Discover Harmony Where Nature Meets Community
Nestled along the pristine banks of the Banjou River in Saiki City, Yayoi is a roadside station that transcends the ordinary. Surrounded by lush mountains and flowing water, it offers a serene retreat where urban travelers and local residents alike find connection, renewal, and delight. More than a stopover, Yayoi is a living hub of regional culture, sustainability, and seasonal joy.
At the heart of the station are four unique attractions: the vibrant Pikaiichi craft and produce market, the cozy Kuchikuri dining hall serving local specialties and fresh rice from Oita Prefecture, the immersive Banjou Fish Museum showcasing native aquatic life, and the revitalizing Yayoi no Yu hot spring bath with a Finnish-style sauna. Visitors can explore the surrounding nature on rental bicycles, try stand-up paddleboarding on the river, or simply relax at the peaceful outdoor playground. With events from seasonal harvest festivals to summer music concerts, Yayoi invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and experience the rhythm of rural Japan.
Why Visit
Nestled along the pristine Banjou River, Yayoi roadside station offers a rare experience: the only freshwater fish aquarium in the region, home to native species like the elusive Banjou dace, displayed in meticulously recreated river habitats. Visitors can also savor the unique “Gani Juice,” a local specialty made from fresh river shrimp, available only at this location during seasonal events.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at Yayoi's cozy eateries, where seasonal ingredients meet traditional recipes in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Kuchikuri Dining Hall
お食事処くうちくり
Specialty
Local cuisine and seasonal dishes
A cozy dining hall offering traditional regional meals and seasonal specialties, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The rice served is all from Oita Prefecture, specifically the Koshihikari variety.
Cafe Rin
カフェ リン
Specialty
Relaxing café with seasonal drinks and pastries
A tranquil café offering a peaceful retreat with seasonal beverages and handmade pastries. Ideal for unwinding after a walk or bike ride.
Shopping Highlights
Discover fresh regional goods and handcrafted treasures at Yayoi's vibrant market, perfect for souvenirs and local delights.
Pikaiti General Store
物産館ぴかいち
A general store featuring fresh farm produce, seafood products, bread, snacks, bento boxes, and side dishes directly from local producers.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly harvested morning vegetables
Banjo Fish Museum
番匠おさかな館
A fish and aquatic life museum showcasing species native to the Banjo River and their natural habitats through realistic aquarium displays.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh fish from Banjo River
Yayoi Onsen
やよいの湯
A hot spring facility with sauna, café, and table tennis hall, offering relaxation for locals and visitors alike.
Products
Must-Try Item
Finnish-style sauna 'Laukku'
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature specialties like fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and unique local snacks.
Gani Juice
ガニ汁
A rich, savory broth made from crab, ideal for enjoying with rice or as a soup base.
Koi Feeding Capsule
えさポン
A small capsule containing fish food for feeding koi in the pond at the Banjo Fish Museum.
Banjo River Fresh Fish Set
番匠川の新鮮魚介セット
A curated selection of fresh fish and seafood harvested from the Banjo River, perfect for cooking at home.
Yayoi Onsen Bath Salt
やよいの湯入浴用塩
Natural bath salt infused with minerals from the local hot spring, promoting relaxation and skin health.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy comfortable amenities including a relaxing bathhouse, bike rentals, and scenic outdoor spaces at Yayoi roadside station.
Information Center
The roadside station features an information center that provides visitors with details about local attractions, events, and facilities.
Inside the roadside station complex
Parking Area
A parking area is available for visitors' vehicles, located near the main entrance of the roadside station.
Near the main entrance
Restroom
Public restrooms are available for visitors, located within the roadside station complex.
Inside the roadside station complex
Wi-Fi Access
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station for visitors' convenience.
Throughout the premises
Yayoi no Yu (Hot Spring)
A bathhouse facility with a Finnish-style sauna called 'LauRyu', a café, and a table tennis hall. It offers relaxation for locals and travelers seeking a break.
Main building of the roadside station
Outdoor Playground
A children's outdoor play area with various play equipment, located in a shaded area surrounded by trees.
Near the fish museum
Bike Rental
Bicycle rental service has been available since March 2020, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding area on two wheels.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors using electric vehicles.
Parking area
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitors to withdraw cash.
Near the main entrance
Pet-Friendly Area
A designated area where pets are allowed, located near the main facility entrance.
Near the main entrance
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in nature and culture through seasonal events, outdoor play, and hands-on experiences like SUP and fishing.
Cycling Rental
レンタサイクル
Rent bicycles and explore the scenic routes around Saiki City.
Duration
60 min
SUP Paddleboarding
SUP（サップ）川下り
Stand on a paddleboard and glide along the pristine Banjou River from the back of the roadside station.
Duration
90 min
Activity is weather-dependent; canceled in heavy rain or strong winds.
