Discover the Heart of Kyushu’s Coastal Heritage
Kitaura roadside station lies nestled within the pristine 日豊海岸国定公園 (Nippo Coast National Park), along National Route 388 just minutes from the North Ura Interchange. Situated at the heart of the 下阿蘇ビーチリゾート「浜木綿村」 (Shimo-Aso Beach Resort "Hamayumi Village"), this vibrant hub offers travelers a rare blend of natural beauty, coastal recreation, and authentic local culture. With its sparkling white sands and clear turquoise waters, the nearby Shimo-Aso Beach is recognized as one of Japan’s top 100 bathing beaches—making Kitaura the perfect gateway for seaside relaxation.
Beyond its stunning location, Kitaura shines as a multi-faceted destination. Visitors can savor fresh seafood at the Seafood Hall, sample regional specialties like the iconic Kitaura Bowl, explore the historic salt fields, or enjoy family-friendly activities at the on-site campsite and tennis courts. Whether you're hiking the coastal trails, soaking in the ocean breeze, or discovering local crafts and seasonal produce, Kitaura invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature and community.
Why Visit
Kitaura roadside station stands out as the only roadside station in Japan where you can experience authentic salt-making firsthand at an active coastal salt field. Visitors can tour the historic salt pans and sample "Moon Salt" and "Nigari-chan," exclusive products made from seawater drawn directly from the pristine waters of the Nippo Coast. Beyond the salt, the station offers direct access to one of Kyushu’s most stunning beaches, where the clear blue waters of the Nippo Coast National Park stretch endlessly—home to the only beach in Kyushu selected as a "Japan 100 Best Beaches" special pick.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh seafood and local flavors at Kitaura roadside station, where the ocean meets the table.
Seafood Hall
海鮮館
Specialty
Fresh seafood from the local waters
A restaurant offering a variety of fresh seafood caught in the surrounding waters of the Nippo Coast National Park. The atmosphere is relaxed and scenic, with views of the ocean and natural surroundings.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local goods and regional treasures at Kitaura's vibrant roadside station market.
Market Store
道の駅売店
A general retail shop offering a wide range of local products, including fresh seafood, processed seafood, seasonal vegetables, and local specialty items.
Products
Must-Try Item
Moon Salt
Salt Production Site
塩田資料館
A museum showcasing the traditional salt-making process and history of salt production in the area.
Products
Must-Try Item
Moon Salt
Camping Village
浜木綿村
A family-friendly camping and lodging facility with cabins and camping sites, offering a full range of outdoor recreational activities.
Products
Must-Try Item
Camping Experience
Featured Products
Experience signature specialties like moon salt and local seafood, crafted with coastal pride.
Moon Salt
月の塩
A locally produced salt made using traditional methods in the area's salt fields, known for its purity and unique flavor.
Bitter Salt
にがりちゃん
A unique local product made from the byproduct of salt production, known for its health benefits and distinctive taste.
Fresh Oyster
牡蠣
Freshly harvested oysters from the local waters, known for their crisp texture and sweet flavor.
Fresh Scallop
サザエ
Fresh scallops harvested from the pristine coastal waters, prized for their tender texture and rich taste.
Fresh Mackerel
鰯
Fresh mackerel caught in the local waters, known for its rich flavor and high quality.
Fresh Sea Bream
タイ
Fresh sea bream caught in the coastal waters, known for its delicate flavor and firm texture.
Fish Paste
すり身
A traditional fish paste made from finely ground fish, used in various local dishes.
Dried Seafood
干物
Dried seafood products made from local fish and shellfish, ideal for long-term storage and cooking.
Seasonal Vegetables
地元の季節の野菜
Fresh, locally grown seasonal vegetables harvested from nearby farms.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, and accessible facilities at Kitaura.
Roadside Station Parking
The roadside station has a parking area with space for 18 regular cars, 5 buses, and 2 wheelchair-accessible parking spots. There is also a parking area at the nearby Hamayumi Village, with 128 spots on the west side and 121 on the east side.
In front of the toilets and adjacent to the main facility
Multi-purpose Toilets
There are three multi-purpose toilets available. Toilet 1 is located in front of the parking area and is gender-separated. Toilet 2 is next to the information center and is gender-neutral. Toilet 3 is beside the Hamayumi Village management building and is also gender-neutral. All feature emergency call systems, warm water washlets, and baby changing facilities.
Front of parking area (Toilet 1), next to information center (Toilet 2), beside Hamayumi Village management building (Toilet 3)
Wi-Fi Access
Wi-Fi is available at the roadside station, including at the reception counter and information corner. The service is accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities.
Information center and reception counter
Information Center
The information center provides maps, brochures, and details on road conditions, nearby roadside stations, local attractions, and medical information. Staff are available to assist, and the counter is accessible to wheelchair users.
Next to Toilet 2
Children's Play Area
The roadside station features a play area with a wooden climbing structure shaped like a boat, located within the Hamayumi Village campground. The area is suitable for children and includes a water play area during summer months.
Within the Hamayumi Village campground
EV Charging Station
The roadside station does not have an EV charging station listed in the provided information.
ATM
No ATM is mentioned in the provided information.
Pet-Friendly Area
No specific pet area is mentioned in the provided information.
Nursing Room
The multi-purpose toilets include baby changing facilities and baby seats, making them suitable for nursing parents. These are available in all three toilet locations.
Toilet 1, Toilet 2, and Toilet 3
Hot Spring
No hot spring (onsen) facility is available at the roadside station.
