Station Harajiri no Taki

Discover the Majesty of Nature and Local Flavor at Harajiri no Taki

Nestled along the scenic Osumi-Kōtō Road in Ōno City, Ōita Prefecture, Harajiri no Taki roadside station offers a rare blend of natural wonder and authentic regional charm. Just steps from the breathtaking Harajiri no Taki—ranked among Japan’s 100 Famous Waterfalls—this station sits amid serene farmland and rolling countryside, where the rhythm of rural life meets the energy of modern travel.

Visitors are drawn not only to the thunderous cascade, often called the "Niagara of the East," but also to the station’s vibrant offerings: fresh local produce, handmade goods, and signature dishes like beef grilled on clay plates and tangy yuzu soft serve. With seasonal events like the Tulip Festival and the historic Ko-dai Fire Festival, Harajiri no Taki is more than a pit stop—it’s a cultural gateway to the heart of Oita’s heritage.

Visit Harajiri no Taki roadside station to experience Japan’s only roadside station directly adjacent to the famed Harajiri no Taki waterfall, designated one of the nation’s Hundred Famous Waterfalls. Here, you can savor the region’s only kumquat soft serve, crafted from locally grown kumquats, and enjoy the unique "Takamori-style" grilled beef from the nearby Takamori cattle, served in a traditional clay pot. The station’s panoramic view of the 20-meter-high waterfall framed by serene rice paddies offers a rare, immersive natural spectacle found nowhere else.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the restaurant before the 11:00 AM opening, as the lunch rush begins immediately after and tables fill quickly during the spring and summer festival seasons.

• Hidden Gems: At the愛菜果 (Aina-kura) farm stand, look for the limited-edition seasonal fruit jam made from locally grown, hand-picked mountain strawberries—available only during the April–May Tulip Festival and sold out by midday.

• Weekend Special: On the first Saturday of April during the Tulip Festival, the roadside station hosts a live cooking demonstration at 10:30 AM at the White Water Restaurant, where visitors can watch chefs prepare the signature “Takamatsu-style” grilled pork with local cabbage and soy glaze.

• Information Desk Tip: Head to the “Taki no Kan Information Corner” before 11:00 AM to obtain the latest printed guide to the regional heritage bridges—including the original route map to the Nagase Bridge and Yurigaki Bridge, which are only accessible via footpaths that are clearly marked on the station’s printed maps.

• Local Product Must-Try: Purchase the Harajiri no Taki-exclusive citrus soft serve at the café counter before 3:00 PM, as it is made with fresh kumquat juice harvested daily from the on-site orchard and is only available until the end of the day’s shift.

• Seasonal Event Access: To experience the full charm of the Kodaime Fire Festival on August 14, arrive by 5:30 PM to secure a spot near the riverbank viewing area, which opens at 6:00 PM and offers the best view of the traditional lantern procession across the river.

• Best Photo Spot Timing: Visit the observation deck near the White Water Restaurant between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM on weekdays to capture the most dramatic sunlight reflecting off the waterfall, as the sun directly hits the face of Harajiri no Taki during this window in late spring and early summer.

Spring (March–May): Visit during the early April Tulip Festival (first Saturday to third Friday) for blooming fields and spring produce at the market.

Summer (June–August): Experience the unique Kodaï Fire Festival on August 14, illuminated by traditional torches along the river.

Autumn (September–November): Enjoy the seasonal charm of the Kawa-kooshi Festival in late November, celebrating local heritage with traditional rituals.

Winter (December–February): Discover quiet beauty and local specialties during the off-season, with relaxed visits to the roadside station and surrounding nature.