Station Himawari

Discover the Heart of Satsuma at Himawari Roadside Station

Nestled along National Route 251 in the scenic South Iwakuni region of Nagasaki Prefecture, Himawari Roadside Station stands as the only roadside station on the Iwakuni Peninsula. Reopening in April 2023, it blends rural charm with modern convenience, offering travelers a vibrant gateway to local culture and cuisine. Perched with panoramic views of Mount Shimaboshi, the station serves as a cultural and culinary hub where visitors can connect with the spirit of the region.

Himawari is renowned for its authentic regional specialties. At the on-site shop, guests can purchase fresh local produce, seasonal fruits, handmade udon noodles, and premium Yunomaki ham. The restaurant features beloved dishes like Nagasaki-style chāhan, Iwakuni’s traditional kushikatsu miso soup, and hand-pulled Iwakuni soba. A highlight is the adjacent debris flow disaster memorial park, which preserves homes affected by the 1990 Unzen eruption, offering a powerful educational experience on disaster preparedness and resilience.

Himawari is the only roadside station on the Shimabara Peninsula, offering a rare chance to savor authentic Island-style hand-pulled soba made from locally grown wheat, a specialty found nowhere else. Its restaurant serves traditional Island-born kugizashinu—rich, hearty miso soup with seasonal vegetables and pork—alongside freshly made chāpon, a regional variation of the famous Nagasaki ramen. The station also features a preserved disaster site from the 1991 Unzen eruption, providing a powerful, on-site lesson in disaster preparedness unique to this location.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM on weekdays to secure a table at the restaurant before the lunch rush, as the restaurant closes at 3:00 PM and often fills up by 12:30 PM.

• Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the freshly made Kumano-style pickled vegetables (Kumano no tsubo-zuke) — these are only stocked on Wednesdays and Saturdays and sell out quickly.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the outdoor food truck area near the parking lot during the Mini Market events (held on the 25th and 26th of each month) to try limited-edition Himawari-style grilled pork skewers made with local island-raised pork.

• Must-Try Menu Item: Order the Island-made hand-pulled soba noodles with a side of local soy sauce-based broth — this combo is only available during lunch hours (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM) and is not listed on the standard menu.

• Best Photo Spot: Head to the observation deck behind the restaurant at 4:00 PM on clear days to capture panoramic views of Mount Unzen and the surrounding landscape, especially during golden hour.

• Educational Visit: Take the 15-minute guided walk through the Debris Flow Disaster House Preservation Park on Saturdays and Sundays between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM — the park staff offers brief history talks about the 1991 Unzen eruption.

• Souvenir Tip: Purchase the Island Harvest Box (a curated bundle of seasonal vegetables, dried seaweed, and a packet of handmade soba noodles) at the shop before 4:00 PM, as it is only restocked on Mondays and often sells out by mid-afternoon.

Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market in early spring, with peak canola flower viewing in late April.

Summer (June–August): Island's fresh vegetables and fruits at their peak, ideal for seasonal market visits.

Autumn (September–November): Mini-mart events in October feature local produce and handmade goods.

Winter (December–February): No specific seasonal activities mentioned in the content.