Station Hikyo no Sato Izumi

Discover the Hidden Gem of Kyushu’s Mountain Heartland

Nestled along National Route 443, Hikyo no Sato Izumi stands as a serene gateway to the secluded beauty of the Kumamoto countryside. Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Kyushu Mountains, this roadside station blends natural tranquility with vibrant local culture. Formerly known as Fureai Center Izumi, it reopened in 2024 as an official roadside station, becoming a vital hub for travelers and a proud showcase of the region’s heritage.

At Hikyo no Sato Izumi, visitors savor the flavors of the land through the seasonal specialties of "Shi-ko Kenjou Rokutan," a restaurant renowned for its expertly crafted game dishes using locally sourced deer and wild boar. The on-site shop, "Mori no Emi," offers an array of regional treasures, including the popular yuzu chili pepper series and premium Izumi tea—available for tasting before purchase. With free Wi-Fi, ample parking, and event spaces for rent, this is more than a stop—it’s a destination.

Hikyo no Sato Izumi stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering authentic game dishes made from locally hunted wild boar and deer, served in the seasonal special menu at its signature restaurant, "Shi-kin-cho Rutan." Visitors can also taste and purchase the exclusive Yuzu-Koshō series, crafted exclusively from citrus and pepper grown in the high-altitude slopes of the area. The station’s highlight is its on-site tasting of Izumi tea, a rare, high-grade green tea grown only in this mountainous locale, available for sampling before purchase.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the restaurant "Shi-kenjou Rodan" before the popular "Mushroom and Pork Rice Bowl" sells out by 11:30 AM.

• Hidden Gems: At the specialty shop "Mori no Emi," look for the limited-edition "Yuzu Koshō" sauce set labeled "Seasonal Harvest 2025" — these are only available during fall and sold out by mid-October.

• Weekend Special: On Sundays, the "Fureai Center Izumi" information board outside the main building displays the weekly schedule for local artisan demonstrations — check it at 9:15 AM to catch the 9:30 AM tea blending session at the "Izumi Tea" booth.

• Must-Try Menu Item: Order the "Deer Katsudon" at "Shi-kenjou Rodan" during the autumn season — this seasonal special is only available from October 21 to November 15, and is prepared with locally sourced deer meat from the region’s sustainable hunting program.

• Best Time to Buy Local Tea: Visit the "Mori no Emi" shop before 11:00 AM to access the free tea tasting samples — the "Izumi Tea" brand offers a daily rotating selection of six different regional blends, each available only until noon.

• Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience: Head to the outdoor information board near the parking lot every Friday afternoon to view the latest "Local Producer Spotlight" — this board lists small-scale farmers and artisans who occasionally host pop-up sales inside the shop during their featured week.

• Event-Driven Visit: Plan your trip for the first weekend of November to attend the "Izumi Red Maple Festival," when the roadside station hosts a special "Forest-to-Table" cooking demo using locally foraged ingredients, including wild mountain vegetables and fresh deer meat.

Spring (March-May): Peak season for the Shaka-in Flower Festival in April and fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.

Summer (June-August): Enjoy the Hira-ya Izumi Tea Festival in June and seasonal dishes featuring local mountain ingredients.

Autumn (September-November): Visit during the Izu Town Maple Festival in November for stunning fall foliage and seasonal special menus.

Winter (December-February): Experience the quiet beauty of the mountain village and enjoy winter-themed meals at the restaurant.