Savor the Essence of Kumamoto’s Heartland
Ashikita Decopo, nestled in the scenic southern reaches of Kumamoto Prefecture, is a vibrant roadside station where the bounty of land and sea converge. Located just one minute from Ashikita Interchange on the Kyushu West Expressway, it serves as both a convenient rest stop and a cultural gateway to the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Surrounded by lush mountains and the serene coast of the Amakusa Sea, the station offers travelers a true taste of local life.
At Ashikita Decopo, visitors can explore a bustling farmers market featuring seasonal fruits like Dekopon and Yubeni strawberries, fresh seafood from the Amakusa waters, and premium Ashikita beef. The adjacent Gyu Gyu Tei restaurant brings these ingredients to life with hearty, locally inspired dishes. Seasonal events, including the popular Hokkaido Specialty Fair and autumn harvest festivals, add to the dynamic experience. With free Wi-Fi, EV charging, and year-round restrooms, it’s a welcoming hub for travelers seeking authenticity, flavor, and connection.
Why Visit
Visit Ashikita Decopo to experience the only roadside station in the region offering fresh, hand-harvested "Sagahonoka" and "Yūbene" strawberries at its dedicated strawberry farm, open only on weekends and holidays. Here, you’ll also find the only local market in Ashikita selling authentic Ashikita beef—a premium, marbled beef raised in the area’s fertile, coastal climate—alongside rare, small-batch products like dekopon jelly made from the region’s signature citrus.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor locally sourced flavors at Ashikita Decopo's restaurant, where fresh Asikita beef and seasonal ingredients shine in every dish.
Gyu Gyu Tei
焼肉レストラン ぎゅーぎゅー亭
Specialty
Grilled beef and set meals featuring local Ashikita beef
A dedicated restaurant adjacent to the roadside station, offering locally sourced, regionally produced meals with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, ideal for enjoying traditional Japanese grilled beef in a relaxed setting.
Shopping Highlights
Discover farm-fresh produce and handmade goods at Ashikita Decopo’s roadside station, where local pride meets quality.
Farmers Market Dekopon
ファーマーズマーケット でこぽん
A local farmers market offering fresh, seasonal agricultural products, including citrus fruits, vegetables, seafood, and processed goods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Ashikita Beef
Featured Products
Experience signature delights like Asikita beef, Deokopon citrus, and seasonal berries, all crafted with care from the region’s fertile land.
Ashikita Beef
あしきた牛
High-quality, marbled beef raised in the rich natural environment of Ashikita, known for its tenderness and rich flavor.
Dekopon Orange
デコポン
A premium citrus fruit grown in the warm climate of Ashikita, known for its sweet taste and juicy texture.
Ashikita Beef Tallow
あしきた牛の脂
Pure beef tallow made from Ashikita beef, ideal for cooking and adding rich flavor to dishes.
Dekopon Jelly
デコポンゼリー
A refreshing jelly made from the juice of Ashikita's famous Dekopon oranges, perfect as a sweet treat or dessert.
Ashikita Strawberry
いちご
Sweet, fresh strawberries grown in the Ashikita region, known for their vibrant flavor and juiciness.
Ashikita Rice
大関米
Premium rice cultivated in the fertile fields of Ashikita, known for its soft texture and rich taste.
Ashikita Tea
水俣茶
A locally grown green tea from the Ashikita region, known for its delicate aroma and smooth flavor.
Ashikita Crab
足赤エビ
Freshly caught red shrimp from the waters of Ashikita, prized for its sweet and tender meat.
Ashikita Oyster
芦北真牡蠣
Fresh oysters harvested from the clean waters of Ashikita, known for their briny flavor and plump texture.
Ashikita Persimmon
太秋柿
A large, sweet persimmon variety grown in Ashikita, known for its rich, honey-like flavor.
Saratama-chan
サラたまちゃん
A local mascot-themed product representing Ashikita, available as a collectible or souvenir.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including free Wi-Fi, EV charging, and 24-hour restrooms at Ashikita Decopo.
