A Must-Visit on Your Okinawa Trip: Experience Fighter Jets and Local Cuisine at Kadena Roadside Station
Located in the central part of Okinawa Island, Kadena Roadside Station was completely renovated on April 28, 2022, and has since gained attention as a popular sightseeing spot.
From the observatory overlooking Kadena Air Base, visitors can feel the power of fighter jets and transport aircraft up close, while enjoying a variety of dining and shopping options. Today, it attracts not only those stopping for a rest but also tourists visiting specifically to experience its unique appeal.
In this article, we will introduce the highlights and ways to enjoy Kadena Roadside Station.
Kadena Roadside Station
Kadena Roadside Station is located in Kadena Town, central Okinawa. From the fourth-floor observatory, you can overlook the runways of Kadena Air Base and witness the powerful takeoffs and landings of fighter jets and transport planes right before your eyes. In addition to the stunning view, the facility is home to a variety of restaurants and souvenir shops, offering plenty of opportunities for dining and shopping.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Observatory 8:30～22:00 Learning Exhibition Room 9:00～18:00 Restaurant 11:00～18:00 (LO 17:30／Sat, Sun & Holidays until 21:00) Souvenir & Farmers Market 9:00～19:00 |
| Closed | Open daily |
| Phone | 098-957-5678 |
| Official Website | https://michinoeki-kadena.jp/ |
| Parking | 91 spaces (11 for large vehicles／76 for standard cars／4 for accessible use) |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair - accessible restrooms・Nursing room available |
| Address | 1026 - 3 Yara, Kadena - cho, Nakagami - gun, Okinawa 904 - 0202 |
Watch Fighter Jets Take Off and Land: 4th Floor Observatory Overlooking Kadena Air Base
The biggest highlight of Kadena Roadside Station is its fourth-floor observatory, which offers sweeping views of Kadena Air Base. Just across the highway lies the runway, where fighter jets and transport aircraft can be observed up close during takeoff and landing.
Depending on the timing of your visit, you might witness these powerful moments, complete with thunderous roars.
Even when no flights are taking off or landing, you can still enjoy the sight of large aircraft taxiing along the runway and take in the vast landscape of the base.
The observatory is spacious and designed to accommodate many visitors, making it a popular photo spot where people gather with cameras ready to capture the perfect shot.
Learn About the Base and Town’s History at the 3rd Floor Learning Exhibition Room
Just below the observatory, on the third floor, you’ll find the Learning Exhibition Room.
Here, panels and exhibits introduce the history and culture of Kadena Town, along with its relationship with the base. A special corner even allows visitors to compare the noise levels of trucks, passenger planes, and fighter jets—an interactive way to “experience” the exhibits firsthand.
This space offers a deeper understanding of the local community, making it well worth a visit.
Details of the Learning Exhibition Room - Kadena Roadside StationDiverse Dining Options at the Food Court
Inside, you’ll find several eateries offering a wide range of options—from Okinawan traditional dishes to quick snacks.
Meals can be enjoyed in a sheltered eat-in space, allowing visitors to relax comfortably regardless of the weather. The open and airy plaza makes it a convenient stop to rest during a drive.
It’s not only a place for meals during sightseeing but also a great spot to sample local comfort foods and Okinawan specialties.
Since opening hours and closing days vary by shop, be sure to check the official website in advance.
List of Restaurants & Shops - Kadena Roadside StationFarmers Market “Little Garden”: Fresh Local Flavors
Opened on July 27, 2024, the farmers market Little Garden offers a wide selection of fresh vegetables, fruits, and groceries sourced from Kadena Town and across Okinawa. Special deals on items like freshly collected eggs make it a vibrant “garden of relaxation” filled with the tastes of local life.
Though compact in size, the store is packed with carefully selected goods that brighten up any dining table. It’s also an easy stop for travelers without needing much time.
On the same first floor, you’ll also find shops selling fighter jet merchandise and Okinawan souvenirs, providing even more shopping opportunities. It’s a place worth visiting to pick up a memorable keepsake from your trip.
Kadena Roadside Station: Sightseeing, Dining, and Relaxation All in One
Kadena Roadside Station combines multiple attractions in one place: the observatory overlooking Kadena Air Base, the learning exhibition room, the farmers market, and a diverse food court.
Conveniently located along National Route 58 between Naha and northern Okinawa, it serves as both a rest stop and a sightseeing destination. Here, you can enjoy meals, shopping, and sightseeing all in one visit.
Whether watching fighter jets roar overhead, tasting local cuisine, or shopping for fresh produce, Kadena Roadside Station is a place where you can truly feel the essence of Okinawa during your trip. If you’re passing nearby, it’s well worth a visit.
