Tokushima Prefecture · Shikoku

Roadside Station Hiwasa

道の駅日和佐

Beside Hiwasa Station, this roadside station connects the direct-sales hall, souvenir hall, a place to rest, Yakuoji Temple, and Ohama Beach. It is a useful place to adjust a drive through southern Tokushima Prefecture.

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

Location

Minami Town, Kaifu District

Road

National Route 55

Hours

9:00–17:30

The souvenir hall is open 9:00–17:30. Since March 1, 2026, the direct-sales hall has been open 9:30–17:30. Hours at the stalls vary by vendor.

Parking

Cars: 57 spaces / Large vehicles: 7 spaces

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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 things first

Check the toilets and whether the direct-sales hall is open

The direct-sales hall is closed on Wednesdays. With children, sort out toilets, drinks, and a food option before heading to nearby sights.

If you shop

Vegetables, dried fish, and sea turtle gifts

The direct-sales and souvenir halls serve different purposes. For fresh food, consider the length of the trip home and how to keep it cool.

If you walk

Yakuoji Temple or the Hiwasa Station area

For a short outing, head toward Yakuoji Temple; for the coast, combine Ohama Beach with Caretta.

On a rainy day

Souvenir hall, rest area, and Caretta

With the footbath unavailable, indoor rest and the museum can make a family visit easier.

Ayano Kitami's detour notes

Plan the family's route before thinking about the footbath

Hiwasa works well as a place to pause before choosing the coast, temple, or museum. Knowing that the direct-sales hall closes on Wednesdays, the footbath is unavailable, and Caretta has a regular closing day makes planning with children easier.

On a fine day

After shopping, visit Ohama Beach or Ebisu Cave. In hot weather, going to Caretta first offers an indoor break.

On a rainy day

Choose the souvenir hall, rest area, Caretta, or a short visit to Yakuoji Temple.

On an event day

Use the station for meeting up and refreshments, while allowing other options for meals and parking.

Highlights

Roadside Station Hiwasa sits next to JR Hiwasa Station on National Route 55, close to the town center. Browse Minami Town vegetables and dried seafood at the direct-sales hall and sea turtle themed gifts at the souvenir hall, grab a light bite at the stalls, then, if time allows, visit Yakuoji Temple, Ohama Beach, or the renovated Hiwasa Sea Turtle Museum Caretta. Families can start with the toilets, shopping, and a rest break; the footbath is unavailable. Choose the beach, temple, or museum according to the weather and the children's energy.

#Next to JR Hiwasa Station
#National Route 55
#Direct-sales hall
#Souvenir hall
#Yakuoji Temple
#Ohama Beach
#Sea turtles
#Family rest stop
#Pilgrimage route

Practical information

Registration number: 徳島-12
Prefecture: Tokushima Prefecture
Municipality: Minami Town, Kaifu District
Road: National Route 55
Telephone: 0884-77-2121
Closed days: The souvenir hall is open year-round. Since March 1, 2026, the direct-sales hall has been closed every Wednesday. The footbath building is open as a rest area, but the footbath is currently unavailable.
Station stamp: Available

Address

493-6 Teramae, Okugawachi, Minami Town, Kaifu District, Tokushima Prefecture 779-2305 (〒779-2305 徳島県海部郡美波町奥河内字寺前493-6)

Facilities

Toilets
24-hour parking
Souvenir hall
Direct-sales hall
Stalls beside the direct-sales hall
Information corner
Rest area
Ostomate-equipped toilet
Accessible parking spaces
EV fast charger
Roadside station stamp
Next to JR Hiwasa Station

External links

Visit the official website (Japanese)Background information (Japanese)sites.google.com (Japanese guide)www.sk-michinoeki.jp (Japanese guide)www.awanavi.jp (Japanese guide)www.skr.mlit.go.jp (Japanese guide)www.town.minami.lg.jp (Japanese guide)yakuouji.net (Japanese guide)www.town.minami.lg.jp (Japanese guide)www.town.minami.lg.jp (Japanese guide)www.town.minami.lg.jp (Japanese guide)hiwasa-triathlon.jp (Japanese guide)www.town.minami.lg.jp (Japanese guide)

Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

Rail, road, and town walks meet in one place

Next to JR Hiwasa Station and along National Route 55, this is a convenient stop for drivers who also want to visit Yakuoji Temple or explore the town on foot. The toilets, shops, and nearby walks are close together after you park.

