Station Asahi

Step Into a Living Tapestry of History and Flavor

Asahi roadside station lies at the heart of the historic Sasanami district, perfectly positioned between Yamaguchi City and the charming streets of Hagi. Once a bustling post town on the Hagi Kōban route connecting the Chūgoku and San'in regions during the Edo period, the area now preserves its traditional architecture in a nationally designated conservation zone. Visitors can stroll through well-preserved old townscapes, where time feels suspended.

Beyond its rich heritage, Asahi has evolved into a vibrant community hub. After a 2021 renovation, it now offers modern convenience with a convenience store, cashless payments, and a wide selection of local specialties—fresh vegetables, rice, mochi, pickles, and regional miso. In 2022, the station welcomed the opening of Sanraizu, a dedicated fried chicken restaurant serving dishes like Chicken Nanban and mixed tempura sets. Whether exploring history, savoring regional flavors, or simply resting along the road, Asahi offers a truly authentic Japanese roadside experience.

Asahi roadside station stands at the historic crossroads of the Edo-era Kibi Kōkan route, where well-preserved traditional buildings from the 18th to early 20th century still line the streets of Sasanami, a nationally designated conservation area. Visitors can explore authentic period architecture while sampling regionally unique snacks like hand-pressed rice crackers made from locally grown mountain rice. The station also hosts the only dedicated grilled chicken restaurant in the area, Sanraizu, serving Kibi-style fried chicken with a tangy local sauce—only available here.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the newly opened restaurant "Sanraizu" before it fills up, as the lunch rush begins at 11:00 AM
• Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the entrance for fresh homemade pickled vegetables and locally made miso—these are restocked daily and often sell out by early afternoon
• Weekend Special: Visit on Saturdays or Sundays between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to catch the seasonal rice cake (mochi) tasting event hosted by the local agricultural cooperative
• Best Value Purchase: Buy the "Sasana mi" rice snack at the main shop counter—this locally produced rice cracker is only available at Asahi roadside station and is priced 15% lower than nearby retail outlets
• Parking Tip: Use the large vehicle parking area (3 spaces) located at the far back of the lot if you're driving a van or camper, as the front 20 spaces are reserved for regular cars only
• Cultural Experience: Walk the preserved Edo-era streets of Sasana mi Ichi between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM when the traditional wooden gate is open and guided audio tours are available via the station’s visitor kiosk
• Meal Timing: Order the Chicken Nanban set at Sanraizu restaurant by 1:30 PM to guarantee availability, as the kitchen stops serving after 3:00 PM and items are not restocked midday

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

Summer (June–August): July and August bring the summer festival at the Hagi Kōkan area, with evening food stalls and cultural performances.

Autumn (September–November): Late September to early November offers the best time for visiting the preserved Edo-era streets of Sasanami and enjoying local seasonal harvests.

Winter (December–February): December sees the opening of the Hagi Kōkan winter lantern festival, illuminating historic buildings with traditional light displays.