Tottori Prefecture · Chugoku Region

Michi-no-Eki Kotonoura

道の駅琴の浦

Kotoura's food-focused parking area offers seafood bowls, pear soft serve, and views of Mount Daisen and the Sea of Japan during a San'in Expressway break.

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

Location

Kotoura, Tohaku District

Road

San'in Expressway, Kotoura PA and Kotono-ura IC

Hours

9:00–18:00

Bussankan Kotoura closes at 17:30 from November through February. Wasei Suisan is open 9:00-17:30, and meal service is 11:00-15:00. Hours vary by shop.

Parking

Cars: 111 / Large vehicles: 35

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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.

First, on arrival

Check the toilets, meal hours, and where you parked

Your route through the site differs between the expressway and local-road sides. Allow for the 11:00-15:00 meal service window.

For lunch

Seafood Restaurant Kiwami or Umaimonya Shokudo

Options include the Kiwami seafood bowl, seafood tempura, flying-fish cutlet curry, and a grilled-meat set meal. At the lunch rush, it helps to keep more than one option in mind.

To take something home

Shirobara Milk products, furoshiki manju, and fresh fish

If you buy chilled products or fresh fish, an insulated bag makes the trip home easier.

For a sweet break

Milk soft serve and 20th Century (Nijisseiki) pear soft serve

A quick way to taste something distinctly Tottori. On a hot day, decide where to eat it before ordering.

With children

Add the Octopus Park at Port Akasaki

This station is best for eating and shopping. Children ready to move around can head to the seaside play equipment a short drive away.

For a detour

Nariishi Beach or Mount Senjo

Choose between a short stop to hear the sea and a half-day detour for mountain scenery.

Toma Kurose's perspective on stopping here

Kotonoura works best when you plan the stop first

This station is a place to eat, shop, and rest efficiently along the San'in Expressway, rather than spend a long, unplanned stay as you might at a large park. Check lunch hours, your parking position, and your next detour first. That helps seafood diners, soft-serve visitors, and families looking for somewhere to play all use the stop comfortably.

Meals

Go for seafood or the cafeteria between 11:00 and 15:00. At peak times, keep shopping and sweets as alternatives.

Shopping

Choose among fresh fish, Shirobara Milk products, and furoshiki manju according to what needs chilling.

Rest

Find the toilets and tourist information first, then decide whether to add Port Akasaki or Nariishi Beach.

Highlights

Michi-no-Eki Kotonoura connects directly to Kotoura Parking Area and Kotono-ura Interchange on the San'in Expressway, making it an easy place to plan a rest and a meal. At Bussankan Kotoura, choose furoshiki manju (small steamed buns), sweets made with Shirobara Milk, or 20th Century (Nijisseiki) pear soft serve. Wasei Suisan and Seafood Restaurant Kiwami offer seafood from the Sea of Japan for lunch. Parking access differs between the expressway and local-road sides. For a short stop, check the toilets and meal hours first; for a day when the children need to play, add nearby Michi-no-Eki Port Akasaki.

#Tottori Prefecture
#Kotoura Town
#San'in Expressway
#Kotoura PA
#Seafood
#Wasei Suisan
#20th Century (Nijisseiki) pear soft serve
#Shirobara Milk
#Furoshiki manju
#Tourist information center
#24-hour toilets

Practical information

Registration number: 鳥取-16
Prefecture: Tottori Prefecture
Municipality: Kotoura, Tohaku District
Road: San'in Expressway, Kotoura PA and Kotono-ura IC
Telephone: 0858-55-6566
Closed days: Shops may close over the New Year holidays. Kotoura Umaimonya lists January 1 and 2 as closed, while Seafood Restaurant Kiwami lists December 31 through January 4.
Station stamp: Available

Address

1030-1 Bessho, Kotoura-cho, Tohaku-gun, Tottori Prefecture (鳥取県東伯郡琴浦町別所1030-1)

Facilities

Bussankan Kotoura local products hall
Kotoura Umaimonya
Umaimonya Shokudo cafeteria
Wasei Suisan
Seafood Restaurant Kiwami
Road and tourist information building
Kotoura Tourism Association
24-hour toilets
Tourist information center
Food court
Fresh fish sales
Souvenir sales

1 more facilities listed.

External links

Visit the official website (Japanese)Background information (Japanese)www.kotoura-kankou.com (Japanese guide)www.tottori-guide.jp (Japanese guide)www.cgr.mlit.go.jp (Japanese guide)www.kotoura-umaimonya.com (Japanese guide)www.kotoura-kankou.com (Japanese guide)www.kotoura-kankou.com (Japanese guide)

Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

The convenience of a parking area, with a real taste of Kotoura

You can stop here during a drive on the San'in Expressway, but it deserves more than a toilet break. Even on a short visit, Kotoura specialties include seafood bowls, flying-fish cutlet curry, a grilled-meat set meal, 20th Century (Nijisseiki) pear soft serve, Shirobara Milk sweets, and furoshiki manju, small steamed buns. It is especially useful when you want to combine a meal and shopping during a drive.

