I am the owner of a Honda motorcycle [CBX1000] who lives in Hiroshima City, Japan. I am posting about FCR carburetor and CBX1000 customization. I also post about things other than cars and motorcycles. We will post information that will make bikers around the world happy.
Hiroshima Prefecture – Roadside Station Spa Rakan – CB-F Mini Meeting
I went on a touring ride to Roadside Station Spa Rakan after being invited by a CB900F rider I connected with on social media. Roadside Station Spa Rakan is a popular touring spot in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.
I only have a few photos to share, but I’ll write this for those who haven’t been there yet. Spa Rakan is scheduled to reopen after renovations on 2022-04-28. It also has an onsen (hot spring), though I haven’t used it myself. I’ll visit again after the renovation!
Features Around Roadside Station Spa Rakan
Well-Maintained Roads with Many Corners The roads in this area are in excellent condition and feature plenty of curves, making it a favorite route for motorcyclists seeking an enjoyable ride.
Convenient Stopover for Longer Rides For riders traveling from Hiroshima City toward Shimane or Yamaguchi Prefecture, Spa Rakan serves as a convenient mid-point stop.
Relaxation Facilities The roadside station is equipped with toilets, vending machines, and a smoking area, providing a comfortable place to rest.
Local Gourmet Spots The area along the roads near Spa Rakan boasts many gourmet spots. However, as it’s in a mountainous region, some shops have irregular business hours.
Best Times to Visit Many establishments cater to riders and tourists, so they are typically open on weekends and public holidays. Still, it’s recommended to confirm business hours or make reservations in advance.
Crowd Management Tips During busy times, you might encounter lines or wait times at popular spots. Parking can also fill up completely. In such cases, secure a reservation and wait at Spa Rakan until your turn.
Gourmet Spots Around Roadside Station Spa Rakan
I will introduce some spots I have visited. The links will open in a new tab on Google Maps.
Hill Valley It’s Italian cuisine. There is also an outdoor terrace. A parking lot is available at the back. Even if the front parking area is full, you might be able to park at the back.
K.T Diner It's a restaurant specializing in hamburgers and meat dishes. The portions are generous, and the taste is great. The restaurant has two entrances, which can be confusing for first-time visitors. It’s a popular spot, so it's recommended to call ahead to check availability, reservation options, and the restaurant’s days off.
Rock's Cafe It’s a café-style place, where motorcycle riders often gather to enjoy a meal. There’s a strong tendency for motorcyclists to meet up here. They’ve also hosted events such as test ride events in the past.
K.T Diner
K.T Diner
K.T Diner
Motorcycles gathered at Roadside Station Spa Rakan.
There tends to be a gathering of motorcycles that enjoy cornering at this spot. When bikers hang out, they often gather at convenience stores or service areas along the Hiroshima West Bypass. It’s a spot where either riders come to visit, or people gather to watch the motorcycles in action. During the summer months, there are occasional reports of accidents. Please be cautious of accidents and wildlife at night.
Motorcycle Photo Gallery
It’s incredibly enjoyable when three motorcycles of the same kind gather together. I believe the CBX1000 belongs to the CB-F series. It shares common parts and belongs to the same generation. The only differences are mainly in the engine and exterior. Aside from the CB-F series, many other motorcycles gather as well. I have the impression that there are many sport-style full-fairing motorcycles.
For some reason, there are fewer CB-F series motorcycles in Hiroshima Prefecture. One of the reasons is that there are few shops that handle maintenance for classic Honda motorcycles. On the other hand, there are many shops that offer maintenance for classic Kawasaki motorcycles. Unfortunately, I don’t think the number of CB-F series shops will increase anytime soon. It’s a bit sad.
As a result, CB-F series owners, due to the limited number of shops, often perform their own maintenance.
Hiroshima Prefecture – Roadside Station Spa Rakan – CB-F Mini Meeting【summary】
This is a place that’s just the right size for small groups to gather. With the spa and nearby gourmet spots, it also attracts tourists who are not riders. However, when large groups gather, it’s important to be considerate of the local community, as it could cause inconvenience. It has a public space aspect, so it’s not about not gathering, but rather, making sure to follow proper etiquette while using the facilities.
Personally, I really enjoy this spot because I love seeing motorcycles. Since many riders come here to ride, it doesn’t feel like a place where bikers are just hanging out. It’s also a good halfway point for those touring from Yamaguchi Prefecture or Shimane Prefecture towards Hiroshima. Various roads along the way offer opportunities to enjoy sports riding. If you’re coming from Hiroshima City, you can take a short beginner-friendly ride through areas like Yuki to enjoy a quick tour.
