Station Nango

Discover the Tropical Heart of Kyushu

Nango, nestled along National Route 448 within the scenic 日南海岸国定公園 (Nankai Coast National Park), is a roadside station unlike any other. Perched on the edge of a breathtaking coastline, it offers panoramic views of the deep blue sea and sky, framed by swaying palm trees and the warm embrace of southern Kyushu’s subtropical climate. More than a pit stop, Nango is a gateway to nature, culture, and local flavor.

Home to the only subtropical plant research station in Japan, the roadside station features unique themed gardens like the "Jacaranda Forest" and "Rock Mountain," where exotic flora thrive. Visitors can savor the region’s famed tropical fruits—especially the star-shaped starfruit and the sun-kissed "Sun’s Egg" mango—freshly made into juices, jams, and the legendary mango soft serve. With nearby marine tours, scenic beaches, and vibrant seasonal events, Nango delivers an unforgettable coastal experience.

Nango roadside station stands out as Japan’s only roadside station located within a subtropical crop research facility, offering a rare glimpse into tropical agriculture. Its signature experience is the chance to walk through the only known jacaranda grove in Japan, where purple blossoms blanket the landscape each May and June in a breathtaking floral canopy. Visitors can also savor the region’s famed "Sun’s Egg" ripe mangoes—only available here—and enjoy authentic mango soft-serve made from locally grown fruit, a taste unique to this coastal haven.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:00 AM on weekdays or 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the restaurant before the 11:00 AM opening, as the popular sea bream and tuna rice bowls often sell out by 1:00 PM.
• Hidden Gems: Visit the information corner between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM to speak directly with a staff member who can provide up-to-date details on the current status of the marine observation boat tour at Marine View Nango, which departs every hour from the nearby dock.
• Weekend Special: On weekends from May to June, visit the roadside station’s outdoor display area between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to see the full bloom of the jacaranda trees in the Jacaranda Forest, a rare sight in Japan.
• Best Purchase Time: Buy the fresh mango juice and starfruit jam at the shop before 1:00 PM during summer months, as these tropical fruit products are only available in limited quantities and frequently sell out by early afternoon.
• Special Menu Access: Order the seasonal mango soft-serve between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM on weekdays to ensure availability, as it is only served in small batches and often sells out by 11:30 AM during peak season.
• Parking Strategy: Use the designated EV charging station located near the entrance if you’re arriving with an electric vehicle, as it is the only one available at the roadside station and is frequently used by visitors from nearby towns.
• Off-Peak Experience: Walk the tropical plant trail in the subtropical crop research station during the 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM window, when the staff from the research station often host brief guided tours on the unique flora, including the star-shaped fruit plants and rare palm species.

Spring (March-May): Visit for the vibrant purple blooms of the rare Japanese-only jacaranda grove, peaking in late May.

Summer (June-August): Enjoy fresh tropical fruits, especially ripe mangoes from late June through August.

Autumn (September-November): Experience the warm climate and scenic coastal views with fewer crowds.

Winter (December-February): Ideal for citrus shopping and spotting the first jacaranda buds in late January.