Savor the Essence of Kyushu’s Heartland
Tachibana roadside station welcomes travelers at the southern gateway of Fukuoka Prefecture, nestled along National Route 3 amidst lush greenery and rolling farmland. More than a rest stop, it’s a vibrant celebration of local life, where seasonal festivals like the Dream Plum Blossom Festival in February and the Summer Firefly and Tea Festival in June bring the community to life. At the heart of the experience is a celebration of regional flavors—from fresh mountain vegetables and sweet local strawberries to the famed bamboo shoots, which guests can enjoy freshly boiled on-site.
The station’s centerpiece, the restaurant complex "Shochozume," offers a diverse menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, including the region’s renowned grilled free-range chicken and a unique bamboo shoot hot pot. With a bustling farmers’ market, real-time travel and weather information, and thoughtful amenities like baby care rooms and EV charging, Tachibana delivers a seamless, enriching journey through the rural charm of northern Kyushu.
Why Visit
Tachibana roadside station is uniquely defined by its seasonal celebration of the region’s famed bamboo shoots, harvested from the surrounding hills of Yame. Each April, visitors can purchase freshly dug shoots and have them boiled on-site in a massive communal pot—an experience exclusive to this location. Equally distinctive is the limited-edition strawberry soft candy made with Fukuoka-grown amaou strawberries, a sweet treat found nowhere else. These two signature offerings—boiled bamboo shoots and local strawberry candy—make Tachibana a must-visit for food lovers seeking authentic, place-specific experiences.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor the essence of Yufu at Tachibana roadside station, where seasonal ingredients shine in diverse, locally inspired dishes.
Zhaozhu Mei
招竹梅
Specialty
Local ingredients from Yame City, seasonal dishes
A dining hall offering a variety of menus made with fresh local ingredients from Yame City. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for enjoying regional cuisine in a relaxed setting.
Kabutoya
かぶと屋
Specialty
Local specialty food and snacks
A food stall offering a variety of local snacks and seasonal treats, emphasizing traditional flavors and regional ingredients.
Shopping Highlights
Discover fresh produce and artisanal goods at Tachibana’s roadside station, a vibrant marketplace of regional treasures.
Tachibana Town Agricultural Products Direct Sales
立花町農産物等直売所
A direct sales store offering fresh seasonal vegetables, fruits, dried goods, processed foods, and local beverages.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Bamboo Shoots
Bamboo Factory
バンブー工場
A craft shop specializing in bamboo-based products and handmade crafts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Bamboo crafts
Yame Wine Factory
立花ワイン工場
A wine factory producing locally made wines using regional grapes.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yame Wine
Featured Products
Experience signature local flavors, from fresh bamboo shoots to premium fruits and handmade specialties.
Strawberry Soft Candy
いちごソフトキャンディー
A soft candy made with fresh Fukuoka-grown strawberries, offering a sweet and juicy texture.
Fresh Shiitake Mushrooms
原木生椎茸
Thick, juicy shiitake mushrooms grown on natural logs, ideal for grilling or sautéing.
Autumn King Persimmon
秋王
A premium persimmon with high sugar content, crisp texture, and minimal seeds. Perfect for gifts or personal enjoyment.
White Alyssum
白のアリッサム
A delicate white flower with a light sweet fragrance, ideal for flower arrangements and garden borders.
Bamboo Shoots
タケノコ
Freshly harvested bamboo shoots known for their tenderness and sweetness, available in season.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, EV charging, and 24-hour information services.
Parking Lot
Large parking: 13 vehicles, ordinary parking: 127 vehicles, disabled parking: 3 vehicles, motorcycle parking: 7 vehicles (available 24 hours)
Toilet
Men's and women's toilets, universal toilet, diaper changing station (available 24 hours)
Baby Room
2 diaper changing stations, 2 breastfeeding rooms (available 24 hours)
EV Charging Port
1 charging station (available 24 hours)
Information Center
Tourism information desk and rest area (available 24 hours)
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless internet access available
ATM
JA Bank ATM
Water Fountain
Well water filtered through bamboo charcoal, available for drinking (24 hours)
Activities & Experiences
Engage in seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and immersive experiences celebrating Yufu’s culture and nature.
