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Ehime Prefecture · Shikoku

Michi-no-Eki Imabari Yunoura Onsen

道の駅 今治湯ノ浦温泉

A small roadside station just beyond Imabari Yunoura IC, with sea bream rice, citrus, and a gateway to the hot springs.

Updated Michi-no-Eki JournalRead in Japanese
Location
Imabari City
Road
National Route 196
Hours
9:00–18:00
From July 1 to August 31, approximately 8:30–18:30. The hot spring water stand is open 7:00–21:00.
Parking
Cars: 33 / Large vehicles: 3
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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.

Eat first
Kaikyo-meshi and sea bream pot rice

Meals featuring local sea bream, horse mackerel caught that morning, and Kaikyo-tsuyu seasoning are the main draw. If you are stopping at lunchtime, plan for the food corner first.

What to buy
Kaikyo-tsuyu and citrus

The main take-home picks are versatile Kaikyo-tsuyu broth seasoning, developed from the restaurant's flavors, Shimanami lemons, mandarins, and Imabari towels.

Take a break
A quick restroom stop

Parking is modest in size, making this station better suited to a short stop for food, shopping, or a break around a hot spring visit than a long stay.

For a hot spring bath
Head to Kurhaus Imabari

There is no bath at the station. A visit to the bathing facility about five minutes away by car makes a fitting half-day Yunoura Onsen outing.

With children
Add Sakurai Comprehensive Park

After eating and shopping at the station, head to the park for playground equipment and a bobsled ride where children can be active.

For the coast
Karakohama Beach and Sakurai Coast

Swim in summer or take a short seaside walk outside the swimming season. Keep the visit brief when the wind or sun is strong.

Ayano's break notes

Keep it simple: eat, shop, then head for the hot springs.

Ayano Sawatari sees this station as a small base to pick up Imabari food and souvenirs before visiting the Yunoura Onsen area. First consider parking, restrooms, and opening hours; then connect Kaikyo-meshi, citrus, Kaikyo-tsuyu, and the hot spring water stand with a nearby day-use bath. Its value lies in making the next leg of the trip easy, rather than in its size.

Highlights

Michi-no-Eki Imabari Yunoura Onsen sits on National Route 196, handy before or after a trip along the Shimanami Kaido. Its compact shop and food corner pack in local favorites: Kaikyo-meshi rice bowls, sea bream rice cooked in a pot, sea bream ramen, senzanki fried chicken, Imabari towels, Shimanami lemons and mandarins, and Kaikyo-tsuyu seasoning. There is no bathing facility at the station. Instead, it has a hot spring water dispensing stand and serves as a gateway to the Yunoura Onsen area. It works well for a quick restroom stop, lunch, shopping before or after a bath nearby, or a half-day drive including Sakurai Comprehensive Park or Karakohama Beach.

  • #Kaikyo-meshi rice bowl
  • #Sea bream rice cooked in a pot
  • #Kaikyo-tsuyu seasoning
  • #Shimanami lemons
  • #Hot spring water stand
  • #Imabari Yunoura Interchange
Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

01

Small station, rich Imabari flavors

The highlights are Kaikyo-meshi rice bowls, sea bream rice cooked in a pot, sea bream ramen, senzanki fried chicken, and Setouchi lemon drinks. Shelves also hold Imabari towels, citrus fruit, seafood, Kaikyo-tsuyu seasoning, and MIO brand products, so even a short stop offers a taste of Imabari to take home.

02

For hot springs, use the water stand or visit a nearby bath

Despite the word 'onsen' in its name, the station has no bathing facility. You can take spring water home from its dispensing stand, or continue to the Yunoura Onsen area or Kurhaus Imabari for a bath.

03

Easy to reach from Imabari Yunoura IC

The station is just off Imabari Yunoura IC on the Imabari-Komatsu Expressway. Before or after heading to central Imabari, the Shimanami Kaido, or the Toyo area, you can park, use the restroom, eat, and shop in one stop.

