Discover the Harmony of East and West at Shiizu Roadside Station
Nestled along National Route 387 in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Shiizu Roadside Station is a cultural crossroads where Japanese tradition meets the timeless wisdom of Chinese philosophy. Named after Shisui County in China’s Shandong Province—the birthplace of Confucius—this unique roadside station features the striking Confucius Park, a meticulously recreated Chinese classical garden with traditional architecture, winding corridors, and a serene atmosphere that evokes over four thousand years of cultural heritage.
Visitors can explore the Confucius Park and its affiliated museum, enjoy seasonal events like the autumn Confucius Festival, and savor local flavors such as daigo soup and mountain vegetables. With a bustling local market offering fresh produce and homemade bento, Shiizu offers more than a stop—it’s a journey through history, nature, and community.
Why Visit
Visit Shiizu for its unique孔子 Park, a meticulously recreated Chinese classical garden inspired by Confucius’s birthplace in Shandong, China. The park features authentic courtyard architecture, a traditional music and costume exhibition hall, and hosts the annual Confucius Festival where historic attire and instruments are used in live performances. Only here can you experience this rare cultural fusion. Nearby, the Yangsheng Market offers locally crafted dago soup and seasonal mountain vegetables, specialties deeply tied to the region’s heritage.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic regional flavors at Shiizu roadside station, where seasonal ingredients meet traditional cooking.
Café & Light Meals
喫茶・軽食
Specialty
Light meals and beverages served in a relaxing atmosphere
A cozy café offering a variety of light meals and drinks, perfect for a quick break or leisurely refreshment. The space is designed to provide a calm and welcoming environment for visitors.
Shopping Highlights
Discover local treasures and fresh produce at Shiizu’s vibrant market, a true taste of the region.
Yangsheng Market
養生市場
A local market specializing in fresh agricultural products and regional ingredients, including ready-to-eat bento boxes.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Bento Box
Featured Products
Explore signature items like mountain vegetable dishes and handcrafted goods inspired by local heritage.
Confucius Park Souvenir Set
孔子公園記念品セット
A curated collection of souvenirs inspired by the Confucius Park, featuring traditional Chinese cultural motifs and local craftsmanship.
Confucian Philosophy Booklet
儒教思想ブックレット
A beautifully designed booklet introducing the core teachings of Confucianism, with illustrations inspired by the park’s architecture.
Local Dango Soup Mix
だご汁の素
A convenient dry mix for preparing authentic dango soup at home, using traditional ingredients from the region.
Mountain Vegetable Seasoning Pack
山菜の調味料セット
A blend of natural seasonings specifically designed to enhance the flavor of fresh mountain vegetables.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, and information desks for a seamless journey.
Parking
A parking area is available at the roadside station.
Located at the roadside station premises
Restroom
Restrooms are available for visitors. One of them is designated as a clean restroom (sinsyo).
Located within the roadside station complex
Information Center
An information corner provides road information, nearby 'Michi no Eki' details, and weather updates via a large screen and bulletin board. Information is also available through maps and flyers.
Inside the souvenir shop area
Play Area
A sports activity area is available, featuring facilities for physical activities.
Adjacent to the park and near the sports facilities
Nursing Room
A baby-friendly facility is available for parents with infants.
Located within the roadside station complex
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi service is available at the roadside station, provided through the information corner's large screen and bulletin board system.
Available in the information corner and throughout the station
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in seasonal festivals, cultural workshops, and interactive experiences throughout the year.
Confucius Park Guided Tour
孔子公園ガイドツアー
Participants will take a guided walking tour through Confucius Park, exploring traditional Chinese architectural structures such as corridors, pavilions, and exhibition halls, learning about Confucian philosophy and the cultural significance of the site.
