Discover the Heart of Kyushu’s Natural Heritage
Kitagawa Hayuma, nestled at the gateway to Miyazaki Prefecture in the historic town of Kitagawa, offers travelers a vibrant blend of tradition and modern comfort. Located at the junction of National Route 10 and the free section of the East Kyushu Expressway, this roadside station is a perfect retreat for those exploring the region’s scenic landscapes and cultural treasures.
More than a rest stop, Kitagawa Hayuma is a cultural crossroads featuring local collaborations, seasonal specialties like fresh oysters and persimmons, and a charming musical clock that performs daily. Visitors can savor regional dishes such as fresh catch from the Hyuga Sea, enjoy handmade sweets, explore woodcraft workshops, or relax in spacious rest areas with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and rivers.
Why Visit
Visit Kitagawa Hayuma to experience the only roadside station in the region featuring a traditional wind-up music clock, "Hayuma’s Musical Clock," that performs daily at scheduled times—a charming tribute to the area’s ancient post station heritage. Beyond the nostalgic show, savor the exclusive Yukihada Tofu and Yukihada Soy Milk from Kiyotsu Village, a rare delicacy available only here. Pair it with a handmade soft-serve ice cream made from local Jersey cow milk, a signature treat found nowhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor regional flavors at roadside station Kitagawa Hayuma, where fresh, seasonal dishes await.
Restaurant Hayuma
レストランはゆま
Specialty
Local cuisine with seasonal ingredients
A cozy restaurant offering traditional dishes from Miyazaki Prefecture, featuring fresh seafood and regional specialties in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Shopping Highlights
Discover local treasures and artisan goods at Kitagawa Hayuma’s bustling marketplace.
Bakery
パン工房
A dedicated bakery offering unique and delicious breads crafted on-site using local ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly baked bread with local flour
Confectionery Workshop
菓子工房
A craft shop specializing in handmade sweets and traditional confections.
Products
Must-Try Item
Original seasonal sweets
Woodcraft Studio
木工館
A craft shop offering handmade wooden products and artisanal items.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hand-carved wooden souvenirs
Farmers Market
物産館
A market featuring local agricultural products and regional specialties.
Products
Must-Try Item
Moon Salt Fried Chicken
Souvenir Shop
おみやげ館
A souvenir shop offering a wide range of local products and gifts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kaki-themed merchandise
Takeout Counter
テイクアウトコーナー
A takeout counter offering ready-to-go food and drinks for travelers.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly ground coffee
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature specialties like sun-dried shirasu and seasonal fruits.
Yukihada Tofu
ゆき肌豆腐
A premium tofu from Shidaya House in Shiba Village, Miyazaki Prefecture, known for its smooth texture and delicate flavor.
Yukihada Soy Milk
ゆき肌豆乳
Fresh soy milk from Shidaya House, made with high-quality soybeans and known for its rich, creamy taste.
Kaki-themed Merchandise
かきづくし商品
A collection of products themed around kaki (persimmon), including kaki-shaped snacks and souvenirs.
Kaki Seeds
柿の種
Roasted and seasoned persimmon seeds, a unique local snack with a crunchy texture.
Kaki Fruit
柿
Fresh persimmons from the region, including varieties like Jiro Kaki and Taaki Kaki.
Oyster
牡蠣
Fresh oysters harvested from local waters, known for their sweet and briny flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy comfort and convenience with ample parking, restrooms, Wi-Fi, and EV charging at Kitagawa Hayuma.
Parking Area
The roadside station has a parking area for visitors. The first parking lot includes a toilet and a road information center.
First parking lot
Toilet
Toilets are available in the first parking lot and in the road information center. One toilet is designated as a disaster prevention toilet.
First parking lot and road information center
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Road Information Center
The road information center provides road information, construction updates, nearby roadside station details, tourism information, and weather updates via monitors and flyers.
First parking lot
Kids Corner
A dedicated kids' area is available for children to enjoy.
Inside the facility
Bicycle Rental
Bicycle rental service is available at the roadside station.
