Roadside Station Ume

Looking at the dam lake and the lake bridge
Take a break with a great gourmet meal!

Located on the border with Miyazaki Prefecture, it is marked by the "Uta-genka Bridge," a cable-stayed bridge over the Kitagawa Dam. The name "Uta-genka" comes from a folk song about two groups of poor girls who used to exchange songs. The main station facilities are the restaurant "Umeria" and a corner selling souvenirs and other products. The "Jumbo Karaage" take-out dish is especially popular. Agricultural products are sold at the adjacent "direct sales of agricultural and forestry products. Seasonal vegetables and fruits are sold there. A campground with lodges is located next door.

Map of Roadside Station Ume

Roadside Station Ume Gourmet Information

Dried shiitake mushrooms, a local specialty

Oita Prefecture accounts for more than 40% of the nation's production of dried shiitake mushrooms from logs, and boasts an overwhelming volume compared to Miyazaki Prefecture in second place and Kumamoto Prefecture in third. It was first cultivated in the 17th century during the Kan'ei era (1615-1644), when a sawtooth oak log in the township of Ume in the Bungo Saiki domain was scarred with a machete and shiitake spores were planted on the scarred wood. This is known as "hatame cultivation," and is said to be the origin of artificial shiitake mushroom cultivation in Japan. Since then, cultivation techniques have improved and changed, but Oita Prefecture's dried shiitake mushrooms, centered in Saiki City, remain the best in Japan in terms of taste, quality, and quantity.

This is the one to eat. Ankake yakisoba.

This roadside station has a reputation for its delicious food. The restaurant used to have a reputation for its excellent gibier cuisine, but the menu has been updated to include mainstream Chinese cuisine. In fact, the head chef was originally a professional of Szechuan cuisine. He trained at the restaurant of the right-hand man of Chen Jianmin, the "God of China," and can be said to be a grandson of Chen Jianmin. Therefore, this "Ankake Fried Noodles" follows the Chen family recipe and is made with Shaoxing wine and oyster sauce to give it a rich flavor. Of course, it is filled with plenty of ingredients. 900 yen including tax.
Now, Chen Jianmin is known for introducing the taste of "mapo doufu" to Japan. The chef has inherited this technique, and his "Mapo Tofu Donburi" is a full dish with the deep spiciness of sansho (Chinese pepper). Although it is not currently on the menu, the restaurant sometimes offers it as a special menu item. That is something to look forward to.

Buy this Jumbo Fried Bean Curd

It is very popular by word of mouth among tourists visiting this roadside station. The aroma is fragrant and the garlic flavor is strong. The potato starch batter is crispy and the meat is plump, tender, and juicy. The meat is plump, tender, and juicy, and as the name suggests, it is large and filling. It is a true masterpiece. Formerly a takeout store next to the restaurant, now located in the same facility. 432 yen for 5 pieces (tax included).

Around Roadside Station Ume

bridge over a river in Osaka Prefecture

I'm proud of this one too.

This bridge spans the dammed lake of the Kitagawa Dam, selected as one of the 100 best dammed lakes. It opened to traffic in July 1993. It was the first PC (prestressed concrete) cable-stayed bridge in Japan under the direct control of the then Ministry of Construction (now Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism). It is the seventh longest PC cable-stayed bridge in Japan under the direct control of the Ministry. Supported by two inverted-Y-shaped main towers and 100 cables fanning out from the towers, the bridge displays a geometric beauty. It is a lake bridge that combines convenience and beauty of form.

Bus stop of Tororo

If you want to have fun in the area

From the roadside station, drive National Route 326 toward Oita and do not miss the "Tororo Iriguchi" traffic light. Turn left at this traffic light, and you will come to a village with a "Totoro bus stop. The name of the place is actually "Todororo. This bus stop used to be a stop for local buses and was known as the "home of the cat bus. Today, the bus route has been discontinued and only the community bus stops there. However, the illustration panels of Satsuki, Mei, and Totoro are still there. Beyond the bus stop is "Totoro no Mori" (Totoro Forest), where countless Totoro are perched on a fence. The area is surrounded by only a few farmhouses, except for a coffee shop that doubles as a general store.

Fujikawachi Valley

If you want to have fun in the area

Natsuki at an elevation of 1,386 meters, the valley starts at Kannon Falls and continues for about 8 km. Kuwabara River has spent a long time cutting down the huge granite monolith that was created thousands of years ago. The countless potholes are an overwhelming sight to behold. Not only can visitors enjoy the fresh greenery in spring, the cool water of the falls in summer, and the autumn leaves in fall, but can also enjoy canyoning in summer. There is also a campground and hot spring facilities (the source has dried up due to the Kumamoto earthquake, so valley water is used).

YouTube Video

Community Radio Tenjin, a program provided by Team Flat Inc.
Let's Go Fluffy! Let's Travel Hallelujah!" Let's listen to the stationmaster's story at
Guest of Station Manager: Mr. Ryo Tamura, Roadside Station Ume (Mr. Tamura's talk can be heard from around 3:30)