What activities and experiences are available?

Visitors can enjoy blueberry picking, blueberry jam-making, miso-making, tofu-making, and hand-made soba noodle experiences. There's also a dog run area.

Can I watch Blupou birds (Dollarbirds) there?

Yes, you can enjoy live video footage of Dollarbird nest boxes at the station, as the area is known for these rare birds.

What products are recommended?

The yuzu miso (citrus miso) is highly recommended and pairs well with oden or vegetable sticks. Handmade products like miso, jam, and tofu from local residents are also popular.

How do I get to Roadside Station Kayo?

The station is approximately 3 minutes by car from Kayo IC on the Okayama Expressway, making it easily accessible for travelers on the highway. It's conveniently positioned as a rest stop for those exploring Okayama Prefecture or traveling through the region.

Roadside Station Kayo

3.5 (1207)Rest StopPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Apr 2, 2026

Roadside Station Kayo is a government-designated rest facility located in Kibichuo Town, Kaga District, in central Okayama Prefecture. Part of Japan's extensive network of roadside stations that began in 1993, this facility officially opened on April 1, 2004, following the merger of Kayo and Kamogawa towns. The station represents the 19th registration in Okayama's roadside station system and serves as a vital link between travelers and the agricultural heritage of the Kibi Plateau region.

Kibichuo Town sits at an elevation between 200 to 500 meters above sea level in the geographic center of what was once the ancient Kingdom of Kibi. The area is characterized by gentle highland topography with a humid subtropical climate, experiencing average temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius in summer and around 1.6 degrees Celsius in winter. The region's primary industry is agriculture, with particular emphasis on highland vegetables, fruits, dairy cattle, and the local specialty of blueberries. The station functions as a marketplace connecting local farmers directly with consumers, offering freshly harvested produce and regional specialty products from the Kibi Kogen area.

Visitors to Roadside Station Kayo can explore the direct sales market featuring seasonal vegetables and local agricultural products, dine at the on-site restaurant serving regional cuisine, and purchase specialty items including blueberry products such as jam and ice cream. The facility operates as a community hub where travelers can experience the agricultural character of this highland region while learning about local food production. The station provides standard amenities including 24-hour parking and restroom facilities, tourist information services, and vending machines.

Access is convenient by car, approximately 3 minutes from Kayo Interchange on the Okayama Expressway. The parking area accommodates 45 regular vehicles and 3 large buses, with an EV charging station available. By public transportation, visitors can take the Chutetsu bus from Okayama Station, a journey of approximately 60 minutes. The nearest train stations are located outside the town at Bitchu-Takahashi Station, Kanagawa Station, and Fukuwatari Station.

What other travelers are saying about Roadside Station Kayo

Nice place to stop, with a small variety of fresh, local produce.

William T

May 8, 2017

Visited in November 2025. I stayed overnight in my car. The building and toilets are old, but they were kept very clean. However, the toilets don't have doors, and the women's restroom only has about four stalls. They do have washlets. The information building/rest area has conference room-like chairs, creating a rather interesting atmosphere. The bento boxes mainly consisted of sushi, including mackerel sushi and horse mackerel sushi. I love mackerel sushi, so I bought some, but the rice was extremely hard and the rice fell apart, and the topping was so fishy that it was difficult to swallow. There was a trash can.

miku sato

Feb 12, 2026

It's the perfect time of year. Aiming for a visually stunning photo, I stopped by to capture a three-way collaboration shot of the sea of clouds at Bitchu Matsuyama Castle and the autumn leaves. I'd previously stopped there to photograph the Oriental Dollarbird. Both locations are only about 15 minutes away, making it a convenient base for exploring. This facility opened in October 2000 as a new place for exchange between urban and rural areas. It's a comprehensive facility offering fresh and safe vegetables and local specialties from the Kibi Plateau, complete with a restaurant and convenience store. The facilities are a little dated. The location is just a 3-minute drive from the Kayo Interchange along National Route 484 towards Okayama. It's about an hour's drive from Okayama City and Kurashiki City (about 20 minutes on the Okayama Expressway). 🅿🚙 44 cars 🚌 3 buses 🚻

[Visited September 5, 2025] - Stopped by to buy souvenirs before heading home via the Kayo Interchange on the expressway. - Parking available. - Restrooms available. - The facility itself isn't that big, but they had a good selection of souvenirs. - Other reviews mentioned no trash cans, but there were some in the building next to the restrooms. - There was a mini waterwheel. - There was a Lawson convenience store. - Souvenirs were also available. Blueberries seem to be a specialty. - They also had Chiyagyu beef curry (instant curry). - There was also a restaurant (Kayo), although I didn't use it. In conclusion, it was fantastic!

I used this station during my trip. There's a convenience store (Lawson) and a restaurant. They sell a variety of "medaka" (meatballs) in front of the store. It was almost closing time, but lots of people still came in looking for vegetables. It seems the convenience store closes around 6pm. The roadside station's Wi-Fi was fast and easy the whole time! I'm so happy.