Station Wellness Arao

Discover Wellness and Local Flavor at the Heart of Kumamoto

Wellness Arao, a vibrant roadside station set in the scenic countryside of Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is set to open in June 2026 as a dynamic hub where agriculture, community, and well-being converge. Nestled at the intersection of mountain and sea, this future-facing roadside station will spotlight regional specialties—from fresh mountain-grown produce and sustainably harvested seafood to artisanal local crafts and processed goods.

More than a stop for travelers, Wellness Arao is designed as a wellness-focused community center, seamlessly integrating a roadside station with health, welfare, and childcare services. Its innovative layout fosters connections between local producers and visitors, offering immersive experiences in sustainable living, regional culture, and healthy lifestyles. With its welcoming design and commitment to accessibility, it promises a meaningful destination for all.

Visit Wellness Arao to experience the only roadside station in the region dedicated to promoting health and wellness through locally sourced, sustainably produced goods. Home to the only certified organic vegetable stand in Kumamoto Prefecture, it features fresh, pesticide-free produce grown in the fertile fields of the Aso basin. Visitors can also sample the exclusive “Arao Milk Ice Cream,” crafted from Jersey cow milk raised in nearby pastures—available nowhere else.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM on weekdays to meet the staff from the "出荷者会説明会" (Outsourcing Association Meeting) held monthly, where you can directly discuss product listings and supply logistics with organizers before the official opening in June 2026.

• Hidden Gems: At the "出荷者会事前説明会" (Pre-Event Meeting for Suppliers), ask about the "道の駅あらお（仮称）予告サイト" (Preliminary Website for ARAO Roadside Station), which provides real-time updates on vendor registration status and upcoming seasonal product launches.

• Weekend Special: On the first Saturday of each month, attend the "出荷者会説明会" (Supplier Discussion Meeting) hosted at the ARAO Roadside Station site to access exclusive pre-opening access to vendor contract templates and logistics coordination tools.

• Product Tip: Request the "登録証伝達式" (Registration Certificate Delivery Ceremony) schedule from staff during your visit—this event is held quarterly and grants priority placement for new vendors in the first phase of opening.

• Best Product Access: Apply via the "登録フォーム" (Registration Form) before 11:00 AM on the day of the "出荷者説明会" (Supplier Meeting) to secure a spot for individual consultations with the opening preparation office staff.

• Location Advantage: Use the "大屋根広場" (Oyane Park) area near the main entrance to view the site’s layout model and discuss how your product fits into the planned integration of the roadside station and the wellness, health, and childcare support facility.

• Timing for Planning: Visit the ARAO Roadside Station site during the "出荷者会説明会" (Supplier Meeting) to obtain the "サウンディング型市場調査" (Sounding Market Survey) results summary, which reveals current consumer demand trends for local agricultural and marine products in the region.

Spring (March–May): Canola flowers bloom in late March to April, creating vibrant fields ideal for photography and seasonal walks.

Summer (June–August): Fresh mountain and sea products from local harvests are available at the roadside station, with peak availability from July.

Autumn (September–November): Autumn harvests of vegetables and fruits, including sweet potatoes and persimmons, are featured at the roadside station.

Winter (December–February): The roadside station prepares for its June 2026 opening with monthly supplier meetings and seasonal product planning.