarding)

1. Event: "Junsai" Tasting & "Ask Anything" Consultation.
2. Location: Waiting room, Higashi-Noshiro Station.
3. Date & Time: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 10:00 to 15:00.
4. Action: Visit the station waiting room to receive information on JR East services, including JRE POINT, Mobile Suica, and eki-net. Travelers who make a consultation will receive a free sample of junsai.

Step 2: On-Train Junsai Distribution (Resort Shirakami No. 3)

1. Event: Complimentary Junsai Distribution and Misato Town Tourism PR.
2. Location: Onboard Resort Shirakami Train No. 3.
3. Date & Time: Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Train departs Ichinoharako (八郎潟) at 11:21 and arrives at Higashi-Noshiro (東能代) at 11:45.
4. Action: Receive a complimentary serving of junsai and tourism information from staff of the Misato Town Tourism Association while the train travels between Ichinoharako and Higashi-Noshiro.

Step 3: Flowing Junsai Experience at Higashi-Noshiro Station Platform

1. Event: "Nagashi Junsai" (Flowing Junsai) Catching Experience.
2. Location: Platform 1, Higashi-Noshiro Station.
3. Date & Time: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in two sessions:
   • Session 1: 11:45 – 11:54 (after Train No. 3 arrives)
   • Session 2: 12:19 – 12:25 (after Train No. 2 arrives)
4. Action: During the specified stop times of Resort Shirakami trains, participate in a free event where junsai is floated in water on the platform, and you can catch it with disposable chopsticks.

Step 4: On-Train Junsai Sales (Resort Shirakami No. 3)

1. Event: Special Sale of Boiled Junsai Water Pack.
2. Location: Onboard Resort Shirakami Train No. 3.
3. Date & Time: Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Train departs Ichinoharako (八郎潟) at 11:21 and arrives at Iwatodate (岩館) at 12:42.
4. Action: During this segment of the journey, sales staff will come through the cars selling "Boiled Junsai Water Packs" for purchase.

Limits and Exceptions

• Payment Method for Sales: Purchases of the "Boiled Junsai Water Pack" on the train are only possible with transportation IC cards (e.g., Suica, PASMO). The source notice explicitly states that cash and credit cards are not accepted.
• Availability: The quantity of junsai for distribution (on-train tasting and at-station samples) is limited. The sale on the train is also subject to stock limits.
• Schedule Changes: The events may be changed or canceled without prior notice due to train delays or other operational reasons. This is noted in the official source.
• Hygiene Restriction: For hygiene reasons, eating and drinking is prohibited near the "Nagashi Junsai" activity area on the Higashi-Noshiro Station platform.
• Source Specification: The official notice does not specify a price for the "Boiled Junsai Water Pack." It also does not detail the exact content of the "tourism PR" or specify if there are any eligibility requirements for the free consultations or samples beyond being present at the station or on the train.

What Travelers Should Prepare (Based on Source Information)

• For Junsai Purchase on Train: Ensure you have a functioning, charged transportation IC card with sufficient balance. Cash and cards will not be accepted.
• For "Nagashi Junsai" Experience: The event uses disposable chopsticks, but participants should be prepared to get their hands wet.
• General: Make standard preparations for riding Resort Shirakami (e.g., reservation if required). The source does not advise bringing any other special items.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is participation in the events free?

Yes, the "Nagashi Junsai" experience on the platform and the junsai tasting/distribution on the train and at the station consultation are all free of charge. Only the "Boiled Junsai Water Pack" sold on the train requires payment (via IC card only).

Q2: Can I participate in the Higashi-Noshiro Station events without a train ticket?

The waiting room consultation event is in the station's public waiting area. The platform event requires a valid platform ticket or train ticket, as it is conducted on the platform (Platform 1). The source does not specify exceptions for non-travelers.

Q3: What is "junsai" and why is it associated with Misato Town?

According to the source, junsai is a plant from the water lily family harvested in ponds and lakes. Its main harvest season is May to August, with June and July being peak. It is considered a luxury ingredient. Misato Town (三種町) is a major production area in Japan and is known as "Junsai no Machi" (The Town of Junsai).

Q4: Will the event schedule definitely go ahead as stated?

The official source states that the schedule is subject to change or cancellation without notice due to train delays or other factors. It is advisable to check for last-minute updates via official JR East channels if possible.

Q5: Are there English-language announcements or support at these events?

The official source notice provided is entirely in Japanese and does not mention multilingual support. Non-Japanese speaking travelers should be prepared for Japanese-language only interactions.

Official Source

Source Label

Official Organization (JR East)

Original Japanese Headline

「三種町じゅんさいday 2026 in リゾートしらかみ＆東能代駅」を開催します

Publication Time

June 4, 2026, 05:07 UTC

Source Site

JR East News Press Release, Akita Branch

Source Link

Official Press Release (PDF) - jreast.co.jp

This guide is based exclusively on the official JR East press release dated June 4, 2026. All schedules, conditions, and limitations are as stated in the source. Travelers should refer to the official link for the most authoritative information, especially closer to the event date.