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Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Kumamoto Prefecture · Kyushu

Michi-no-Eki Kahoku

道の駅 鹿北

At the foot of Oguri Pass between Kumamoto and Fukuoka, this Route 3 roadside station offers Takema tea, Yamaga chestnuts, and a summer wading pool.

Updated Michi-no-Eki JournalRead in Japanese

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Location
Yamaga City
Road
National Route 3
Hours
9:00–17:00
Approximate hours for Ogurikan. Akaushi Shokudo Yokayoka, Petit Café Oguri no Ki, and Country Park have different hours or operating seasons.
Parking
Cars: 210 / Large vehicles: 19
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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.

First, take a break
Use the parking area and restrooms first

There is parking for about 210 passenger cars, as well as spaces for large vehicles, making this Route 3 station a useful starting point for a break.

To shop
Takema tea, chestnuts, seasonal vegetables, and Kahoku processed foods

Chestnuts and bamboo shoots vary by season and delivery. Come earlier in the day if you have a particular item in mind.

To eat
Akaushi Shokudo Yokayoka, or a light Oguri Pie break

If you miss restaurant hours, the café and shop still offer a Kahoku-flavored break.

With children
The wading pool in summer; nearby parks year-round

The pool has age and depth restrictions. For a short walk, Meditation Forest Park is an easy separate stop.

To explore nearby
Kuginohana Falls or Iyashi no Mori Youcome

The narrow road to the falls suits a day when you can drive carefully. Youcome is an option for bathing or an indoor pool.

Hiyori Arima’s break notes

Kahoku is a pass-side rest stop best enjoyed without rushing.

At this station, it feels good to park, use the restroom, and then enter Ogurikan. Browse Takema tea, chestnuts, and seasonal vegetables, and decide on the spot whether to have a restaurant meal or a light Oguri Pie. In summer there is the pool; in early summer, irises. For a longer outing, add the falls or baths. Knowing your options for a break makes a Route 3 drive feel calmer.

Highlights

Michi-no-Eki Kahoku is the Ogurigou roadside station near Oguri Pass in northern Yamaga City. At Ogurikan, browse Kahoku vegetables, Takema tea, chestnuts, and processed foods; stop at Akaushi Shokudo Yokayoka for a meal or Petit Café Oguri no Ki for sweets. The groundwater pool at Country Park opens in summer, irises bloom in early summer, and chestnuts arrive in autumn. Meditation Forest Park and Kuginohana Falls are nearby. Even a short break on National Route 3 can become a taste of this mountain area.

  • #Takema tea
  • #Yamaga chestnuts
  • #Ogurikan
  • #Akaushi Shokudo Yokayoka
  • #Wading pool
  • #National Route 3
Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

01

Turn a break at Oguri Pass into a chance to shop for Kahoku produce

On a Route 3 drive between Yamaga and the Fukuoka area, this station offers more than a restroom stop. Ogurikan sells Takema tea, Yamaga chestnuts, bamboo shoots, asparagus, rice, seasonal vegetables, and processed foods. Even a quick shop gives a sense of mountain-grown Kahoku.

02

Choose a full meal or a sweet break

If you have time at lunch, eat at Akaushi Shokudo Yokayoka. For something lighter, stop at Petit Café Oguri no Ki for Oguri Pie or Takema tea. If your timing misses a meal, you can still shop and rest.

03

Give children a change of pace at the summer pool and nearby woods

Country Park on the station grounds opens its groundwater-fed wading pool in summer. Outside the pool season, you can visit Meditation Forest Park, Kuginohana Falls, or Iyashi no Mori Youcome for a break suited to the season and weather.

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.

Days traveling between Kumamoto City or Ueki IC and southern Fukuoka Prefecture

Combine a meal and shopping in 30–60 minutes on Route 3

Park and use the restroom first, then look for Takema tea and seasonal vegetables at Ogurikan. If you arrive at lunchtime, eat at the restaurant; otherwise, take a lighter break with Oguri Pie or at the café. A short stop before or after the pass can help you reset for the drive.

Parking → Restrooms → Ogurikan → Restaurant or café → Departure.

Restaurant and café serving times may change with conditions on the day.