Outdoor Playground
屋外遊具
Enjoy outdoor play equipment surrounded by sunlight filtering through trees, perfect for children to run and play freely.
Duration
60 min
Koi Pond Feeding
鯉の池
Feed koi fish in the pond in front of the Fish Museum using capsule-shaped fish food called 'Esa Pon'.
Duration
30 min
Spring Food Walk & Run
グルメウォーク&ラン
Participate in a seasonal food-themed walk and run event celebrating local cuisine and springtime.
Duration
120 min
Roadside Station Anniversary Festival
道の駅やよい 周年祭
Celebrate the anniversary of the roadside station with local performances, food stalls, and community activities.
Duration
180 min
Children's Fair
子ども縁日
Enjoy traditional children's games, snacks, and entertainment at this seasonal festival.
Duration
150 min
SUP Yoga Festival
SUPヨガフェスタ
Practice yoga on a stand-up paddleboard on the Banjou River during summer months.
Duration
120 min
Weather-dependent; canceled in strong winds or rain.
Harvest Festival
大収穫祭
Celebrate the autumn harvest with local produce, food, music, and community events.
Duration
240 min
Tanabata Festival
七夕
Participate in the traditional Japanese Tanabata festival with decorations, wishes, and cultural activities.
Duration
120 min
Waterfront Music Festival
水辺の里の音楽祭（やよい吹奏楽団）
Enjoy live music performances by the Yayoi Wind Orchestra at the riverside during summer.
Duration
180 min
Amago Fishing Demonstration
鮎のちょん掛け
Watch or participate in the traditional practice of catching ayu (sweetfish) using a net in the river.
Duration
60 min
Weather-dependent; activity may be canceled in heavy rain.
Gate Pine Decoration & Christmas Speed Lottery
門松造り・クリスマス スピードくじ
Create traditional New Year gate pines and participate in a festive Christmas-themed speed lottery.
Duration
90 min
Mirror Opening Ceremony
鏡開き
Participate in the traditional ceremony to open the New Year's rice cake (mochi) with a ceremonial hammer.
Duration
60 min
Bean Throwing Festival & Hot Pot Festival
節分（恵方巻）・鍋物祭り
Celebrate the traditional festival of Setsubun by throwing beans and enjoy a community hot pot festival.
Duration
150 min
Insider Tips
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, and check seasonal events for special activities and local treats.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit the物産館ぴかいち (Pikaiichi) by 8:30 AM on weekdays to secure the freshest morning produce, including the daily batch of locally grown strawberries and pickled vegetables from the farmers' cooperative.
- Hidden Gems: At the番匠おさかな館 (Banjo Fish & Nature Pavilion), look for the "River Life Exhibit" near the back wall, where live freshwater fish from the Banjo River are displayed in a recreated stream habitat with seasonal water flow patterns.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, theお食事処くうちくり (Kuchi Kuri Restaurant) offers a special lunch set featuring seasonal fish from the Banjo River, served with a side of homemade miso soup made from local soybeans.
- Unique Experience: Use the rental bicycles available at the roadside station to ride the 3-kilometer loop trail along the backside of the site, which leads directly to the original Banjo River waterwheel and offers shaded views of the riverbank.
- Seasonal Must-Try: On the first Sunday of every September, visit the やよいの湯 (Yayoi no Yu) hot spring during the "Gani Juice" event, where the staff serve fresh crab broth (Gani Juice) from local catches, available only during this seasonal event.
- Best Photo Spot: Head to the Koi, Koi, Koi (Koi Pond) area before sunset on weekends, where the illuminated fish feeding fountain creates a unique reflection in the water—perfect for photos with the pond's red lanterns lit.
- Insider Access: On weekdays, visit the Cafe Rin (Cafe Rin) between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM to enjoy a free sample of the day’s seasonal baked goods, such as chestnut shortcake or yuzu scone, offered by the staff during their morning prep.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Visit during the annual festival in April and enjoy the spring market featuring fresh seasonal produce.
Summer (June-August): Experience the river-based music festival in August and the traditional yamabushi fishing event.
Autumn (September-November): Attend the harvest festival in November and enjoy seasonal seafood at the fish hall.
Winter (December-February): Participate in the New Year's mirror-breaking ceremony and the seasonal hot pot festival in February.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a large outdoor playset, a popular koi pond with feeding capsules, and interactive exhibits at the fish museum. Stroller-friendly paths and family-oriented activities make it highly suitable for children.
Food Lover Review
Features a variety of local dishes at Kuchi Kuri restaurant, fresh produce at the market, and unique regional specialties like local fish and seasonal harvest items. The diverse food offerings enhance the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides clean restrooms, vending machines, and designated parking. Though not a dedicated campsite, the quiet riverside location and availability of overnight parking make it moderately suitable for car camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located beside the scenic Banjou River with lush mountain views. Offers stunning natural surroundings, seasonal beauty, and picturesque spots for photography, especially along the riverbank and near the waterwheel.