Wakayama Prefecture · Kinki

Michi-no-Eki Shimizu

道の駅しみず

A mountain roadside station beside the clear Arida River, linking BBQ, sansho pepper souvenirs, a hot spring, and terraced rice-field views.

Updated 2026-10-01Michi-no-Eki Journal Read in Japanese

Location

Aridagawa Town, Arida District

Road

National Route 480

Hours

W.A.S. Riverside nature terrace: The official site shows 10:00–19:00 in one place and 9:00–18:00 in its footer.

A Tuesday closure is listed. Hours can change during summer holidays and long weekends; check official notices.

Parking

See facility information

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How to enjoy

Choose how to enjoy your visit

Eat, shop, play, take in the view or rest. Choose from the station’s strengths to suit your day.

Decide first

A short break or a day at W.A.S.

BBQ and the pool are activities to plan for; check booking requirements and operating days before leaving.

Where to eat

Choose BBQ or a nearby eatery

Keep Asagiri and Aragi no Sato in mind instead of relying only on the restaurant.

What to buy

Sansho products and local goods

For a broader taste of Shimizu, also look for konnyaku and Yasuda washi paper.

With children

Summer pool and riverside break

Water play is a draw, but plan for changes of clothes, reservations, and sun protection.

Add a view

Aragi-jima viewpoint

Drive there after eating to see the Shimizu area's terraced rice fields.

Ayano's detour note

Add a Shimizu meal to the trip instead of leaving with only sansho souvenirs.

Ayano Miyasaka sees Shimizu as a place to decide how to eat today before shopping: make lunch with BBQ, pair a meal with the hot spring at Asagiri, or shop directly from producers at Aragi no Sato after seeing Aragi-jima. Sansho and local products mean more when they are part of the route.

Highlights

Michi-no-Eki Shimizu lies on National Route 480 in the Shimizu area of Aridagawa Town. Centered on W.A.S. Riverside nature terrace, it is geared toward outdoor stays. Rather than stopping only briefly at its shop, combine a daytime BBQ, summer pool, riverside break, shopping for grape sansho pepper and local products, Shimizu Onsen, and the Aragi-jima viewpoint. Editor Ayano Miyasaka suggests making eating and shopping the start of a half-day in this mountain village.

#W.A.S.
#Daytime BBQ
#Grape sansho pepper
#Arida River
#Shimizu Onsen
#Aragi-jima
#Yasuda washi paper

Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

Eat and play by the river as well as take a break

W.A.S. Riverside nature terrace is now the hub. Daytime BBQ, accommodation, camping, a summer pool, and activities are gathered here. Allowing more time than a restroom stop gives you a better feel for Shimizu.

Look for Wakayama sansho and Shimizu crafts when shopping

W.A.S. lists local Wakayama products and camping gear for sale, while the Kinki Regional Development Bureau's roadside-station page highlights sansho pepper products as souvenirs. Add nearby Asagiri and Warashi Craft Exchange Workshop for handmade konnyaku, Yasuda washi paper, and woodwork alongside sansho.

Plan meals around BBQ and nearby eateries, not only the restaurant

W.A.S. lists daytime BBQ and restaurant use. Older roadside-station information also mentions sansho curry and set meals, so check current official information for today's menu. For a more dependable lunch plan, consider Shimizu Onsen Asagiri or Michi-no-Eki Aragi no Sato as well.

Choose the summer pool, then hot springs and stars in cooler seasons

W.A.S. published summer pool operating dates for 2026. A winter fireworks festival has been reported in the past, while mountain nights and stars add to the appeal. Plan summer water play, BBQ in cooler weather, and a hot-spring finish according to season.

Visit Aragi-jima for a lasting view of Shimizu

A short drive back takes you to the Aragi-jima viewpoint over fan-shaped terraced rice fields. Eat and rest at Shimizu, enjoy the view at Aragi-jima, and add direct farm sales and a meal at Aragi no Sato if needed. It makes an easy half-day introduction to the Shimizu area.

Route idea

Ways to plan your stop

Spend your time at the station or add somewhere nearby. These ideas help you plan around your companions and the weather.

Families and friends wanting a meal and outdoor play together

A half-day in Shimizu centered on BBQ

With W.A.S. daytime BBQ as the focus, Shimizu becomes a destination rather than just a rest stop. On arrival, check reception and the shop, have lunch at the BBQ terrace, then let children enjoy hammocks or bouldering; in summer, add the pool. Ingredients and prices change, so consult the booking page and latest notices while planning.

Parking → W.A.S. reception → Shop → BBQ terrace → Pool or outdoor play → Departure

Operating days, prices, and available slots can change during summer holidays and long weekends. Check whether booking is possible instead of leaving the meal entirely to chance.

On the way back from a drive toward Koyasan or the upper Arida River

An adult detour for sansho souvenirs and a hot spring

After browsing sansho products and local goods at the shop, drive to Shimizu Onsen to unwind from the mountain roads. Nearby Asagiri offers dining, shopping, and accommodation, and is another place to buy a taste of Shimizu for home.