Days when children through elementary school age need a water-play break

Make the wading pool the summer holiday highlight, then shop on the way out

Country Park’s groundwater-fed wading pool is a summer-only play area. Depth-related age limits and a swim-cap rule apply, so check the closure days and bring a change of clothes, towels, and coins. Afterward, pick up drinks or souvenirs at Ogurikan for an easy visit to the whole station.

Restrooms → Pool reception → Water play → Shower and change → Ogurikan.

In 2026, a closure notice covers August 24–28. Plan around bad weather and water temperature too.

A relaxed drive from late May to early June

Enjoy Kahoku’s waterside in early summer with irises and a short walk

In early summer, irises at Ogurigou Country Park and Meditation Forest Park give you a reason to visit. Stop for Takema tea or a light bite at the station, then walk in the park to balance food, shopping, and nature.

Ogurikan → Country Park or Meditation Forest Park → Café break.

Bloom times shift from year to year. On hot days, prioritize shade and water.

Adult trips or family outings that need more than a station stop

Extend the stop to a waterfall or baths for a half-day outing

For nature, head to Kuginohana Falls; for a bath or indoor pool, continue to Iyashi no Mori Youcome. The farm road to the falls is narrow. Rain can increase the flow but also make the footing poor, so choose a day when you can take care with driving and shoes.

Roadside station → Kuginohana Falls or Iyashi no Mori Youcome → Return journey.

At Kuginohana Falls, watch for narrow sections and farm vehicles. Check Youcome’s closed days and bathing hours before leaving.

Hours

Opening hours

Ogurikan
9:00〜17:00

The main place to shop for farm produce, Takema tea, and processed chestnut products.

Akaushi Shokudo Yokayoka
11:00〜17:00（OS16:30）

Hours may be shortened depending on conditions that day.

Petit Café Oguri no Ki
10:00〜16:00

A café corner for a break with Oguri Pie and Takema tea.

Country Park wading pool
Summer only

The 2026 season has ended. Check the official website for the next operating period.

Closed day
Third Thursday of each month

If this falls on a public holiday, closure moves to the following day; open every day in August. At New Year, Ogurikan closes January 1–3, the restaurant from 2:00 p.m. on December 31 through January 3, and the café December 30–January 3.

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
★★★☆☆

Suitable for a short restroom, shop, or café stop.

The outdoor summer pool may mainly suit older siblings, so plan for shade, changing, feeding, and breaks.

Ages 2–3
★★★☆☆

Suited to brief shopping and a waterside change of pace.

The wading pool has limits for each water depth; follow the lifeguards’ guidance. For a longer play day, consider time beyond the station grounds.

Ages 4–6
★★★★☆

An age to plan around the summer pool, early-summer irises, or a park walk.

Oguri Pie or a soft sweet treat can mark a break and make shopping easier together.

Elementary school children
★★★★☆

Talk about pool rules for each depth, where Takema tea and chestnuts come from, and the nature at the falls.

On a trip to Kuginohana Falls, mind the narrow road and footing; after rain, weigh both the view and safety.

On arrival

Even in the large parking area, traffic routes can change during summer holidays or events.

Water play

Use the changing rooms, showers, and locker information, and observe age limits for each pool depth.

On a rainy day

Skip an outdoor waterfall or park if conditions are poor; a short shopping and food stop can still be worthwhile.

On a hot day

A morning walk works well for the early-summer flowers too.

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

Ogurikan event notices

The official website has an event information page with an update dated July 8, 2026. Check shortly before visiting, since produce events and limited items can change dates.

Country Park wading pool

A summer holiday facility. The 2026 season has ended; the next operating period will be announced on the official website.

Yamaga Lantern Festival

An August summer festival in central Yamaga. If you head into town from the station, plan separately for evening traffic and parking.

Early-summer irises

Irises at Ogurigou Country Park and Meditation Forest Park are a highlight from late May to early June. Check bloom reports in the year you visit.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

Ogurikan is a farm shop where discovery is part of the fun

The official guide lists bamboo shoots, Takema tea, asparagus, eggplant, rice, chestnuts, and chrysanthemums among Kahoku’s representative produce. Looking at seasonal arrivals may be more rewarding than counting on one item always being stocked.

