Discover the Heart of Rural Kyushu at Sakaya Roadside Station
Nestled along National Route 222 between Nishinoomote and Miyazaki City, Sakaya Roadside Station is a serene oasis surrounded by lush mountains, flowing streams, and the famed Sakamoto Rice Terraces—designated one of Japan’s 100 Best Rice Terraces. This rustic retreat, marked by its traditional thatched roof and symbolic free-swinging gate, blends nature, culture, and community in perfect harmony.
More than just a rest stop, Sakaya offers visitors a gateway to local life with seasonal specialties like handcrafted yomogi dango, seasonal mountain vegetables, and the celebrated Sakamoto Rice Noodles. Explore the scenic Sakura Road, where cherry blossoms bloom from January to April, or stroll through the historic terraces fed by pristine mountain springs. With year-round events, farm-fresh produce, and panoramic views, Sakaya invites travelers to slow down, reconnect, and savor the quiet beauty of rural Kyushu.
Why Visit
Visit Sakaya roadside station to experience Japan’s only roadside station situated directly at the heart of the nationally designated "Sakamoto Rice Terraces," a UNESCO-style landscape carved by hand from mountain slopes since 1928. Here, you’ll find the region’s only on-site production of kusa dango—a traditional sweet made with locally foraged yomogi and Hokkaido red beans—crafted entirely in-house using time-honored methods. The station’s seasonal highlight is the "Sakura Road," where over 30 years of community-planted cherry blossoms bloom along National Route 222, creating a rare, living corridor of spring beauty accessible only at this location.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Sakaya roadside station, where seasonal dishes like rice field soba and traditional grass dumplings await.
Sakaya Dining Hall
お食事処
Specialty
Traditional local cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients from the region
A cozy dining space offering authentic regional dishes made with locally sourced vegetables, mountain vegetables, and seasonal produce. The atmosphere is warm and rustic, reflecting the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and fields.
Shopping Highlights
Discover handcrafted goods and fresh regional produce at Sakaya’s inviting shop, celebrating the essence of the local community.
Sakaya Specialty Store
物産品売店
A retail shop offering a wide range of locally produced goods, including seasonal produce, traditional snacks, and regional crafts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yomogi Dango
Featured Products
Taste the pride of the region with signature items like grass dumplings and premium rice from the famed Sakamoto Rice Terraces.
Yomogi Dango
草だんご
A traditional sweet made with locally grown mugwort and Hokkaido red bean paste, known for its delicate balance of herbal aroma, sweetness, and a hint of saltiness.
Sakaya Paddy Field Rice
坂元棚田米
Premium rice grown in the nationally recognized Paddy Field of Sakamoto, known for its superior taste due to the region's temperature differences, clean water, and abundant sunlight.
Early-Harvest Tangerine
極早生みかん
A sweet and juicy tangerine variety harvested early in the season, known for its high sugar content and refreshing flavor.
Autumn Obon Dango
お彼岸だんご
A seasonal sweet dumpling made with traditional ingredients, crafted especially for the autumn Obon festival.
Moon Viewing Soft Cream
お月見ソフトクリーム
A limited-time seasonal dessert inspired by the autumn moon viewing tradition, featuring a unique flavor profile.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge with convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, and a scenic picnic area at Sakaya roadside station.
Parking
Available at the roadside station for visitors' vehicles.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Restroom
Public toilets are available for visitors.
Near the main building and information center
Information Center
Provides road information, nearby attractions, medical information, and details about other roadside stations. Information is available through bulletin boards, guides, maps, and brochures.
Inside the roadside station main building
Play Area
A designated space for children to play, located within the park area.
Near the park and playground
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi access is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the station premises
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging station available for visitors.
Near the parking area
ATM
Automated teller machine available for cash withdrawals.
Near the entrance of the station
Nursing Room
A private room for mothers to breastfeed or care for infants.
Inside the restroom facility
Pet Area
A designated area where pets are allowed, located near the park.
Near the park and playground
Activities & Experiences
Engage in seasonal events and hands-on experiences, from cherry blossom walks to harvest festivals and local workshops.
Sakatani Rice Field Walking Tour
坂元棚田ウォーク
Participants will walk through the scenic terraced rice fields of Sakatani, enjoying the natural beauty of the fields, streams, and surrounding mountains. The tour highlights the traditional farming methods and the seasonal changes in the rice fields.
