Station Uki

Discover the Heart of Kyushu’s Agricultural Charm

Uki roadside station lies at the crossroads of Japan’s vital transport arteries—National Route 3 and Route 218—just a short drive from Kumamoto City and a mere kilometer from the Matsue Interchange on the Kyushu Expressway. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Yatsushiro City, it serves as a vibrant gateway to local culture, agriculture, and community spirit.

More than a rest stop, Uki is a dynamic hub where fresh, seasonal produce takes center stage. The renowned San-san Uki-kko Yumeyama Gallery showcases an exceptional selection of regional specialties—strawberries, melons, pears, and the famed Deoko orange—alongside farm-fresh vegetables and artisanal加工 products. The on-site gelato workshop offers a unique treat, featuring seasonal ingredients like local ginger and asparagus, turning every visit into a flavorful journey through Kyushu’s agricultural bounty.

Visit Uki roadside station to experience the only seasonal gelato in the region made from locally grown ingredients like fresh ginger and asparagus—crafted daily at the on-site gelato workshop. Here, you’ll find the only place in the area where you can taste the true essence of Uki’s seasonal produce, from sweet dekopon oranges to crisp local strawberries, all sourced directly from nearby farms.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 8:30 AM to access the rest area before it opens to the public, as the rest room is available from 8:30 AM and fills quickly during peak hours
• Hidden Gems: Visit the gelato workshop inside the San-san Uki-kko Umakura Hall between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM to see seasonal flavors like fresh ginger and asparagus gelato being made, with limited samples available during production hours
• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the produce counter between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM to purchase freshly harvested seasonal fruits—especially strawberries and melons—before they sell out, as these are delivered daily by local farmers
• Information Corner Tip: Use the information terminal in the information corner between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to check real-time traffic and congestion on National Route 3 and National Route 218, as updates are most frequent during this window
• Local Product Priority: Purchase the “Yamakura” brand pickled vegetables and dried persimmons at the San-san Uki-kko Umakura Hall before 1:00 PM, as these items are restocked only once per day and often sell out by early afternoon
• Event Timing: Attend the “Uki☆Kirari” regional tourism and product fair in March, which runs daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and visit the booth near the entrance to sample limited-edition local fruit preserves made exclusively for the event
• Parking Strategy: Use the west-side parking area near the intersection of National Route 3 and Prefectural Route 181, as it is less congested than the main lot during weekday afternoons and offers easier access to the rest area and information terminal

Spring (March-May): Visit during the Uki☆Kirari festival in March to enjoy local produce and seasonal fruits like strawberries and melons.

Summer (June-August): Peak season for fresh asparagus and ginger, with seasonal gelato featuring these ingredients available at the shop.

Autumn (September-November): Ideal for the Matsubara Town Hometown Festival in November, showcasing regional crafts and food.

Winter (December-February): Limited access due to closure from January 1–3, but ginger-based treats remain available through February.