Discover the Heart of Okinawa’s Rural Charm
Ginoza roadside station, nestled in the lush countryside of Kunigami District in Okinawa Prefecture, is a vibrant gateway to local culture and nature. Located just 15 minutes from Yonaguni Interchange on the Okinawa Expressway, it serves as a beloved community hub and a top-rated destination for travelers seeking authentic island experiences.
This family-friendly oasis features a splash park, large playgrounds, and open green spaces perfect for outdoor fun. Visitors can enjoy fresh local produce at the specialty market, savor seasonal fruits and handmade sweets, or dine at the on-site café and restaurant. With fully accessible facilities, a well-equipped meeting room, and unique attractions like the Hankyu Tigers Pop-Up Shop and the Island Sandal Workshop, Ginoza offers something for every traveler—whether you're exploring, relaxing, or gathering with friends and family.
Why Visit
Ginoza roadside station stands out as the first designated "key roadside station" in Okinawa, offering a rare combination of family adventure and authentic local flavor. Families flock here for the unique water play area and the large playground "Ginokun Land," set beside a serene river—perfect for children’s safe, outdoor fun. At the heart of the experience is the region’s only artisanal honey ice cream, crafted from raw honey harvested in the surrounding hills, available only at the on-site sweet shop. This blend of nature, recreation, and hyper-local craftsmanship makes Ginoza unlike any other roadside station in the prefecture.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh local flavors at Ginoza roadside station, where farm-to-table meals and sweet treats highlight Okinawa’s seasonal bounty.
Cafe
カフェ
Specialty
Relaxing café with a cozy atmosphere
A welcoming café located on the second floor, offering a peaceful space to enjoy light meals and beverages. The ambiance is calm and inviting, perfect for a quiet break during your visit.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a variety of local goods and seasonal produce at Ginoza roadside station’s vibrant marketplace.
Original Goods Shop
道の駅オリジナルグッズショップ
A shop offering exclusive merchandise and souvenirs unique to Ginoza roadside station, including local-themed items and collectibles.
Products
Must-Try Item
Ginoza-themed tote bag
Hanshin Tigers Pop-Up Shop
阪神タイガース Pop Up Shop 阪神タイガースグッズ
A temporary shop featuring official Hanshin Tigers merchandise and memorabilia.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hanshin Tigers team jersey
Ginoza Market
ぎのざマルシェ
A seasonal market showcasing fresh local produce, including seasonal fruits and vegetables from Ginoza Village.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly harvested Okinawan vegetables
Ginoza Bakery
ぎのざのお菓子屋SUN
A dedicated bakery offering handmade pastries, breads, and traditional Okinawan sweets.
Products
Must-Try Item
Okinawan sweet potato cake
Future Ginoza Specialty Processing Direct Sales Center
未来ぎのざ 特産品加工直売センター
A direct sales center for processed local products, including value-added items made from regional ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Okinawan mango jam
Farm Lab
Farm Lab
A specialty shop offering farm-fresh produce and artisanal food items, emphasizing sustainability and local sourcing.
Products
Must-Try Item
Organic Okinawan tomatoes
Featured Products
Explore signature items like Okinawan honey and regional specialties crafted from village-grown ingredients.
Okinawan Honey
沖縄県産ハチミツ
Pure, locally harvested honey from Okinawa, known for its rich flavor and natural sweetness.
Mango Jam
マンゴージャム
Sweet and tangy jam made from fresh Okinawan mangoes, perfect for spreading on toast or using in desserts.
Okinawan Sweet Potato Cake
沖縄県産スイートポテトケーキ
A moist and flavorful cake made with locally grown sweet potatoes, offering a traditional Okinawan taste.
Organic Okinawan Tomatoes
有機沖縄トマト
Fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes grown using organic farming methods in Okinawa, known for their intense flavor.
Hanshin Tigers Team Jersey
阪神タイガースチームジャージ
Official team jersey featuring the iconic Hanshin Tigers logo and colors, ideal for fans and collectors.
Ginoza-Themed Tote Bag
ぎのざテーマトートバッグ
A durable and stylish tote bag featuring the Ginoza roadside station logo and local design elements.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient, accessible amenities including restrooms, showers, free Wi-Fi, and fully accessible spaces at Ginoza roadside station.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking area with 100 spaces, including 2 large vehicle spots, 82 regular spots, 2 disabled-accessible spots, and 14 motorcycle spots.
Main entrance area
Restroom
There are 31 male toilets (12 large, 19 small) and 20 female toilets. 14 male toilets (6 large, 8 small) and 11 female toilets are available 24 hours a day.
Throughout the facility
Wireless LAN
Free wireless LAN is available throughout the roadside station.
All areas
Information Counter
Features a bidirectional information terminal providing road information, nearby tourism, weather, and other roadside station details. Also provides medical information including contact details for Okinawa Prefectural Northern Hospital and Kannan Hospital in Ginoza Village.
