Where Beach, Sea, and Seafood Meet in Perfect Harmony
Ariake roadside station lies along National Route 324 in the heart of Amakusa, where the crystal-clear waters of Ariake Bay meet the serene backdrop of Mount Unzen and the distant Isle of Shimabara. More than just a stopover, it’s a vibrant gateway to coastal life, offering seamless access to the popular Shirogahama Beach—just a short walk across a scenic footbridge. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or simply soaking in the breathtaking views of the island-studded horizon.
The station thrives on local flavor and natural beauty, with its signature offerings including fresh seafood dishes like tako-meshi and sea bream donburi. Guests can unwind at Sazanami no Yu hot spring, explore the well-stocked retail and dining outlets, or recharge their vehicles at the RV park. With year-round accessibility and seasonal events like the Old Car Festival and Sazanami Festival, Ariake delivers a rich, authentic taste of southern Kyushu.
Why Visit
Visit Ariake roadside station to experience the only beachfront access point on the island where you can walk directly from the parking lot to the pristine white sands of Shirogahama Beach—home to the region’s most photographed sunset views across the sea to Mount Unzen’s peak. Here, you’ll find the only local specialty: the signature Tako Meshi Set, a savory rice bowl with tender, locally caught octopus, served at the on-site restaurant.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh seafood and local favorites at Ariake roadside station, where coastal flavors meet cozy dining.
Rippleland Restaurant
リップルランドレストラン
Specialty
Local seafood and regional specialties
A casual dining spot offering fresh local seafood and traditional dishes from the region, with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying meals with family or friends.
Rippleland Cafe TACO House
りっぷるかふぇ TACO家 （たこや）
Specialty
Octopus-themed snacks and light meals
A cozy café specializing in light snacks and drinks with a playful octopus theme, ideal for a quick break or casual meet-up.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional goods and handmade crafts at Ariake’s vibrant marketplace.
Rippleland General Store
リップルランド物産館
A retail shop offering a wide variety of local products, souvenirs, and regional specialties from the area.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly packed octopus snacks
Amakusa Five Delights Market
天草！五多幸市場
A vibrant market featuring fresh produce, seafood, and locally made goods from the Amakusa region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Amakusa-grown sweet potatoes
Featured Products
Experience signature specialties like grilled octopus dishes and local seafood, crafted with island pride.
Amakusa Octopus Snacks
天草たこせん
Crispy, seasoned octopus snacks made from locally caught octopus, perfect as a portable treat.
Amakusa Sweet Potato Chips
天草スイートポテトチップス
Light and crunchy chips made from locally grown sweet potatoes, with a naturally sweet flavor.
Amakusa Sea Salt
天草海塩
Hand-harvested sea salt from the pristine waters of Amakusa, ideal for cooking and seasoning.
Amakusa Local Honey
天草地産はちみつ
Pure, raw honey sourced from wildflowers in the Amakusa region, known for its smooth and floral taste.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, EV charging, and a relaxing spa.
Parking
The roadside station has a parking area that allows visitors to park their vehicles safely. The parking area is connected to the nearby Shirogahama Beach via a footbridge, enabling safe access during the summer swimming season.
Adjacent to the roadside station, connected to Shirogahama Beach via a footbridge
Restroom
Restrooms are available at the roadside station. There is also a separate facility for people with disabilities.
Within the roadside station premises
Information Center
An information corner provides route information, disaster alerts, local tourism details, and nearby 'Michi no Eki' information through bulletin boards, maps, and flyers. The information is available from 9:00 to 18:00.
Inside the souvenir shop (Rippleland Specialty Shop)
Children's Playground
A children's play area is available for families visiting the roadside station.
Near the parking area
Yamakawa Spa Sazanami no Yu
A hot spring facility named Sazanami no Yu, offering relaxation with views of Mount Unzen Fugen. The facility is open from 13:00 to 21:00, with a weekly closure on Wednesdays. Admission fees are set at 600 yen for general adults, 500 yen for seniors (70+), 400 yen for middle school students, and 300 yen for elementary school students and children aged 3+.
Adjacent to the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available at the roadside station. The station has introduced an RV Park smart system for power supply to campers and RVs.
Within the roadside station premises
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors' convenience.
Near the information center
Nursing Room
A dedicated nursing room is provided for mothers with infants.