Bike Rental
No bike rental service is mentioned in the provided information.
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in hands-on experiences and seasonal events from salt-making to beach festivals.
Salt Making Experience
塩づくり体験
Participants will learn the traditional process of salt production at the salt fields, including harvesting seawater and observing the evaporation process.
Duration
60 min
Beachside Swimming
下阿蘇海水浴場
Enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the designated beach, known as one of the top 100 beaches in Japan.
Duration
120 min
Swimming is not recommended during heavy rain or strong winds.
Camping
浜木綿村キャンプ場
Set up a tent and enjoy an overnight stay in the natural surroundings of the beachside campsite with access to showers and restrooms.
Duration
1440 min
Camping is not recommended during typhoon season or heavy rainfall.
River Pool Swimming
河川プール
Cool off in the summer-only river pool, designed for safe and fun water play for children and families.
Duration
90 min
The pool is closed during rainy weather or high water levels.
Wooden Playground Adventure
船をイメージした木製のアスレチック
Explore a large wooden playground shaped like a ship, featuring climbing nets, slides, and balance beams for children.
Duration
60 min
Playground access may be restricted during heavy rain or strong winds.
Beachside Tennis
全天候型テニスコート
Play a game of tennis on the all-weather tennis court, available for public use throughout the year.
Duration
60 min
Court usage may be suspended during heavy rain or typhoon conditions.
Seafood Festival
海鮮!山鮮!きたうら市!
Participate in a seasonal festival featuring fresh local seafood and mountain produce, with live cooking demonstrations and tastings.
Duration
180 min
Event may be moved indoors or canceled during severe weather.
Fireworks Festival
きたうら納涼花火大会
Enjoy a summer night fireworks display over the sea, accompanied by food stalls and entertainment.
Duration
120 min
Event is canceled if there is heavy rain or strong wind.
Sakura Marathon
北浦さくらマラソン大会
Join a scenic marathon race through the cherry blossom-lined paths of the coastal area during spring.
Duration
120 min
Event may be postponed or canceled due to cold or rainy weather.
Rock Oyster Festival
日豊海岸岩ガキまつり
Celebrate the local rock oyster harvest with tastings, cooking contests, and cultural performances.
Duration
240 min
Festival activities may be moved indoors during heavy rain.
Insider Tips
Plan visits around seasonal events and check hours in advance for a seamless stay at Kitaura.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit the roadside station by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the bakery counter before the fresh-baked milk bread sells out, as it is released at 9:00 AM and typically sells out by 11:00 AM.
- Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter at the roadside station’s shop between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to find the limited-edition “月の塩” (Moon Salt) and “にがりちゃん” (Nigari-chan), which are only restocked once daily and often sell out by midday.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, head to the “海鮮館” (Seafood Hall) restaurant by 11:30 AM to order the “北浦丼” (Kitaura Bowl), which is only available until 1:00 PM and is a popular local favorite.
- Seasonal Activity: Visit the “体験学習塩田” (Salt Experience Field) between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM on weekdays during April through August to participate in a guided salt-making demonstration, which is offered daily only during the summer months.
- Nearby Hidden Spot: Walk to the “下阿蘇海水浴場” (Shimahoso Beach) from the roadside station—just 2 minutes on foot—to swim in the “Japan’s 100 Best Beaches”-recognized shoreline, especially recommended during the July to August season.
- Event Tip: Attend the “海鮮!山鮮!きたうら市!” (Seafood & Mountain Fresh Kitaura Market) held in September, where you can purchase freshly caught local seafood and seasonal vegetables directly from vendors at the roadside station’s outdoor market area.
- Best Photo Opportunity: Go to the “展望地” (Scenic Viewpoint) located at the eastern end of the roadside station grounds just before sunset to capture the full view of the “日豊海岸国定公園” (Nippo Coast National Park) coastline and the Pacific Ocean, which offers the most dramatic light during late summer and early autumn.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Visit in March for the Northura Sakura Marathon and enjoy fresh sea urchin and seasonal vegetables at the roadside station.
Summer (June-August): Ideal for beach activities, with the sea opening in July and the Kitaura Cool Fireworks Festival in August.
Autumn (September-November): Experience the East Kyushu Ise Ebi Sea Route and the Seafood & Mountain Fresh Market in September.
Winter (December-February): Limited access due to closure from December 31 to January 1; best for quiet coastal views and planning future visits.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Kitaura roadside station offers a children's playground, salt-making experience, and a nearby beach with a children's pool. It provides stroller-friendly paths, multiple accessible restrooms, and family-oriented activities. Though no dedicated kids' menu is listed, the variety of food and beach access enhances the experience.
Food Lover Review
Kitaura features a seafood restaurant serving fresh local catches like oysters and sea bream. The shop offers regional specialties such as 'Kitaura Donburi' and 'Ishi-zukushi' set meals. Fresh seafood, local produce, and unique items like 'Moon Salt' and 'Nigari-chan' enhance the culinary appeal.
Car Camping Review
Kitaura provides ample parking, clean restrooms, and a nearby campground with overnight stays. The site is quiet with access to showers and a restaurant. However, overnight parking is not explicitly permitted, and noise levels may vary during peak events.
Scenic Beauty Review
Kitaura overlooks a pristine beach in the Nippo Coast National Park, offering panoramic ocean views. The natural surroundings are enhanced by seasonal beauty, with photo opportunities at the beach, salt fields, and viewpoints. The overall atmosphere is serene and scenic.