Duration
60 min
Sakatani Cherry Blossom Poetry Exhibition
酒谷さくら街道桜の俳句展
Participants can submit haiku poems inspired by the cherry blossoms along the Sakatani Cherry Blossom Road. The event encourages visitors to experience the seasonal beauty of the blossoms through creative expression.
Duration
30 min
Best enjoyed on clear, sunny days
Sakatani Rice Field Harvest Festival
収穫祭
A seasonal celebration held in December to mark the harvest of rice from the Sakatani Rice Fields. Activities include rice tasting, traditional performances, and local food stalls.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor activities may be affected by rain or cold weather
Sakatani Summer Festival
せせらぎの里酒谷まつり
A summer festival held in August featuring guided walks through the scenic stream area, mystery-solving games, local food tastings, and seasonal produce sales.
Duration
120 min
Activities may be adjusted due to heavy rain or high temperatures
Sakatani Spring Festival
坂元棚田まつり
A spring festival held in March celebrating the blooming of the rice fields and surrounding nature. Features traditional music, local crafts, and seasonal food tastings.
Duration
150 min
Best experienced on mild, sunny days
Sakatani Morning Market
朝市
A seasonal morning market offering fresh local produce, including seasonal rice, citrus fruits, and traditional snacks like seasonal rice balls. Visitors can enjoy free tastings and sample regional specialties.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor market may be canceled in case of rain
Sakatani Rice Field Photography Walk
棚田フォトウォーク
A guided walk through the Sakatani Rice Fields designed for photography enthusiasts. Participants will learn about the best times and angles to capture the beauty of the terraced fields across different seasons.
Duration
90 min
Best during early morning or late afternoon light
Insider Tips
Visit during spring or autumn to enjoy the best views of the rice terraces and seasonal blooms along the Sakura Road.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM on weekends to secure the limited supply of fresh Sakayama Rice Onigiri during the Sakayama Rice Morning Market, which is only available during the event and sells out quickly.
- Hidden Gems: Look for the "Otsukimi Soft Cream" at the food counter during the Sakayama Rice Morning Market in November, as it is only available for a short window and not listed on the general menu.
- Weekend Special: Attend the Sakayama Rice Morning Market on the first Saturday of each month (e.g., March, September, November) to sample newly harvested "Hinohikari" rice and enjoy a complimentary Sakayama Rice Onigiri tasting with a limited number available.
- Best Photo Spot: Walk the Sakayama Rice Paddy Trail from the roadside station entrance to the Sakayama Rice Paddy Viewing Platform, which is clearly marked on the map near the information corner, for the best view of the terraced paddy fields at sunrise.
- Unique Product: Purchase Yomogi Dango at the shop counter using only locally grown yomogi (mugwort) and Hokkaido red beans, as the product is made entirely on-site and is only available during seasonal harvests (late spring to early autumn).
- Local Event Timing: Visit on August 15 to attend the "Seseragi no Sato Sakayama Matsuri", when the roadside station hosts a paddy field walking tour, mystery-solving game, and free mountain vegetable tasting—events not held at other times.
- Seasonal Food Tip: On March 15, check the information corner for updates on the Sakayama Rice Paddy Festival, where local farmers offer free samples of new rice and traditional seasonal snacks at the roadside station.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–April): Visit during the sakura street bloom, with early cherry blossoms from late January and peak viewing in April.
Summer (June–August): Experience the seiseiragi no sato Sakayama festival in August and enjoy hydrangea-lined paths.
Autumn (September–November): Harvest the early-maturing mikan in September and view golden rice paddies with blooming cosmos at Sakamoto Paddy Field.
Winter (December–February): Attend the harvest festival in December and enjoy early-blooming cherry blossoms in January.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a playground, picnic area, and scenic views ideal for children. Features family-friendly food like local snacks and seasonal dishes. Stroller-accessible paths and clean restrooms enhance accessibility. Educational value from the historic rice terraces and seasonal events.
Food Lover Review
Provides diverse local cuisine including signature dishes like rice terraced soba and yomogi dango. Offers fresh seasonal produce and regional specialties. High-quality, locally sourced ingredients and authentic regional flavors elevate the dining experience.
Car Camping Review
Features restrooms, parking, and a nearby campsite. Offers a quiet, scenic location with natural surroundings. Overnight parking is not explicitly permitted, though limited stays may be possible with discretion.
Scenic Beauty Review
Boasts stunning views of the Sakamoto Rice Terraces, flowing streams, and mountain landscapes. Offers excellent photo opportunities with seasonal highlights like cherry blossoms and autumn rice fields. The natural setting creates a serene and picturesque atmosphere year-round.