Michi-no-Eki Shimizu → Shimizu Onsen and Asagiri → Return journey

The hot spring, dining, and shops have different hours. Later in the day, plan around the bathing hours.

First drive through Shimizu, or a day for photos and terraced-field views

A first-visit route extending to Aragi-jima

After a break at Shimizu, head to the Aragi-jima viewpoint. There is a short walk from the designated parking area, so use the restroom and get a drink first. On the way back, add tofu, konnyaku, and a meal at Michi-no-Eki Aragi no Sato for a food stop as well as the view.

Michi-no-Eki Shimizu → Aragi-jima designated parking → Viewpoint → Michi-no-Eki Aragi no Sato

Avoid parking on the road near the viewpoint and follow the town's official parking directions. Rain or fog changes the view.

When outdoor play or photographing the rice fields is difficult

Switch to Yasuda washi and woodwork on a rainy day

On a rainy day, consider nearby Warashi Craft Exchange Workshop or the Woodwork Experience Center instead of outdoor activities at W.A.S. Papermaking and woodwork bring you close to Shimizu crafts and can fit around a meal as short activities.

Michi-no-Eki Shimizu → Warashi Craft Exchange Workshop or Woodwork Experience Center → Shimizu Onsen

Activities have closure days, last admission times, and booking conditions. Check availability by phone or official notice before going.

Hours

Opening hours

W.A.S. Riverside nature terrace

The official site shows 10:00–19:00 in one place and 9:00–18:00 in its footer.

A Tuesday closure is listed. Hours can change during summer holidays and long weekends; check official notices.

Roadside-station facilities

Restrooms, parking, and public telephone are listed as available 24 hours.

The Kinki Regional Development Bureau's roadside-station page provides this information. Shop hours are separate.

Shimizu Onsen

11:00〜21:00

Check its official site. Dining, accommodation, and reception hours differ by facility.

Warashi Craft Exchange Workshop

8:30–16:30; last activity admission 15:30.

Listed as closed Wednesdays, Thursdays, public holidays, and over the New Year period. Check booking conditions for activities.

Michi-no-Eki Aragi no Sato

Shop 10:00–17:00; eatery 11:30–14:00.

Listed as closed Tuesdays, with temporary closures possible. Check same-day information when visiting Aragi-jima.

Family

Visiting with children

Stars show the editorial recommendation for each age group on a five-point scale. Read the reasons alongside each rating.

Ages 1 and under

★★☆☆☆

Best for a short rest and a meal near the hot spring.

A visit here can easily mean a long time outdoors. Consider summer heat and changes of clothes, or winter cold in the mountains, and keep the stay comfortable.

Ages 2–3

★★★☆☆

Good for water-play season or brief outdoor play.

Hammocks and outdoor activities appeal, but the riverfront, pool, and BBQ all call for close supervision. This works best when enough adults can keep watch.

Ages 4–6

★★★★☆

The pool, BBQ, and activities become more rewarding.

On summer pool days it makes a good destination. In rain, switch to papermaking or woodwork to keep children engaged.

Primary-school children

★★★★★

Easy to combine BBQ, pool, terraced fields, and papermaking.

A half-day allows time to eat and play at Shimizu, then continue to Aragi-jima or a Yasuda washi experience. These can also inspire a school project or family trip.

Event

Make an event part of your visit

Permanent spaces and dated events are listed separately. Events can change both the atmosphere and crowds; use the official links for details.

Checking event dates.

Spaces used for events

2026 pool season

According to a W.A.S. notice, 2026 pool dates include July 11–12, July 18–August 31, and some September weekends. Check official information for prices and treatment of overnight guests.

Shimizu Onsen vegetable market and lunch offers

Shimizu Onsen's official site announced a July 2026 vegetable market and lunch plans with bathing included. Check for current offerings if combining the hot spring with a Shimizu visit.

Shimizu, Town of Stars winter fireworks festival

W.A.S. has reported a past festival and announced when accommodation booking opened. Dates change each year; check official notices from autumn onward for the next event.

Shimizu Yasuda washi lantern art exhibition

Aridagawa Town's tourism information describes an October lantern art exhibition. Alongside papermaking, it offers a distinctly Shimizu evening activity in autumn.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

Plan a longer stay around W.A.S.

The official site puts accommodation, play, activities, and dining at the forefront. For more than a quick shop visit, plan around BBQ, the pool, camping, or the dog run.

Source: W.A.S. official website

Published opening hours differ

W.A.S., Wakayama Prefecture's official tourism site, and the Kinki Regional Development Bureau list different hours or closure days. Check W.A.S. and its current notices for operating details before visiting.

