Station Kumenan

Savor the Heart of Okayama’s Countryside at Kumenan

Nestled along National Route 53 between Okayama City and Tsuyama City, Kumenan is a roadside station that celebrates the authentic spirit of rural Okayama. Operated by the local NPO, Rokasu Home Town Network, it stands as a vibrant community hub where nature, tradition, and hospitality converge. Surrounded by lush fields and quiet woodlands, Kumenan offers travelers more than a pit stop—it’s a destination for connection and discovery.

At the heart of the experience is the Kumenan Dining Hall, where locally sourced vegetables and seasonal ingredients inspire nourishing meals like the Birth Temple Set, Arch-Sweep Set, and Shingoku Set—each a tribute to regional heritage. The station also features a thoughtfully curated Kumenan Shop showcasing local crafts, handmade treats, and regional specialties. With rental spaces for gatherings and seasonal highlights like the signature yuzu miso chāmpō ramen, Kumenan invites visitors to slow down, taste the land, and embrace the rhythm of rural life.

Visit Kumenan roadside station to experience the region’s only authentic "Kumenan-style yuzu miso chāmpōn noodles," a unique local specialty crafted with handmade broth and fresh seasonal vegetables. Home to the only artisanal soft-serve ice cream made from locally raised Jersey cow milk, this station also features a vibrant community-driven menu including the "Kumemachi Served Bento," a seasonal rice bowl made exclusively from produce grown within the town’s sustainable farms.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the kume nan cafeteria before the lunch rush, as the 11:00 AM opening sees the first wave of visitors and tables fill quickly.

• Hidden Gems: Ask the staff at the kume nan shop for the seasonal "Yuzu Miso Champoy Men" — a limited-time winter menu item available only during the colder months, typically from November through February.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, head to the deli counter between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to purchase the freshly baked milk bread, which is released daily at 9:30 AM and often sells out by 11:00 AM.

• Specialty Product: Pick up the "Roadside Station Special Soft Cream" at the kume nan shop before 4:00 PM, as it is only available during the summer months (May 1 to September 30) and is known to sell out by late afternoon.

• Local Experience: Visit the kume nan cafeteria on a weekday to experience the "Kume Nan Lunch Set" — a rotating menu of three regional dishes named after local temples, including the "Doshiji Set" and "Kamiyoku Set," which are only available during lunch hours.

• Event Tip: Check the staff blog for the "Kume Nan Town Good Things Map" created by local elementary students — it highlights hidden local spots like the golden ginkgo tree near the entrance, best viewed in late November when it turns golden.

• Timing for Shopping: Go to the kume nan shop between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on weekdays to browse the full selection of handmade crafts and local products before the afternoon rush, as the shop often runs out of popular items by 2:00 PM.

Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market in early spring; canola flowers bloom in late March to April.

Summer (June-August): Soft-serve ice cream featured in summer; open daily until 17:00 during peak season.

Autumn (September-November): Ginkgo trees turn golden in November; new winter menu launched in November.

Winter (December-February): Special winter menu includes yuzu miso chanpon ramen; seasonal closures occur in December.