Discover the Heart of Satsuma at Ibusuki Roadside Station
Nestled along National Route 226, Ibusuki Roadside Station stands as a vibrant gateway to the scenic beauty of southern Kagoshima. Positioned at the crossroads of the scenic Ibusuki Peninsula and the sparkling waters of the Kirishima Bay, it offers panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes. More than just a rest stop, this PFI-managed facility is a cultural and culinary hub, welcoming over three million visitors annually.
At Ibusuki, travelers experience the region’s essence through local specialties like the famed Okra Soft Cream and the hearty Seafood Hand Box. The on-site Seafood Restaurant Kai音 serves fresh catches from Kirishima Bay, while the Okra-themed fast food and regional craft beer add unique flair. With a signature pink and green lookout post and a lucky bell to ring for good fortune, every visit feels like a memorable journey.
Why Visit
Ibusuki roadside station stands out as the only roadside station in Japan to feature a pink and green striped post on its ocean-facing lookout—perfect for unique photo ops with sweeping views of Kagoshima’s Ikeda Lake and the distant Sakurajima volcano. Its standout culinary experience is the exclusive Okra Soft Cream, made from Kagoshima’s famed high-quality okra, and the signature Seafood Hand Basket, a generous bowl of fresh catch from the Ibusuki waters, including local mackerel and squid.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh seafood and local flavors at Ibusuki roadside station, where ocean-inspired dishes meet regional pride.
Seafood Restaurant Umise
海鮮レストラン海音
Specialty
Fresh seafood from Kagoshima Bay
A seafood restaurant located on the second floor offering fresh fish dishes with a focus on local ingredients. The atmosphere is relaxed and scenic, with views of Kagoshima Bay and the surrounding natural landscape.
Fast Food Corner
ファストフードコーナー
Specialty
Fresh Okra-based treats and local snacks
A quick-service food stall offering light meals and popular local specialties. The atmosphere is casual and convenient for travelers seeking fast, satisfying food.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local treasures and seasonal goods at Ibusuki's vibrant roadside station shop.
Sakana Canteen
彩花菜館
A general retail shop offering a wide variety of local products including fresh produce, processed foods, and seasonal items.
Products
Must-Try Item
Okra-based products
Craft Beer Shop
クラフトビール
A shop specializing in locally brewed craft beer from Ibusuki Brewery, featuring unique and flavorful brews.
Products
Must-Try Item
Ibusuki Craft Beer
Okra Specialty Shop
オクラ専門店
A dedicated shop for okra and okra-related products, including fresh okra, processed goods, and seasonal items.
Products
Must-Try Item
IPM Okra
Sakana Canteen
彩花菜館
A souvenir shop offering locally made products, including traditional snacks and regional crafts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Okra Gift Box
Featured Products
Sample signature treats like Okra soft cream and premium Katsuo-dashi, crafted from Ibusuki’s finest ingredients.
Okra Soft Cream
オクラソフトクリーム
A unique soft cream made with fresh okra, known for its smooth texture and subtle sweetness.
Cremia
クレミア
A rich and creamy dessert with a smooth, indulgent flavor, made with high-quality ingredients.
Okra Gift Box
オクラギフトBOX
A curated gift set featuring fresh okra and a variety of okra-based processed products.
IPM Okra
IPMオクラ
Organically grown okra cultivated using eco-friendly methods with natural pest control.
Okra Somen
オクラそうめん
A refreshing noodle dish with generous amounts of fresh okra, perfect for summer.
Mango Sapling
マンゴーの苗木
A mature mango sapling of the 'Apple Mango' (Arwin) variety, grown in a controlled greenhouse.
New Rice 'Natsuhonoka'
新米「なつほのか」
Freshly harvested rice from Kagoshima Prefecture, known for its gentle sweetness and firm texture.
Cracked Sablé
割れサブレ
A traditional Japanese biscuit with a delicate texture and rich buttery flavor, slightly imperfect due to natural production variations.
Pulmonary and Bougainvillea Saplings
プルメリア&ブーゲンビリア
Tropical plant saplings ideal for indoor or outdoor decoration, known for their vibrant colors and easy care.
Ibusuki Craft Beer
いぶすきブルワリー
Locally brewed craft beer with a fruity and refreshing taste, made using traditional methods.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, and information kiosks at Ibusuki roadside station.
Parking
The roadside station has two parking areas: the first parking area can accommodate 70 regular cars, 4 disabled parking spaces, and 4 large vehicle spaces; the second parking area can accommodate 60 regular cars. The parking is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
First and second parking areas
Public Toilets
Public toilets are available at the roadside station. A renovation project is underway to replace the existing public toilets with an 'information rest facility' that will also provide space for viewing road conditions and tourist information while resting.
Near the entrance and within the facility
Information Center
The information center provides various services including road information, nearby 'Michi no Eki' details, tourist information about surrounding attractions, medical information, and disaster and weather updates. It features an information terminal (tablet) available from 9:00 to 17:30.
Information corner
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available at the roadside station through an information terminal (tablet) provided for visitors to access road, tourist, medical, and disaster-related information.
Information terminal area
Play Area
The roadside station features a grassy area that serves as a play and relaxation space for visitors, especially families with children.
Grass area near the front entrance
Nursing Room
A baby care facility is available for parents with infants, located within the station's rest area.
Infant care facility
EV Charging Station
The roadside station does not currently list an EV charging station. No information about EV charging facilities is provided.
Not available
ATM
An ATM is available at the roadside station for visitor convenience.
