FUKUOKA, May 09 (News On Japan) - The Ukiha roadside station, ranked No. 1 in the Kyushu and Okinawa region for nine consecutive years in a nationwide roadside station ranking, is set to reopen following large-scale renovations.
The revamped interior features a much brighter and more spacious layout, with significantly more shelving to accommodate a wider range of products. Known for its year-round selection of fresh local fruits and vegetables, the station attracts both travelers and local shoppers alike.
Since its opening 25 years ago, the station had been showing signs of age. Coupled with its increasing popularity, this prompted the upgrade. The newly renovated space is approximately 1.3 times larger than before, while the walkways have been widened by about 1.5 times, making the station more accessible even during peak visitor periods. Flat shelves have been replaced with tiered shelving, allowing for greater product display.
Local farmers welcomed the improvements, expressing joy at being able to bring their carefully grown produce to more customers. One visitor commented, "It feels like a completely different roadside station."
A major hotel, Fairfield by Marriott Fukuoka Ukiha, opened next to the station last year, contributing to a record annual revenue of approximately 1.36 billion yen. With the expanded retail space, management now expects to attract 1.56 million visitors annually—1.3 times the previous foot traffic.
The station’s operator stated, "We’re excited to offer a wider variety of products and create a facility that customers will enjoy. We’ll continue working hard to make that happen."
The official reopening is scheduled for May 16th. From May 16th to 18th, special events including giveaways and limited-edition gift bags will be held to celebrate the reopening.
Source: FBS