Source: W.A.S. official website, Wakayama Prefecture official tourism site, and Kinki Regional Development Bureau

Families enjoy water and outdoor play, with preparation

Tourism information and visitor reviews point to the large grounds, BBQ, pool, hammocks, and bouldering as reasons families visit. Plan for summer heat, spare clothes, booking slots, and supervision by the river.

Source: Wakayama Prefecture official tourism site and visitor review trends

Look beyond the station shop for Shimizu products

The Kinki Regional Development Bureau highlights sansho products; information for Shimizu Onsen Asagiri includes sansho goods, handmade konnyaku, and Yasuda washi. Include nearby shops when choosing what to buy.

Source: Kinki Regional Development Bureau, Shimizu Onsen, and Wakayama Prefecture farm-shop information

Walk from designated parking to Aragi-jima

The town advises using designated parking because there is no parking at the Aragi-jima viewpoint itself. Before leaving Shimizu, get drinks, use the restroom, and prepare comfortable walking shoes.

Allow extra time for mountain roads

Official access guidance gives about 50 minutes by National Route 480 from the Arida Interchange area and about one hour by bus from Fujinami Station. If linking the drive with Koyasan, allow extra breaks if mountain roads or motion sickness are a concern.

Source: W.A.S. official access information and Kinki Regional Development Bureau

Before your visit

Things to check before setting out

Opening and closure days, individual businesses and facilities for children or dogs can affect your plans.

Check W.A.S. notices before leaving: BBQ, pool, accommodation, and camping depend on bookings or operating days.
Because published hours differ, prioritize current W.A.S. information and each facility's guidance on the day.
For a dependable lunch, consider three options: Michi-no-Eki Shimizu, Shimizu Onsen Asagiri, and Michi-no-Eki Aragi no Sato.
Summer pool and BBQ visits can take longer. Bring spare clothes, drinks, and protection from the heat.
For the Aragi-jima viewpoint, walk from designated parking and avoid parking on the road.
National Route 480 runs through mountains; allow extra time after dusk or in rain.
Yasuda washi and woodwork activities have closure days and last admission times. Check ahead if planning them as a rainy-day alternative.

Food

Eating and shopping

Specialities, places to eat, sweets and bakeries can all give you a reason to stop. Check individual menus for current prices and availability.

Food and outdoors
W.A.S. daytime BBQ
Varies by booking and season
Souvenirs
Sansho pepper products
Check at the shop
Shopping
Local Wakayama products and camping gear
Varies with stock
Nearby dining
Meals at Shimizu Onsen Asagiri
Check current information on the day
Nearby farm sales and lunch
Aragi no Sato shop and eatery
Varies by season and operating day

Food mood

What would you like to eat?

A meal, a sweet treat, market shopping or something to take away: choose a focus for the day instead of trying everything at once.

Make lunch the activity

W.A.S. daytime BBQ

For a longer visit with family or friends. Confirm price, ingredients, seating, and whether pets may accompany you when booking.

Pick up a few things

Local Wakayama products, sansho pepper products, camping gear

Even a short stop offers something of Shimizu to take home. Stock varies by day.

Eat before or after the hot spring

Meals at Shimizu Onsen Asagiri

For days ending at the hot spring rather than with BBQ; convenient for combining a meal and bath on the mountain-road journey home.

Shop after the view

Shop and eatery at Michi-no-Eki Aragi no Sato

After seeing Aragi-jima, browse tofu, konnyaku, and local ingredients.

Changes with the season

Summer pool visits, vegetable market, sansho-related activities

Events and activities change each year. Check the latest notices to decide the focus of your visit.

Access

Location and surroundings

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Roadside station

Michi-no-Eki Shimizu

A mountain roadside station beside the clear Arida River, linking BBQ, sansho pepper souvenirs, a hot spring, and terraced rice-field views.

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Outdoors and BBQ

W.A.S. Riverside nature terrace

The riverside BBQ, accommodation, and activity hub at the heart of today's Michi-no-Eki Shimizu.

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Hot spring, dining, and shopping

Shimizu Onsen and Asagiri

Finish a mountain-road drive with a bath, meal, and sansho pepper or konnyaku souvenirs.

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Terraced rice-field scenery

Aragi-jima Viewpoint

A viewpoint over fan-shaped terraced rice fields, hard to miss on a first drive through Shimizu.

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Farm sales and eatery

Michi-no-Eki Aragi no Sato

A roadside station on National Route 480 for tofu, konnyaku, and a meal before or after Aragi-jima.

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Traditional craft activities

Warashi Craft Exchange Workshop and Woodwork Experience Center

Try making Yasuda washi paper and working with wood on a rainy or hot day.

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Food outlets and the market on the station grounds share the station pin. Nearby places are separate destinations to combine with your visit.

Nearby

Places to visit nearby

Outdoors and BBQ

W.A.S. Riverside nature terraceJapanese guide

Inside the stationA short walk

The central facility when making Michi-no-Eki Shimizu your destination. Check operating days and bookings for BBQ, the pool, accommodation, and activities first.