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 45-minute to one-hour driving break

Make lunch the focus of a short stop

After parking, use the restroom, then choose from Kaikyo-meshi, sea bream pot rice, sea bream ramen, or senzanki at the food corner. After eating, browse Kaikyo-tsuyu, citrus, and Imabari towels before leaving. Given the station's size, focusing on food and shopping makes for a satisfying stop.

Parking → restrooms → food corner → local products shop → departure

Summer opening hours are longer, but the last food order comes before closing. Arrive early if a meal is your main reason for stopping.

A day staying in the Yunoura Onsen area or visiting a bath

Shop before or after a hot spring visit

Choose Imabari souvenirs and a citrus drink at the station, see the hot spring water stand or spring-source plaza, then head to Kurhaus Imabari or your accommodation. Shopping before bathing makes the shop's closing time less of a concern.

Shop at the station → see the hot spring water stand → Kurhaus Imabari or your accommodation

There is no bathing facility at the station. Check the closing days, admission hours, and fees of nearby facilities if you plan to bathe.

Families with preschool and elementary-school children

Extend the trip to a half-day of play

Have lunch and use the restroom at the station, then drive about five minutes to Sakurai Comprehensive Park. With playground equipment, lawns, a bobsled ride, and park golf, it offers outdoor activities beyond the station. You can pick up a citrus drink or takeaway food on the way back.

Lunch at the station → Sakurai Comprehensive Park → Karakohama Beach if time and energy allow

The park's bobsled and other facilities have opening hours and closing days. In hot weather, plan for shade and drinks.

A short detour on a clear day

Add an Imabari seaside stop

After browsing Kaikyo-tsuyu and lemon products at the station, head to Karakohama Beach and the Sakurai Coast for a short encounter with the Seto Inland Sea. Swim in summer or walk among white sand and pines outside the season, keeping the stop as short as the weather calls for.

Station → Karakohama Beach and Sakurai Coast → central Imabari or the Shimanami Kaido

Wind, sun, and seasonal parking arrangements affect a coastal visit. Expect crowds from July through August.

Hours

Opening hours

Shopping corner
9:00-18:00

From July 1 to August 31, approximately 8:30–18:30. Open daily.

Food corner
9:00-17:30 OS

From July 1 to August 31, last orders are approximately 18:00. Check the menu and service details posted on site.

Hot spring water stand
7:00-21:00

Approximately ¥100 per 100 L, up to 500 L per visit. Bring a suitable container to take the water home.

Cycling station
9:00-17:00

Rental bicycles cost approximately ¥1,000 per adult or ¥300 per child for one day. One-way drop-off is not available.

Parking and restrooms
24 hours

Available as roadside station rest facilities. Parking is free. Sources give a range of 30–33 standard-car spaces, 3 large-vehicle spaces, and 2–3 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.

Ages 1 and under
★★★☆☆

Good for a restroom break and quick shopping. Save longer activities for nearby facilities.

The station is not a large indoor play area. In summer, watch the temperature inside the car and the strength of the sun, and keep the visit short.

Ages 2–3
★★★☆☆

Easy to use for a short stop focused on food and a citrus drink.

The parking lot is not large, so watch for moving cars. If the children want to play, Sakurai Comprehensive Park is a better next stop.

Ages 4–6
★★★★☆

A half-day trip with food at the station and play at the park can work well.

Add Sakurai Comprehensive Park's playground equipment and bobsled ride for an outing that goes beyond a meal.

Elementary-school children
★★★★☆

Kaikyo-meshi, the hot spring water stand, the coast, and the park all offer things to explore.

Add the seaside or the Towel Museum to discover more of the area's food, hot springs, Seto Inland Sea scenery, and Imabari towels.

Play area at the station

For a longer play session, combine the station with Sakurai Comprehensive Park or the pool and baths at Kurhaus Imabari.

Lunchtime rush

Check seating and the ordering process at the food corner. If waiting is difficult for the children, switch to takeaway food or drinks.