Near the sports activity area
Nursing Room
A nursing room is available for mothers with infants.
Inside the facility
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors to use.
Near the information center
Pet Area
A designated pet area is available for visitors with pets.
Outside the main facility
Activities & Experiences
Engage in hands-on crafts, seasonal festivals, and nature-inspired experiences throughout the year.
Woodworking Experience
木工館
Participants can engage in hands-on woodworking activities using traditional tools and materials, creating their own small wooden crafts.
Duration
60 min
Seasonal Chestnut and Oyster Fair
かきフェア
Enjoy a special event featuring chestnuts, oysters, and chestnut seeds, with seasonal products available for purchase and tasting.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor event; may be affected by rain
Firefly Festival
北川ホタルまつり
Experience the beauty of fireflies in nature during the annual festival, featuring guided walks and local cultural activities.
Duration
120 min
Best enjoyed on clear, warm evenings
Local Summer Festival
北川ふるさと夏まつり
Join a vibrant summer celebration with music, food stalls, traditional performances, and community activities.
Duration
240 min
Outdoor event; weather-dependent
Local Industry and Culture Festival
北川町産業文化祭
Explore local crafts, food, and cultural heritage through exhibitions, live demonstrations, and interactive booths.
Duration
180 min
Partially indoors; some outdoor activities
Seven Lucky Gods Winter Race
七福神わかあゆロードレース大会
Participate in or watch a winter road race event themed around the Seven Lucky Gods, featuring runners of all ages.
Duration
90 min
Outdoor race; may be canceled in extreme cold or snow
Traditional Musical Clock Performance
はゆまの音楽会
Enjoy a daily live performance of a traditional mechanical music clock that plays at scheduled times throughout the day.
Duration
10 min
Insider Tips
Visit during the kaki fair for limited-edition treats and check the info board for real-time travel updates.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s first batch of fresh-baked milk bread from the bakery, which sells out quickly and is not restocked during the day
- Hidden Gems: Visit the teakettle-shaped "HAYUMA Music Clock" at the information center, which performs daily at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, and 16:00, offering a unique audio-visual experience
- Seasonal Special: Purchase the "Yukihada Tofu" and "Yukihada Soy Milk" from the Fujikawa Village specialty stall during the autumn season—these are only available from late October through early December
- Best Value Meal: Order the "Himuka Set Meal" at the restaurant between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM for a discounted price, as this is the designated lunchtime window when the menu is promoted
- Off-Peak Shopping: Visit the gift shop on Mondays or Tuesdays between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to avoid weekend crowds and access the full stock of local products like "Moon Salt Fried Chicken"
- Eco-Friendly Tip: Use the coin shower facility located near the first parking lot, which operates from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM and is ideal for travelers needing a quick rinse after long drives
- Event Planning: Check the large monitor at the information desk on the first weekend of November to confirm the schedule for the "Kaki Fair" featuring Northern-grown "Jiro Persimmons" and "Oyster Kaki" snacks
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Visit during the North River Firefly Festival in May to see native fireflies in the wetlands near the roadside station.
Summer (June–August): Enjoy the North Kawa Hometown Summer Festival in August, featuring local music, food, and cultural performances.
Autumn (September–November): Experience the Kaki Fair in November, showcasing regional persimmons, oysters, and roasted sesame seeds.
Winter (December–February): Try the seasonal shiitake curry at the restaurant, available only during the colder months.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Features a dedicated kids' corner, stroller-friendly paths, and family-oriented activities like woodcraft. Play areas and child-friendly food options enhance the experience. Safety and accessibility are well maintained.
Food Lover Review
Offers diverse local specialties such as fresh sea urchin rice, chicken nanban, and seasonal dishes. High-quality produce, artisanal snacks, and seasonal events like the oyster festival elevate the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides 24-hour restrooms, coin showers, and EV charging. Limited quiet zones and no designated overnight parking. Suitable for short stops but not ideal for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near natural attractions like the Kogawa Wetland and Hatake River. Offers scenic views and seasonal beauty, especially during the firefly festival. The overall atmosphere is peaceful and picturesque.