Choose your next stop with views of the Sea of Japan and Mount Daisen

The Kotoura Tourism Association is in the road and tourist information building, with nearby-area brochures and a place to ask for advice. In good weather, take in views of the sea and Mount Daisen first; if you have time, continue toward Port Akasaki, Nariishi Beach, or Mount Senjo. It is a starting point for one more Kotoura detour after your meal.

Knowing how to enter the parking area makes the stop easier

The parking arrangement feels different for vehicles using Kotoura PA and those entering from the local road. If you are here just to eat and shop, check the toilets and opening hours on arrival. If the children want to play, head to nearby Port Akasaki instead of stretching out your stay here. A little planning makes this station especially useful.

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.

A drive toward Tottori, Yonago, or Matsue

Turn a San'in Expressway lunch break into a taste of Kotoura

Stop as you would at Kotoura PA and choose between Seafood Restaurant Kiwami and Umaimonya Shokudo at lunchtime. People wanting a seafood bowl, flying-fish cutlet curry, or just a soft serve can all find something on the same site, even when companions have different appetites.

Directly connected to Kotoura PA and Kotono-ura IC on the San'in Expressway. Directions also place it about 2 km east of Kotoura-Senjosan IC and about 5 km west of Kotoura-Higashi IC.

Meals are generally served 11:00-15:00. At the lunch rush, consider sweets or takeaway items from the local products hall as alternatives.

Travelers who want to bring a taste of Kotoura home

For shopping, look at fresh fish and dairy products first

Shopping options include Wasei Suisan's fresh fish, sweets and goods made with Shirobara Milk, Yamamoto Otafukudo's furoshiki manju, and 20th Century (Nijisseiki) pear soft serve. Separate things that need chilling from those you will eat in the car to make the drive home easier.

Make a short circuit of Bussankan Kotoura, Wasei Suisan, and Kotoura Umaimonya.

Fresh fish and seasonal products depend on deliveries. If you have something specific in mind, check recent posts on the official social media accounts.

Families who want children aged three or older to play for a while

With children, eat first and then move on to Port Akasaki

Kotonoura is strongest for food and shopping. When the children need to move, continue to Akasaki Fureai Square at nearby Michi-no-Eki Port Akasaki. Its sea-themed play equipment and roller slide offer a change of pace. Adults can shop here and children can play outside there.

Michi-no-Eki Kotonoura → Michi-no-Eki Port Akasaki. A drive of a few minutes; even a short visit can be satisfying in good weather.

Keep outdoor play short in midsummer or strong wind. Too much play before the meal can make the return trip rushed.

An adult detour for photos or a short nature walk

Use a spare late afternoon to hear the sea at Nariishi Beach

At Nariishi Beach, rounded stones roll in the waves and make a distinctive clattering sound. After eating and shopping, a brief encounter with the sea adds another side to Kotoura. The evening view is attractive, but this is a stony beach, so wear shoes suited to walking.

Michi-no-Eki Kotonoura → Nariishi Beach. Allow roughly 10 minutes by car for the detour.

Avoid the beach in rough weather or high surf. Carrying a small child or holding their hand is more practical than using a stroller on the stones.

A drive with some history and scenery

For a half-day outing, continue inland to Mount Senjo

If time allows, head inland from the coastal station toward Mount Senjo. Historical sites linked to Japan's Northern and Southern Courts and views of the cliffs reveal more than Kotoura's coastal side. Eat lunch at the station first so you can focus on walking in the mountains.

Michi-no-Eki Kotonoura → Mount Senjo. Allow around 30 minutes by car for this half-day detour.

Mountain conditions change with the weather. Shorten your stay if rain, fog, heat, or cold calls for it.

Hours

Opening hours

Bussankan Kotoura and Kotoura Umaimonya

9:00-18:00

Listed closing time is 17:30 from November through February. January 1 and 2 are listed as closed.

Wasei Suisan

9:00-17:30

Fresh fish selection depends on weather and deliveries.

Seafood Restaurant Kiwami and Umaimonya Shokudo

11:00-15:00

Plan lunch around these hours. On busy days, coming a little earlier or later can make the visit easier.

Kotoura Tourism Association

9:00-17:15

Inside the road and tourist information building; a place to ask about adding nearby sights to your trip.

24-hour toilets

24 hours

Late at night and early in the morning, the site is mainly for a rest rather than shopping. Check your parking area and onward direction first.

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 0-1

★★★☆☆

Suited to a short stop for feeding, diaper changes, or a rest in the car

The 24-hour toilets and tourist information building are useful. As this station centers on meals, a short practical stop fits better than a long play session.

Ages 2-3

★★★☆☆

Convenient for a little walking after a meal

Do not expect much room for running around here. If the children still have energy, head to Port Akasaki's play equipment for toddlers.

