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Yamaguchi · Chugoku

Michi-no-Eki Ofuku

道の駅 おふく

A Route 316 stop bringing together free-flowing Ofuku Onsen, Akiyoshidai Gelato, and souvenirs from Mine.

Updated Michi-no-Eki JournalRead in Japanese
Location
Mine City
Road
National Route 316 / near JR Ofuku Station
Hours
Specialty products shop: 9:00〜18:00
The whole station normally closes on the second Wednesday each month, except August.
Parking
See facility information
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How to enjoy

Choose how to enjoy your visit

Eat, shop, play, take in the view or rest. Choose from the station’s strengths to suit your day.

For a short stop
Shop and Akiyoshidai Gelato

The shop opens at 9:00 and gelato at 10:00. You can get a taste of Ofuku without visiting the onsen.

For a rest
Ofuku Onsen

11:00–20:00; final admission 19:30. The onsen normally closes on the second and fourth Wednesdays.

For lunch
Check TSURUSEN’s current hours

TSURUSEN was scheduled to begin restaurant service on July 17, 2026. The official site now lists restaurant hours of 10:30–18:00, last order 17:00; check updates before visiting.

In summer
Flowing somen at Suijin Park

A nearby place to cool off. The 2026 schedule lists daily operation from July 5 through August 31.

For half a day
Beppu Benten Pond or Akiyoshido Cave

Add a natural sight before or after the onsen. Akiyoshido Cave stays around 17°C inside, welcome on hot days.

Kosaka’s rest-stop notes

Ofuku is a place to sit down and reset without rushing.

Editor Kosaka sees Michi-no-Eki Ofuku as a place to rest along Route 316. Buy something from Mine in the shop, pause over gelato, and make time for Ofuku Onsen if you can. Even on a day bound for Suijin Park or Akiyoshido Cave, having parking, toilets, and opening hours sorted out here makes the trip calmer.

Will you take a bath or leave after gelato? Ofuku lets you match the length of your break to how tired you feel.

Highlights

Michi-no-Eki Ofuku is a roadside station on National Route 316 within walking distance of JR Ofuku Station. Its onsen makes it a place to rest: the shop opens at 9:00, Akiyoshidai Gelato, made with ingredients from Mine, at 10:00, and Ofuku Onsen runs from 11:00 to 20:00. Stop briefly at the produce shop or spend about an hour at the onsen, where every bath uses continuously flowing spring water. In summer, add flowing somen noodles at Suijin Park; in cooler seasons, continue to Beppu Benten Pond, Akiyoshido Cave, or Akiyoshidai. Editor Kosaka (香坂悠路) recommends it as a Route 316 stop where you can eat, shop, and finish with a bath.

  • #Ofuku Onsen
  • #Free-flowing hot spring water
  • #Akiyoshidai Gelato
  • #Mito burdock
  • #Akiyoshidai Ale
  • #Mine souvenirs
  • #Suijin Park
  • #Beppu Benten Pond
  • #Akiyoshido Cave
  • #Walking distance from JR Ofuku Station
  • #National Route 316
Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

01

Add an onsen visit to a shopping stop

Official hours for Ofuku Onsen are 11:00–20:00, with final admission at 19:30. It has large baths, open-air baths, saunas, and a lounge of about 60 tatami mats (roughly 100 square meters), so you can take a longer break on the way back from Nagato, Mine, or Akiyoshidai.

02

Choose Mine souvenirs for the table

The specialty shop lists Mito burdock potato chips, Mankura no Oiwa Gorogoro Curry, local sake, local vegetables, and processed foods. It is a good place to look for things to use at home as well as travel souvenirs.

03

A short break with Akiyoshidai Gelato

Akiyoshidai Gelato, newly announced in March 2026, is open 10:00–17:00. Even without a bath, the shop and a cold dessert make a 15–30 minute stop possible.

