Where Tradition Meets Playful Spirit in the Heart of Kyushu
Nestled in the serene mountainous landscape of Kamiakamagawa, Miyaji Dake Kakashi no Sato stands as a vibrant roadside station reimagining rural heritage through creativity and community. Housed in the repurposed former Miyaji Dake Elementary School, this is the first of its kind in Western Japan and among the rarest nationwide—transforming a closed school into a living cultural hub where education, agriculture, and art converge.
More than a rest stop, it pulses with seasonal charm, especially during the beloved Kakashi Festival held from late March through Golden Week. Over 600 whimsical scarecrows—each crafted with unique flair—fill the grounds, creating a joyful spectacle that draws visitors from across Japan. Guests can explore permanent and outdoor displays, enjoy local cuisine like the hearty Miyajidake Country Set, and sample limited-edition rice shochu made from locally grown rice. With hands-on workshops, an event plaza, and a 24-hour information center, this roadside station offers a deeply authentic experience of Kyushu’s rural warmth and inventive spirit.
Why Visit
Miyaji Dake Kakashi no Sato stands as the first roadside station in western Japan to repurpose a former elementary school, transforming its nostalgic classrooms and expansive schoolyard into a vibrant cultural hub. The highlight is the annual Kakashi Festival, where over 600 uniquely crafted scarecrows—each with playful, expressive themes—fill the grounds from late March through Golden Week, creating a whimsical, ever-changing landscape unlike any other roadside station. Beyond the festival, visitors can taste the region’s exclusive Miyaji Dake rice shochu, crafted from local rice and aged by a renowned Kumamoto distillery using a traditional two-stage koji method, available only here in limited quantities.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Miyaji Dake Kakashi no Sato, where rustic meals and seasonal specialties celebrate the region's agricultural heart.
Rinshuya Kakashi no Sato Branch
苓州屋 かかしの里店
Specialty
Local cuisine with a focus on traditional dishes from the Kuma region
A restaurant located within the roadside station that offers authentic regional meals, emphasizing the agricultural heritage of the area. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, reflecting the nostalgic charm of the former school building.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional crafts and farm-fresh goods at the roadside station’s vibrant market, perfect for thoughtful souvenirs.
Local Products Store
物産館
A retail shop offering a wide range of locally produced goods, including food, crafts, and seasonal specialties.
Products
Must-Try Item
Miyajidake Rice 100% Made Shochu
Kakashi Exhibition Space
かかし常設展示
An exhibition space dedicated to the display of traditional scarecrows, showcasing local artistry and seasonal themes.
Products
Must-Try Item
Themed Scarecrows (Seasonal Exhibits)
Outdoor Scarecrow Display
屋外かかし展示
An open-air exhibition featuring a large collection of scarecrows placed throughout the grounds, changing with seasonal themes.
Products
Must-Try Item
Themed Outdoor Scarecrow Displays
Featured Products
Sample signature items like the locally crafted 'Miyaji Dake' rice shochu and seasonal farm produce, made with care from the community's heritage rice.
Miyajidake Rice 100% Shochu
宮地岳
A premium shochu made entirely from locally grown rice in Miyajidake, crafted using a traditional two-stage koji method by a renowned distillery in Kumamoto. The result is a smooth, aromatic spirit with a rich, sweet flavor reminiscent of sake.
Kakashi Festival Souvenir Set
かかし祭り記念品セット
A curated gift set featuring themed merchandise from the annual Kakashi Festival, including small scarecrow figures, postcards, and local snacks.
Kakashi-themed Craft Kit
かかし工作キット
A DIY craft kit allowing visitors to create their own scarecrow using natural materials and traditional techniques, promoting local culture and creativity.
Miyajidake Rice (500g)
宮地岳米（500g）
High-quality rice grown in the mountainous region of Miyajidake, known for its distinct flavor due to the area's extreme seasonal temperature differences.
Kakashi Festival Postcard Set
かかし祭りポストカードセット
A set of beautifully designed postcards featuring various scarecrows from the annual festival, ideal for collectors and travelers.
Kakashi Festival T-shirt
かかし祭りTシャツ
A limited-edition T-shirt featuring the official design of the annual Kakashi Festival, promoting local culture and community spirit.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy modern amenities including 24-hour restrooms, EV charging, and a spacious RV park, all within a historic school building revival.
Parking
Parking available at the roadside station. Located near the main entrance and accessible for vehicles.
Near the main entrance
Toilet and Nursing Room
Toilets and nursing room available 24 hours a day. Facilities include accessible toilets and baby care amenities.
Inside the main building
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the roadside station for visitors.
Throughout the facility
Tourism Information Corner
24-hour operating information corner providing road information, nearby 'Michi no Eki' details, local tourism information, medical information, and other useful data via large touch panels.
