Although it is not well known outside the prefecture, Kumamoto Prefecture has 36 roadside stations (Michi-no-Eki), ranking number one in the Kyushu and Okinawa area (according to a survey by the Kyushu/Okinawa “Michi-no-Eki” Liaison Committee Secretariat).
In Kumamoto, which is currently in the midst of a “Warring States period” of roadside stations, we heard that there is a place where you can enjoy local specialties, soak in a large public bath, and even stay overnight, so we went to report on it.
Nurturing by feeling one’s way and crafting by hand:
A new form of roadside station.
For those who want to slowly and fully savor the grand nature of Kumamoto, “Michi-no-Eki Soyokaze Park” is a place you should definitely visit. Surprisingly, this is a roadside station where you can stay overnight. “The grounds are vast, with spaces where families can enjoy dining and shopping, and facilities like a soccer field are also well-equipped. The greatest feature of this roadside station is that the experiences you seek at a travel destination can be fully completed right here,” says Takuma Kato, who serves as the leader of the facility.
Their pride and joy, above all, is “Hotel WINDY,” which offers a panoramic view stretching from the Five Peaks of Aso to the Kuju Mountain Range and Mount Sobo. It even features rooms that highlight their mountain views as a main attraction. “With cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, and autumn foliage in autumn, followed by a completely pure white snowy landscape spreading out in winter, I sincerely hope everyone will enjoy the panoramic views of the four seasons,” Mr. Kato says.
It is fully equipped with cottages, where multiple people can also enjoy themselves just like camping.
A Western-style room at “Hotel WINDY,” offering a panoramic view of the mountains.
It features a loft, making it fun for children as well.
The meals you can savor at “Soyokaze Park” also have unique features. At “Restaurant Ma’am,” the home-cooked dishes by local people called “Mommy Chefs” are highly acclaimed. A particular favorite is nishime (a simmered dish) using local vegetables such as potatoes, daikon radish, and konjac. The nostalgic flavor, deeply infused with handmade gentleness, naturally warms your heart. Thinking to myself, “To think I didn’t know about such a roadside station until now…”, I looked into it and discovered an unexpected fact.
“Restaurant Ma’am” inside Soyokaze Park.
The nishime (simmered dishes) and wild vegetable tempura are popular.
A “Mommy Chef” at “Restaurant Ma’am,” looking a little nervous during the unfamiliar interview.
Soyokaze Park originally opened in 1996 as a facility for local residents, bringing together a plaza, public baths, a forest park, community exchange facilities, and an educational farm. Eventually, in 2012, after being registered as a roadside station (Michi-no-Eki), it began to bustle with tourists from other regions as well. However, with the changing times, visitor numbers began to dwindle.
“I want people to once again discover the roadside station loved by the community, the nature of Yamato Town, and the kindness of its people,” said the person who stepped up—a young man from Fukuoka who was only 24 years old at the time. That young man is Mr. Kato, who belongs to Energy Product (Tokyo), the company that became the new designated management company of Soyokaze Park. “It was a challenge starting from a point of having absolutely no know-how,” Mr. Kato recalls. From the very beginning, he has been advancing initiatives with a strong focus on “health.” He began building a fruit park by planting saplings and fruit trees. In fact, Yamato Town ranks number one in Japan for organic farming (*). The cool climate at an altitude of 300 to 900 meters, the sharp temperature differences between day and night, pure water, and mineral-rich soil nurture agricultural products that local residents call the “treasures of the mountain capital.” “We cultivate local fruits here, such as blueberries, figs, and apples. While blueberry picking is currently our main attraction, we plan to offer harvesting opportunities for an even wider variety of fruits in the future.”
*The number of Organic JAS (national standards established by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) certified operators is the highest in Japan.
“Soyokaze Bussankan” inside Soyokaze Park.
Fresh agricultural products from Yamato Town gather here.
These prized agricultural products can be purchased at the “Soyokaze Bussankan” inside the facility. In addition to blueberry jam and local vegetables, alcoholic beverages such as wine are popular. A service developed by feeling their way and crafting by hand by Mr. Kato and the local staff. I thought that the reason people can spend a healthy and enriching time here is because they can feel this “warmth of human hands.”