Information Corner
Water Playground and Large Playground
Includes a splash park and a large play area named 'Ginokun Land', popular with families. The water playground is open seasonally and has been recently reopened after maintenance.
Outdoor play area
Shower Room
Shower facilities are available for public use, operating from 9:15 AM to 6:00 PM.
Near restrooms
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging facilities are available at the roadside station.
Parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for public use.
Near entrance
Nursing Room
A dedicated nursing room is available for parents with infants.
Near restrooms
Meeting and Training Room
Available for rent for lectures, training sessions, study groups, and corporate meetings. Equipped with projector, whiteboard, and other facilities.
2nd floor
Activities & Experiences
Engage in hands-on experiences such as making island sandals, seasonal workshops, and family-friendly outdoor fun.
Water Play Area
水遊び場
Children can splash and play in a safe, shallow water area designed for fun and cooling off during warm weather.
Duration
60 min
Closed during rainy weather or maintenance periods.
Ginokun Land Playground
大型遊具「ぎ〜のくんランド」
Families can enjoy large outdoor play equipment suitable for children of various ages, including climbing structures and slides.
Duration
90 min
Outdoor facility; may be closed during heavy rain or typhoon warnings.
Kanna Walk Experience
宜野座を散策する
Guided walking tour through the scenic and cultural areas of Ginoza Village, highlighting local history and natural beauty.
Duration
120 min
Best enjoyed on clear, dry days; may be canceled during rain or high winds.
Island Sandal Making Workshop
島ぞうりを作る
Participants create traditional Okinawan island sandals using natural materials, learning about local craftsmanship and culture.
Duration
60 min
Indoor activity; unaffected by weather.
Kids' Indoor Playroom
キッズルーム
A safe, climate-controlled indoor space for children to play with toys, games, and interactive activities.
Duration
120 min
Indoor facility; always available regardless of weather.
BBQ Area
BBQ をする
Rent a BBQ grill and enjoy cooking outdoors with family or friends, using provided grilling equipment.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor activity; requires dry, clear weather; may be restricted during storms or high winds.
Meeting and Training Room
貸会議室
Book a fully equipped meeting room for business presentations, workshops, training sessions, or study groups.
Duration
120 min
Indoor facility; unaffected by weather.
Observation Deck
展望台
Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coastline from a scenic elevated platform.
Duration
30 min
Best viewed on clear days; may be closed during typhoons or heavy rain.
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around seasonal events and check the schedule for water play and pop-up shops at Ginoza roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure a spot at the bakery counter, where fresh milk bread is released daily and often sells out by 11:00 AM.
- Hidden Gems: Head to the second-floor café between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM to try the limited-time seasonal fruit tart made with locally grown strawberries, available only during the spring fruit season.
- Weekend Special: On Sundays, check the outdoor activity schedule posted near the entrance for the free island sandal-making workshop held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the activity space.
- Best Time for Kids: Arrive before 10:30 AM on weekdays to access the indoor kids’ room with no waiting, as it tends to fill up by 11:00 AM during school holidays.
- Shower Access Tip: Use the coin shower room between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, as it is most reliably stocked with hot water and towels during these hours, especially after the morning rush.
- Food Truck Alert: Visit the roadside station on the second Saturday of each month between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to enjoy the rotating food truck lineup, which features local Okinawan street food like goya champuru burgers and local fish tacos.
- Information Center Use: Stop by the information corner between 9:15 AM and 10:00 AM to request the free bilingual (English/Japanese) guidebook for the Kanna River walking trail, which is only distributed during this time slot.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Enjoy fresh bamboo shoots and seasonal vegetables at the market, with the annual Kanna Walk experience in April.
Summer (June–August): Visit the splash park from June to September, ideal for cooling off during hot days.
Autumn (September–November): Experience the 33rd Ginoza Village Festival in September, featuring local crafts and food.
Winter (December–February): Relax in the heated restrooms and enjoy seasonal fruits and souvenirs year-round.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Ginoza roadside station offers a large splash park, playground 'Ginokun Land,' and a kids' room. It features stroller-friendly paths, ample restrooms, and interactive activities. The variety of child-focused facilities and safe, accessible design make it highly family-friendly.
Food Lover Review
The station provides diverse dining options including local cuisine, seasonal fruits, fresh produce, and artisanal sweets. The farm-to-table concept and regional specialties enhance the food experience. The café and specialty shops offer high-quality, authentic Okinawan flavors.
Car Camping Review
It offers sufficient parking, clean restrooms, a coin shower, and a 24-hour accessible area. While not designated for overnight stays, the quiet setting and facilities support short-term stops. No explicit overnight policy is mentioned.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near a river with scenic views, the station features a well-maintained landscape and seasonal beauty. The observation deck provides excellent photo opportunities. The overall atmosphere is peaceful and visually appealing, enhanced by natural surroundings.