Discover the Heart of Kumamoto’s Heritage at Tsuujun-bashi
Tsuujun-bashi roadside station stands at the gateway to one of Kyushu’s most treasured landscapes, just a one-minute drive from the Yamato Tsuujun-bashi Interchange on the Kyushu Central Expressway. Nestled in the serene town of Yamato, this vibrant hub celebrates local culture through its farm-to-table restaurant, Arche, and the bustling Omoruri market, where visitors can sample organic produce from surrounding fields. The true highlight lies just minutes away—the National Treasure Tsuujun Bridge, a 19th-century engineering marvel built in 1854 to channel irrigation water across a deep ravine.
Experience the rhythm of the seasons with seasonal events like the Spring Historical Walk and the summer Fire-Protecting Jizo Festival. At Tsuujun-bashi, every visit is a journey into Kumamoto’s past, enriched by fresh local flavors, sustainable practices, and the quiet beauty of nature.
Why Visit
Tsuujun-bashi roadside station is uniquely positioned just five minutes from the newly designated National Treasure, Tsuujun Bridge—Japan’s only surviving 19th-century arched aqueduct with triple water conduits designed to channel irrigation water uphill across a steep ravine. Visitors can witness the rare, dramatic water release from the bridge’s conduits every weekend from April to November, a living engineering marvel. At the station’s restaurant, Archi, taste the region’s only authentic medicinal herb chankonabe, made with locally grown organic vegetables and herbs from the surrounding mountains.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, local flavors at Tsuujun-bashi roadside station.
Arch
アーチ
Specialty
Local organic ingredients with a focus on seasonal mountain town cuisine
A restaurant located within the roadside station that features dishes made with abundant local ingredients from Yamasoto Town, emphasizing fresh organic vegetables and regional flavors. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, ideal for enjoying authentic mountain cuisine.
Shopping Highlights
Discover seasonal produce and handmade goods at Tsuujun-bashi roadside station.
Ooruri
オオルリ
A local produce hall offering a wide variety of organic vegetables and agricultural products from Yamasoto Town.
Products
Must-Try Item
Organic vegetables
Featured Products
Taste signature specialties like herbal soba and medicinal ramen at Tsuujun-bashi roadside station.
Tea Soba
茶そば
A unique buckwheat noodle dish infused with green tea, known for its refreshing taste and health benefits.
Herbal Chankonabe Soup Base
薬膳ちゃんぽんスープベース
A ready-to-use soup base made with traditional herbal ingredients, perfect for making a nourishing chankonabe at home.
Local Organic Vegetable Mix
地元有機野菜ミックス
A curated mix of fresh, organic vegetables grown in Yamasoto Town, ideal for cooking and preserving seasonal flavors.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including free Wi-Fi and EV charging at Tsuujun-bashi roadside station.
Parking
Available at the roadside station, located near the entrance.
Near the entrance
Restroom
Public restrooms are available at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is provided in the restaurant area and throughout the station.
Restaurant Arche and general station area
Information Center
Information corner provides maps, brochures, and details on nearby attractions, road conditions, and other roadside stations.
Inside the station
Nursing Room
A dedicated space for nursing mothers is available at the roadside station.
Within the facility
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging station is available on-site.
Near the parking area
Insider Tips
Visit during weekend water releases for a unique view of the historic bridge at Tsuujun-bashi roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 10:00 AM on weekends to catch the weekly water release at Tsuujun-bashi Bridge, which occurs every weekend from April to November at 1:00 PM and is not advertised outside the roadside station’s information corner.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter in the Ooruri specialty shop before 12:00 PM to find the limited daily batch of organic vegetable dumplings made from locally grown produce, which often sell out by early afternoon.
- Weekend Special: On the first Sunday of each month, the restaurant Arch offers a special "Soy Sauce Ramen with Mountain Vegetables" dish using ingredients sourced directly from local farms, available only from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
- Best Use of Free Wi-Fi: Connect to the free Wi-Fi at the information corner between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to access the digital map of the 218 Route, which includes real-time updates on nearby road closures and detours not listed on printed maps.
- EV Charging Tip: Use the EV charging station between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM on weekdays to avoid peak demand, as the station is often occupied during weekend afternoon hours when visitors arrive from the nearby Tsuujun-bashi Bridge.
- Dining Strategy: Order the tea soba at the Arch restaurant by 12:30 PM to ensure it’s served fresh, as the kitchen prepares only a limited number of servings daily and stops serving after 1:00 PM.
- Information Corner Advantage: Pick up the printed guide at the information corner before visiting the Tsuujun-bashi Bridge, as it includes the exact route from the roadside station, parking details, and historical context not available elsewhere on-site.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Visit during the March historical walking tour and enjoy fresh bamboo shoots at the market.
Summer (June-August): Experience the August Fire-Extinguishing Jizo Festival and enjoy seasonal vegetables.
Autumn (September-November): Attend the September Eight-Spot Festival and taste autumn harvest produce.
Winter (December-February): No specific seasonal events mentioned; ideal for quiet visits to the historic bridge.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station features a baby care room and stroller-friendly pathways. Though no dedicated play area exists, the nearby scenic bridge and walking trails offer natural engagement. Family-friendly dining options and clear signage enhance the experience.
Food Lover Review
The roadside station offers a variety of local dishes using organic produce, including recommended items like tea soba and medicinal herbal ramen. The farm-to-table restaurant and fresh market provide authentic regional flavors and high-quality ingredients.
Car Camping Review
It provides restrooms, parking, and Wi-Fi, but lacks designated overnight parking or camping facilities. The area is quiet during off-peak hours, yet no official overnight stay policy is listed, limiting its suitability for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
The station overlooks the historic Tsuujun-bashi Bridge and offers views of the surrounding natural landscape. Seasonal beauty is enhanced by nearby waterfalls and forested areas, with photo opportunities at the bridge and adjacent pathways.