The symbol of the roadside station Kumenosato in Okayama Prefecture is a giant mobile suit with a total length of 7 meters! It is a unique roadside station where you can also enjoy fresh local specialties.

Located in Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture, Roadside Station Kumenosato is a major rest spot along National Route 181, and is visited by many drivers and tourists. The biggest attraction is the giant mobile suit with a total length of about 7 meters that towers over the premises. This was created by a local sculptor alone over a period of seven years, and you will be amazed by its power and high level of completion. It has such a presence that not only Gundam fans but also non-fans can't help but stare at it, and it is loved as the symbol of the roadside station.

The roadside station's facilities include the "Katsusaikan (vegetable field)" where fresh locally grown agricultural products and specialties are lined up, and the "Shokuyukan (restaurant)" where you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients. There is a wide selection of seasonal vegetables, fruits, and processed foods, making it a great place to choose souvenirs. In particular, products using the B-grade gourmet Tsuyama Hormone Udon, the jumbo bell pepper "Jumpy" that is a specialty of the Kume region, and handmade ice cream are gaining popularity.

This giant mobile suit is also held once a year at events such as the "Sennin Festival," where you can actually climb into the cockpit, making for an even more special experience. Roadside Station Kumenosato is a must-visit spot for children and adults alike, not just for a rest stop during a drive, but also for those looking for the unique charm of the region and an extraordinary experience.

[Trivia]
The mobile suit on display at Roadside Station Kumenosato is modeled after the machine that appears in the anime "Mobile Suit Z Gundam (Fujita Kazumi version)," with an internal skeleton made of steel and an exterior made of fiber-reinforced plastic. Surprisingly, this robot has been officially licensed by Sunrise, the production company of the anime. Kumenan Town is also known as "Japan's No. 1 Senryu Town," and you can find stone monuments and noren curtains with senryu throughout the town.

[Hidden gem information]
Behind the roadside station, you can enjoy a stroll through the tranquil countryside. If you go a little further, you will find Tanjoji Temple, said to be the birthplace of Honen Shonin, the founder of the Jodo sect of Buddhism, and an area with beautiful rice terraces. We recommend combining your drive with the countryside scenery to fully enjoy the scenery.