Hello, everyone! I’m delighted to join as a new contributor. My passion? “Michi no Eki”, or roadside stations. Yes, that’s right, I’m the kind of person who visits Roadside Stations every day, no matter the weather—rain, wind, or even during a typhoon!

My name is Ayumi, and I’m here to introduce you to the wonders of roadside stations across Kumamoto Prefecture. Just like fans call Ayumi Hamasaki “Hama Ayu,” you can call me “Michi Ayu,” the Roadside Station Princess.

Believe it or not, visiting roadside stations is a part of my daily life. Kumamoto has the highest number of roadside stations in Kyushu—35 in total—and I’m proud to say I’ve visited them all. You’ll often find me popping into various stations throughout the prefecture.

Lately, I’ve been visiting a particular station four times a week—it’s like going to the local supermarket even though it’s not exactly nearby. It’s a strange habit; I often find myself at a roadside station without even planning it. Once I start talking about roadside stations, I can go on forever—so my friends say!

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Now that October has brought the cool breeze of fall, it’s the perfect time for leaf peeping, and what better way to enhance the experience than stopping at ideal roadside stations along the way?

This time, I visited…

1. Michi no Eki Toyo (Toyo, Yatsushiro City)

Station Toyo is located in a remote area of Yatsushiro known for its legends of the Heike fallen warriors. It serves as the gateway to the popular autumn leaf viewing spot, Gokanosho (五家荘).

When heading to Gokanosho, it’s wise to stop at Station Toyo for restroom breaks since there are few other stops along the way.

This station is one of the newest to join the ranks of Kumamoto Prefecture’s official 35 Roadside Stations, although it wasn’t newly built. Instead, the area around the existing Toyo Community Exchange Center “Seseragi” and its surrounding park was registered as a roadside station in March 2021.

The town of Toyo is recognized as a Japanese Heritage Site for its stone-working history, and multiple stone bridges from this tradition still surround the station.

Moreover, the area is a hub for ginger production, which is second highest in Japan, with most of it harvested right here. Ginger, known for its health benefits such as warming the body and boosting immunity, is at its peak in September and October—making it the perfect season to visit!

At the station’s product hall “Saiteki Kan,” you can find a wide array of ginger products throughout the year. However, during this season, you can buy freshly harvested ginger, which I highly recommend.

It’s so popular that it often sells out by the afternoon, so you’ll want to visit in the morning.

The station even has a hot spring, so for those returning from viewing the autumn leaves, stopping at the station’s onsen to relax is also a great option.

Interestingly, the kanji for “Saitekikan” (菜摘館) has been misread as “Natsumikan” for many years by some, including myself… but it’s actually pronounced “Saitekikan.” That’s our little secret!

Ginger! Ginger! Ginger!!

The station’s dining area heavily features ginger on its menu, allowing visitors to enjoy various dishes made with this versatile ingredient.

If you’re looking for a local specialty to try, don’t miss the ginger ice cream!

In addition to its food offerings, Michi no Eki Toyo also has an onsen facility, a park, and is thus a great place for both adults and children to spend time and relax.

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Michi-no-Eki Toyo (道の駅東陽)
Address: 1051-1 Toyomachiminami, Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県八代市東陽町南1051-1) [Google Maps]
Phone: 0965-65-2112
Operating Hours: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Closed: New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Facilities: Product hall, dining area, park, bathing facilities, diaper changing sheets, and accessible toilets
Note: Operating hours for the bathing facilities and dining area may vary, and the station is also closed on Wednesdays.
Website: https://www.toyo-seseragi.com/

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2. Michi no Eki Komoriuta no Sato (Itsuki Village)

Situated amidst the 1000-meter-high mountains of Kuma area’s Itsuki Village, Station Komoriuta no Sato Itsuki is named after the famous “Itsuki Lullaby.”

Surrounded by nature, this area may not have specific landmarks like the suspension bridges or waterfalls of Gokanosho, but the vibrant colors of red, orange, and yellow during autumn provide a stunning backdrop for a scenic drive.

Whenever I visit Gokanosho for its autumn scenery, including the waterfalls and bridges, I make this station my final stop to enjoy a fulfilling drive.

Station Komoriuta no Sato Itsuki features thatched-roof traditional houses and hot spring facilities that replicate the lifestyle of ancient residents. Although the bungee jumping into the nearby Kawabe River is only available seasonally, it offers a thrilling experience for the adventurous.

Nope nope nope. Way too scary for me!

This station is in a picturesque location. While the product hall isn’t very large, it is distinctive for its unique offerings, such as game meat—Ituski Village is known to have more deer than people.

Another local specialty is the “legendary mandarin orange” called the kunebu, which is in season from early November to mid-December. Even outside the peak season, you can purchase products made from kunebu, including ice cream.

Adjacent to the station, Itsuki Honpo offers thick and delicious fried tofu that is highly recommended.

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Michi-no-Eki Komoriuta no Sato Itsuki (道の駅子守唄の里五木)
Address: 2672-54 Ko, Itsuki Village, Kuma District, Kumamoto Prefecture [Google Maps]
Phone: 0966-37-2301
Operating Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Closed: Year-end, New Year, and the third Tuesday of each month from December to March
Facilities: Product hall, dining area, snack bar, EV charging, RV park, park, bathing facilities, diaper changing sheets, and accessible toilets
Website: https://www.itsuki-bussan.net/

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3. Michi-no-eki Oguni Yu-Station (Oguni Town)

The final roadside station I’m introducing is “Oguni Yu-Station”, located in a completely different area, in Oguni Town near Mt Aso, but equally notable for its beautiful autumn foliage.

Oguni Yu Station stands out with its visually striking exterior. It’s the first building in Japan constructed using a wooden 3D truss.

If you’re looking for souvenirs from Aso or Oguni after a scenic autumn drive, this is the place to visit. Unlike other stations, the product hall here focuses on packaged products and souvenirs rather than just fresh produce.

Don’t Miss the Second Floor! This is a key spot for me. Upstairs, you’ll find a visitor information center packed with local Oguni info. You can also directly ask the knowledgeable staff stationed there about anything that piques your interest—I, for one, tend to prefer the analog approach!

Local insiders are there to share invaluable tips, including updates on the progression of fall colors, making it a great first stop before you set out to explore the area’s autumnal beauty.

Michi-no-Eki Oguni Yu Station (道の駅小国ゆうステーション)
Address: 1754-17 Oaza Miyahara, Oguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県阿蘇郡小国町大字宮原1754-17) [Google Maps]
Phone: 0967-46-4111
Operating Hours: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM (contact for New Year’s hours)
Open Year-Round
Facilities: Product hall, EV charging, diaper changing sheets, accessible toilets
Note: The onsite ‘Woody Town’ offers meals and snacks.
Website: https://www.qsr.mlit.go.jp/n-michi/michi_no_eki/kobetu/oguni/oguni.html

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This time, I’ve introduced three roadside stations you won’t want to miss when out viewing autumn leaves. Next time, get ready for the season of new soba! I’ll be showcasing three roadside stations where you can enjoy delicious fresh soba noodles. Stay tuned!

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The above was translated and adapted from an article on our Japanese-language sister website ALT Kumamoto. For the original content, see the article below!

熊本の紅葉ドライブ2025決定版！道の駅を知り尽くした達人のおすすめ3選