Ages 4-6

★★★★☆

A good pairing of soft serve and nearby play equipment

Eat and shop at Kotonoura, then head to Port Akasaki's sea-themed play area. This works especially well on a clear day.

Elementary school age

★★★★☆

Easy to combine seafood, soft serve, Octopus Park, and Nariishi Beach

A meal alone makes a short stop. Add the seaside play equipment or Nariishi Beach to make the driving break more memorable.

Toilets

The walking distance varies with where you park on the expressway or local-road side, so locate the toilets when you arrive.

Meals

If the children get hungry early, a small purchase or soft serve from the local products hall is another option.

Play

Octopus Park has equipment for younger children and a roller slide for elementary school children.

Rainy days

Skip outdoor play or a beach walk in poor weather; the tourism association can help you find nearby indoor options.

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

Kotoura Tourism Association

In the road and tourist information building, it is a place to check Kotoura events and nearby sights. Start here for information that may change.

Summer festival around Akasaki Port

The Hato Festival, held in late July each year, takes place around Kanzaki Shrine and Akasaki Port. It is a summer event you can combine with a meal and rest at Michi-no-Eki Kotonoura.

Seasonal events at Nariishi Beach and Mount Senjo

Events such as the Nariishi Festival and Mount Senjo Cherry Blossom Festival can add a seasonal element to a short trip beyond the station. Check current information for dates near your visit.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

In practice, this feels more like a parking area

Many visitors enter from the San'in Expressway as they would a PA, making a short stop for toilets, food, and shopping. It suits a break that takes account of onward direction and parking position better than a long stay at a large roadside station.

Source: Travel and overnight-car-stay accounts

Meals cluster around lunchtime

The official meal hours are 11:00-15:00. Come around noon if seafood is your goal; outside those hours, soft serve or shopping may be easier choices.

Source: Official website and tourism association

Fish and souvenirs vary by delivery and season

Social media updates show seasonal changes in Wasei Suisan's seafood, local produce such as plums, and products best served chilled. If shopping is your main purpose, check recent posts before you go.

Source: Official social media posts

The tourist information center is especially useful

The tourism association is inside the road and tourist information building and is used for brochures and advice about Kotoura and the wider San'in area. It is helpful when weather changes your plans.

Source: Visitor review trends

Nearby play helps children enjoy the visit

The station itself focuses on food and shopping. Akasaki Fureai Square at Port Akasaki has play equipment for ages 3-6 and a roller slide for ages 6-12, making it a useful next stop for families.

Source: Kotoura Town official information and visitor accounts

Weather changes the seaside experience

Nariishi Beach is known for the sound of stones in the waves and evening views, but avoid the shore in rough weather or high surf. Add it as a short driving detour on a fine-weather day.

Source: Kotoura Tourism Association

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.

For lunch, plan around 11:00-15:00; at peak times, keep sweets and the local products hall as alternatives.
Bring an insulated bag when buying fresh fish, especially if driving on toward Yonago or Tottori.
The expressway and local-road sides have different parking access, so park with your onward direction in mind.
If the children need to move, continue to the play equipment at Michi-no-Eki Port Akasaki.
Wear comfortable walking shoes at Nariishi Beach. In rough weather or high surf, enjoy the view without going down onto the stones.
Summer events at Akasaki Port and winter opening hours may change, so check the latest official information.

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.

A full seafood lunch

Kiwami seafood bowl / seafood tempura / seafood from Wasei Suisan

The main choice if you come for fish from the Sea of Japan. Arrive during lunch service to make your break a Kotoura seafood experience.

Meal service is mainly 11:00-15:00. If it is crowded or dishes sell out, keep Umaimonya Shokudo in mind too.

A Tottori-style casual meal

Flying-fish cutlet curry / grilled-meat set meal / Daisen chicken karaage set meal

Useful when someone in your party wants a filling alternative to fish, including during a driving break.

Prices and menus change; follow the displays at the shop on the day.

A quick sweet break

Milk soft serve / 20th Century (Nijisseiki) pear soft serve / mixed soft serve

Even without a meal, you can enjoy a quick taste of Tottori. It makes a simple break for children and adults alike.

Soft serve melts quickly in summer, so it is easiest to finish it before returning to the car.

Pick up souvenirs in one stop

Furoshiki manju / Shirobara Milk sweets / Tottori-exclusive products

Choose shareable sweets alongside dairy products for yourself. Even if you cannot visit several sights, you can still enjoy shopping for Kotoura specialties.

Popular and seasonal products may run low later in the day.

Take fresh fish home

Fresh fish from Wasei Suisan / local seafood

Best when the trip home is short or you have a way to keep your purchases cool. Being able to take home seafood from the local coast is a major draw here.

Selection varies with weather, fishing, and deliveries. Prioritize chilling it on long drives.

Access

Location and surroundings

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Roadside station

Michi-no-Eki Kotonoura

Kotoura's food-focused parking area offers seafood bowls, pear soft serve, and views of Mount Daisen and the Sea of Japan during a San'in Expressway break.

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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.

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