Bamboo Shoot Boiling Experience
たけのこ茹で体験
Participants can have freshly harvested bamboo shoots boiled on-site in a large pot, enjoying the unique service that allows them to cook large bamboo shoots that don't fit in regular home pots.
Duration
30 min
Plum Blossom Viewing Festival
観梅会
Enjoy the beautiful plum blossoms in full bloom during the annual plum blossom viewing festival held in February, featuring scenic walks and cultural activities.
Duration
120 min
Best enjoyed on clear, mild days; avoid rainy or windy conditions.
New Tea and Firefly Festival
新茶とホタル祭
Celebrate the arrival of spring with a festival featuring fresh tea tasting and a firefly viewing event in the surrounding natural areas.
Duration
180 min
Firefly viewing is best on warm, humid, and dark nights; avoid bright moonlight.
Rice Cake Making Workshop
だご汁セット作り体験
Learn to make traditional Japanese rice cake soup (dango soup) using local ingredients, including seasonal vegetables and regional rice cakes.
Duration
60 min
Local Produce Tasting Tour
地元農産物試食ツアー
Take a guided tour through the roadside station’s fresh produce stalls to sample seasonal fruits, vegetables, and local processed foods, with explanations from local farmers.
Duration
90 min
Insider Tips
Visit during the plum blossom festival for special treats and seasonal highlights only available then.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure the first batch of fresh bamboo shoots, which are prepared and served in the large boiling pot on-site starting at 10:00 AM during the April bamboo season.
- Hidden Gems: At the deli counter in the agricultural direct sales shop, look for the limited-time "Strawberry Soft Candy" made with Fukuoka-grown amao strawberries—only available during the winter months and sold out quickly.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the "Kabutoya" stand between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to try the exclusive "Kabuto Manju," a traditional local sweet that is only made and sold during the seasonal events.
- Seasonal Must-Try: During the April "Rengesai" (Purslane Festival) and May/June "New Tea and Firefly Festival," arrive by 11:30 AM to access the exclusive "Salt Yufu Tea Soft" at the "Shochu Mei" restaurant, which is only available during these events and sells out by 1:00 PM.
- Best Use of Facilities: Use the bamboo charcoal-filtered water station located near the parking area for drinking water—this is the only place at Tachibana roadside station where you can access filtered well water from the bamboo charcoal system.
- Event Timing: Attend the "Dream Tachibana Plum Viewing Festival" in February by 9:30 AM, as the event’s main viewing area opens at 9:00 AM and the plum blossoms are best seen before midday when crowds peak.
- Smart Dining Strategy: Order the "Daigo Soup Set" at "Shochu Mei" before 11:00 AM, as this menu item is only available during morning hours and is not served after 12:00 PM, making it a morning-only special.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Visit in late February for the Dream Tachibana Plum Blossom Festival, and enjoy fresh bamboo shoots and early seasonal produce.
Summer (June-August): Late June to early July features the New Tea and Firefly Festival, with fireflies visible near the roadside station.
Autumn (September-November): Late September brings the sweet, seedless 'Autumn King' persimmons and fresh mushrooms.
Winter (December-February): Early February hosts the Plum Blossom Festival, celebrating the region’s iconic blossoms.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Tachibana roadside station offers baby-changing facilities, nursing rooms, and stroller-friendly pathways. It includes a play area and child-oriented food options like seasonal soft candies and kid-friendly meals. The environment is safe and accessible with 24-hour restrooms and information centers.
Food Lover Review
Tachibana features diverse dining with five restaurants using local ingredients. It offers unique regional specialties such as fresh bamboo shoots and seasonal soft candies. The farm market sells high-quality produce, and the 'bake-on-site' bamboo shoot service enhances the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
The station provides ample parking, 24-hour restrooms, and a water station with filtered bamboo charcoal water. However, it lacks designated overnight parking, camping facilities, and quiet zones, limiting its suitability for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Tachibana is surrounded by lush greenery and natural landscapes along National Route 3. It offers seasonal beauty with cherry blossoms in February and fireflies in summer. The peaceful setting and well-maintained grounds enhance its scenic appeal.