Station Honjo

Discover the Spirit of Shimonoseki at Honjo Roadside Station

Nestled along the scenic Honjo Bypass on the shores of Nakaumi Bay, Honjo Roadside Station offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and regional heritage. With sweeping views of Mount Daisen, the famed Betatsumi Slope, and the picturesque Daikon Island, the station is a true gateway to the heart of the San'in region. Its glass-fronted information center opens directly onto this stunning landscape, inviting travelers to pause and reconnect with Japan’s rural soul.

Renowned for its deep ties to the legendary warrior Benkei, Honjo celebrates local culture through seasonal events like the annual Shibakaki Festival. Visitors can savor authentic regional flavors, including the famed Seshi persimmons, nurtured by the region’s unique climate. With a focus on sustainability and community, the station features a mobile vendor "Honjo-Go" and electric vehicle charging stations, making it a modern, eco-conscious stop. From handmade souvenirs to locally brewed coffee, every experience at Honjo reflects the warmth and craftsmanship of the area.

Visit Honjo roadside station to experience the only location in the region where you can taste fresh, handcrafted kombu dashi made from locally harvested seaweed, paired with seasonal udon served in a glass-fronted café overlooking the serene Nakaumi Sea. Here, you’ll also find the exclusive "Bunsho-ya" brand of dried West-Barrier persimmons—specially sun-dried using traditional methods unique to this coastal village—offering a sweetness unmatched elsewhere.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure the first batch of freshly baked milk bread from the bakery, which sells out by 11:00 AM and is not restocked during the day
• Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the limited-edition "Honjo Bland" seasonal jam made with locally harvested wild strawberries, available only during the summer months
• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, take advantage of the mobile food cart "Honjou-oh" that parks near the parking area between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, offering grilled local eel and fresh sea bream skewers
• Best Photo Spot: Stand at the front glass wall of the information center during late afternoon to capture the full view of Nakaumi Sea, with Mount Daisen and the famous Daikon Island in the distance
• Seasonal Experience: During the annual "Nagasaki Persimmon Festival" in October, visit the souvenir shop to taste and purchase the specially prepared "Hakusui" persimmon jam, made from fully ripened Nagasaki persimmons and available only during the festival period
• Local Product Tip: Buy the "Bianqing's Roast Spot" snack pack at the gift counter—this includes roasted salted peanuts and dried persimmon chips, a regional favorite that’s only sold in the souvenir shop
• EV Charging Access: If arriving by electric vehicle, use the charging station located just south of the main parking lot, which is accessible from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily and is operational year-round

Spring (March–May): Late March to early April features peak canola flower viewing, with fresh bamboo shoots available at the roadside station market.

Summer (June–August): July and August offer the best access to local seafood, including Midori Bay clams, and the mobile vending cart "Honjo-oh" operates daily.

Autumn (September–November): October brings the annual West Saku Persimmon Festival, celebrating the region’s famed dried persimmons.

Winter (December–February): December and January provide quiet visits with warm drinks and seasonal goods, including preserved persimmons and local sake.