04

Extend the trip by season toward Suijin Park or Akiyoshidai

In summer, try flowing somen noodles at Suijin Park, where thin wheat noodles travel down a water channel. Beppu Benten Pond, Akiyoshido Cave, and Akiyoshidai work year-round. This compact station can anchor a half-day Route 316 trip.

Route idea

Ways to plan your stop

Spend your time at the station or add somewhere nearby. These ideas help you plan around your companions and the weather.

The return trip from Nagato, Mine, or Akiyoshidai

Make a longer Route 316 break with the onsen

Shopping alone can take about 15 minutes, but Ofuku rewards a longer stop for a bath. Every bath at Ofuku Onsen uses continuously flowing spring water, and you can sit in the lounge afterward before driving on.

Parking → shop for drinks or souvenirs → Ofuku Onsen → rest, then depart.

The onsen normally closes on the second and fourth Wednesdays; in August, only the fourth Wednesday. If a closure falls on a public holiday, it moves to the next day.

Around midday in July or August

Pair a summer family trip with Suijin Park

The flowing somen noodle experience at nearby Suijin Park combines a waterfall and stream with a cool summer outing. Use the station toilets and pick up drinks first, then go to the park before it gets busy. Gelato makes an easy stop on the way back.

Michi-no-Eki Ofuku → flowing somen at Suijin Park → Akiyoshidai Gelato.

Rain and temporary closures can affect service. Check the Mine City tourism association’s schedule even in summer.

A shopping stop before heading home

Shop for Mine foods to take home

Look for Mito burdock products, local sake, Akiyoshidai Ale, vegetables, and seasonal processed foods if you want souvenirs for the table rather than keepsakes. The shop and gelato also make a worthwhile stop without the onsen.

Specialty shop → Akiyoshidai Gelato → plan how to keep purchases cool in the car before leaving.

Limited items and vegetables depend on stock, so check the shelves. Keep chilled purchases safe from summer car heat.

A half-day trip that can adapt to the weather

Head to Akiyoshido Cave in rain or extreme heat

Akiyoshido Cave is described as staying around 17°C year-round. It is easier to adjust a rainy-day or midsummer plan if you take a short break at Michi-no-Eki Ofuku before continuing.

Michi-no-Eki Ofuku → Akiyoshido Cave → Ofuku Onsen on the return.

Admission hours and prices at Akiyoshido changed in April 2026; check peak-season prices too.

A short adult detour or photography

Visit Beppu Benten Pond for a quiet nature stop

Beppu Benten Pond has free parking and is a good short detour to see its clear, colorful water. Add a quiet nature stop before finishing with the onsen.

Michi-no-Eki Ofuku → Beppu Benten Pond → Ofuku Onsen or the shop.

The pond is a visitor attraction; a short, considerate visit suits it better than lingering.

Hours

Opening hours

Specialty products shop
9:00〜18:00

The whole station normally closes on the second Wednesday each month, except August.

Akiyoshidai Gelato
10:00〜17:00

Check the shop or official updates for seasonal flavors, sellouts, and temporary changes.

TSURUSEN seafood restaurant
10:30–18:00; last order 17:00 (originally scheduled to open July 17, 2026)

The old Amairo Shokudo listing showed 11:00–15:00, last order 14:30. Current official TSURUSEN hours are 10:30–18:00, last order 17:00; check updates.

Ofuku Onsen
11:00〜20:00

Final admission 19:30. Normally closed on the second and fourth Wednesdays, or only the fourth in August; public-holiday closures move to the next day.

24-hour toilets
Open 24 hours

The official site also lists a Wi-Fi spot and EV charging.

Family

Visiting with children

Stars show the editorial recommendation for each age group on a five-point scale. Read the reasons alongside each rating.

Age 1 and under
★★★☆☆

Useful for the shop, toilets, and a short stop. Check the onsen’s diaper and health conditions before making bathing the main plan.

Ages 2–3
★★★☆☆

Good for a gelato and toilet stop. Before extending the trip to Suijin Park, consider water safety and rain closures, and avoid an overly long station stop.

