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Michi-no-Eki Notsuharu
Michi-no-Eki Notsuharu is a roadside station located in Oita City, Oita Prefecture, that opened in 2019 facing Nanase Dam (Oita River Dam). The station features a glass-walled building with panoramic views of the dam lake and a wood-deck terrace. The building design is inspired by the nationally designated Important Cultural Property “Goto Family Residence,” featuring a thatched hipped roof style.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Facility Name | Michi - no - Eki Notsuharu |
| Address | 1717 - 1 Shimobaru, Oita City, Oita 870 - 1213 |
| Hours | 9:00 am–6:00 pm (Mar–Nov) / 9:00 am–5:00 pm (Dec–Feb) |
| Closed | Open year - round (Closed Dec 30–Jan 2) |
| Parking | Available (Free) |
| Official Website | https://michi-notsuharu.com/ |
Stunning Panoramic Views of Nanase Dam
The main attraction of Michi-no-Eki Notsuharu is the magnificent view of Nanase Dam Lake stretching out before you.
Nanase Dam is a relatively new rockfill dam that began operations in 2020.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dam Name | Nanase Dam (Oita River Dam) |
| Type | Rockfill Dam |
| Height | 91.6m (equivalent to a 30 - story building) |
| Length | 496m |
| Reservoir Capacity | 24 million m³ |
| Operation Started | 2020 |
Swing Toward the Dam Lake: Monument Swing
In January 2024, a new photo spot called the “Monument Swing” was completed at the roadside station.
This swing faces the dam lake, allowing you to enjoy the view while taking photos. It has become popular as an Instagram-worthy spot.
Terrace Lunch with Dam Lake Views
Michi-no-Eki Notsuharu features terrace seating with panoramic views of the dam lake. Dining while gazing at Nanase Dam right in front of you—an irresistible experience for dam enthusiasts.
The cafe restaurant serves dishes made with local Notsuharu ingredients. The recommended dish is “Notsuharu Dam Curry.” They also serve “Otoshi-jiru,” a local specialty soup.
Farm Stand and Souvenirs Featuring Local Produce
The station also houses a farm stand stocked with local agricultural products and a souvenir shop featuring regional specialties. Don’t miss the local soft serve ice cream made with “Toyo no Nanase Persimmon” and the “Japanese Yam Croquettes.”
Get Your Dam Card
Dam cards are distributed at Nanase Dam. You can receive them at the farm stand register at Michi-no-Eki Notsuharu (one set of 2 cards per person, 9:00 am–5:00 pm). They are also available at the Nanase Dam Administration Building (1546-4 Shimobaru, Oita City, Oita).
Nanase Dam Card InformationExplore Inside the Dam: Premium Guided Tour
The “Nanase Dam Premium Guided Tour” is a must for dam enthusiasts, offering access to areas of the dam normally closed to the public.
Led by dam staff from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, you’ll descend through underground passages called inspection galleries. After climbing down 149 steps, you can see the cornerstone at the bottom of the dam up close. The tour includes a dam card and original Michi-no-Eki Notsuharu merchandise.
*For elementary school students and older. Those under 15 and junior high school students must be accompanied by a guardian. Helmets are required inside the inspection gallery (available for loan).
The Ultimate Roadside Station for Dam Enthusiasts
Stunning views of Nanase Dam right before your eyes, dam curry on the terrace, and panoramic dam lake views from the swing. Michi-no-Eki Notsuharu is packed with attractions that will delight dam lovers.
Whether you’re collecting dam cards, exploring the dam interior on a premium guided tour, or simply enjoying the scenery—there are many ways to appreciate dams. However, few roadside stations allow you to have lunch this close to a dam.
If you’re a dam enthusiast visiting Oita, be sure to stop by.
