Local Events & News

The pleasant May breeze has arrived. Rice paddies in Kakuda are filled with water, and the satoyama hills are lush and vibrant.

We'd love for you to visit "Michi-no-Eki Kakuda" (Roadside Station Kakuda), just about 10 minutes by car from MARUKI Saifuku. Opened in 2019 as a community hub for Kakuda, it features freshly harvested vegetables delivered by local farmers each morning, seasonal fruits, and a wide selection of local products.

May is peak season for early summer greens — freshly picked asparagus, snap peas, and crisp lettuce fill the shelves. Kakuda is also known for its three signature products: rice, soybeans, and plums. You'll find popular local items like miso and tofu made from Kakuda-grown soybeans, as well as plum preserves. For a unique souvenir, look for products featuring Kakuda's "space rice" or the local shochu "Muuhime no Koi," made from Kakuda-grown space potatoes.

The attached food court also serves dishes featuring Kakuda-grown ingredients. Why not stop by during your drive and take home a taste of Kakuda?

For guests staying at MARUKI Saifuku, it's the perfect stop before check-in or after check-out.

As the trees reach their most vibrant greens, we'd love to recommend the "Abukuma Line Boat Ride" in neighboring Marumori Town.

Drift along the gorge carved by the Abukuma River over millennia, guided by a boatman on a leisurely 70-minute journey. May is when the fresh greenery on both banks is at its most beautiful — the reflections of verdant leaves and striking rock formations on the water create a natural scroll painting. The river breeze and gentle pace offer a perfect escape from everyday life.

The boatman's stories about the history of the Abukuma River and local life in Marumori add a special charm to the trip. Passengers of all ages are welcome aboard.

After the boat ride, we recommend exploring Marumori Town. Visit "Sairi Yashiki," a historic merchant estate open to the public since the Edo period, or enjoy forest bathing at "Fudoson Park" along the clear stream.

Marumori Town is only about 20 minutes by car from MARUKI Saifuku — a perfect activity for the day after your stay.

On May 5 (Tue, National Holiday), the "33rd Kakuda Space Kids Festival" will be held at Daiyama Park in Kakuda City.

Kakuda is home to the JAXA Kakuda Space Center, and this annual festival offers unique space-themed experiences including water rocket launches and daytime astronomical observations. There are also activities for the whole family such as trout catching, tree climbing, and yosakoi dance performances.

Children (elementary school age and under) can collect stamps on a planetary stamp rally — collect 4 stamps for a chance at the capsule toy machine. Food stalls will also be available.