Discover the Heart of Kyūshū’s Culinary Heritage
Taketa roadside station, nestled along National Route 442 in the historic town of Taketa, offers a vibrant gateway to the rich agricultural and cultural traditions of Oita Prefecture. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush farmland, this welcoming stop is more than a pit stop—it’s a celebration of local craftsmanship, seasonal flavors, and timeless charm.
Home to the famed saffron, once introduced over a century ago and now Japan’s top producer, Taketa showcases the region’s unique agricultural legacy. Visitors can enjoy fresh saffron-infused treats, savor hearty vegetable curry at the on-site restaurant, or pick their own strawberries from the adjacent farm—from November to May. With free Wi-Fi, EV charging, and a relaxed atmosphere, Taketa is the perfect place to rest, recharge, and connect with the spirit of the countryside.
Why Visit
Taketa roadside station stands out for its exclusive access to Japan’s highest-quality saffron, cultivated here since 1903 and now the nation’s leading producer. Visitors can taste it in locally crafted saffron rice, traditional sweets, and even aromatic saffron tea. Just steps away, the on-site strawberry farm offers seasonal strawberry picking from December to May, with the farm’s fresh berries transformed into a signature strawberry soft-serve that’s only available here.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor farm-fresh flavors at Taketa roadside station, where local vegetables shine in hearty, homemade dishes.
Good Rice Dining Hall
善米食堂
Specialty
Local vegetables and rice-based dishes
A cozy restaurant offering hearty meals featuring fresh, locally grown vegetables and rice. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a focus on traditional Japanese cuisine made from regional ingredients.
Water Country Strawberry Farm
水の国のいちご農園
Specialty
Strawberry picking and strawberry treats
A seasonal food stall located in a nearby strawberry farm, offering fresh strawberries and strawberry-based desserts. Ideal for visitors enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
Shopping Highlights
Discover authentic regional goods and seasonal harvests at the roadside station’s vibrant market.
Water Country Specialty Store
水の国の物産館 / 農産物直売所
A local farmers' market offering fresh produce, processed agricultural products, and regional specialties directly from local farmers.
Products
Must-Try Item
Saffron
Saffron Specialty Shop
サフラン専門店
A dedicated shop specializing in saffron products, including saffron threads, saffron-infused items, and traditional uses.
Products
Must-Try Item
Saffron Threads
Featured Products
Experience the famed saffron of Taketa, a prized local specialty with centuries of tradition and versatile use.
Saffron Threads
サフラン
High-quality saffron threads, cultivated in Taketa, known as the top producer in Japan. Used traditionally as medicine, dye, and flavoring.
Strawberry Soft Cream
いちごソフトクリーム
A refreshing dessert made with fresh strawberries from the on-site strawberry farm, available seasonally.
Saffron Infused Rice
サフランライス
Rice infused with saffron, offering a unique flavor and golden hue, ideal for special occasions.
Saffron Tea
サフランティー
A soothing herbal tea made with saffron, known for its health benefits and delicate aroma.
Saffron Sweets
サフランスイーツ
Traditional Japanese sweets infused with saffron, combining sweetness with a subtle floral note.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge with convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, Wi-Fi, and EV charging.
Parking
Available for visitors at the roadside station.
Located at the roadside station premises
Restroom
Public toilets available for visitors.
Located at the roadside station premises
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless internet access available in the station, specifically in the Shizen Shokudo restaurant area.
Shizen Shokudo restaurant area
Information Center
Provides road information, nearby roadside stations, tourism, accommodation, medical information, and other related details through information terminals, bulletin boards, and flyers.
Information corner inside the station
Play Area
A space for children to play, located within the station grounds.
Within the station premises
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging facility available on-site.
Located at the roadside station premises
Nursing Room
A private room for mothers to breastfeed or care for infants.
Located at the roadside station premises
Activities & Experiences
Enjoy seasonal delights like strawberry picking and hands-on experiences throughout the year.
Strawberry Picking
いちご狩り
Participants can pick fresh strawberries at the on-site strawberry farm from December to May.
Duration
60 min
Strawberry Soft Cream Tasting
いちごソフトクリーム
Participants can enjoy a delicious strawberry soft cream made from fresh strawberries harvested at the on-site farm.
Duration
30 min
Saffron Experience
サフラン
Participants can learn about the history and uses of saffron, a famous local product, and experience its traditional applications as a dye and medicinal ingredient.
Duration
90 min
Insider Tips
Visit in October to see saffron blooms and plan ahead for peak events like the Castle Festival.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on weekdays to secure the last of the day’s fresh vegetable curry at the Shizen Rice Dining Hall before it sells out
- Hidden Gems: At the agricultural product sales shop, look for the locally made saffron-infused honey—available only during October and November when the saffron harvest is in season
- Weekend Special: On weekends, arrive by 10:30 AM to purchase the limited-edition saffron rice balls, which are sold exclusively at the sales shop and often sell out by noon
- Dining Tip: Order the vegetable curry at Shizen Rice Dining Hall before 12:00 PM to ensure it includes the day’s freshest produce, as ingredients are sourced daily from local farms and are not restocked after midday
- Seasonal Experience: Visit the Water Country Strawberry Farm between December and May to pick strawberries, then immediately head to the café counter to enjoy a warm strawberry soft-serve made from the same day’s harvest
- Local Product Tip: Buy the saffron spice blend in the sales shop during the first two weeks of October—this is the only time the seasonal blend is offered, featuring saffron harvested that year
- On-Site Convenience: Use the information terminal near the entrance to print out the route map to the Kōjō Ruins and nearby attractions; the map includes walking times and parking locations not listed elsewhere
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh strawberries available for picking and in soft cream from late December through May; cherry blossoms bloom during the April冈城桜まつり.
Summer (June-August): The Kujū mountain opening in June marks the start of seasonal hiking; local produce peaks in summer.
Autumn (September-November): Saffron harvest begins in late October; the Takanashi Festival in November celebrates local culture.
Winter (December-February): Strawberry picking continues into early February; warm dishes like vegetable curry are ideal in cold weather.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a baby-friendly restroom, play area, and child-oriented activities like strawberry picking. Features kid-friendly food options such as strawberry soft cream and simple meals. Stroller-accessible paths and safe, spacious parking enhance family comfort.
Food Lover Review
Features a well-regarded local restaurant serving vegetable curry with fresh regional produce. Offers unique local specialties like saffron and seasonal strawberries. The farm market provides fresh, high-quality local goods and unique artisanal products.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, vending machines, and free Wi-Fi. Parking is spacious and convenient, though no designated overnight camping area exists. Quiet during daytime, but lacks facilities for extended stays. No explicit overnight parking policy.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near scenic attractions like Okajima Castle Ruins and the Kujū Mountains. Offers peaceful natural surroundings with seasonal beauty, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Limited viewpoints but pleasant overall atmosphere.