Station Yui Yui Kunigami

Discover the Heart of Okinawa’s Natural Heritage

Nestled at the northernmost tip of Okinawa Island along National Route 58, Yui Yui Kunigami stands as a vibrant roadside station where pristine coastal scenery meets the rich cultural legacy of Kunigami Village. Designated as part of a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, this destination offers travelers a rare glimpse into a region where lush forests, clear streams, and serene rural life harmonize in perfect balance.

More than a rest stop, Yui Yui Kunigami is a celebration of local craftsmanship and flavor. Visitors can savor authentic Okinawan cuisine at the on-site restaurant, explore a curated selection of regional specialties—from yambaru pork and tropical fruits to handmade ceramics and natural cosmetics—and enjoy a relaxing stay at the Yui Cafe. With modern amenities like EV charging, free Wi-Fi, and a comprehensive information center, it’s the ideal hub for exploring Okinawa’s most untouched landscapes.

Visit Yui Yui Kunigami, the only roadside station in Okinawa’s northernmost village, where you can taste authentic Yanbaru Ibo Buta pork—raised in the wild forests of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Yanbaru region—roasted to perfection at the on-site restaurant. Savor the rare, locally crafted honey ice cream made from wild Okinawan bees, a flavor found nowhere else. The station also features the only artisanal ceramics and woodwork from Yanbaru artisans, offering one-of-a-kind souvenirs deeply rooted in the area’s natural heritage.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the YuiCafe before the morning rush, as the cafe serves fresh local coffee and house-made sweet potato toast from 9:00 AM and often fills up by 10:30 AM.

• Hidden Gems: Head to the craft section near the information counter to find handcrafted yamanba pottery and woodwork made by local artisans—these items are only restocked every Tuesday and Thursday.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the YuiYui Market stall between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to purchase the limited-edition "Yanbaru Inobuta Bento Box" featuring grilled mountain pig pork, pickled local vegetables, and steamed rice—sold out by noon.

• Best Snack Timing: Purchase the "YuiYui Honey Toast" from the bakery counter at 11:00 AM sharp, as it is freshly baked daily and only available during the restaurant’s operating hours (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM).

• EV Charging Tip: Use the EV charging station only during off-peak hours (before 10:00 AM or after 5:00 PM) to avoid long wait times, as it is frequently occupied during lunch and afternoon peak periods.

• Information Counter Hack: Ask the staff at the information counter for the “Kunigami Local Events Calendar” booklet—only available in the morning and updated weekly with upcoming community events like the "Oji-san’s Learning Presentation" or regional craft fairs.

• Free Wi-Fi Access: Connect to the free Wi-Fi network “YuiYuiKunigami_Free” at the entrance lobby and use the information terminal to check real-time traffic updates on National Route 58, especially if you’re planning to drive through the Yanbaru forest roads after 3:00 PM.

Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market in early spring, with peak canola flower viewing from late March to April.

Summer (June-August): YuiCafe hosts seasonal events like the August 24 YuiCafe victory sale and mid-summer special promotions.

Autumn (September-November): The 9/27 community learning event and 10/25 Kunigami Correction Exhibition highlight autumn activities.

Winter (December-February): No specific seasonal events mentioned, but the roadside station operates year-round with consistent access to local specialties.