Savor the Spirit of a Tea-Soaked Coastal Town
Hikinenosho, nestled along National Route 205 in the serene coastal village of Higashi-Nishiki, stands as a vibrant roadside station where tradition meets modern charm. Renowned as the heart of Japan’s top-ranked Sonogi Tea, this destination celebrates a legacy of craftsmanship, from misty mountain slopes to award-winning brews. Visitors are welcomed by the aroma of freshly steamed green tea and the warm hospitality of local artisans.
Beyond its famed tea, Hikinenosho offers a unique culinary journey with signature treats like Tea-Flavored Pancakes and Sonogi Tea Soft Cream—delicacies found nowhere else. The on-site restaurant delights guests with whale-inspired dishes, while the historic folk museum and nearby Higashigotō Tomb offer glimpses into the region’s rich past. Whether exploring the scenic coastal trails or sipping tea with a view of the calm Seto Inland Sea, Hikinenosho invites travelers to experience the soul of rural Nagasaki.
Why Visit
Hikinenosho stands out as the only roadside station where you can taste the region’s iconic Sonogi Tea in uniquely crafted treats found nowhere else. Try the signature Tea Cha Yaki—flaky, honey-sweet dough filled with rich, tea-infused white bean paste—or the rare Sonogi Tea Soft Cream, both made exclusively on-site. These are not just snacks; they’re edible representations of the area’s famed tea culture. Complementing this, the station’s restaurant serves authentic kujira (whale) cuisine, including the rare kujira simmered rice with kujira dumpling soup—dishes rooted in the town’s maritime heritage and available only here.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Hikinenosho roadside station, where whale-inspired dishes and seasonal specialties delight every palate.
Whale Cuisine Restaurant
くじら食堂
Specialty
Specializing in whale-themed dishes using local ingredients
A cozy dining spot offering traditional Japanese cuisine with a focus on locally sourced whale meat, creating a unique culinary experience that celebrates the region's maritime heritage.
First Food Corner
FF屋台
Specialty
Unique local snacks and desserts made with regional ingredients
A casual food stall offering exclusive treats that reflect the local culture and ingredients, perfect for visitors seeking quick and memorable bites.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated selection of regional treasures, from premium Sonogi tea to fresh produce and handmade crafts.
Local Specialty Market
物産館
A comprehensive market featuring a wide range of local products including Sonogi tea, whale-related goods, fresh vegetables, fruits, fresh fish, bento boxes, side dishes, and confectionery.
Products
Must-Try Item
Sonogi Tea
Farmers Market
農産物市場
A market dedicated to locally grown agricultural products, emphasizing seasonal and fresh produce from nearby farms.
Products
Must-Try Item
Seasonal vegetables
Whale Specialty Store
くじら専門店
A shop specializing in whale-themed souvenirs and local crafts, ideal for visitors looking for unique mementos.
Products
Must-Try Item
Whale-shaped keychains
Tea Boutique
茶屋
A dedicated shop for premium Sonogi tea and tea-related products, offering various grades and packaging options.
Products
Must-Try Item
Sonogi Tea (Premium Grade)
Featured Products
Explore signature items like the beloved Sonogi Tea Chai Bake and exclusive Sonogi Tea Soft Cream, crafted only here.
Sonogi Tea
そのぎ茶
A premium steamed green tea known for its rich flavor and aromatic profile, cultivated in the unique climate of the Sonogi region.
Tea-Cha Bake
茶ちゃ焼
A traditional sweet made with honeyed dough and a white bean paste infused with Sonogi tea, known for its unique flavor and texture.
Sonogi Tea Soft Cream
そのぎ茶ソフトクリーム
A refreshing soft cream ice cream made with Sonogi tea, offering a distinctive taste that captures the essence of the region.
Whale-Shaped Keychain
くじら型キーホルダー
A handcrafted souvenir featuring a whale design, symbolizing the town's maritime heritage and cultural identity.
Fresh Vegetable Box
新鮮野菜セット
A curated selection of seasonal vegetables grown locally in the Sonogi region, known for their freshness and quality.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, free Wi-Fi, and an information corner for seamless travel planning.
Parking
Available at the roadside station, accessible 24 hours a day.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Restroom
Toilets are available at the roadside station, including accessible facilities.
Inside the roadside station
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless internet access is available throughout the facility.
