Station Kurume

Taste the Heart of Kyushu’s Agricultural Heritage

Nestled along National Route 210 just seven kilometers east of Kurume city center, Kurume roadside station sits at the gateway to the lush Kurokawa Highlands, where fertile fields meet ancient woodlands. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Chikugo Plain and the serene Kurokawa River, this vibrant hub offers travelers more than a pit stop—it's a celebration of local life, flavor, and tradition.

Renowned for its exceptional variety and quality of fresh produce, Kurume features the "Hotomeki no Sato" market, where daily harvests of cabbage, radishes, and seasonal fruits are proudly displayed. Visitors can savor local flavors at "Hotomeki-an," a restaurant dedicated to hearty, farm-fresh dishes, or enjoy artisanal soft-serve and rotating pastries at "Yutaa~tto Cafe Maimai." With seasonal events like the Willow Grove Festival and interactive digital scavenger hunts, Kurume invites guests to explore, taste, and connect with the region’s rich agricultural and cultural spirit.

Visit Kurume roadside station to experience the only place in the region where you can taste fresh, hand-harvested turnips and cabbage directly from local farms—both now in peak season. The station’s “Hotomeki no Sato” market showcases produce from Kurume’s top agricultural producers, including the famed “Kurume Red Cabbage” known for its crisp texture and deep flavor. With seasonal events like the annual turnip harvest festival and daily tastings by farmers themselves, it’s a rare chance to connect directly with the land and its bounty.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s first batch of fresh kohlrabi and cabbage, which are highlighted in the daily agricultural updates and often sell out by midday.

• Hidden Gems: Head to the "Hotomeki no Sato" farm produce market by 10:00 AM on weekends to catch the live sampling event featuring local growers, where you can taste seasonal vegetables like kohlrabi and seasonal fruits before purchasing.

• Weekend Special: On the first Sunday of each month, participate in the "Kurume’s Deliciousness Digital Stamp Rally" by scanning QR codes at the roadside station and nearby attractions such as the Yashima Hazenami and the Kurume Green Flower Center to collect exclusive digital stamps and unlock special discounts.

• Best Purchase Deal: Use the "Ganbaru Pay" or "Premium Gift Voucher" at the farm produce market to get a 10% discount on kohlrabi, cabbage, and other seasonal vegetables listed in the current agricultural update from November 3, 2025.

• Foodie Tip: Order the "Daily Special Dago Soup Set" at Hoteiki-an restaurant between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM, as this is when the chef prepares the day’s fresh vegetable selection, ensuring maximum flavor and availability.

• Unique Local Product: Buy the "Milk Bread" at the takeout café Maimai between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays, as it is baked fresh in the morning and sold out by noon.

• Event Timing: Visit the roadside station on November 11 to attend the "Yashima Hazenami Festival" event, where local farmers and producers set up temporary stalls in the parking area, offering limited-edition seasonal produce and handmade goods not available elsewhere.

Spring (March-May): Late March to early April features the Kuruume Tsubaki Fair and spring planting festivals, with fresh seasonal vegetables available at the roadside station.

Summer (June-August): August brings grape picking and the Chikugo River Fireworks Festival, while fresh produce remains abundant.

Autumn (September-November): October offers chestnut and persimmon picking, with the November Yashima Haze Festival highlighting local harvest traditions.

Winter (December-February): December through February features the sake brewery opening and the Kuruume Plant Festival, with seasonal dishes available at the restaurant.