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Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Kochi Prefecture · Shikoku

Roadside Station Aguri Kubokawa

道の駅 あぐり窪川

A gateway to Shimanto Town's food, with Shimanto pork buns and Niida rice in one stop.

Updated Michi-no-Eki JournalRead in Japanese

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Location
Shimanto Town, Takaoka District
Road
National Route 56
Hours
8:30–18:00
Approximate hours for the specialty products shop; hours vary by store.
Parking
Cars: 83 / Large vehicles: 5
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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 bite
Generously filled pork bun

A station specialty made with Shimanto pork, Japanese-grown onions and bamboo shoots from Kochi Prefecture. It gives even a short stop a taste of this station.

For lunch
Restaurant Fujin

The main draw is a rice and pork bowl combining Niida rice and Shimanto pork. Choose breakfast in the morning or lunch later in the day.

Take home
Farm vegetables and processed foods

Browse the Farmers' Free Market, specialty products and in-house processed foods for ingredients for dinner and snacks for the car.

For something sweet
Milk Kobo

Ice cream made from freshly collected milk. Alongside regular flavors, look for ginger, green tea, strawberry and changing seasonal flavors.

Head out
Iwamotoji Temple or the Shimanto River area

For a short outing, visit Iwamotoji Temple. For more Shimanto scenery, extend the trip to a low-water bridge or the Kaiyodo museum.

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph
Kasumi's detour notes

Choose your next Shimanto Town stop with a pork bun in hand.

Kasumi Hozumi sees this station as a place to plan the next destination while eating, not simply to finish a meal. Your choice of pork bun, rice and pork bowl, ice cream or farm vegetables shapes how long you stay, and how you continue to Iwamotoji Temple, a low-water bridge, Kaiyodo, a hot spring or the coast.

A short stop

Take home a taste of Shimanto Town with a pork bun and ice cream.

Lunch break

Combine a rice and pork bowl, Niida rice and the farm shop for a more satisfying meal stop.

Half a day

After eating, choose Iwamotoji Temple, a low-water bridge, Kaiyodo, a hot spring or the coast according to the weather.

Highlights

Roadside Station Aguri Kubokawa sits on Route 56 just off Shimantocho-chuo Interchange, making it an easy place to regroup over food, shopping and sightseeing plans. Highlights include generously filled Shimanto pork buns made at the station's own factory, the rice and pork bowl at Restaurant Fujin, fresh milk ice cream from Milk Kobo, and vegetables at the Farmers' Free Market. For a short break, try a pork bun and ice cream; at lunchtime, pair Niida rice with Shimanto pork. With half a day, continue to Iwamotoji Temple, a low-water bridge, the Kaiyodo museum or Matsubagawa Onsen.

  • #Generously filled pork buns
  • #Shimanto pork
  • #Niida rice
  • #Milk Kobo
  • #Shimantocho-chuo Interchange
Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

01

Plan your food stop and route before entering western Kochi

Just off Shimantocho-chuo Interchange, the station is a useful turning point when driving from Kochi City toward Shimanto City and Ashizuri. Beyond a restroom break, check the pork buns, ice cream, farm shop and tourist information first to plan the day's detours.

02

Shimanto pork and Niida rice shape the station's food experience

The signature generously filled pork buns are made at the station's own factory. Restaurant Fujin uses ingredients from Shimanto Town and Kochi Prefecture; its rice and pork bowl brings out the pairing with Niida rice. Even without a full meal, you can take away a steamed pork bun or ice cream.

03

Easy to regroup with children or on a rainy day

There is a private baby care room near the tourist information corner, restrooms equipped for diaper changing, and multipurpose restrooms. Meals and shopping can largely be kept indoors. The station works best as a place to reset before moving on to Iwamotoji Temple, Kaiyodo or the beach, rather than as a place for a long play session.

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 short break en route to western Kochi

Taste Shimanto Town in 30 minutes

After parking and using the restroom, pick up a steamed pork bun at the specialty products shop, ice cream at Milk Kobo, and have a quick look at the vegetables in the Farmers' Free Market. Even without sitting down at the restaurant, a pork bun and a sweet treat make a satisfying stop.

Parking → Restrooms → Specialty products shop → Milk Kobo → Departure

Pork buns and seasonal ice cream vary in availability. Late in the day, leave room to make shopping the focus instead.

