Discover the Heart of Rural Japan at Kayō Roadside Station
Nestled in the serene embrace of the Kibi Highlands, Kayō Roadside Station stands as a vibrant bridge between urban life and rural tradition. Located just a three-minute drive east of Goyo Interchange along National Route 484, it offers easy access from both Okayama City and Kurashiki—reachable in under an hour via the Okayama Expressway. More than a mere stopover, Kayō is a cultural and culinary destination where local heritage meets modern hospitality.
At Kayō, visitors experience authentic regional flavors through its farm-to-table offerings, including fresh organic produce, handcrafted snacks, and seasonal specialties. The on-site Japanese restaurant serves handmade soba and traditional bento, while the soft-serve and taiyaki stalls delight families with sweet treats. With hands-on experiences like jam-making and dedicated event spaces, Kayō invites travelers to engage deeply with the community.
Why Visit
Visit Kayō roadside station to experience the region’s only on-site jam-making workshop, where visitors can craft small-batch preserves using locally grown berries from the吉備高原. The station also features the only handmade soba restaurant in the area, serving hand-pulled noodles made from mountain-grown buckwheat. These unique, hyper-local experiences—paired with seasonal produce from certified organic farms—can’t be found anywhere else along the route.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, locally grown flavors at Kayō roadside station's cozy restaurant.
Japanese-style Restaurant Kayō
和風レストランかよう
Specialty
Traditional Japanese cuisine with handmade soba noodles and local dishes
A cozy Japanese-style restaurant offering a variety of meals including homemade soba noodles, set meals, and bento boxes, all made with fresh, local ingredients.
Shopping Highlights
Discover farm-fresh produce and handmade goods at Kayō's vibrant market stalls.
Organic Market Kayō
有機の郷かよう直売所
Sells fresh local vegetables, fruits, and farm-produced processed goods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh organic vegetables
Highland Market Kayō
高原マーケットかよう
Sells specialty processed products, handmade senbei, and daily necessities.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handmade senbei
Soft Cream and Taiyaki Stall
ソフトクリーム、たい焼き 売り場
Sells soft cream, taiyaki, and takoyaki.
Products
Must-Try Item
Taiyaki
Featured Products
Taste the region's pride with signature jams and organic specialties from Kayō.
Organic Vegetables
有機野菜
Fresh, pesticide-free vegetables grown in the local region using organic farming methods.
Handmade Senbei
手作りせんべい
Traditional Japanese rice crackers made by local artisans using locally sourced ingredients.
Local Jam
地元ジャム
Artisanal jam made from seasonal fruits grown in the surrounding area.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy comfortable rest areas, restrooms, and event spaces at Kayō roadside station.
Parking
The roadside station has parking facilities available for visitors.
Near the entrance of the roadside station, accessible from the Goyo Interchange via National Route 484.
Restroom
Restrooms are available for public use within the roadside station complex.
Inside the facility complex, accessible from the main entrance.
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the facility, including the main building and outdoor areas.
Information Center
An information center is available to provide visitors with local tourism information, maps, and assistance.
Located at the main entrance of the roadside station.
Play Area
A play area is available for children, located within the facility grounds.
Outdoor play area adjacent to the main building.
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors using electric vehicles.
Near the parking area, accessible from the main entrance.
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitors to access cash services.
Located near the main entrance and inside the facility.
Nursing Room
A private nursing room is available for mothers with infants.
Inside the restroom area, accessible from the main building.
Activities & Experiences
Join hands-on workshops and seasonal events that celebrate local culture and nature.
Jam Making Workshop
ジャムづくり
Participants will learn how to make jam using fresh local fruits and vegetables in a hands-on workshop.
Duration
90 min
Insider Tips
Plan your visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy quieter moments at Kayō.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the hand-pulled soba counter in the Japanese-style restaurant, as it often fills up by 10:30 AM during peak hours
- Hidden Gems: Visit the organic produce stand between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM on weekdays to find the day’s fresh-picked heirloom tomatoes, which are not advertised but appear only during this window
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays, the local artisan stall in the Highland Market sells handmade rice crackers with seasonal fillings—check the front counter at 10:00 AM when they are first displayed
- Best Time to Taste: Stop at the soft-serve and taiyaki stall by 3:30 PM to enjoy the last batch of seasonal fruit-flavored soft-serve, as it is replenished only once daily and often sells out by 4:00 PM
- Avoid the Line: Order your bento box at the Japanese-style restaurant before 11:00 AM to bypass the midday queue, especially for the Makuuchi Bento, which sells out by 1:00 PM on weekends
- Exclusive Experience: Book the jam-making workshop at least 48 hours in advance through the office phone (0866-55-6008), as only 8 spots are available per session and they fill up quickly
- Best Photo Spot: Walk behind the restaurant building to the west-facing field path at 3:00 PM on weekdays to capture the full view of the Kibi Highlands with the sun low in the sky—this view is rarely photographed by visitors
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market from early April; peak season for organic vegetable picking begins in late March.
Summer (June–August): Soft serve and takoyaki sold daily; ideal for cooling off with local snacks during hot months.
Autumn (September–November): Jam-making workshops held regularly; seasonal fruits available at the market through October.
Winter (December–February): Limited outdoor activities; visit for indoor experiences like craft workshops and local cuisine.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a children's play area and interactive jam-making experiences. Features kid-friendly snacks like soft cream and taiyaki. Stroller-friendly layout with accessible parking and family-oriented facilities.
Food Lover Review
Provides diverse dining with local soba, bento, and seasonal dishes. Offers fresh produce and artisanal jams from on-site workshops. Strong emphasis on regional specialties and quality ingredients.
Car Camping Review
Has restrooms and vending machines for basic needs. Offers quiet surroundings suitable for overnight stays. No explicit overnight parking policy, but accessible for short-term camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in the scenic Kibi Plateau with panoramic views and natural surroundings. Features well-designed viewpoints and seasonal landscapes. Offers a peaceful, aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.