Ages 4–6
★★★★☆

Combine flowing somen at Suijin Park, Akiyoshidai Gelato, and cool Akiyoshido Cave. A shorter onsen visit for the group can keep the day manageable.

Elementary school age
★★★★☆

Children this age can choose among Akiyoshido Cave, Suijin Park, and Beppu Benten Pond. Use the station for meals, dessert, onsen, and toilets rather than playground equipment.

Event

Make an event part of your visit

Permanent spaces and dated events are listed separately. Events can change both the atmosphere and crowds; use the official links for details.

Checking event dates.

Spaces used for events

TSURUSEN seafood restaurant

The station originally announced seafood retail from July 4 and restaurant service from July 17, 2026. Its current site lists seafood retail 9:00–18:00 and restaurant service 10:30–18:00, last order 17:00. Check updates before visiting.

Flowing somen at Suijin Park

The 2026 schedule lists weekends and holidays from May 2 to July 4, daily service from July 5 to August 31, and weekends and holidays in September. Rain or temporary closures may interrupt service.

Ofuku Onsen discount days

The official onsen page lists a discount day on the 29th of each month and a birthday admission benefit. Check same-day notices for prices and eligibility.

Akiyoshidai Gelato

Announced as newly opened on March 28, 2026. Check seasonal ingredients, opening hours, and its Instagram updates.

Seasonal news for Akiyoshidai and Akiyoshido

Summer prices, peak-season admission hours, and year-end or New Year illuminations at those destinations can affect the schedule of a trip from Ofuku.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

The onsen shapes the length of the stop

Every bath at Ofuku Onsen uses continuously flowing spring water. It opens 11:00–20:00 and has a lounge of about 60 tatami mats (roughly 100 square meters). This is a place to stop driving and rest, not only shop.

Source: Official Michi-no-Eki Ofuku: Ofuku Onsen

The restaurant changed in July 2026

After kitchen renovations, the station originally scheduled seafood retail from July 4 and TSURUSEN restaurant service from July 17, 2026. Its current listing gives retail hours of 9:00–18:00 and restaurant hours of 10:30–18:00, last order 17:00. Check service on your visit date.

Source: Official Michi-no-Eki Ofuku
Movie

Preview the place on video

Official videos show the market and nearby park before you visit. Audio and captions are in Japanese.

Before your visit

Things to check before setting out

Opening and closure days, individual businesses and facilities for children or dogs can affect your plans.

  • The whole station normally closes on the second Wednesday of each month, except August. Ofuku Onsen normally closes on the second and fourth Wednesdays, or only the fourth in August; holiday closures move to the next day.
  • Official hours: specialty shop 9:00–18:00, Akiyoshidai Gelato 10:00–17:00, and Ofuku Onsen 11:00–20:00 with final admission at 19:30.
  • As of July 16, 2026, TSURUSEN was scheduled to start restaurant service on July 17. The official site now lists 10:30–18:00, last order 17:00; check its latest updates for lunch.
  • Bringing a towel makes packing for the onsen simple. Towels are also sold and bath towels rented.
  • Flowing somen at Suijin Park can close in rain or at short notice, so confirm service even in summer.
  • The official site says pets cannot enter any of the station’s shops. Plan your visit to avoid leaving a pet in a hot car.
  • JR Ofuku Station is within walking distance, so you can stop by train; a car makes the surrounding sights easier to combine.
Food

Eating and shopping

Specialities, places to eat, sweets and bakeries can all give you a reason to stop. Check individual menus for current prices and availability.