Parking
The roadside station has parking facilities with 8 large vehicle spots and 210 regular vehicle spots.
On-site
Restroom
Restrooms are available and accessible 24 hours a day.
On-site
Free Wi-Fi
Free public Wi-Fi is available for internet access.
On-site
Information Center
An information center provides road information, nearby 'Michi no Eki' details, and tourism information through maps and flyers. It operates from 9:00 to 19:30.
On-site
EV Charging
Electric vehicle charging is available at the roadside station.
On-site
Nursing Room
A facility for infants and young children is available on-site.
On-site
Activities & Experiences
Join seasonal harvests, farm tours, and hands-on workshops that bring the local culture to life.
Strawberry Picking Experience
いちご観光農園
Participants can pick sweet strawberries such as 'Sagahonoka' and 'Yubeni' at the strawberry farm.
Duration
60 min
Hokkaido Products Fair
第12回 北海道物産フェア開催！（道の駅芦北でこぽん）
Enjoy精选 Hokkaido specialty products including high-quality food and local goods at this seasonal event.
Duration
240 min
Indoor event, unaffected by weather
New Rice Fair
新米フェア開催！（道の駅芦北でこぽん）
Experience and purchase fresh harvested rice during the seasonal rice fair.
Duration
180 min
Indoor event, unaffected by weather
Autumn Fair
２０２５オータムフェアのご案内
Participate in a seasonal autumn fair featuring clothing, bags, cosmetics, and household goods.
Duration
240 min
Indoor event, unaffected by weather
Insider Tips
Visit during market days for fresh picks, and check seasonal events for unique local experiences.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the fresh batch of baked milk bread from the on-site bakery, which sells out by 11:00 AM and is not restocked during the day
- Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the limited-edition “Ashikita Beef Tama” lunchbox, available only during the 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM lunch rush and often sold out by 12:30 PM
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, visit the strawberry picking farm “Ichigo no Mori” to harvest the sweet “Sagahonoka” and “Yubeni” varieties, which are only available during the seasonal opening from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Seasonal Offer: Visit during the November 1–16, 2025, Hokkaido Product Fair to taste and purchase exclusive Hokkaido seafood and dairy items not available at other times of the year
- EV Charging Tip: Use the EV charging station between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM on weekdays when the station is least busy, as it tends to be fully occupied during peak hours between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
- Free Wi-Fi Access: Connect to the free Wi-Fi network named “Ashikita Dekopon_FarmersMarket” at the information counter to access the official farmstand catalog and place online orders for products like Ashikita Beef, Dechopon, or the seasonal “Sagahonoka” strawberries
- Off-Peak Dining: Visit the restaurant Gyu Gyu Tei for lunch between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM on weekdays to enjoy the “Ashikita Beef Set” without waiting, as the restaurant is typically busiest from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Strawberry harvesting at Ichigo no Mori farm (open weekends and holidays).
Summer (June-August): Fresh seafood including Ashikita oysters and swordfish available at the market.
Autumn (September-November): New rice festival (October 11–13), autumn produce, and Hokkaido specialty fair (November 1–16).
Winter (December-February): Deconstructed citrus fruits like Dekopon and Kinkan available year-round, with winter markets.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Ashikita Decopo features a baby-friendly restroom and offers a strawberry picking farm for children. The on-site restaurant provides kid-friendly meals, and the farmstand includes interactive seasonal activities. Facilities are stroller-accessible with ample parking.
Food Lover Review
The roadside station offers diverse local specialties like Ashikita beef, dekopon citrus, fresh seafood, and seasonal fruits. The farmstand features high-quality produce, and the restaurant serves excellent local dishes with a focus on regional ingredients.
Car Camping Review
Ashikita Decopo provides 24-hour restrooms and parking for 218 vehicles, including large ones. While it lacks dedicated camping zones, the quiet location and extended facilities make it suitable for short overnight stops.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near the sea and mountains, the roadside station offers scenic views of natural landscapes. Seasonal beauty is enhanced by nearby parks and agricultural fields, with photo opportunities at the farm and surrounding areas.