Station Buzen Okoshikake

Where Sea and Mountain Meet in Flavor and Tradition

Buzen Okoshikake, nestled at the border of Fukuoka and Oita Prefectures along National Route 10, is more than a roadside station—it’s a celebration of regional heritage and seasonal abundance. Tucked between lush farmland and coastal charm, this vibrant hub offers travelers a true taste of Kyushu’s diverse landscape. With its recently refreshed restrooms and updated tourism information center, the station provides comfort and convenience for all visitors.

What sets Buzen Okoshikake apart is its rich array of local specialties. Discover the famed Mirai Salmon, harvested from local waters and available on weekends, alongside the legendary Buzen Sea One-Grain Oyster, sun-ripened pumpkin, and fragrant yuzu. The on-site food stalls serve up irresistible dishes like sea bream fritters, tofu hamburgers, and fresh fig soft serve, while seasonal festivals like the Autumn Harvest Festival and Sweet Corn Fair bring the community to life. Whether sampling produce, exploring cultural events, or enjoying panoramic views from nearby parks, every visit feels like a journey into the heart of rural Kyushu.

Buzen Okoshikake stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering freshly harvested, locally raised "Mirai Salmon" — a rare, sustainably farmed salmon variety available exclusively on weekends. Visitors can also savor the unique "Yuzu and Pumpkin" combo, a signature local specialty made from the area’s famed "Buzen no Koku Kaba" (Fukoka’s National Pumpkin), transformed into seasonal jams, sweets, and savory dishes. These are not just products — they’re edible stories of the land.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure the limited supply of fresh "Mirai Salmon" sold at the roadside station, which is only available during weekend hours and often sells out by midday.

• Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter at the food stall area for "Fukuo-ya" brand pickled vegetables, which are made using traditional methods from locally grown produce and are only available during the "Autumn Harvest Festival" event.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the "Ichijiku Festival" stall between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to purchase fresh, locally grown "Ichijiku" (figs) directly from farmers in the Kyokyu region, available only during the August 28 to September 3 festival window.

• Best Time for Fresh Produce: Arrive by 10:30 AM on weekdays to purchase the day’s first batch of "Fukuo-ya" brand sweet corn, which is freshly harvested from the Kyokyu area and sold only during the "Sweet Corn Fair" event, typically running from late July through August.

• Information Corner Advantage: Visit the information corner between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM on weekends to speak directly with a staff member who can provide detailed maps and directions to nearby attractions such as the Yama Kuni Bridge and the Hata Reizen spring, which are not listed in standard guidebooks.

• EV Charging Tip: Use the EV charging station located near the main parking area between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the station is least busy and you can charge your vehicle without waiting, especially during peak weekend traffic.

• Souvenir Strategy: Purchase the limited-edition "Okoshikake Harvest Box" at the souvenir counter during the "Autumn Harvest Festival" event (September 23 to October 7), as it includes seasonal items like pickled vegetables, fig jam, and a branded coaster—only available during this period and not sold year-round.

Spring (March-May): Visit during the 3rd week for the 25th Anniversary Celebration; fresh sweet corn is available from late May.

Summer (June-August): Enjoy the ichijiku (fig) festival in late August; seasonal seafood and mountain ingredients feature in local dishes.

Autumn (September-November): Ideal for the autumn harvest festival and sweet corn fair; fresh figs and seasonal produce peak.

Winter (December-February): Limited seasonal events; best for quiet visits and local specialties like mirai salmon on weekends.