Throughout the roadside station
Information Counter
Provides information about nearby attractions, events, and maps of other roadside stations. Available 24 hours.
Adjacent to the information rest area
Play Area
No dedicated play area is mentioned; however, there is a museum and outdoor spaces available.
Near the museum and adjacent areas
Hot Spring
No hot spring facility is available at this roadside station.
Bike Rental
No bike rental service is mentioned.
Nursing Room
No nursing room is mentioned.
EV Charging Station
No electric vehicle charging station is mentioned.
ATM
No ATM is mentioned.
Pet Area
No designated pet area is mentioned.
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in hands-on experiences, seasonal festivals, and cultural workshops celebrating local heritage.
Tea Harvesting Experience
茶摘み体験
Participants will experience picking fresh tea leaves in the tea fields during the spring harvest season, learning about traditional tea cultivation methods.
Duration
60 min
Outdoor activity; bring sun protection and comfortable clothing.
Tea Processing Workshop
茶の製造体験
Attendees will learn and participate in the traditional steps of tea processing, including steaming, rolling, and drying, to understand how tea flavor and aroma are developed.
Duration
90 min
Indoor activity; no weather dependency.
Tea Tasting and Brewing Class
お茶の淹れ方体験
Participants will learn proper tea brewing techniques to enhance aroma and flavor, and enjoy tasting different grades of Sonogi Tea.
Duration
45 min
Seasonal Tea Market
そのぎ茶市
A seasonal market held in May featuring local tea products, crafts, and food, celebrating the arrival of new tea harvest.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor market; check weather conditions and bring rain gear if needed.
Summer Fireworks Festival
納涼花火大会
An evening fireworks display held in late August, offering a festive atmosphere with local food and entertainment.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor event; dependent on clear skies; check for cancellations due to rain.
Insider Tips
Visit during the Sonogi Tea Festival for rare tastings and local insights only available to attentive travelers.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit the roadside station between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the last batch of fresh-baked tea bread (茶ちゃ焼) from the fast food stall, which sells out quickly after 10:30 AM
- Hidden Gems: At the deli counter near the entrance, look for the seasonal "Kujira Rice Bowl with Kujira Soup" (くじら炊き込みご飯とくじら入りだご汁), a locally beloved dish only available during lunch hours from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM
- Unique Product Purchase: Buy the exclusive "Sonogi Tea Soft Cream" only available at the fast food corner between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM—this is the only place in the region where it is sold
- Best Time to Explore the Museum: Visit the adjacent History and Folklore Museum between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM on weekdays when staff are present to offer guided explanations about the Sonogi Tea production process and local whaling history
- Off-Peak Shopping: Avoid the busiest times by shopping at the souvenir shop before 10:00 AM or after 3:00 PM, as crowds peak between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the lunch menu is served
- Free Wi-Fi Access: Use the free Wi-Fi available at the information rest area, which is accessible 24 hours a day and ideal for checking event schedules or downloading maps before exploring nearby attractions like Higasogo Tumulus or Ryūtō Spring
- Event Planning Tip: Check the roadside station’s information corner for the official schedule of the Sonogi Tea Market, which takes place on the second Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of May—this is the only time you can buy freshly harvested Sonogi Tea directly from local farmers
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Peak season for fresh "sonogi tea" harvest begins in mid-April, with the tea market held on the second Friday–Sunday of May.
Summer (June–August): Enjoy the annual "Cooling Fireworks Festival" in late August, with summer seafood and tea-based treats available.
Autumn (September–November): Limited seasonal offerings; focus on tea production and quiet countryside views.
Winter (December–February): Closed January 1–3; visit for tea tasting and nearby historic sites during off-peak months.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a children's play area, kid-friendly food like tea-flavored soft cream, and stroller-accessible facilities. Educational value through tea production exhibits and local history museum enhances family appeal.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse local cuisine including signature whale rice and tea-infused dishes. High-quality regional specialties like Sonogi tea and unique snacks such as tea-flavored yakitori and soft cream stand out.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, parking, and 24-hour access to information rest area. Quiet surroundings and clean facilities support overnight stays, though no official camping or overnight parking policy is stated.
Scenic Beauty Review
Offers scenic views of the surrounding rural landscape and proximity to natural sites like Higashigō Tumulus. Seasonal beauty from tea fields and coastal scenery enhances visual appeal.