A driving break centered on a meal

Enjoy a rice and pork bowl and the farm shop over lunch

Make the Niida rice and Shimanto pork bowl at Restaurant Fujin the main event, then browse farm vegetables and products processed in-house. At lunchtime, leave options beyond a sit-down meal: takeaway food, pork buns and ice cream can keep the visit flexible.

Parking → Restaurant Fujin → Specialty products shop → Farmers' Free Market

The restaurant opens at 8:00, and its breakfast and lunch offerings differ. Follow the official guidance for each store's hours.

A 1–2 hour detour

Take a short detour into Kubokawa town

After eating and shopping at the station, drive to Iwamotoji Temple. Its ceiling paintings and temple lodging offer a glimpse of Kubokawa beyond the roadside station's food. It is the 37th temple on the Shikoku pilgrimage route, a circuit of 88 temples.

Aguri Kubokawa → Iwamotoji Temple → Central Kubokawa

At the temple, be considerate of events and parking conditions. Allow extra time during pilgrimage periods.

A half-day drive for families or adults

Extend a half day toward the Shimanto River and Kaiyodo

Have lunch or a snack at the station, then head to Ittobaru Submersible Bridge on the Shimanto River and Kaiyodo Hobby Museum Shimanto. Food, river scenery and exhibits make a route that can accommodate different family interests.

Aguri Kubokawa → Ittobaru Submersible Bridge → Kaiyodo Hobby Museum Shimanto

The low-water bridge is also a local road. When the river is high or the weather is poor, view it without attempting to cross. Check Kaiyodo's closed days and winter hours in advance.

An afternoon detour suited to the season

Finish after lunch at a hot spring or the sea

On a cool or rainy day, bathe beside the stream at Matsubagawa Onsen; on a sunny summer day, head to Okitsu Beach. After eating and shopping at the station, choose between an outdoor outing and a hot spring bath, taking in Shimanto Town's mountains or coast.

Aguri Kubokawa → Matsubagawa Onsen or Okitsu Beach

The swimming season and lifeguard/first-aid station hours at Okitsu, and the last admission time for day baths at Matsubagawa Onsen, can change.

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
★★★★☆

Useful as a stop for nursing and diaper changing.

A private baby care room near the tourist information corner can be used during opening hours. Taking care of your baby and using the restroom before eating may make the visit easier.

Ages 2–3
★★★☆☆

Better for a sweet treat and brief shopping than a long play session at the station.

Ice cream from Milk Kobo or a pork bun can be a small goal. Since the shop has many products, move playtime to another stop, such as Kaiyodo or the beach.

Ages 4–6
★★★★☆

Many food choices, with an easy connection to a half-day route.

Pork buns, ice cream and farm vegetables provide variety. In the afternoon, change focus to Kaiyodo Hobby Museum or Okitsu Beach; choose indoor exhibits on a rainy day.

Elementary school children
★★★★☆

Combining food, river scenery and exhibits makes an educational detour.

After trying Shimanto pork and Niida rice, visit Ittobaru Submersible Bridge or Kaiyodo to connect the region's food with its landscape.

Nursing

The private baby care room can be used during opening hours.

Diaper changing

Diaper-changing stations and multipurpose restroom facilities are listed.

Rainy days

Combine a meal and shopping at the station, then move to an indoor venue such as Kaiyodo for a longer outing.

Outdoor play

For outdoor play, pair the station with Okitsu Beach or a spot along the Shimanto River.

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

Opening anniversary festival

In 2026, the 27th opening anniversary festival was held on April 19, with Shimanto foods, a woodcraft workshop and mochi throwing announced. Mochi throwing is a customary event where rice cakes are tossed to the crowd. Check official social media and notices for the next event.

Farmers' Free Market

Stock of seasonal vegetables and fruit changes here. Look for news of produce such as pears, chestnuts and sweet potatoes; if shopping is your main purpose, visit this section first.

Seasonal flavors at Milk Kobo

Seasonal products such as purple sweet potato and chestnut appear in some years. Look for limited flavors on the day alongside the regular menu.

Events around Shimanto Town

Combine station events with Kaiyodo, the Shimanto River, Okitsu Coast or town walks to give yourself more choices for the visit.

Okitsu Beach summer season

For 2026, the announced swimming season was July 1–August 31, with swimming hours of 9:00–17:00. On a summer beach outing, eat and shop at the station before heading to the coast during lifeguard hours.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

Pork buns and ice cream alone make a worthwhile stop

Travel-site and dining reviews often mention the generously filled pork buns and fresh milk ice cream. Even on a break too short for the restaurant, a warm bun and cold sweet treat make a satisfying combination.