Source: Official facility guide and Ogurikan

Chestnuts and tea can make even a short stop memorable

Takema tea is introduced as Kahoku tea with a long history, and the café information says visitors can taste it free of charge. Pair it with Oguri Pie or chestnut products for a taste of Kahoku even without a restaurant meal.

Source: Official restaurant and Ogurikan information

The summer wading pool can be a family destination

Reviews and family travel sites often mention water play. The official site also listed summer operating days in 2026, making the pool worth planning as the main activity during summer holidays.

Source: Official pool information and family visitor reports

Check the road width before heading to Kuginohana Falls

The tourism association warns that passing another vehicle on the farm road to the falls can be difficult and asks drivers not to obstruct farm work. After rain, the flow may be more impressive, but paths and footing can be less secure; a day when you can drive carefully is the practical choice.

Source: Yamaga Tanbou Navi and Kumamoto Prefecture tourism site
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.

  • On a long Route 3 drive, use the restroom and get a drink first.
  • If Takema tea or chestnut products are your aim, visit Ogurikan first.
  • Time lunch for restaurant hours; if you miss them, switch to the café and shopping.
  • For the summer wading pool, check operating and closed days, age limits for each depth, and what to bring.
  • For Kuginohana Falls, allow for the narrow farm road, footing after rain, and available parking.
  • For early-summer irises, autumn chestnuts, or the summer pool, rely on official and tourism updates as bloom times, deliveries, and dates vary.
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.

  • Shopping and café
    Takema tea
    A local staple known as Kahoku tea
  • Café
    Oguri Pie
    A chestnut-shaped pie filled with Yamaga chestnut paste
  • Shopping
    Yamaga chestnuts and processed chestnut products
    Highlights for autumn shopping and gifts
  • Ogurikan
    Seasonal vegetables, bamboo shoots, rice, and processed foods
    Stock varies by season and day
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.

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph
Sit down for lunch

Akaushi Shokudo Yokayoka

When you can arrive from around 11 a.m. to early afternoon; a chance to sit down before or after a long drive.

Follow the day’s notices if hours are shortened or service changes during busy periods.

Take a light break

Oguri Pie, Takema tea, and café items

When you miss restaurant hours or want a sweet taste of Kahoku without a full meal.

Oguri Pie may require a wait for baking or sell out.

Shop to take something home

Takema tea, chestnut products, seasonal vegetables, rice, and processed foods

Even a quick shopping stop can be satisfying; enjoy mountain-area produce at home or at your lodging.

Chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and chrysanthemums vary with the season and deliveries.

With children in summer

Drinks, light food, and a sweet treat after the pool

Keep the post-swim rest and shopping brief so children do not get too cold.

Follow the rules about where food and drink are allowed in the pool area.

When crowded or sold out

Switch to the shop, café, or nearby baths

If the restaurant is unavailable, shopping, a rest, or a trip to Youcome can keep the outing on track.

Access

Location and surroundings

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1
Roadside station
Michi-no-Eki Kahoku

At the foot of Oguri Pass between Kumamoto and Fukuoka, this Route 3 roadside station offers Takema tea, Yamaga chestnuts, and a summer wading pool.

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

Summer water play and flower walks
Ogurigou Country ParkJapanese guide
On the station grounds; a short walkA short walk

Good for summer water play, early-summer flower walks, and a change of pace for children before or after a meal.

Illustrative photo, not taken at Meditation Forest Park
Illustrative image
Park and short walk
Meditation Forest ParkJapanese guide
About 5–10 minutes by carAbout 5–10 minutes by car

Good for adding a short walk after eating or shopping at the station.

Illustrative photo, not taken at Kuginohana Falls
Illustrative image
Natural scenery
Kuginohana FallsJapanese guide
About 15–20 minutes by carAbout 15–20 minutes by car

Good for adults or families with elementary school children and older who want scenery and can take care on the narrow road and paths.

Baths, indoor pool, and camping
Iyashi no Mori YoucomeJapanese guide
About 10–15 minutes by carAbout 10–15 minutes by car

Good for extending a station meal and shopping stop with bathing or an indoor pool.

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Updated 2026-10-01Explore the nationwide map →