Station Touyou

Savor the Spirit of Kumamoto’s Ginger and Stone Heritage

Touyou roadside station welcomes travelers at the gateway to the historic stonecraft region of Yatsushiro City, nestled along National Route 443. Once known as the Seiseragi Community Center, it has reinvented itself as a vibrant hub celebrating local identity, with a proud focus on the area’s famed ginger and artisanal stone craftsmanship. Set against a backdrop of rural charm and natural beauty, Touyou offers a seamless blend of tradition and modern comfort.

Visitors can sample the bold flavor of fresh ginger in seasonal specialties like the acclaimed Touyou Chankon, a hearty noodle dish topped with fried ginger and potato. Explore the bustling vegetable market, unwind in the relaxing Dream Light Hot Spring, or enjoy handmade treats at Fururu II. With year-round events like the Ginger Festival and the Sakura Festival, Touyou captures the rhythm of local life and invites travelers to connect with the heart of Kumamoto’s rural spirit.

Touyou roadside station stands out as the only place in the region where you can taste freshly made Touyou Chankon, a unique ramen featuring deep-fried ginger and potato as a topping—crafted exclusively from the town’s famed 35-ginger. The station’s “Saitekikan” market offers early-harvested ginger, sold only during August and September, perfect for making traditional miso pickles. These are not just local specialties—they’re a rare, seasonal experience found nowhere else.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit the vegetable stand "Saitekikan" between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM on weekdays to get the freshest produce, especially during the late summer and early autumn harvest season when local vegetables like eggplants and tomatoes are at their peak.

• Hidden Gem: Stop by the "Fururu II" bakery between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to purchase the day’s first batch of fresh ginger milk bread, which is baked daily and often sells out by noon.

• Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the "Sunfururu" restaurant between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM to enjoy the "Touyou Chankon" noodle dish, which features fried ginger and potato toppings and is only served during lunch hours.

• Best Time for Local Products: Visit the souvenir shop "Sanguran" during the period from late August to early October to find fresh early-harvest ginger and ginger pickles, which are only available during this seasonal window.

• Unique Experience: On the 26th of each month, visit the "Yumeakari" hot spring between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to take advantage of the "Bath Day Service," where a 60-minute all-you-can-eat buffet dinner is included with the entry fee.

• Insider Access: Use the 24-hour information corner located inside the roadside station to access local cable TV broadcasts, which feature real-time updates on events and road conditions specific to the region.

• Pro Tip for Foodies: Order the ginger jam or ginger syrup at the online store "Oishiku Shouga" and request the "Shiso Pickle Sliced" ginger pickle variant, which is only available through the online shop and not sold at the physical store.

Spring (March-May): Visit during the East Yang Cherry Blossom Festival in March to see blooming sakura, with fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.

Summer (June-August): Explore in summer when the Stone Craft Village shines, though no specific seasonal offerings are highlighted.

Autumn (September-November): Ideal for the Ginger Festival on the fourth Sunday of October and sampling newly harvested ginger.

Winter (December-February): Enjoy the hot spring "Yumeakari" and seasonal ginger products, though no special winter events are listed.