Savor the High-Altitude Flavors of Kyushu’s Heartland
Nestled at 724.7 meters above sea level along National Route 57, Namino roadside station sits at the crossroads of Kumamoto and Oita prefectures, surrounded by pristine alpine landscapes and rolling farmland. More than a mere rest stop, it is a vibrant cultural and culinary gateway to the region’s natural bounty. Visitors are welcomed by the scent of freshly ground soba and the crisp air of the highlands, where every detail—from farm to table—is rooted in authenticity.
What sets Namino apart is its commitment to local craftsmanship. The station proudly features a fully integrated soba production process, from drying and milling to hand-rolling, all done on-site. Enjoy the famed soba soft-serve or savor traditional dishes like the Kagaru-en Set and Yamakake Soba at the on-site restaurant. With a farmers’ market, dog park, EV charging, and panoramic views, Namino offers a rich, immersive experience for travelers seeking the true spirit of rural Kyushu.
Why Visit
Located at 724.7 meters above sea level on National Route 57, Namino is the highest roadside station in Kyushu, offering panoramic views of the Aso volcanic caldera and the surrounding alpine landscape. What sets Namino apart is its on-site production of Aso Namino soba—grown, dried, milled, and hand-made entirely within the station. Visitors can taste the region’s only soba soft cream made from freshly ground local buckwheat, or enjoy the signature Kagura-en Set meal at Soba-ya Iwato Kai, a dish uniquely tied to the area’s cultural heritage.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic mountain flavors at Namino roadside station, where fresh soba and seasonal高原 vegetables take center stage.
Soba Shop Iwato-Hiraki
そば処 岩戸開
Specialty
Authentic soba cuisine made from locally grown and processed buckwheat
A traditional restaurant specializing in handmade soba noodles, offering a warm and rustic atmosphere with a focus on regional ingredients and craftsmanship. The setting reflects the highland heritage of Namino, providing a serene dining experience.
Shopping Highlights
Discover local crafts, farm-fresh produce, and handmade goods at Namino's vibrant market hall.
Local Products Market
物産館
A retail shop offering a wide range of locally produced goods, including fresh mountain vegetables, handmade crafts, and regional specialties.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh highland vegetables
Soba Processing and Sales Center
そば処 岩戸開
A dedicated shop within the roadside station that sells freshly processed and packaged buckwheat products, including flour, noodles, and ready-to-cook kits.
Products
Must-Try Item
Locally processed buckwheat flour
Featured Products
Sample signature items like hand-ground soba and seasonal高原 vegetables, proudly sourced from the surrounding highland farms.
Soba Soft Cream
そばソフトクリーム
A unique soft cream made with locally grown buckwheat, offering a nutty and aromatic flavor that reflects the highland terroir.
Highland Vegetable Assortment
高原野菜の盛り合わせ
A selection of fresh, seasonal vegetables grown at high altitude, known for their crisp texture and rich flavor.
Buckwheat Flour
そば粉
Premium buckwheat flour made from locally harvested and processed buckwheat, ideal for homemade soba noodles and baking.
Soba Noodles (Dried)
そば麺（乾燥）
Handmade dried soba noodles crafted from locally milled buckwheat, perfect for quick and authentic meals.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, EV charging, Wi-Fi, and information kiosks at Namino roadside station.
Parking
Available at the roadside station for visitors.
Near the main entrance
Restroom
Public toilets are available for visitors.
Throughout the facility
Wi-Fi
Free wireless internet access is available through a wireless LAN system.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
Open 24 hours with information terminals and large screens providing road, tourism, medical, and other local information. Staffed information services are also available.
Information corner
Play Area
A play area is available for children, located within the park area.
Park area
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging station available for visitors.
Near parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors' convenience.
Near the main entrance
Nursing Room
A dedicated room for nursing mothers is available.
Near restrooms
Activities & Experiences
Participate in seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and scenic hikes near Namino roadside station.
Soba Processing Experience
そばの加工体験
Participants will experience the entire process of soba production, from drying the harvested soba seeds to milling and noodle-making, all done on-site at the roadside station.
Duration
60 min
Soba Soft Cream Tasting
そばソフトクリーム
Enjoy a unique and delicious soba-flavored soft cream, made using locally grown and processed soba, available at the on-site restaurant.
Duration
30 min
Soba Festival
新そばまつり
Celebrate the new harvest season with local soba products, traditional performances, food stalls, and community activities.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor event; check weather conditions before attending.
Suzuran Wildflower Viewing
すずらん自生地
Visit the natural suzuran (lily of the valley) wildflower area, known for its beautiful blooms in spring, located just a 10-minute drive from the roadside station.
Duration
90 min
Best viewed on clear, sunny days; avoid rainy or windy conditions.
Aso Star Watching
阿蘇満天スターウォッチング
Join a stargazing event under the clear night skies of Aso, ideal for observing constellations and the Milky Way.
Duration
120 min
Weather-dependent; requires clear skies for optimal viewing.
Soba-themed Walking Tour
大阿蘇元気ウォーク
Participate in a guided walking tour through the scenic Aso region, highlighting local soba culture, natural landscapes, and nearby attractions.
Duration
150 min
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring rain gear.
Insider Tips
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and try the seasonal soba festival for a true local experience.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM on weekdays to catch the last fresh batch of soba noodles made daily at the on-site processing facility, which are often sold out by 12:30 PM
- Hidden Gems: Ask at the information counter for the "Soba Processing Demonstration" schedule, which occurs at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily—this rare behind-the-scenes look shows how local mountain-grown buckwheat is turned into noodles on-site
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the souvenir shop by 10:00 AM to secure the limited-edition "Soba & Highland Vegetable Combo Pack" that sells out by noon
- Best Food Experience: Order the "Kagura-en Set" at Soba-ya Iwato Kai between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM, as this lunch-only menu includes the freshly made buckwheat noodles and seasonal mountain vegetables only available during that window
- EV Charging Tip: Use the EV charger located near the parking area between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, as it is often reserved for guests staying at nearby accommodations—arrive early to secure a spot
- Information Center Hack: Access the 24-hour information terminal to download the offline version of the "Aso Regional Trail Map" before heading out on hikes—this saves battery and works without internet
- Dog-Friendly Action: Bring your dog to the dog run area, which is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and includes shaded seating and a water station—this area is only accessible via the south entrance near the parking lot
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Visit during the Aso Takanamatsuri in March and the Hanasōmi Spring Rose Festival in May for blooming roses and traditional performances.
Summer (June-August): Experience the Aso Full Sky Star Watching in July, ideal for clear night views at high elevation.
Autumn (September-November): Attend the O-Aso Energy Walk in September and the Hanasōmi Autumn Rose Festival in October.
Winter (December-February): Enjoy the New Soba Festival in November and the annual Soba Processing Experience in February.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Namino roadside station features a dedicated dog park, stroller-friendly paths, and a play area. It offers child-friendly food like soba soft cream and family meals. Restrooms with baby facilities and clear signage enhance accessibility and safety.
Food Lover Review
Namino excels with a variety of dining options centered on local soba, including a dedicated soba restaurant. Fresh mountain vegetables, homemade products, and unique local specialties like soba soft cream offer high-quality, authentic regional flavors.
Car Camping Review
The station provides restrooms, parking, and vending machines, supporting basic overnight stays. While not designated as a campsite, it offers a quiet environment during daytime hours. No explicit overnight parking policy is stated.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located at 724.7 meters elevation, Namino offers panoramic views of the Aso highlands. Seasonal beauty is enhanced by nearby natural attractions like alpine flowers and mountain vistas, with multiple photo opportunities from its elevated position.