Discover a Living Tapestry of Nature and Storytelling
Fairyland Kusu, nestled along National Route 387 in the heart of Kusu Town, Oita Prefecture, is a roadside station where rural charm meets creative inspiration. Surrounded by lush forests, serene rice paddies, and breathtaking natural wonders like the West Shihaya Waterfall—ranked among Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls—this destination offers a peaceful retreat steeped in beauty and tradition.
More than just a stopover, Fairyland Kusu celebrates local culture through seasonal events like the annual Japan Fairy Tale Festival in May. Visitors can savor fresh regional produce, taste locally grown rice, and enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant and bakery. With spacious green lawns, an information center, and a vibrant community spirit, it’s a place where every journey finds meaning.
Why Visit
Fairyland Kusu stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering direct access to the Japan’s Hundred Famous Waterfalls—West Shiueya Falls—alongside the nationally recognized mountain terraced fields of Yamura Saimizu. Here, visitors can taste the rare Kusu-grown Jersey cow milk ice cream, made exclusively from locally raised cows, and purchase the area’s signature "Kenshō Rice," once designated a national premium rice. These unique offerings, paired with the station’s role as the heart of the annual Japan Fairy Tale Festival, create an experience found nowhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor farm-fresh flavors at Fairyland Kusu roadside station.
Fairyland Kusu Restaurant
童話の里くすレストラン
Specialty
Local cuisine with seasonal ingredients
A cozy restaurant offering traditional regional dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for enjoying authentic local flavors in a relaxed setting.
Fairyland Kusu Bakery Corner
パンコーナー
Specialty
Freshly baked bread and pastries
A charming corner offering a variety of freshly baked breads and pastries made daily using local ingredients. The atmosphere is light and inviting, ideal for a quick snack or coffee break.
Fairyland Kusu Fast Food Corner
ファーストフードコーナー
Specialty
Quick and convenient street-style meals
A casual food stall offering quick, satisfying meals perfect for on-the-go travelers. The menu features simple, tasty options with a local twist.
Shopping Highlights
Discover local treasures at Fairyland Kusu roadside station.
Farmers Market
農産物直売所
A direct sales shop offering fresh local produce, including seasonal vegetables, fruits, and rice grown in the surrounding area.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kusu Rice
Local Specialty Store
名産品販売所
A shop specializing in regional specialty products and souvenirs, perfect for taking home a taste of the area.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kusu Dried Fruit Mix
Featured Products
Taste signature specialties like regional rice and seasonal produce.
Kusu Rice
くす米
Premium rice grown in the fertile fields of Kusu, known for its soft texture and rich flavor. A local favorite and a key ingredient in regional dishes.
Kusu Dried Fruit Mix
くす干し果物ミックス
A delicious blend of locally dried fruits, including apples, peaches, and plums, perfect for snacking or baking.
Kusu Miso Paste
くす味噌
Authentic miso paste made from locally grown soybeans and traditional fermentation methods. Ideal for soups, marinades, and sauces.
Kusu Pickled Vegetables
くす漬物
Traditional pickled vegetables made using local ingredients and time-honored techniques. A flavorful side dish or snack.
Kusu Herbal Tea
くすハーブティー
A refreshing herbal tea blend made from wild herbs grown in the surrounding mountains, known for its calming properties.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms and parking at Fairyland Kusu.
Parking
A parking area is available at the roadside station.
Front area of the roadside station
Restroom
Restrooms are available for visitors.
Inside the facility
Information Counter
An information center provides road information, nearby roadside station details, tourism information, medical information, and weather updates via bulletin boards.
Front area of the roadside station
Restaurant
A restaurant serving meals, open from 11:00 to 15:30 (order stop at 15:00).
Inside the facility
Play Area
A grassy park area is available for seasonal events and recreational use.
Front plaza and wide grassy park
Farm Produce Sales Store
A store selling fresh local vegetables, rice known as 'Kengen Rice', and various regional specialty products.
Inside the facility
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi service is available at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Activities & Experiences
Join seasonal events and hands-on experiences at Fairyland Kusu.