  • Dessert
    Akiyoshidai Gelato
    Handmade gelato using ingredients from Mine City
  • Limited-availability souvenir
    Mito burdock potato chips
    Listed as sold only at the upbound Mito Service Area and Michi-no-Eki Ofuku
  • Ready-made curry / souvenir
    Mankura no Oiwa Gorogoro Curry
    Around ¥756 including tax
  • Local beer
    Akiyoshidai Ale
    Naked-barley ale, pear ale, and Benten ale
  • Confectionery
    Shuho pear castella
    Listed on the tourism association’s gourmet page
  • Direct sales
    Local vegetables and seasonal processed foods
    Varies by season and stock
  • Meal
    TSURUSEN seafood restaurant
    Restaurant now operating; 10:30–18:00, last order 17:00 (originally scheduled to open July 17, 2026)
Food mood

What would you like to eat?

A meal, a sweet treat, market shopping or something to take away: choose a focus for the day instead of trying everything at once.

Dessert break

Akiyoshidai Gelato / seasonal flavors

Good between drives, for a child’s snack, or for a brief stop before or after the onsen.

Mine souvenirs

Mito burdock potato chips / Shuho pear castella / cream-filled daifuku rice cakes

For foods whose local place and ingredients are clear, rather than generic tourist keepsakes.

Food to use at home

Local vegetables / processed foods / local sake / Akiyoshidai Ale

Shop for the home table before leaving; decide on refrigeration or a cooler according to the season.

Lunch option

TSURUSEN seafood restaurant

Originally scheduled to open July 17, 2026; now listed by the station as open 10:30–18:00, last order 17:00. Check current service and menu.

A light bite around a bath

Drinks / gelato / sweets that travel at room temperature

Avoid a heavy meal just before bathing; choose something sturdy for the car before leaving. Buy chilled items last in summer.

If items sell out or hours change

TSURUSEN’s daily service / seasonal gelato flavors / vegetable stock

Build the visit around the shop and onsen instead of depending entirely on lunch. Check official updates for the restaurant.

Access

Location and surroundings

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1
Roadside station
Michi-no-Eki Ofuku

A Route 316 stop bringing together free-flowing Ofuku Onsen, Akiyoshidai Gelato, and souvenirs from Mine.

Open in Google Maps
2
Day-use onsen
Ofuku Onsen

A day-use hot spring with continuously flowing spring water that makes a stop at Ofuku worth extending.

Open in Google Maps
3
Stream and summer dining experience
Suijin Park (Suijin Falls) and flowing somen

Add a cool waterfall and flowing somen noodles to a summer stop at Ofuku.

Open in Google Maps
4
Clear spring and nature walk
Beppu Benten Pond

A quiet detour to see clear water before or after an onsen visit.

Open in Google Maps
5
Limestone cave / good in rain
Akiyoshido Cave

A large limestone cave beneath Akiyoshidai that makes it easier to change plans in rain or intense heat.

Open in Google Maps
6
Viewpoint café and visitor information
Mine Akiyoshidai Geopark Center Karstar

A café and information stop beside the viewpoint, with views over Akiyoshidai.

Open in Google Maps
Food outlets and the market on the station grounds share the station pin. Nearby places are separate destinations to combine with your visit.
Nearby

Places to visit nearby

Day-use onsen
Ofuku OnsenJapanese guide
Inside the stationA very short walk

For easing driving fatigue and sitting down for a proper rest before setting off again.

Stream and summer dining experience
Suijin Park (Suijin Falls) and flowing somenJapanese guide
About 5 minutes by car / within walking distanceAbout 5 minutes by car

For cooling off in summer; use the station toilets and pick up drinks first.

Clear spring and nature walk
Beppu Benten PondJapanese guide
About 15–20 minutes by carAbout 15–20 minutes by car

For a short adult detour, photographs, and quiet nature.

Limestone cave / good in rain
Akiyoshido CaveJapanese guide
About 25–30 minutes by carAbout 25–30 minutes by car

For avoiding the weather or combining an onsen and nature visit in half a day.

Viewpoint café and visitor information
Mine Akiyoshidai Geopark Center KarstarJapanese guide
About 25–30 minutes by carAbout 25–30 minutes by car

For Akiyoshidai views and a café stop on a clear day.

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Updated 2026-10-01Explore the nationwide map →