Station Kikugawa

Discover the Heart of Yamaguchi: Where Nature, Culture, and Community Unite

Kikugawa roadside station is nestled in the serene countryside of Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, where rolling hills meet traditional farmland. More than a rest stop, it’s a vibrant cultural hub that celebrates local heritage through seasonal events, artisanal products, and authentic regional cuisine. Located just off major routes, it serves as a welcoming gateway for travelers seeking both tranquility and connection.

Visitors are drawn to its dynamic calendar of events, from live music performances and food markets to traditional festivals that highlight the spirit of the community. The station also features a relaxing open-air bath, where guests can unwind while enjoying views of the surrounding landscape. With locally crafted goods, farm-fresh ingredients, and a commitment to sustainability, Kikugawa offers a true taste of rural Japan’s enduring charm.

Visit Kikugawa roadside station to experience the region’s only artisanal milk ice cream made from Jersey cows raised in the fertile hills of Kikugawa. Here, you can also enjoy live music at the seasonal SHANTI Music Live events, where local artists perform against the backdrop of lush autumn foliage. This is the only roadside station in the area where you can savor traditional local dishes like Kikugawa-style grilled eel while participating in community-driven festivals that celebrate the town’s cultural heritage.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit by 10:00 AM on Sundays to secure a seat at the outdoor seating area near the cultural garden, as it fills up quickly during the monthly Shanti Music Live events held on the 19th of each month
• Hidden Gems: Check the small wooden booth near the entrance labeled "Local Art Corner" to find handcrafted pottery and seasonal wood carvings made by artisans from Kikugawa Village
• Weekend Special: On the second Sunday of every month, visit the "Food Truck Alley" located behind the main parking lot between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to sample regional dishes like Kikugawa-style grilled fish and fermented soybean dumplings
• Seasonal Product: Purchase the "Autumn Harvest Kit" available only from mid-September to mid-October at the store counter near the entrance; it includes dried persimmons, roasted chestnuts, and a recipe card for traditional Kikugawa stew
• Event Timing: Arrive at 1:00 PM on November 15 to attend the combined SHANTI Music Live and Food Market, which features live performances from local musicians and eight rotating food vendors
• Photography Spot: Visit the stone lantern path near the back of the main building during late afternoon (between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM) on weekdays to capture the best natural lighting for photos of the traditional gate and cherry blossoms
• Special Access: Use the small side entrance next to the restroom building on the first Sunday of each month to enter the "Kikugawa Heritage Exhibition" free of charge, as this is the only time the exhibit is open to the public without a fee

Spring (March-May): Peak season for fresh bamboo shoots at the roadside station, with seasonal markets featuring local produce.

Summer (June-August): Enjoy the annual kikugawa ride festival in September, with live music and food events throughout summer.

Autumn (September-November): Visit during the Shanti Music Live and food markets in late October and November.

Winter (December-February): Experience quiet charm and seasonal specialties during the holiday season, open from January 2.