Discover the Heart of Kyushu’s Natural Bounty
Tucked along the scenic coastline of Kyushu, Michi-no-Eki Kitago is a vibrant roadside station where the flavors of the sea and mountains converge. Nestled in the serene landscape of Minamiboso, this dynamic hub offers travelers a refreshing escape filled with local charm and authentic experiences. From sun-drenched fields to bustling markets, every corner celebrates the region’s rich agricultural and maritime heritage.
More than just a rest stop, Michi-no-Eki Kitago thrives as a community centerpiece. Visitors can savor signature dishes like grilled bonito and gluten-free ramen, shop for regional specialties at the product center, or enjoy inclusive play spaces designed for all ages. With events ranging from seasonal food festivals to live markets and family-friendly activities, there’s always something new to discover. Come for the food, stay for the joy.
Why Visit
Michi-no-Eki Kitago stands out for its world-class bonito experience, home to the only dedicated katsuobushi (dried skipjack tuna) specialty shop in the region, where visitors can taste freshly shaved flakes and learn the traditional aging process. Equally unique is its inclusive playground, one of Kyushu’s largest, designed for children of all abilities, complete with sensory play elements and barrier-free access. These distinctive offerings make it more than a roadside stop—it’s a destination for authentic local craft and accessible family fun.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor the flavors of Kitago at Michi-no-Eki Kitago, where fresh local ingredients meet creative culinary artistry.
Lady Go Land
レディ・ゴーランド
Specialty
Fresh local ingredients prepared simply and authentically
A restaurant that highlights the natural flavors of locally sourced ingredients, offering a dining experience rooted in simplicity and quality.
Katsuwo Specialty Store
食事処かつを専門店 北郷店
Specialty
Revolutionizing the concept of bonito (skipjack tuna)
A dedicated eatery focused on the unique flavors and preparation of bonito, offering a culinary experience that redefines traditional fish-based dishes.
Muteki Noodles Specialty Store
米粉麺専門店 無敵
Specialty
Gluten-free noodles made from rice flour
A dedicated ramen shop offering healthy, gluten-free noodles made from rice flour, emphasizing clean, light flavors and nourishing ingredients.
Cafe de Goro
Cafe de GORO
Specialty
Indulgent soft serve ice cream
A cozy café specializing in rich, creamy soft serve ice cream, offering a sweet retreat with a relaxed atmosphere.
Nan Ichigo
南いちご
Specialty
Fresh strawberries grown in Kitago
A seasonal stall offering freshly harvested strawberries from local farms, emphasizing sweetness and freshness.
Shopping Highlights
Discover regional treasures and handcrafted goods at Michi-no-Eki Kitago’s vibrant marketplace.
Product Center
物産館
A central shop featuring a wide variety of regional products from Kyushu.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kyushu regional snacks
Featured Products
Explore signature products like premium bonito and locally grown strawberries, celebrating Kitago’s unique harvests.
Bonito Dried Fish
かつを干物
Premium dried bonito made from fresh skipjack tuna, ideal for making dashi broth
Rice Flour Ramen Noodles
米粉ラーメン麺
Gluten-free ramen noodles made from high-quality rice flour, perfect for healthy eating
Fresh Strawberries
南いちご
Sweet, juicy strawberries grown in Kitago, harvested at peak ripeness
Local Fruit Jam
地元フルーツジャム
Handcrafted jam made from locally grown fruits, no artificial additives
Kyushu Regional Snacks
九州の郷土菓子
Assorted traditional snacks from Kyushu, each reflecting regional flavor and heritage
Strawberry Scented Soap
いちごの香りの石鹸
Natural soap infused with real strawberry extract, gentle on skin
Dried Bonito Broth Mix
かつをだしの素
Pre-made dashi mix using high-quality dried bonito for quick, authentic Japanese soup base
Rice Flour Baking Mix
米粉ベーキングミックス
Gluten-free baking mix made from rice flour, ideal for cakes and cookies
Strawberry Scented Candle
いちごの香りキャンドル
A fragrant candle with natural strawberry scent, perfect for relaxation
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy comfortable amenities including a 24-hour information center and inclusive facilities for all visitors.
Information Center
A relaxed space where visitors can unwind. Open 24 hours.
Inside the roadside station
Inclusive Park
A large park designed for everyone to enjoy, featuring various play equipment.
