Station Minamata

Discover the Heart of Kumamoto at Minamata Roadside Station

Nestled within the lush, eco-conscious expanse of Eco Park Minamata, this roadside station is a vibrant cultural and recreational hub in the heart of Kumamoto Prefecture. Located just a 10-minute drive from Minamata IC on the Nankyu West Expressway, Minamata offers travelers a seamless blend of nature, local flavor, and family-friendly experiences.

At the center of the station is the Shop&Cafe Minamata, where visitors can savor regional specialties like Kumamoto’s signature matcha and rose-infused desserts, including the beloved Rose Soft Cream. The highlight is the wooden toy museum, Kirara, a rain-proof haven where children from infancy to elementary school can freely explore imaginative play. Surrounded by a stunning rose garden with over 5,000 blooms across 800 varieties, the station blooms with seasonal charm—especially during the spring and autumn Rose Festivals. Whether enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of local tea or exploring nature trails and sports facilities, Minamata is a destination where every journey finds its pause.

Visit Minamata roadside station to experience the only wooden toy museum in the region, Kirara, where children can play freely with handmade wooden toys crafted from local timber. Here, you’ll also find the exclusive Minamata Rose Soft Cream, made with blossoms from the station’s own seasonal rose garden. Unlike any other roadside station, Minamata offers a rare blend of hands-on play, locally sourced tea culture, and a living rose garden that blooms in spring and autumn—making it a truly unique destination.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 9:30 AM on weekdays to access the full selection at Shop&Cafe Minamata before the morning rush, as popular items like the Minamata handmade red bean buns sell out by 11:00 AM.

• Hidden Gems: At the deli counter inside Shop&Cafe Minamata, look for the limited-edition seasonal jam made from locally grown mountain strawberries, available only during the spring months and sold in small jars.

• Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the wooden toy馆 kira ra before 11:00 AM to reserve a spot for the free craft workshop where children can make a personalized wooden keychain using tools provided.

• Café Timing: Order the Minamata Matcha Soft Cream at the café by 12:30 PM to guarantee availability, as it is only made in small batches and typically sells out by 1:30 PM.

• Best Play Time: Enter the wooden toy馆 kira ra by 10:15 AM on Saturdays to secure a seat in the rotating storytime session held every hour, featuring local folktales read by volunteers.

• Food Truck Access: If visiting on the second Saturday of the month, arrive by 11:30 AM to catch the seasonal food truck parked near the entrance, which serves Minamata-style grilled fish with local miso sauce.

• Information Center Tip: Use the 24-hour information center to pick up a free map of the nearby rose garden, which includes a self-guided tour route highlighting the 12 most photographed blooms during the spring and autumn Rose Festivals.

Spring (March-May): Visit during the spring Rose Festival in May to see the blooming rose garden at Minamata roadside station.

Summer (June-August): Enjoy the cool atmosphere of the wooden toy馆 and fresh seasonal produce at the shop.

Autumn (September-November): Experience the autumn Rose Festival in October and sample local specialties.

Winter (December-February): Explore the indoor wooden toy馆 and enjoy warm beverages like Minamata’s signature rose tea.