Roadside Station Kayo

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.