Seaside

Karakohama Beach and Sakurai Coast call for different preparations for summer swimming and an out-of-season walk. Watch the sun and wind.

Hot springs

There is no bathing at the station. Check opening days and fees for Kurhaus Imabari or another nearby facility.

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

Hot spring water stand

An unusual facility where you can take spring water home, though you cannot bathe here. It is a short stop that gives the station its hot spring character.

Spring-source plaza

A landmark with a steam display marks the entrance to the Yunoura Onsen area. It also makes a recognizable photo or meeting point.

Food corner

Kaikyo-meshi, sea bream dishes, senzanki, and citrus drinks give the station a food-focused atmosphere throughout the year.

Nearby events

Check seasonal events such as the Yunoura Shiitake Festival and summer festivals in central Imabari, and add them to a driving itinerary.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

Do not expect a bath just from the station's name

The official visitor information centers on local products, food, tourist information, rental bicycles, and the hot spring water stand. For bathing, combine your stop with Kurhaus Imabari or nearby accommodation.

Source: Official shop information and Imabari tourism information

A good stop when food is the goal

The official menu lists Kaikyo-meshi, sea bream pot rice, sea bream ramen, senzanki, fried horse mackerel, and citrus drinks. Food also features prominently in visitor accounts, so lunch or takeaway food is a good way to experience the station.

Source: Official restaurant menu and travel-review trends

With children, pair the station with the park

Use the station for food and shopping, then drive about five minutes to Sakurai Comprehensive Park for play. Its playground equipment, bobsled ride, park golf, and spacious parking give preschool and elementary-school children several activities to choose from.

Source: Imabari tourism information: Sakurai Comprehensive Park

Choose the sea in summer and hot springs or indoor stops in winter

From July through August, swimming season brings expanded parking arrangements at Karakohama Beach and Sakurai Coast. Outside that season, the coast suits a short walk. In cold or rainy weather, Kurhaus Imabari or the Towel Museum can keep the day on track.

Source: Imabari tourism information: Sakurai Coast and Kurhaus Imabari

Check current nearby events

As of July 16, 2026, nearby event listings included Onmaku in central Imabari, the Shimanami Kaido Three-Day March, and the Suigun Race. The station works best as a place to eat and rest before or after heading into Imabari, rather than as the event venue.

Source: Imanani and Jalan.net nearby event listings
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.

  • There is no bathing facility at the station. For a hot spring visit, check opening days and admission hours at Kurhaus Imabari or nearby accommodation.
  • The hot spring water stand is open 7:00–21:00; the guide price is ¥100 per 100 L, with a limit of 500 L per visit. Plan for a container and how to secure it in your car.
  • Standard-car parking is in the low 30s. Around weekend lunchtimes, a short stop for food and shopping makes entering and leaving easier.
  • The food corner stops taking orders before closing. Arrive early if sea bream pot rice or another meal is your main purpose.
  • Summer hours from July through August overlap with swimming season. For Karakohama Beach, prepare for sun and bring drinks and a change of clothes.
  • Sakurai Comprehensive Park closes on Mondays and individual facilities may have other closing days. Check park information if you are going for the bobsled ride or park golf.
  • On festival days in central Imabari or Shimanami Kaido event days, plan for congestion and parking in the city as well as around the station.
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.

  • Signature rice dish
    Kaikyo-meshi (sea bream or horse mackerel)
    Around ¥990 each. A station favorite featuring local ingredients and Kaikyo-tsuyu seasoning.
  • Pot rice
    Sea bream rice cooked in a pot
    Around ¥1,100. For a leisurely meal of Seto Inland Sea sea bream.
  • Noodles
    Sea bream ramen
    Around ¥900. A quick lunch with savory broth based on Kaikyo-tsuyu.
  • Takeaway
    Senzanki fried chicken
    Around ¥250 for one piece or ¥700 for three. Take it into the car or to the park.
  • Citrus drinks
    Fresh-squeezed mandarin juice and island lemon drinks
    Around ¥300–¥600. A refreshing choice for a short break on a hot day.
  • Shopping
    Kaikyo-tsuyu and MIO brand products
    Take home Kaikyo-tsuyu seasoning, lemon honey, citrus juice, and more.
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.