Choose southern Tokushima produce and gifts quickly at two halls

The direct-sales hall stocks local vegetables and dried seafood; the souvenir hall is arranged for browsing sweets and gifts from this sea turtle town. The direct-sales hall has been closed on Wednesdays since March 2026, so check the day if shopping is your main purpose.

Use the footbath building as a rest area

The footbath building is open for resting, but the footbath cannot be used. Families, pilgrims, and drivers can sit and take a break there, while planning any bathing or hot spring visit separately.

Choose the coast or temple to suit the weather

On a fine day, head for Ohama Beach, Caretta, or Ebisu Cave. In heavy rain or heat, choose the souvenir hall, Caretta, or a short visit to Yakuoji Temple. Hiwasa makes it easy to pause at the station before deciding where to go.

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.

En route from Tokushima City toward southern Tokushima

A 30-minute break on National Route 55

After parking, make a quick circuit of the toilets, souvenir hall, and direct-sales hall. If the stalls are open, have a light snack; if they are busy or the timing does not work, pick up a drink and a gift before leaving.

Parking → toilets → souvenir hall → direct-sales hall → departure

The direct-sales hall is closed on Wednesdays. Use the footbath building as a rest area; the footbath is unavailable.

Pilgrims, visitors seeking protection from misfortune, and short town walks

A town stop with Yakuoji Temple

Use the toilets and shop at the station before heading to Yakuoji Temple. Allow time for the stone steps and temple grounds. With children, pick up a snack and drinks first to make the return easier.

Roadside Station Hiwasa → Yakuoji Temple → souvenir hall for more gifts

Allow extra time for parking and local roads on busy worship days and during events.

Families with elementary school children who want both the sea and learning

Half a day at Caretta and Ohama Beach

On a fine day, take a short break at the station before visiting Caretta. The renovated museum offers an indoor option in heat or sudden rain. Ohama Beach is a sea turtle nesting site, so treat a walk on the sand as a chance to observe nature quietly.

Roadside station → Caretta → Ohama Beach → a brief look at Ebisu Cave

Caretta is generally closed on Mondays. Wind, rain, and heat can greatly change a visit to the beach or Ebisu Cave.

Days of the sea turtle festival, triathlon, or autumn festival

Use the station as a meeting and refreshment point on event days

Because the station is beside Hiwasa Station, event days bring both rail passengers and drivers. Use the roadside station for toilets, drinks, gifts, and meeting up, instead of counting on it for the main meal when crowds gather.

Take a break at the roadside station → go to the venue → make a short gift stop at the souvenir hall on the way back

Road closures and temporary routes may apply. Follow the latest notices.

Hours

Opening hours

Souvenir hall

9:00〜17:30

Open year-round. The roadside station stamp is inside and available during the hall's opening hours.

Direct-sales hall

9:30〜17:30

Closed every Wednesday since March 1, 2026.

Stalls beside the direct-sales hall

Varies by vendor

Check posted information on site if you are coming for a light meal.

Parking and EV fast charging

24 hours

57 car spaces, 7 large-vehicle spaces, and 3 accessible spaces.

Family

Visiting with children

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

Up to 1 year old

★★★☆☆

Useful for toilets, brief shopping, and indoor rest.

The footbath is unavailable, so keep trips between the rest area and car short.

Ages 2–3

★★★☆☆

Good for shopping and a short walk near the station. Choose the beach or temple according to stamina and weather.

Hold children's hands around the car park, main road, and station; short food breaks make moving around easier.

Ages 4–6

★★★★☆

Sea turtle gifts, Caretta, and Ohama Beach can make a memorable combination.

Present the beach as a place to observe nature rather than a playground.

Elementary school children

★★★★★

Yakuoji Temple, Caretta, and Ebisu Cave offer more to explore and discuss.

On festival or triathlon days, the crowds can also show how the town changes for an event.

Toilets

There is an ostomate-equipped toilet, making this a useful break on a long drive.

Play area

For a longer outing, choose Caretta, Ohama Beach, or Ebisu Cave according to the weather.

Rainy day

Skip strenuous outdoor walking at the beach or Ebisu Cave and switch to indoor stops.

Meals

If the stall hours do not work, plan for restaurants in town or takeout.

Footbath

You can sit and rest in the footbath building, but do not plan on using the footbath.

Rest

Ideas for a restful stop

1
Just after parking
From the road-side parking area, start with the toilets and a break at the souvenir hall. Think of the footbath building as a place to sit; the footbath is unavailable.
2
Shopping
The direct-sales hall is closed on Wednesdays. When open, briefly browse its vegetables and dried fish. The car is close enough to return with heavy purchases afterward.
3
Heading out
Yakuoji Temple is nearby but has stone steps. Check weather and footing before visiting Ohama Beach or Ebisu Cave; choose Caretta if an easier indoor visit suits you better.