Japanese Fairy Tale Festival
日本童話祭
Attend the annual Japanese Fairy Tale Festival held every May 5th, celebrating folklore and storytelling with cultural performances and local traditions.
Duration
120 min
Summer Fairy Tale Festival
童話の里夏祭り
Join the summer festival at the Fairy Tale Village, featuring outdoor performances, local food stalls, and family-friendly activities.
Duration
180 min
Waterfall Market Festival
滝の市滝神社祭典
Participate in the waterfall market festival at Taki Shrine, celebrating local culture with traditional crafts, food, and seasonal rituals.
Duration
150 min
Paddy Field Photography Walk
山浦早水の棚田
Take a guided walk through the scenic rice terraces designated as one of Japan's 100 Best Terraced Fields, learning about traditional farming and capturing photos of the natural landscape.
Duration
60 min
Best viewed during early morning or late afternoon light; avoid heavy rain.
Natural Spring Water Tour
下園妙見様湧水
Explore the natural spring water source recognized as one of Japan's 100 Best Spring Waters, learning about its history and ecological significance.
Duration
45 min
Wear non-slip shoes; paths may be wet after rain.
Forest and Mountain Hike
伐株山
Hike through the scenic trails of Hachiboku Mountain, enjoying panoramic views and learning about the local flora and fauna.
Duration
90 min
Avoid hiking during typhoon season or heavy rain; check trail conditions in advance.
Fairy Tale Storytelling Session
童話の里くす
Join a storytelling workshop where local performers share traditional Japanese fairy tales in an engaging, interactive session for all ages.
Duration
60 min
Insider Tips
Plan ahead—seasonal events and hours vary, especially in winter.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure the day's first batch of fresh-baked milk bread from the bakery counter, which sells out by 11:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to find the limited-edition seasonal tofu salad with locally grown vegetables, available only during spring and summer months
- Weekend Special: On Sundays, the restaurant offers a special lunch set featuring "Kusu-style rice with local soy sauce and pickled vegetables" — order between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM to guarantee availability
- Best Time to Use the Information Counter: Stop by the information counter between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM to receive the latest route map for the nearby "Japanese Rice Terraces of Yamura Saimui" hiking trail, updated daily by staff
- Avoid the Crowd at the Farm Stand: Purchase fresh produce from the agricultural sales counter before 10:00 AM to get the full selection of seasonal vegetables, as items like the local purple eggplant and heirloom tomatoes are often sold out by noon
- Parking Tip: Use the main parking lot near the restaurant entrance instead of the far side lot when visiting on weekends, as the front lot is closer to the bakery and information counter, saving you a 5-minute walk
- Event Timing: Visit during the first weekend of May to attend the Japan Fairy Tale Festival, when the restaurant serves a special festival menu and the information board displays a free map of the festival route and performance schedule
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Visit during the Japan Fairy Tale Festival on May 5 for cultural events; fresh bamboo shoots appear at the market in early spring.
Summer (June–August): Enjoy the Fairy Tale Summer Festival in August and cooling walks near the West Shihaya Waterfall.
Autumn (September–November): Experience the Toki Shrine Festival in October and vibrant foliage around the mountain trails.
Winter (December–February): Explore the serene landscape with fewer crowds and seasonal rice dishes at the restaurant.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Features a spacious grassy park and seasonal events ideal for children. Offers basic family facilities, though no dedicated play area or baby equipment. Kid-friendly food options available. Stroller-accessible with ample parking.
Food Lover Review
Provides a variety of dining options including local rice, fresh produce, and regional specialties. High-quality farm-fresh vegetables and unique local products available. Restaurant and bakery offerings enhance the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Offers restrooms and parking suitable for short stops. No designated overnight parking or camping facilities. Quiet during daytime but lacks dedicated camping infrastructure or overnight comfort amenities.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by scenic natural landmarks including a national waterfall, terraced rice fields, and forested mountains. Offers beautiful seasonal views and peaceful atmosphere. Limited formal viewpoints but rich natural aesthetics.