Within the roadside station premises
Activities & Experiences
Join seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and beachside adventures at Ariake roadside station.
Beach Experience
ビーチ体験
Enjoy swimming and relaxing on the soft white sand beach with calm waves, while viewing the scenic views of Unzen Fugen Mountain across the bay.
Duration
120 min
Best enjoyed on sunny days; avoid during heavy rain or typhoon warnings.
Old Car Festival
オールドカーフェスティバル
Participate in a seasonal event featuring vintage cars and motorcycles on display, with opportunities to view, learn about, and celebrate classic vehicles.
Duration
480 min
Event held outdoors; check weather forecast and prepare for possible rain or wind.
Sazanami Onsen Experience
有明温泉さざ波の湯体験
Relax and enjoy the natural hot spring bath, known for its soothing waters and scenic surroundings, with access from the parking area.
Duration
90 min
Ideal for cool or rainy days; indoor facility available regardless of weather.
Tako-themed Food Tasting
タコ料理体験
Taste and enjoy local specialties such as tako-meshi set, tako curry, tako tempura bowl, and fresh seafood rice bowl.
Duration
60 min
Available indoors; perfect for any weather.
Beachside Walk and Viewpoint
ビーチ散策と展望台
Walk along the beach path from the roadside station to the adjacent Shirogahama Beach, enjoying panoramic views of the sea and distant mountains.
Duration
30 min
Best enjoyed on clear days; walking paths may be slippery during rain.
Insider Tips
Visit during sunset for stunning views, and bring swimwear to enjoy the beach and spa in one trip.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure a parking spot near the beach entrance, as spaces fill quickly by 10:00 AM during summer months when the beach is busiest.
- Hidden Gems: At the Ripplerand Market inside the roadside station, look for the limited-edition "Tako-meshi Set" (octopus rice set) available only during the summer season and often sold out by noon.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the Ripplerand Restaurant between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to order the fresh daily special "Tako Curry" (octopus curry), which is prepared using locally caught octopus and changes weekly based on catch availability.
- Best Time for Beach Access: Enter the beach from the roadside station’s parking area before 10:00 AM to walk directly to the beach without needing to change clothes, as the station allows waterwear to be worn all the way to the beach and even into the restaurant and spa during summer months.
- Practical Tip for RV Travelers: Reserve your spot at the "軒先ＰＡＲＫＩＮＧ" (Roof-Edge Parking) for RVs and campers in advance through the official website, as the old electric power rental service via cable reel has been discontinued and only the new smart parking system is available.
- Must-Visit Event: Attend the annual Old Car Festival on November 30 to see vintage vehicles on display, with registration open online starting in October—limited to 70 cars and 15 motorcycles, so book early.
- Insider Access to the Spa: Use the "Sazanami no Yu" hot spring between 13:00 and 13:30 on weekdays to avoid the midday crowd and enjoy the best views of the sea and Mount Unzen through the large windows, as the spa is less busy during this time.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market in early spring; peak season for canola flower viewing in late March to April.
Summer (June–August): Ideal for beach visits to Shirogahama Beach; popular for swimming and sunset viewing from July through August.
Autumn (September–November): Hosts the All-Old Car Festival on November 30, showcasing vintage vehicles and automotive culture.
Winter (December–February): Quiet season with no major events; ideal for relaxed visits and温泉 access.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Ariake roadside station offers a dedicated children's playground, stroller-friendly paths, and family-friendly food like tako dishes. The adjacent beach is safe and accessible, with facilities for kids. Educational value comes from local marine and coastal ecology displays.
Food Lover Review
Ariake features a variety of restaurants and a well-stocked market offering fresh local seafood, especially tako specialties. High-quality regional dishes like tako curry and sea bream bowls are available. The roadside station supports seasonal and artisanal food experiences.
Car Camping Review
The station provides restrooms, parking, and an RV park with power supply access. It allows overnight stays with clear policies. While quiet during off-seasons, noise levels rise in summer due to beach visitors. No dedicated camping facilities.
Scenic Beauty Review
Ariake offers stunning views of Amakusa Islands and Unzen Fugen Mountain across Ariake Sea. The beach and coastal landscape provide excellent photo opportunities. Seasonal beauty is strong, especially in summer with clear skies and sea views.