Have lunch

Kaikyo-meshi, sea bream pot rice, sea bream ramen

Choose one for an Imabari-style meal. Allow a little more time for pot rice; choose a rice bowl or noodles when you are in a hurry.

Prices and availability can change when menus are updated. Check the menu at the food corner when you visit.

Buy food before the park

Senzanki, fried horse mackerel, takeaway pot rice

For a trip to Sakurai Comprehensive Park or the coast, you can take food with you instead of finishing your meal at the station. On hot days, plan how to keep it cool and when to eat it.

Drink in the car

Fresh-squeezed mandarin juice, island lemon drink, lemon squash

An easy way to enjoy a taste of Ehime even on a short break. On a summer drive, you may want to buy a drink before deciding on a meal.

Use at home

Kaikyo-tsuyu, sea bream rice mix, lemon honey

These souvenirs bring the trip into meals at home. Condiments can be heavy, so group your shopping before departure or on the return journey.

Imabari souvenirs

Imabari towels, citrus fruit, seafood

With towels as well as food, you can put together gifts for different people in a short visit.

Access

Location and surroundings

Driving directions from your location
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1
Roadside station
Michi-no-Eki Imabari Yunoura Onsen

A small roadside station just beyond Imabari Yunoura IC, with sea bream rice, citrus, and a gateway to the hot springs.

Open in Google Maps
2
Day-use hot spring and pool
Kurhaus Imabari

Enjoy a real hot spring bath and swimwear area near the station named for Yunoura Onsen.

Open in Google Maps
3
Park and outdoor play
Sakurai Comprehensive Park

After a food break at the station, switch to playgrounds and a bobsled ride outdoors.

Open in Google Maps
4
Coast and nature
Karakohama Beach and Sakurai Coast

After eating and shopping, make a short trip to the Seto Inland Sea's white sands and pine trees.

Open in Google Maps
5
Indoor sightseeing and shopping
Towel Museum

See and buy Imabari towels on an indoor detour, even in the rain.

Open in Google Maps
6
Hot spring accommodation and overnight route
Yunoura Onsen area around Shionomaru

On a day staying in the hot spring area, pick up Imabari souvenirs and food at the station first.

Open in Google Maps
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

Illustrative photo, not taken at Kurhaus Imabari
Illustrative image
Day-use hot spring and pool
Kurhaus ImabariJapanese guide
About 600 m from the stationAbout 5 minutes by car

The station has no bathing facility, so come here if a bath is your goal. Check its Tuesday closures and any maintenance closures in advance.

Park and outdoor play
Sakurai Comprehensive ParkJapanese guide
About 1 km from the stationAbout 5 minutes by car

Good for families with preschool and elementary-school children, an active stop after eating, or a plan that avoids a long stay at the station.

Illustrative photo, not taken at Karakohama Beach and Sakurai Coast
Illustrative image
Coast and nature
Karakohama Beach and Sakurai CoastJapanese guide
About 5 km from the stationAbout 10 minutes by car

Good for a seaside walk on a clear day, summer swimming, or a quick taste of Imabari's coastal scenery.

Illustrative photo, not taken at Towel Museum
Illustrative image
Indoor sightseeing and shopping
Towel MuseumJapanese guide
About 4.5 km from the stationAbout 10 minutes by car

Good for rainy or hot days, for exploring Imabari towels beyond souvenirs, or for an adults-only detour.

Illustrative photo, not taken at Yunoura Onsen area around Shionomaru
Illustrative image
Hot spring accommodation and overnight route
Yunoura Onsen area around ShionomaruJapanese guide
About 600 m from the stationAbout 3 minutes by car

Good for an overnight stay in Yunoura Onsen, shopping before check-in, or a short break before dinner.

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Updated 2026-10-01Explore the nationwide map →