Discover the Heart of Kagoshima’s Rural Bounty at Takarabes
Takarabes is a vibrant roadside station nestled along the scenic Kōdō-Suizen Line in the northeastern corner of Kagoshima Prefecture, near the border with Miyazaki’s Koo City. Set in a region blessed with crisp mountain air and fertile soil, this welcoming stop offers travelers a true taste of local life. From sun-kissed fields to forested hills, the surrounding landscape sets the stage for a refreshing pause on any journey.
What makes Takarabes truly special is its deep connection to community and terroir. The station proudly showcases locally grown rice, renowned for its exceptional flavor due to the area’s significant temperature variations and pure water sources. Visitors can enjoy fresh, seasonal produce, aromatic tea, and regional delicacies like black beef and pork at the on-site market. The popular restaurant, Kirara, serves affordable, hearty lunches—perfect for refueling—while the friendly staff and family-friendly amenities make it ideal for travelers of all ages.
Why Visit
Takarabes stands out for its one-of-a-kind, locally crafted rice dishes made exclusively from heirloom varieties grown in the region’s cool, high-altitude fields. The roadside station’s standout feature is its signature one-yen lunch, where visitors can enjoy a daily-changing menu of rice bowls and traditional dishes prepared with ingredients sourced directly from nearby farms. This unique dining experience, paired with the chance to sample rare regional specialties like black pork skewers and handmade mochi, offers a deeply authentic taste of rural Kagoshima you won’t find anywhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Takarabes roadside station, where hearty meals and seasonal dishes are made with fresh, regional ingredients.
Kira-ya Restaurant
レストランきらら
Specialty
Local cuisine featuring daily changing lunch menus
A locally operated restaurant serving fresh, regional dishes with a focus on seasonal ingredients. The atmosphere is welcoming and family-friendly, with a modern interior and seating for all ages.
Shopping Highlights
Discover farm-fresh produce, handmade goods, and regional specialties at Takarabes roadside station, all sourced directly from local growers.
Kira-ya Hall
きらら館
A retail shop offering a wide range of local products including fresh vegetables, rice, shiitake mushrooms, tea, black beef, black pork, and various processed goods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local rice
Featured Products
Highlighting premium local rice, organic tea, and traditional snacks, Takarabes showcases the finest regional products from the area.
Fresh Rice
お米
High-quality rice grown in Takarabes, known for its excellent taste due to large temperature differences and clean water in the region.
Fresh Shiitake Mushrooms
しいたけ
Locally cultivated shiitake mushrooms known for their rich flavor and firm texture.
Black Beef
黒牛
Premium black beef from local farms, prized for its marbling and tenderness.
Black Pork
黒豚
High-quality black pork raised in the region, known for its juicy and flavorful meat.
Gane
ガネ
Traditional local rice cake made from glutinous rice, known for its soft texture and sweet flavor.
Mochi
もち
Freshly made mochi with a soft, chewy texture, available in various flavors.
Fukure Gashi
ふくれ菓子
Light, puffed rice crackers with a delicate crunch, made using traditional methods.
Local Tea
茶
Hand-picked tea grown in the region, known for its smooth and refreshing taste.
Fresh Flowers
花
Seasonal flower seedlings and fresh blooms grown locally.
Soba Noodles
そば
Handmade buckwheat noodles made from locally grown buckwheat.
Dried Fish
干物
Traditional dried fish prepared using local methods, known for its rich umami flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including parking, accessible restrooms, a baby care station, and information services at Takarabes roadside station.
Parking
The roadside station has a parking area with space for 40 vehicles, including large vehicles. Electric vehicle rapid charging is available.
At the roadside station premises
Restroom
Restrooms are available, including facilities for people with disabilities.
At the roadside station premises
Wireless LAN
Free wireless LAN is available at the roadside station.
At the roadside station premises
Information Center
An information center is available from 10:00 to 17:00, providing road information, nearby roadside station details, route information, and local tourism guides via pamphlets.
At the roadside station premises
Nursing Room
A baby care facility is available for infants and young children.
At the roadside station premises
Electric Vehicle Charging
Rapid charging station for electric vehicles is available at the roadside station.
At the roadside station premises
ATM
An ATM is available at the roadside station.
At the roadside station premises
Insider Tips
Visit during off-peak hours for a relaxed experience, and check the latest updates for special events and seasonal menu highlights at Takarabes.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit the roadside station by 9:00 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s fresh produce, as the local farmers’ cooperative releases new vegetables and mushrooms daily at opening and often sell out by midday.
- Hidden Gems: At the direct sales counter, look for the "小山田の生どら" (Koyama's fresh dorayaki), a seasonal specialty introduced in October 2025 that sells out quickly and is only available during limited hours.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the restaurant kira-ra between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM to try the daily rotating lunch menu, which features locally sourced ingredients like black pork and fresh mountain vegetables not listed on the standard menu.
- Best Value Purchase: Buy the "ふくれ菓子" (puffed rice snack) and "もち" (mochi) directly from the cooperative counter before 1:00 PM, as these handcrafted items are made in small batches and are often sold out by early afternoon.
- Insider Dining Tip: Order the "チキン南蛮定食" (Chicken Nanban set) at restaurant kira-ra between 11:30 AM and 12:00 PM to guarantee the freshest batch, as this dish is prepared in limited quantities and is known to sell out by 1:15 PM.
- Information Advantage: Visit the information center between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to receive a free map and brochure with up-to-date details on local events, including the upcoming "財部夏祭り" (Takarabe Summer Festival) in July.
- Electric Vehicle Tip: Use the electric vehicle fast charging station located near the main parking area—arrive before 12:00 PM to ensure the charger is available, as it is frequently in use during peak lunch hours.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots appear in early spring, and the local rice harvest begins in late spring.
Summer (June–August): The annual财部夏祭り takes place in July, featuring vibrant local festivities.
Autumn (September–November): New products like small mountain raw dorayaki debut in October, coinciding with harvest season.
Winter (December–February): The restaurant closes on major holidays, but local rice and preserved goods remain available.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Takarabes offers baby and stroller-friendly facilities, children's seating in the restaurant, and nearby nature for play. Though no dedicated play area exists, the relaxed environment and local food make it welcoming for families.
Food Lover Review
The roadside station features diverse local dishes, fresh rice, vegetables, and regional specialties like black beef and handmade snacks. The restaurant offers varied daily menus with high-quality ingredients.
Car Camping Review
Takarabes provides ample parking, clean restrooms, and a quiet location. However, no overnight parking policy is stated, and no designated camping area or overnight facilities are available.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near natural attractions like Oogawa-gorge and Kani-no-taki waterfall, the site offers scenic views of surrounding mountains and rivers. Seasonal beauty enhances the overall atmosphere.