About
View of Kuju Mountains and Highland Plateau along the Yamanami Highway, representative of the scenic landscape surrounding Handa Kogen Drive Inn. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Handa Kogen Drive Inn (飯田高原ドライブイン), also known as Iida Kogen Drive Inn, is a comprehensive rest facility strategically positioned at approximately 900 meters elevation on the Iida Plateau. 🔗 The facility serves as a multi-purpose stop combining a restaurant specializing in local Bungo beef cuisine, a JA-operated farmers' market selling fresh highland produce, and essential amenities for travelers navigating the Yamanami Highway. 🔗
The drive-inn's location at the junction of the Yamanami Highway and the Gurutto Kuju circular route makes it a natural gathering point for tourists exploring Aso-Kuju National Park. The facility offers panoramic views of the Kuju mountain range (九重連山) from both the restaurant and parking area. 🔗
Cultural & Historical Significance
The drive-inn's significance is tied to the Yamanami Highway itself, which was officially opened in 1964 as the "Beppu-Aso Road" - one of Japan's first full-scale scenic mountain parkways. The creation of this road was envisioned as early as the 1920s to connect the region's natural wonders, making facilities like Handa Kogen Drive Inn essential service hubs for modern tourism in this historic scenic corridor. 🔗
Visiting Information
Access: Directly on-route with no detour required - positioned at the strategic intersection of Yamanami Highway (Route 11) and Gurutto Kuju Shuyu Road circular route. 🔗
Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM daily 🔗
Closed:
- 3rd Wednesday of every month
- Every Thursday during winter season (December - March)
- January 1-2 (New Year's holiday)
- November 2, 2025 (Sunday) - OPEN regular hours
Contact: 0973-79-3123 🔗
Route Context: Positioned at the midpoint of the Yamanami Highway route, approximately 45 minutes from both Aso area (south) and Yufuin/Beppu area (north).
Parking: Large, free parking lot (capacity: 40 regular vehicles, 10 large buses). Includes on-site gas station for refueling. 🔗
Seasonal Considerations: November 2, 2025 offers autumn highland scenery with late-season foliage in surrounding valleys. Heated indoor dining and fresh seasonal produce market perfect for cooler autumn weather.
The Experience
Restaurant & Dining
The restaurant features local Bungo beef and Oita specialties with views of the Kuju mountain range: 🔗
Signature Dishes:
- Bungo Beef Yakiniku Set Meal (豊後牛焼肉定食): ¥1,500 - Premium local wagyu grilled set 🔗
- Bungo Beef Bowl Set (豊後牛丼定食): ¥850 (includes salad and miso soup) 🔗
- Bungo Yume Pork Bowl Set (豊後夢ポーク丼定食): Local Oita pork specialty 🔗
- Mountain Vegetable Udon (山菜うどん): ¥1,000 - Made with potato starch noodles 🔗
Popular Quick Bites:
- Torimeshi Onigiri (鶏飯おにぎり): Chicken rice balls
- Soft Serve Ice Cream: Highly rated creamy soft-serve with milk, matcha, or mixed flavors - described as rich with strong milk taste 🔗
- Plum-flavored Soft Serve: Unique local specialty
JA Farmers' Market
The attached direct-sale market operated by JA Oita offers authentic Kuju highland specialties: 🔗
November Offerings:
- Root vegetables, highland mushrooms, seasonal fruits
- Local jams and preserves
- Fresh-baked bread year-round
- Local processed goods and souvenirs
Scenic Views & Photography
- Mountain Panoramas: Unobstructed views of the Kuju mountain range from parking area and restaurant windows
- Highland Landscape: Rolling grasslands and pastoral scenery at 900m elevation
- Autumn Colors: November timing offers late-season foliage in surrounding valleys
- Best Photo Times: Morning light for mountain views; clear days offer spectacular vistas
Practical Visiting Tips
Driving Considerations:
- Fuel Up: The on-site gas station is the last convenient fuel stop before deeper highland areas
- Stock Up: JA market offers fresh produce and snacks for the remainder of your journey
- Restroom Facilities: Clean, well-maintained facilities suitable for all travelers
- Rest Stop Strategy: Plan for 30-45 minutes to fully enjoy food, views, and market browsing
Route Integration: As the primary rest facility at the Yamanami Highway/Gurutto Kuju intersection, the drive-inn serves as an ideal mid-journey stop for:
- Breaking up the scenic drive with a proper meal
- Stocking up on local specialties at the farmers' market
- Capturing panoramic mountain photography
- Refueling both vehicle and travelers before continuing
Cultural Etiquette:
- Market Shopping: Take your time browsing - JA staff are accustomed to tourists and happy to assist
- Restaurant Service: Counter-style or table service depending on section
- Photography: Views from parking area and public spaces are fine; ask before photographing inside restaurant or market
Budget Considerations:
- Money-Saving Options: Market purchases - fresh produce and onigiri cost less than restaurant meals
- Soft Serve: Excellent value treat at modest price while enjoying mountain views
- Free Views: No charge to access parking area and take in panoramic scenery
Weather Preparation for November:
- Highland location at 900m means cooler temperatures than lowlands
- November can be windy - secure outdoor items
- Mountain weather can change quickly - check conditions before departure
Best Photo Spots:
- Parking area overlook: Wide-angle mountain panoramas
- Restaurant windows: Kuju range views while dining
- Highland grasslands: Surrounding pastoral landscapes
- Market entrance: Traditional JA farmers' market signage and local atmosphere
Visitor Experience Insights: 🔗 🔗
- Fresh, local produce in the market highly valued
- Spectacular mountain views and convenient location
- Good value on Bungo beef sets
- Rich, creamy soft-serve ice cream highly praised
- Standard drive-inn atmosphere rather than upscale dining (Tabelog: 3.04/5; TripAdvisor: 3.5/5)
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/kumamoto-to-beppu-scenic-route/handa-kogen-drive-inn.md