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

Hiwasa Sea Turtle Festival

The 63rd festival took place on July 18, 2026. Crowds and road restrictions around Ohama Beach, Sakuramachi Street, and the Hiwasa River riverbank make the roadside station a practical place for refreshments and meeting up on festival day.

Hiwasa Sea Turtle Triathlon

The 27th event took place on July 19, 2026. The event's official website says the usual July race will not be held in 2027; only the World Masters Games event on May 22–23 is scheduled that year.

Hiwasa Hachiman Shrine Autumn Festival

In 2026, the procession through town and festival eve are scheduled for Saturday, October 10, with the main festival on Sunday, October 11. Chosa drum floats parade toward Ohama Beach. Drivers are directed to temporary parking at the town ground (the former Hiwasa Junior High School site), and travel around the station differs from a normal weekend.

Annual events at Yakuoji Temple

On days centered on a temple visit, including New Year's visits, Setsubun, and the first temple ceremony of the year, use the roadside station to prepare before heading over.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

Easy to find beside the railway station

Visitor reviews and travel accounts often mention how easy Hiwasa is to find beside the railway station, and how convenient it is to start a town walk whether arriving by car or train. It is also useful for meeting up or taking a toilet break.

Set expectations for the footbath

Older descriptions highlight the footbath, but it is currently unavailable. The building remains useful as a place to sit and rest.

A direct-sales hall used by local shoppers too

The direct-sales hall serves town residents as well as visitors. Morning shopping for vegetables and dried fish is a practical way to use it; think about keeping purchases cool for the trip home.

Divide food plans between snacks and town restaurants

For a full lunch, consider places near Yakuoji Temple or elsewhere in town. At the station, the stalls, sweets, and drinks are better suited to a short refreshment break.

A choice of coast, temple, and museum

Yakuoji Temple, Ohama Beach, Caretta, and Ebisu Cave fit naturally into a stop at the station. Choose among them according to the weather and children's ages.

Event days change the usual station visit

The sea turtle festival, triathlon, and autumn festival bring larger crowds and road restrictions. The station is useful as a refreshment or meeting point on those days.

Summer heat and beach etiquette matter

Ohama Beach is a sea turtle nesting site. In summer, consider the heat and treat the beach as a place to observe nature, including when visiting with children.

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.

The direct-sales hall has been closed on Wednesdays since March 2026. Check the day if you are coming to shop.
The footbath building is open as a rest area, but the footbath cannot be used.
Events change traffic restrictions and crowd levels. Using the station as a meeting and refreshment point may make the day easier.
Ohama Beach is a sea turtle nesting site. At night and during nesting season, follow town guidance and local etiquette.

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.

Direct sales
Minami Town vegetables and fruit
The mainstay of the direct-sales hall; arrivals vary by day.
Take-home food
Dried fish and processed seafood
A shopping option typical of southern Tokushima. Consider how to keep it cool on the journey home.
Souvenir
Aori squid okizuke (soy-marinated squid)
Featured on the Shikoku roadside station portal. Check the shop for current prices and stock.
Souvenir
Sea turtle themed sweets and goods
Paired with a visit to Caretta or Ohama Beach, these can help children remember the town.
Light meals
Stalls beside the direct-sales hall
There are several vendors, and their hours vary. They work better for a quick bite than as the sole plan for lunch.

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.

Morning to late morning

Vegetables, fruit, and dried fish at the direct-sales hall

Mornings offer a good choice if shopping is your purpose. Bring a cooler bag for a long journey home.

The direct-sales hall is closed on Wednesdays.

A light bite

Stalls, sweets, and drinks

This is suited to a quick refreshment break rather than a long sit-down meal. Feeding hungry children before visiting the beach or temple can keep the outing on track.

Stall hours vary by vendor.

Choosing gifts

Sea turtle sweets, processed seafood, and aori squid okizuke

A visit to Caretta or Ohama Beach makes sea turtle themed gifts a natural reminder of the town. Okizuke is squid preserved in a soy-based marinade.

Check the shop for prices and stock.

When it is crowded

Prioritize shopping; eat elsewhere in town

At lunchtime or during events, leave room in your plan to eat near Yakuoji Temple or elsewhere in town instead of relying on the station for a full meal.

In a small town, allow for temporary closures or full restaurants.

Before leaving