Near the entrance
Pet Area
The roadside station does not explicitly mention a pet area. No dedicated pet-friendly facilities are listed.
Not available
Activities & Experiences
Join seasonal events and hands-on experiences, from Okra harvesting to local craft workshops.
Okra Harvesting Experience
オクラのつかみどり
Participants can pick fresh okra directly from the fields. This hands-on activity is available for 100 yen per session, with one participation allowed per person.
Duration
30 min
Okra Quiz for Children
オクラクイズ
Children can participate in a fun quiz about okra. Those who answer all questions correctly will be entered into a draw to win an okra gift box.
Duration
20 min
Freshly Shaved Bonito Flakes Tasting
本枯節削りたて販売
Participants can taste freshly shaved high-quality bonito flakes and purchase them. A sample of okra with bonito dressing is also available for tasting.
Duration
15 min
Okra Noodles Tasting
カップで食べる！オクラそうめん
Participants can enjoy a limited-time, fresh okra noodle dish served in a cup. Known for its smooth texture and generous okra content, this special offering is available in limited quantities.
Duration
20 min
Okra Gift Box Purchase
オクラギフトBOX
Buy a gift box containing fresh okra and various okra-based processed products. Ideal as a souvenir or gift. Available only via cool shipment.
Duration
10 min
Mini Tomato Picking
ミニトマト詰め放題
Guests can freely pick mini tomatoes from the farm. This fun activity allows visitors to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce.
Duration
30 min
Sea Grape Fishing
海ぶどうすくい
Participants can try catching sea grapes (sea grapes) from a pond. A fun and interactive activity suitable for families.
Duration
30 min
Oyster Crab Fishing
オニテナガエビ釣り堀
Guests can try fishing for oyster crabs in a dedicated pond. This hands-on activity is ideal for children and families.
Duration
30 min
Pulmonaria and Bougainvillea Seedling Sale
プルメリア&ブーゲンビリアの苗販売会
Purchase seedlings of tropical flowers such as Pulmonaria and Bougainvillea. Learn care tips directly from the grower and select your favorite plant.
Duration
45 min
Rainy days: event moves indoors
Fresh Rice Sale
新米限定販売
Purchase limited quantities of fresh rice, specifically the 'Natsuhonoka' variety, harvested in the current year. Only one bag per family is allowed.
Duration
15 min
Mango Seedling Sale
マンゴーの苗木
Purchase a 7-year-old mango sapling (品种: 'Apple Mango' / 'Arwin'). The tree is expected to bear fruit next year. Pickup only at the roadside station or a local orchard.
Duration
20 min
Requires careful handling and temperature-controlled greenhouse cultivation
Okra Festival
オクラフェア
A summer celebration dedicated to okra, featuring various activities such as okra harvesting, quizzes, tastings, and special food items. The event highlights the nutritional benefits and local pride in okra.
Duration
120 min
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around seasonal festivals and limited-edition products for the best local insights.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:00 AM on weekdays to secure a parking spot near the entrance before the first wave of visitors arrives, as the first parking lot fills quickly during peak hours.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the “Regional Information Corner” between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM to speak directly with the on-site staff who can provide real-time updates on road conditions and upcoming local events, such as the upcoming Plumeria and Bougainvillea sapling sale.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the fast food counter between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM to try the limited-time "Okra Ramen" served in cups—only 30 servings are available daily during the summer Okra Festival.
- Best Purchase Time: Buy the seasonal "Natsu Honoka" rice on September 21st at 9:00 AM, as only 20 bags are available and purchases are limited to one per family.
- Unique Souvenir: Purchase the 7-year-old "Apple Mango" sapling (品种: 'Arwin') directly from the roadside station during the autumn sales event—this limited offering is only available for pickup at the station or at the South Satsuma orchard.
- Hidden Feature: Climb the seaward-facing observation deck and ring the pink and green postcard-shaped bell located there; it’s a signature photo spot with a local legend linking the chime to good fortune.
- Special Dining Tip: Call the second-floor seafood restaurant "Umami" between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM to reserve the "Katsuo Tsukudani Don" (Katsuobushi miso bowl), as it is only available during lunch hours and often sells out by 12:30 PM.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Peak season for canola flower viewing in late March to April, with the Ibusuki Canola Marathon and March Festival held during this time.
Summer (June-August): Hosts the Ibusuki Oкра Festival in July, featuring okrä harvesting, okrä soumen, and special okrä-themed foods.
Autumn (September-November): Offers limited new rice sales in September and propagates tropical plants like bougainvillea and plumeria in September.
Winter (December-February): Features the Ibusuki Industrial Festival and Yama-kawa Folk New Year Market in December.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a stroller-friendly layout, baby care facilities, and a park area. Features interactive activities like the oyster harvesting and trivia games during events. Children enjoy unique food options like okra soft cream and themed souvenirs.
Food Lover Review
Provides diverse dining options including a seafood restaurant, fast food, and local specialties like Okra Soft Cream and Katsuo Tsukudani. Features fresh local produce and seasonal items like new rice and mango saplings, enhancing the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Offers 24-hour parking and clean restrooms, suitable for short stops. However, no designated overnight camping area or facilities for extended stays. Quiet during off-peak hours but lacks dedicated camping infrastructure.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located with views of Kagoshima Bay and the Osumi Peninsula, featuring a scenic lookout with a pink and green post. Offers excellent photo opportunities and seasonal beauty, especially during flower and harvest events.