Duration
60 min
Confucius Festival Cultural Experience
孔子祭り体験
Attendees will participate in traditional cultural activities during the annual Confucius Festival, including wearing historical costumes and playing traditional instruments displayed in the Costume and Instrument Exhibition Hall.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor activities may be affected by rain; indoor venues available
Spring Cherry Blossom Festival
桜まつり
Visitors can enjoy cherry blossom viewing in the park, participate in seasonal crafts, and experience local food and music during the spring cherry blossom festival.
Duration
180 min
Events may be postponed due to rain or strong winds
Local Agricultural Festival
農業祭
Participants can engage in hands-on farming activities, learn about local agriculture, and sample seasonal produce and traditional dishes from the region.
Duration
150 min
Outdoor activities may be rescheduled in case of heavy rain
Cosmo Marathon Cultural Walk
コスモスマラソン
Join a themed walking event through the scenic surroundings of the roadside station, combining fitness with cultural storytelling and local heritage exploration.
Duration
90 min
Event may be canceled or postponed in case of extreme weather
Traditional Chinese Music Workshop
伝統中国音楽ワークショップ
Learn to play traditional Chinese instruments such as the guqin or erhu in a hands-on workshop led by cultural instructors.
Duration
90 min
Confucius Park Photography Tour
孔子公園フォトツア
Explore the scenic beauty of Confucius Park with a photography-focused guided tour, learning composition techniques and capturing traditional architecture and seasonal landscapes.
Duration
75 min
Best during clear weather; avoid heavy rain
Insider Tips
Visit during the autumn孔子祭り to witness traditional costumes and instruments in use at the iconic孔子公園.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure fresh-baked milk bread from the Yōshō Market, which sells out by 11:00 AM and is only available during the morning hours
- Hidden Gems: Visit the Yōshō Market deli counter between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM to find the limited daily batch of da-go soup (a local specialty made with mountain vegetables and tofu)
- Weekend Special: On the first Sunday of each month, the Yōshō Market hosts a "Farmers’ Morning Market" featuring fresh local produce and homemade pickles from nearby farms—arrive before 10:00 AM to see the full selection
- Cultural Experience: If visiting during the September孔子祭り (Confucius Festival), enter the Confucius Park Exhibition Hall before 1:00 PM to view the authentic ceremonial robes and instruments used in the festival's traditional performances
- Best Time to Visit the Park: Go to Confucius Park on weekdays between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to enjoy the quiet atmosphere and avoid the guided tour groups that gather at 1:30 PM
- Food to Try at the Cafeteria: Order the mountain vegetable and tofu bento at the café between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM—the lunch set is only available during that window and includes a side of pickled vegetables from the local region
- Information Tip: Check the large display screen near the entrance between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM daily for real-time updates on road conditions and upcoming events at nearby roadside stations, as this screen is updated once per hour
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Cherry blossom viewing during the Sakura Festival in March and fresh mountain vegetables available at the market.
Summer (June-August): Participate in the local Furusato Festival in August and enjoy seasonal mountain vegetable dishes.
Autumn (September-November): Attend the annual Confucius Festival in September and experience traditional attire and instruments.
Winter (December-February): Visit during the town relay race in February and enjoy warm local dishes like dago soup.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Shiizu roadside station features a child-friendly park, stroller access, and baby facilities. While no dedicated play areas exist, the nearby Confucius Park offers cultural interaction. Food options include kid-friendly local dishes and seasonal treats.
Food Lover Review
The station offers a variety of local specialties like dago soup and mountain vegetables. The health market sells fresh produce and regional bento boxes. Quality is strong, with authentic regional flavors and seasonal items available.
Car Camping Review
Basic facilities include restrooms and parking, but no designated overnight parking or camping area. Quiet during daytime, but limited comfort for extended stays. No official camping policy or overnight amenities provided.
Scenic Beauty Review
The Confucius Park offers serene, well-maintained surroundings with traditional Chinese architecture. Scenic views are enhanced by seasonal flowers and greenery. The park’s aesthetic appeal and peaceful atmosphere provide excellent photo opportunities.