Witness the Magic of Long Island’s Golden Horizon
Yuuhi ga Oka Sotome, the sole roadside station in Nagasaki City, stands as a serene sanctuary where history, nature, and local culture converge. Nestled along National Route 202, this scenic destination offers panoramic views of the majestic Koryu Channel, dotted with islands and framed by the UNESCO-listed Oshima Izutsu village. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky ignites in breathtaking hues—making this one of the most celebrated sunset spots in the region.
Beyond its stunning vistas, the station thrives as a cultural and culinary hub. Visitors can savor the region’s famed Dr. Lo-sama Somen, a traditional wheat noodle crafted with a legacy rooted in the humanitarian work of Father Dr. Lo, or enjoy farm-to-table dishes made with local produce like Yukou citrus and seasonal vegetables. With a welcoming atmosphere, free Wi-Fi, EV charging, and proximity to the Fujio Tendo Literary Museum, Yuuhi ga Oka Sotome offers a truly immersive experience of Nagasaki’s hidden heritage.
Why Visit
Visit Yuuhi ga Oka Sotome to witness one of Nagasaki’s most breathtaking sunsets, where the golden light spills over the expansive Katsuragi Strait and distant Iki Islands, visible from the only roadside station in Nagasaki City. Here, you’ll find the region’s only authentic Dr. Lo-sama Somen, a unique wheat noodle made with peanut oil and crafted using techniques from the former girls’ rescue home founded by Father Dr. Lo—now a cherished local legacy.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor farm-to-table cuisine with panoramic views at Yuuhi ga Oka Sotome roadside station.
Restaurant
レストラン
Specialty
Local cuisine using regional ingredients
A dining space where visitors can enjoy traditional countryside dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, while taking in the breathtaking view of the Seto Inland Sea and the sunset.
Shopping Highlights
Discover local crafts and seasonal goods at the roadside station's vibrant market.
Farmers Market
物産館
A retail space offering a variety of regional agricultural and aquatic products, crafts, and specialty goods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Doro-sama Somen
Souvenir Shop
物産販売所
A shop specializing in local souvenirs and traditional products from the region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yukou Fruit Products
Featured Products
Taste signature treats like Dr. Lo’s soba and sweet yuukou citrus from the region.
Doro-sama Somen
ド・ロ様そうめん
A unique Japanese noodle made with wheat flour and peanut oil, historically developed by Father Doro in the local orphanage. Known for its rich flavor and traditional craftsmanship.
Yukou Fruit
ゆうこう
A traditional citrus fruit from Nagasaki, known for its sweet and tangy flavor. Used in various processed products like jams and juices.
Kankoromochi
かんころもち
A traditional sweet rice cake made with glutinous rice and sweet bean paste, often enjoyed during local festivals.
Doro-sama Pasta
ド・ロさまパスタ
A pasta made using the same traditional methods developed by Father Doro, combining Italian technique with local ingredients.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, restrooms, parking, and EV charging at the roadside station.
Parking Area
The roadside station has five parking areas with a total of 110 spaces, including 103 for ordinary vehicles, 4 for large vehicles, and 3 designated for wheelchair users.
Multiple parking areas available on-site
Restroom
Restrooms are available in both the rest area and the souvenir shop. The rest area has 3 small men's, 2 large men's, 4 women's, and 1 disabled restroom. The souvenir shop has 2 small men's, 1 large men's, 2 women's, and 1 disabled restroom.
Located in the rest area and inside the souvenir shop
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available in the souvenir shop area from 8:30 to 18:00.
Inside the souvenir shop
Information Center
The information center provides road information, nearby roadside station details, tourism information, medical information, disaster alerts, and other local information through staff and printed materials.
Information corner within the station
EV Charging Station
An electric vehicle charging station is available on-site.
On-site facility
Park
A park is available near the roadside station, offering a scenic area for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Nursing Room
A baby care facility is available for infants and young children.
Inside the station
Insider Tips
Visit during golden hour for breathtaking sunset views and avoid midweek crowds.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 8:30 AM to access the information corner and Wi-Fi before the official opening of the shop at 9:00 AM, especially useful for checking route details or nearby attractions like the Oyama Stone Wall Settlement.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter at the物産販売所 (product sales hall) between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to find the day’s fresh batch of ド・ロ様そうめん (Do-Ro-sama Sōmen), which sells out quickly and is best enjoyed warm with a local soy-based dipping sauce.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, check the restaurant’s lunch menu between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM for the Do-Ro-sama Sōmen with Local Vegetable Stir-Fry, a limited-time dish that highlights seasonal produce from the surrounding farms and is only available during peak visiting hours.
- Viewing Perk: Head to the viewing area just before sunset—arrive by 5:00 PM on clear days to secure a spot near the railing with unobstructed views of the Kakuryu Tan (Kakuryu Bay) and the distant Goto Islands, especially when the sun begins to set behind the water.
- Nearby Discovery: Walk the 2-minute path from the roadside station to the Endo Shusaku Literature Museum, where you can view original manuscripts and learn about the author’s connection to the region’s hidden Christian history, best experienced before the museum closes at 5:00 PM.
- Practical Convenience: Use the free Wi-Fi at the information corner between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM to download offline maps or route details for visiting Shimotsu Cultural Village and Oyama Stone Wall Settlement, which are only accessible by car and require advance planning.
- Best Takeout Timing: Purchase the ゆうこう (Yūkō) citrus jam or かんころもち (Kan-koro-mochi) from the takeout counter between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM to ensure the freshest selection, as these items are restocked only once daily and are often sold out by 1:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Visit for the scenic views of the coastal landscape and access to the nearby historic sites, including the former Christian settlements.
Summer (June-August): Ideal for enjoying the sunset over the Kajinada Sea, especially during clear days when the Oshima Islands are visible.
Autumn (September-November): Experience the annual Dachūo Paddy Field Fire Festival in late October, a unique cultural event.
Winter (December-February): Best for visiting the roadside station’s cozy atmosphere and seasonal specialties like yūkō citrus and kan-koromochi.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station features a children's play area, stroller-friendly paths, and restrooms with baby-changing facilities. It offers kid-friendly food like local snacks and a family-friendly atmosphere near scenic viewpoints.
Food Lover Review
The station offers diverse local cuisine including the signature Dr. Lo-style soba, fresh regional produce, and unique specialties like Yuukou citrus and Kan-koro mochi, all made with high-quality ingredients.
Car Camping Review
It provides restrooms, parking, and a quiet location with scenic views, though no official overnight camping or designated car camping zones are available. Overnight stays are permitted informally.
Scenic Beauty Review
The station offers panoramic views of the Ago-tan Sea, distant islands, and renowned sunsets. The location provides excellent photo spots with seasonal beauty and a peaceful, scenic atmosphere.