Station Ono Onsen

Discover Serenity and Flavor at Ono Onsen Roadside Station

Nestled along Prefectural Route 27, just a ten-minute drive from Ashikita Interchange on the South Kyushu West Bypass, Ono Onsen Roadside Station offers a peaceful retreat in the lush green heart of Kumamoto Prefecture. Surrounded by whispering forests and vibrant farmland, it’s a perfect stop for travelers seeking both natural beauty and authentic local charm.

What sets Ono Onsen apart is its harmonious blend of relaxation and community. Visitors can unwind in the soothing waters of the on-site hot spring, enjoy a farm-to-table meal featuring fresh regional vegetables, or try their hand at ground golf. The station’s popular local market showcases homemade dumplings and seasonal produce, all made with care by local women. With convenient access to nearby attractions like Kyujo Cave and Ashikita Beach, it’s more than a rest stop—it’s a gateway to the soul of southern Kyushu.

Visit Ono Onsen for its rare combination of a full-service hot spring bath and a farm-to-table dining experience centered around the region’s only certified organic vegetable farm. The roadside station’s signature feature is its daily herb-infused vegetable buffet, where visitors can enjoy fresh, pesticide-free produce like heirloom tomatoes and purple carrots grown in the surrounding hills. Complementing this, the on-site bathhouse offers a unique open-air soak overlooking the same forested valley where the vegetables are cultivated—a rare fusion of agriculture, wellness, and natural beauty found nowhere else.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the deli counter before the homemade yakisoba and pickled vegetables sell out—these items are restocked only once daily and often deplete by noon.

• Hidden Gems: Visit the roadside station’s information board between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on weekdays to find the latest road closure updates and real-time traffic alerts for National Route 27, which are updated daily by local authorities.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, head to the roadside station’s picnic area by 11:30 AM to join the free local cooking demo featuring seasonal vegetable dishes prepared by resident women’s group members—demonstrations start at 11:30 AM and last 30 minutes.

• Best Food Timing: Order the seasonal vegetable-based healthy buffet between 12:00 PM and 12:45 PM to enjoy it at peak freshness—this meal is served daily from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM and is replenished at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM.

• Local Product Tip: Purchase the handmade steamed buns (mantou) at the roadside station’s stand before 1:00 PM—these are made by local women every morning and sell out quickly, especially on weekends.

• Golf Strategy: Play at the ground golf course before 3:00 PM to avoid the afternoon heat and to ensure you have access to all nine holes—reservations are not accepted, and the course fills up quickly after 3:00 PM.

• Information Hub: Check the roadside station’s bulletin board every morning between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM for the day’s updated list of nearby medical clinics and on-call doctors, which is posted each morning by the local health office.

Spring (March-May): Visit during the Ashikita Uta-se Marathon in March and enjoy fresh local vegetables at the roadside station.

Summer (June-August): Ideal for summer events like the Beach Volleyball in Kumamoto in July and relaxing at the onsen.

Autumn (September-November): Experience the Moon Viewing Festival at Sasaki Castle Ruins in September.

Winter (December-February): Perfect for soaking in the hot spring while enjoying the quiet, scenic beauty of the forested surroundings.