Summer 2023 8 outdoor activity stations on the road in Kyushu!

Summer is all about the outdoors!
Stay active at Kyushu's roadside stations!

Once the rainy season ends, summer vacation is just around the corner! We want to spend an active time at the sea, mountains, and rivers in Kyushu. There are eight roadside stations in Kyushu that offer experiences recommended for outdoor enthusiasts. Starting with the popular SUP, canoeing, MTB, sea kayaking, and more. The locations are also excellent! And even if sports are not your thing, mud flats and dolphin watching are fun enough. Come on, it's summer, let's get active at Kyushu's roadside stations!

Roadside Station Kashima Tidal Flat Experience

Adults can go back to their childhood! They are covered in mud all over!

Behind the station is the venue for the "Gatalympics" mudflat sports, where visitors can experience mudflat sports during low tide from mid-April to the end of October. From mid-April to the end of October, during low tide, visitors can experience mudflat sports. Wear a T-shirt that you don't mind getting dirty over your bathing suit and get as muddy as you can! Also, don't miss the traditional Ariake Sea fishing experience of mutsugake and oyster picking, as well as tanajibu, which can be enjoyed at high tide. Each experience fee includes a shower and the rental of a lagoon tavi.

Roadside Station Kikusui Canoeing & Camping

Camping after the canoeing experience Procurement of food is, of course, at a roadside station!

A tributary of the Etagawa River that flows in front of the roadside station is a camping and canoeing experience site. Formerly managed by the roadside station, it is now operated separately and is open at the campground management building. Canoeing is available in the tributary after a brief lecture by a staff member. Three-person canoeing is possible with the use of an infant support chair. Children under 3rd grade must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Camping equipment and BBQ sets are available for rent at the store in the campground administration building, and visitors can bring their own food if they buy ingredients at the roadside station.

Roadside Station Aso Makino Guide (Ride & Trekking)

Riding Fast on the Aso Prairie Gazing at the Aso Prairie

The prairie is the symbol of Aso. Many of them are used as pastureland and are called makino. The "Makino Guide" is a professional guide who will lead you through these pastures, which are normally inaccessible to visitors. There are two main courses: the "Makino Trail Walk," a walk through the pastures, and the "Makino Ride," a ride on MTBs or e-bikes. All bikes, helmets, etc. are available for rent. Enjoy the magnificent natural backdrop of Aso and encounter unknown scenic spots, flora, and fauna.

Roadside Station Waterfront Plaza Kamoto Canoeing

Course for children and beginners First, try canoeing here for the first time!

After purchasing a ticket from the ticketing machine inside the roadside station and checking in at the office, you will be taken to the Uchida River that runs beside the station. The river is 1 meter deep with a gentle current, and the course is short. The course is short and suitable for beginners and children. However, elementary school students and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Life jackets are available for children. In addition, staff will give a lecture on how to paddle if you wish. Depending on the amount of water and weather conditions, the event may be canceled. After canoeing, use the hot springs at Michi no Eki. Like Kikusui Roadside Station, there is also a campground.

Roadside Station Amakusa Dolphin Center Dolphin Watching

A school of dolphins swimming in the ocean A moment when your heart is healed

The Amakusa Islands in Kumamoto have a mild climate throughout the year. The sea is home to about 200 southern bottlenose dolphins, which swim in groups throughout the year. This is one of the few places in Japan where you can see dolphins year-round. The friendly dolphins are very friendly and will run alongside the boat or swim very close to the boat. The high transparency of the ocean makes it possible to see the dolphins swimming in the water, making you feel as if you are swimming with them. The boat departures are every hour from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Roadside Station Yayoi SUP

SUP experience in the clear waters of the Bansho River Yoga on a SUP board

The Bansho Fish Museum, located on the station grounds, is the reception desk. The first 90-minute "first time SUP experience" starts at the Bansho River near the station. Inexperienced and experienced riders will be guided through this course for the first time. Once you are able to ride SUP without any problems, you will be issued a SUP card. Once the card is issued, you can try either the "Rental SUP" without a guide or the "Banjo River Downriver Course" with a guide. There is also a "SUP Yoga Experience" where you can enjoy yoga on a SUP board after a 45-minute lecture even if you do not have a card.

Roadside Station Amami-Oshima Sumiyo Mangrove Canoeing

A river flowing through a subtropical forest Enjoy the feeling of adventure!

Roadside Station Amami-Oshima Sumiyoshi is actually part of the "Kuroshio no Mori Mangrove Park" facilities. Mangrove" is not the name of a tree, but a general term for plants found where fresh water and sea water meet. The town of Sumiyosho is 94% mountain forest, and the area around the river where seawater flows into the town is a primeval mangrove forest (a special protected area in a national park). Canoeing here allows visitors to fully enjoy the nature of the tropical island, as they pass through tunnels of trees that are just above their heads and paddle slowly along wide stretches of the river. Guided tours are available for beginners as well. Canoe tours depart every hour from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Roadside Station Tarumizu Hamabira Marine Sports

Marine sports with a view of Sakurajima Great location, great sense of freedom!

Marine Park Tarumizu, located on the station grounds, offers six water activities such as SUP, canoeing, and wakeboarding year-round, as well as banana boats (6-seater) and big ducky (3-seater) available only during the summer. There are also yoga and personal stretching classes on the beach (irregular). All equipment is available for rent. You can enjoy marine sports to the fullest in the waters of Kinko Bay with a view of Sakurajima. Night SUP is also available, and the view of Kinko Bay at dusk will be exceptional. Make reservations as early as possible during the season.

Experience Kyushu's roadside stations at the sea, in the mountains, and on the river.
Outdoor activities, please enjoy!