Savor the Essence of Kyushu’s Green Heart
Saikai, nestled along the scenic western coast of Nagasaki Prefecture, is a roadside station where nature, local culture, and culinary delight converge. Located on the main regional road between Nishihara and Wako, this vibrant hub is defined by its striking orange dome—the iconic Mikan Dome—rising above the lush countryside. More than a pit stop, Saikai offers a full sensory journey through the region’s agricultural roots and seasonal rhythms.
Visitors are drawn to its handmade gelato crafted from fresh local fruits, especially the beloved mikan (tangerine) sherbet, and the seasonal fresh-squeezed juice made from Kyushu’s famed citrus. With hands-on experiences like soba-making and bread workshops, and a welcoming atmosphere for families and travelers alike, Saikai is a true gateway to authentic rural Kyushu.
Why Visit
Visit Saikai roadside station to experience the region’s only handcrafted gelato made entirely from locally grown citrus fruits, including the rare岩崎極早生みかん (Yashiki Kyu-saisho mikan). The iconic orange dome-shaped mikan dome houses a gelato workshop where you can savor unique flavors like tangy mikan sherbet and salt milk. Just steps away, enjoy freshly pressed mikan juice from the same seasonal harvest—only available here.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, locally crafted treats at Saikai roadside station, where handmade gelato and artisan bread delight every palate.
Handmade Gelato Shop
手づくりジェラート
Specialty
Freshly made gelato using local fruits, especially mandarin oranges
A small, charming gelato stall located within the Mikan Dome, offering a variety of handcrafted gelato made with seasonal fruits from the region. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, perfect for a refreshing treat during a visit to the roadside station.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local goods and regional specialties at Saikai roadside station’s vibrant market stalls.
Mikan Dome
みかんドーム
A central retail hub offering a wide range of local products from Saikai City, including fresh fruit juice, handmade gelato, and gift sets of regional specialties.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly squeezed mandarin juice
Featured Products
Sample signature items like fresh-squeezed citrus juice and fruit-based gelato made from Saikai’s finest harvests.
Freshly Squeezed Mandarin Juice
生搾りみかんジュース
Freshly pressed juice made from seasonal mandarin oranges harvested in Saikai City, using a special citrus press. No additives or artificial colors.
Handmade Gelato Gift Set
ジェラートギフト
A gift set featuring gelato served in a cup, ideal for gifting. Made with locally sourced fruits and crafted without artificial flavors or colors.
Mikan Dome Regional Gift Set
西海市特産品詰合せ
A curated selection of high-quality local products from Saikai City, including fruit juice, snacks, and other regional specialties, perfect as a souvenir or gift.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, Wi-Fi, and information centers at Saikai roadside station.
Parking
Parking facilities are available at the roadside station.
Located at the roadside station, accessible from the main road
Restroom
Restrooms are available for visitors. Additional accessible toilets are also provided.
Located within the mikan dome facility
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available in the mikan dome area for visitors.
Mikan Dome
Information Center
An information center provides road information, tourist information, medical information, and disaster alerts. It operates from 9:30 to 18:00 (March–November) and 9:00 to 17:00 (December–February).
Mikan Dome
Play Area
A play area is available for children, located within the mikan dome facility. It includes experience facilities for hands-on activities.
Mikan Dome
Nursing Room
A nursing room is available for mothers with infants.
Mikan Dome
Activities & Experiences
Engage in hands-on experiences like soba making and bread baking, plus seasonal events throughout the year.
Soba Making Experience
そば打ち体験
Participants will learn how to make traditional Japanese soba noodles from scratch, including mixing the dough, rolling, cutting, and cooking the noodles.
Duration
60 min
Bread Making Experience
パンづくり体験
Participants will create their own handmade bread using local ingredients, learning the process from mixing to baking.
Duration
90 min
Homemade Gelato Tasting
手づくりジェラート
Participants can enjoy freshly made gelato using locally sourced fruits, including popular flavors like mandarin sorbet and salt milk.
Duration
30 min
Freshly Squeezed Mandarin Juice
生搾りみかんジュース
Participants can enjoy fresh mandarin juice made from locally grown mandarins using a traditional juicer, experiencing the taste of seasonal citrus fruits.
Duration
20 min
Halloween Event
ハロウィンイベント
A seasonal celebration featuring themed decorations, activities, and special treats, typically held in October.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor activities may be affected by rain or cold weather.
Cosmos Festival at Shichinokama Cave
七ツ釜鍾乳洞コスモス祭
A seasonal festival held in October celebrating the blooming cosmos flowers around the Shichinokama Cave area with cultural performances and local food.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor events may be canceled or postponed due to rain or strong winds.
Insider Tips
Visit during peak harvest for fresh citrus, and check event schedules for special seasonal celebrations at Saikai roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to access the fresh batch of handmade milk bread, which is baked daily and often sells out by 11:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: Visit the ice cream workshop inside the mikan dome between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to see the seasonal fruit gelato being made and sometimes receive a free sample of the day’s special flavor
- Weekend Special: On weekends during the October Cosmo Festival, visit the mikan dome between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to enjoy the limited-time "cosmo berry" gelato, available only during the event
- Best Value Purchase: Buy the mikan dome’s “mikan juice pack” (three 200ml bottles) during the October to March season for 600 yen—it includes fresh-squeezed juice from the local Yashima early-maturing oranges, available only when the harvest is in full swing
- Experience Timing: Participate in the soba-making workshop at 11:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays, as it runs only once per day and requires advance registration via the roadside station’s information counter
- Gelato Gift Tip: Purchase the “gelato gift box” (a cup of gelato sealed in a transparent box) at the mikan dome counter during the 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM window, as this is the only time the packaging is available for gift wrapping
- Avoid Wait Times: Use the Wi-Fi at the information center to check real-time updates on the ice cream counter wait time via the digital display board, which is updated every 15 minutes and helps you avoid peak hours
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Visit during late March to early April to see canola flowers in bloom near the Seven釜 Cave and enjoy fresh citrus juice from the peak harvest season.
Summer (June–August): Ideal for cooling off with handmade citrus gelato and exploring the greenery of the surrounding rural landscape.
Autumn (September–November): Experience the cosmos festival at Seven釜 Cave and enjoy the autumn harvest of local produce.
Winter (December–February): Perfect for cozy visits to the citrus juice stand and seasonal events like the Halloween celebration.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station features a play area with a children's experience workshop, stroller-friendly paths, and a dedicated baby care facility. Interactive activities like soba making and kid-friendly treats enhance the experience. The green, open environment is safe and welcoming for families.
Food Lover Review
The roadside station offers a variety of local specialties including fresh citrus juice, handmade gelato using regional fruits, and artisanal bread. The quality of produce is high, with seasonal items and unique offerings like mikan sherbet and gift-ready gelato.
Car Camping Review
Basic facilities like restrooms and vending machines are available. The site is quiet with open green space, suitable for short stays. However, no overnight parking policy is specified, and no camping zones or designated overnight areas are provided.
Scenic Beauty Review
The roadside station is set in a lush, green rural landscape with scenic views of surrounding nature. The large orange dome structure is visually striking, and the area offers peaceful, picturesque surroundings ideal for photography and relaxation.