Near the entrance
Experience Hall
A space for hands-on experiences and educational activities, including seasonal workshops and community events.
Inside the former school building
Multi-purpose Room
A versatile room used for meetings, workshops, and community gatherings.
Inside the former school building
Event Plaza
An open area used for hosting seasonal markets, festivals, and public events.
Outdoor area adjacent to the main building
Hot Spring
No hot spring facility available at this roadside station.
Not available
Bicycle Rental
No bicycle rental service available at this roadside station.
Not available
Nursing Room
Dedicated nursing room with baby care facilities, available 24 hours a day.
Inside the main building
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging station available for visitors. Located near the parking area.
Near the parking area
ATM
No ATM available at this roadside station.
Not available
Pet Area
No designated pet area available at this roadside station.
Not available
Activities & Experiences
Engage in seasonal workshops, interactive experiences, and lively events like the famed scarecrow festival and local food challenges.
Scarecrow Festival
かかし祭り
Experience the annual Scarecrow Festival where over 600 scarecrows with unique themes and expressions are displayed throughout the roadside station and surrounding areas. The festival runs from late March to early May, offering a vibrant and creative atmosphere with seasonal decorations and community events.
Duration
120 min
Scarecrow Experience Workshop
かかし体験教室
Participate in a hands-on workshop to create your own scarecrow using traditional materials. Learn crafting techniques and design your unique scarecrow to take home as a souvenir.
Duration
90 min
Scarecrow Exhibition Tour
かかし常設展示
Take a guided or self-guided tour through the permanent scarecrow exhibition located in the former school building and outdoor areas. Explore creatively designed scarecrows displayed throughout the campus and learn about their cultural significance.
Duration
60 min
Scarecrow Art and Craft Rental
体験道場
Rent tools and materials to create your own scarecrow or participate in seasonal art projects. The space is equipped with supplies for crafting and creative expression.
Duration
120 min
Scarecrow-themed Cultural Experience
かかしの里
Immerse yourself in the unique culture of the scarecrow-themed roadside station. Enjoy interactive displays, seasonal events, and community activities centered around the theme of scarecrows and rural life.
Duration
180 min
Insider Tips
Visit during the spring scarecrow festival for vibrant displays and limited-edition local treats, and check opening times in advance for seasonal events.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to access the school cafeteria's limited-time school lunch menu, which is only available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays during the 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM lunch window.
- Hidden Gems: Check the second-floor area of the former school building during the Kakashi Festival (late March to early May) to find the exclusive “Kakashi Art Corner” featuring handmade, themed kakashis not displayed elsewhere on the premises.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the food truck area near the event plaza between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM to try the limited-time “Miyajidake Rice Noodle Set” served at the restaurant, which is only available during the Kakashi Festival season.
- Specialty Purchase: Buy the 1,800 yen limited-edition “Miyajidake” rice shochu (720ml) directly at the gift shop counter before 5:00 PM on weekdays, as it sells out quickly and is only available in 1200 bottles total.
- Event Timing: Attend the “Wanko Chōpon Eating Contest” on November 9, 2025, at the event plaza at 1:00 PM sharp, as the event starts promptly and registration closes at 12:30 PM.
- Information Access: Use the 24-hour touch panel at the information corner to access real-time road and nearby “Michi no Eki” data, especially useful when planning trips to the next five nearby stations listed on the map.
- Family Convenience: Use the 24-hour accessible restroom and nursing room located just inside the main entrance, which is ideal for families traveling overnight or during early morning arrivals.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Visit during the annual Kakashi Festival from late March to May 5, when over 600 whimsical scarecrows line the grounds, transforming the former school into a vibrant seasonal highlight.
Summer (June–August): Ideal for experiencing the scenic mountain air and enjoying local rice and seasonal produce, though no specific summer events are noted.
Autumn (September–November): Best for tranquil visits amid the changing foliage; the site offers quiet reflection in the former school grounds.
Winter (December–February): Experience the cozy atmosphere of the roadside station with seasonal rice dishes and the warm glow of the year-round scarecrow displays.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station features a play area, hands-on experience hall, and children's activities. It offers stroller-friendly paths, restrooms with baby care facilities, and educational displays on local culture and agriculture.
Food Lover Review
The roadside station offers a variety of local dishes including the signature Miyaji Dake Country Set and Minori Tensoba. It features fresh regional produce, unique rice-based shochu, and seasonal specialty items.
Car Camping Review
The station provides 24-hour restrooms, EV charging, and a dedicated RV park. While parking is available, there is no explicit overnight camping policy, and noise from nearby events may affect comfort.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a scenic mountainous area with panoramic views, the station offers seasonal beauty, well-maintained outdoor displays, and photo opportunities among the themed scarecrows and natural surroundings.