Inside the roadside station
Next Cruiser
A serious mini-car experience for adults who want to truly enjoy playing.
Inside the roadside station
Fureai Center
Hosts exhibitions and events. Open 24 hours.
Inside the roadside station
Activities & Experiences
Engage in fun, hands-on experiences from playful mini-car rides to seasonal events and interactive workshops.
Next Cruiser Family Ride Event
ネクストクルーザー親子で乗ろうイベント
Families can enjoy riding the Next Cruiser, a mini car designed for adults who want to have fun in a playful way.
Duration
60 min
Indoor activity, available even on rainy days.
Bonito Festival
第２回 宮崎餃子フェスティバル
A festival celebrating local dumplings from Miyazaki, featuring various types of gyoza and food stalls.
Duration
180 min
Sunday Living Market
5/4(sun) Sunday Living Market in KITAGO 開催！
A weekly market featuring local farmers, artisans, and food vendors offering fresh produce and handmade goods.
Duration
240 min
Indoor and outdoor sections available; event may be moved indoors in case of rain.
Fortune Telling Market
占いマルシェ 開催！
A special market where visitors can enjoy fortune telling and spiritual readings from various practitioners.
Duration
120 min
Inclusive Playground
インクルーシブ公園
A large playground designed for everyone, including people with disabilities, to enjoy together.
Duration
90 min
Indoor and outdoor play areas available; indoor space accessible even in bad weather.
2nd Anniversary Customer Appreciation Festival
２周年記念お客様感謝祭開催！！！！！
A celebration event marking the roadside station's second anniversary, featuring special sales, live performances, and local food.
Duration
300 min
Station Manager's Birthday Festival
駅長生誕祭で各所でセールしてます！！
A special festival celebrating the station manager's birthday with discounts and promotions at various locations within the roadside station.
Duration
180 min
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around special events and seasonal markets for the best local flavors and lively community spirit.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on Sundays to catch the live market at the Sunday Living Market in KITAGO, which features fresh local produce and handmade goods from regional vendors.
- Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter at Lady Go Land between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM to find the daily limited batch of fresh-made rice flour noodles, which are made in-house and often sell out by noon.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, head to the food truck area near the inclusive park between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to try the exclusive grilled fish skewers made from local catch, available only during the seasonal seafood event.
- Best Purchase Time: Buy the seasonal strawberry jam at the product center right after 1:00 PM on weekdays, as it is restocked from the farm each day and is not available in the late afternoon.
- Food Truck Timing: Visit the food truck parking spot near the information center between 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM on Saturdays to enjoy the special “Katsuwo Tasting Set” from the Katsuwo Specialty Store, which is only offered during weekend events.
- Event Access: Enter the Fureai Center through the side entrance near the inclusive park during the 2nd Anniversary Customer Appreciation Festival to access a free craft workshop with local artisans, held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
- Specialty Item Pickup: Pick up the limited-edition “Mizugaki Gyoza” at the vending machine near the entrance to the inclusive park on the day of the second annual Miyazaki Gyoza Festival, as they are only available during the two-day event.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market and the Sunday Living Market runs on May 4.
Summer (June-August): Peak season for local strawberries, available at the South Strawberry stall.
Autumn (September-November): Katsuobushi (dried bonito) processing begins, with specialty shops highlighting the product.
Winter (December-February): Limited fresh produce; focus shifts to indoor events and the festive 2nd Anniversary Celebration.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Michi-no-Eki Kitago features an inclusive playground with diverse play equipment, stroller-friendly paths, and indoor activity spaces. It offers kid-friendly food options and interactive events like the Next Cruiser mini-car experience, making it highly suitable for families.
Food Lover Review
The roadside station provides diverse dining options including a bonito specialty shop, gluten-free ramen, artisanal soft serve, and fresh local produce. It highlights regional specialties like katsuobushi and seasonal strawberries, offering a rich culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Michi-no-Eki Kitago has restrooms, vending machines, and 24-hour access, supporting overnight stays. While parking is available, there is no explicit overnight camping policy, and the area lacks dedicated quiet zones, limiting its suitability for extended car camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near natural landscapes with views of mountains and sea, the roadside station offers scenic viewpoints and photo opportunities. Seasonal changes enhance the visual appeal, and the overall atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming.