Station Nakatsutsu

Discover the Heart of Kyushu’s Rural Heritage

Nakatsutsu roadside station is a vibrant cultural and culinary hub nestled along National Route 10 in Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture. Designed with inspiration from traditional castle town townhouses, the station blends historic charm with modern convenience, offering travelers a welcoming retreat amid lush landscapes and rolling hills. More than a rest stop, it serves as a dynamic exchange point for local culture, agriculture, and community.

At the heart of Nakatsutsu lies its celebrated farm-to-table philosophy. The on-site market showcases fresh regional produce, while the restaurant features standout dishes like grilled sea bream cutlet and local tempura rice—both highlighting the area’s rich bounty of mountain and sea. With EV charging, free Wi-Fi, disaster preparedness facilities, and access to nearby attractions like Nakatsu Castle and the Yama-ku Shrine, Nakatsutsu is the ideal destination for travelers seeking authenticity, comfort, and connection.

Visit Nakatsutsu roadside station to experience the only roadside station in the region featuring a signature kurodake (black sea bream) cutlet set, a local favorite made from fish caught in the丰前海. The restaurant also serves the only shirauo (whitebait) donburi in the area, using fresh catch from nearby mountain rivers. With a townhouse-style building inspired by the historic castle town, Nakatsutsu offers a uniquely authentic atmosphere where you can savor coastal and mountain flavors only found here.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit the straight-line parking area between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure a spot near the information rest area, as the lot fills quickly after 10:30 AM during peak hours.

• Hidden Gems: At the information rest area, use the two large screens to check real-time traffic updates on National Route 10 and weather alerts for the Bungo Sea coast, especially useful when planning trips to Yama Kuni or Shin Yoshtomi.

• Weekend Special: On weekends between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM, visit the direct sales shop just after the morning delivery of fresh mountain vegetables and local strawberries—these items are often sold out by 12:00 PM.

• Restaurant Timing: Order the signature Harei Katsu Set by 1:00 PM to ensure it is prepared fresh, as kitchen staff stop cooking the fish-based dishes at 3:30 PM and begin cleaning.

• Specialty Item: Buy the "Strawberry Moon Shake" at the restaurant only between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM on weekdays, as it is only served during limited hours and is not available during the lunch rush.

• EV Charging Tip: Plug in your EV at the dedicated charging station located near the parking area entrance, but only between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM—charging is disabled outside these hours due to power restrictions.

• Information Access: Use the single information terminal at the information rest area to access downloadable PDFs of the "Yama Kuni" and "Shin Yoshtomi" roadside station maps, available only during the 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM window.

Spring (March–May): Peak season for the City of the Castle's Hinamatsuri festival (February–March) and fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.

Summer (June–August): Enjoy the Hatsuishi Hanaumbrella Festival in August and locally caught sea products at the roadside station.

Autumn (September–November): Visit during the Cosmos Garden season (October–November) and sample seasonal mushrooms in restaurant dishes.

Winter (December–February): Experience the City of the Castle's Hinamatsuri festival (February–March) and enjoy hearty local dishes like karaage and eel cutlet.