Source: Official dining page and travel-review patterns

The location just off Shimantocho-chuo Interchange is easy to build into a route

The official access guide places the station just off Shimantocho-chuo Interchange. Whether you are heading west from Kochi City or returning from Shimanto City or Ashizuri, you can combine a restroom stop, meal, shopping and tourist information here.

Source: Official access guide and Kochi Travel Net

At lunch, keep options beyond the restaurant

Restaurant Fujin's rice and pork bowl and breakfast are appealing, but allow for a wait on holidays and event days. A sequence that can shift to pork buns, takeaway food, ice cream or the farm shop helps families and long-distance drivers stay flexible.

Source: Official dining information and review patterns

Enjoy the farm shop's changing seasons

Rather than expecting the same shelves every day, visit the Farmers' Free Market for what is in season. You may find pears and cold treats in summer, or chestnuts and sweet potato flavors in autumn.

Source: Official notices and Instagram patterns

Regroup with children at the station, then go elsewhere to play

A private baby care room and diaper-changing stations help families with infants reset. For active play, Kaiyodo, Okitsu Beach or the Shimanto River area may be more rewarding than staying at the station.

Source: Official facility information and nearby spot information

Time your summer trip to Okitsu

The 2026 summer season and swimming hours at Okitsu Beach have been announced. The drive takes about 30 minutes from the station; if heading there after lunch, consider lifeguard hours, parking and showers, and leave time beyond the beach itself.

Source: Kokohare and Shimanto Town 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.

  • The specialty products shop generally opens 8:30–18:00, the Farmers' Free Market 8:30–16:30, and Restaurant Fujin 8:00–16:00.
  • Milk Kobo is listed as 9:00–17:00, or until 18:00 from July through September. Hours may vary by season and store circumstances; follow official guidance.
  • The regular closing day is generally the third Wednesday of odd-numbered months, except that in March it is generally the last day of the month. Check official notices for holidays, New Year and temporary openings.
  • Just off Shimantocho-chuo Interchange, the station is a useful restroom, meal and shopping stop before heading toward Ashizuri or Shimanto City.
  • The baby care room is listed for use during opening hours, for up to 20 minutes per person. If visiting with an infant, locate it early.
  • Event days may change how you use the restaurant and move around the station. Allow extra time for crowds and parking during the anniversary festival and similar events.
  • For 2026, Okitsu Beach was announced as open July 1–August 31, with swimming hours of 9:00–17:00. It is about a 30-minute drive from the station, so plan backward if going after lunch.
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 item
    Generously filled pork bun
    Made with Shimanto pork, Japanese-grown onions and bamboo shoots from Kochi Prefecture. Sold in the specialty products shop.
  • Meal
    Rice and pork bowl
    A signature candidate at Restaurant Fujin, combining Niida rice and Shimanto pork.
  • Sweet treat
    Milk Kobo ice cream
    Fresh milk, salted milk, ginger, green tea and seasonal flavors, among others.
  • Shopping
    Vegetables at the Farmers' Free Market
    Hours are generally 8:30–16:30. Selection changes with the season and weather.
  • To take home
    Niida rice flour bread and locally processed foods
    Choose snacks for the drive or ingredients for meals after you return home.
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.

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph
A quick bite in the car

Generously filled pork bun

Even without time for the restaurant, try the station's Shimanto pork specialty. Look for it first if you want to eat it warm.

This popular item may sell out or involve a wait, especially at certain times or during events.

A full lunch

Rice and pork bowl with Niida rice

At Restaurant Fujin, enjoy a meal centered on ingredients from Shimanto Town. Make this the anchor of your itinerary if lunch is the main purpose of the stop.

Lunch generally starts after 11:00. If it is crowded, switch to takeaway food or a light snack.

A sweet break

Fresh milk ice cream from Milk Kobo

Rich yet light on the finish, the ice cream suits a break with children or during a long drive. Some posted hours show a later closing time in summer.

Seasonal flavors change; see what is available on the day.

Buy for dinner

Farm vegetables, Niida rice and processed foods

Visit the Farmers' Free Market and specialty products shop separately to make it easier to choose fresh produce and souvenirs.

In summer, an insulated bag makes it easier to buy vegetables or chilled and frozen items.

On an event day

Anniversary festival and food stalls

In some years, the anniversary festival has special sales of pork buns, soft serve, rice and pork bowls, and Shimanto foods. Plan for crowds unlike an ordinary day.

Past events are a sign of the station's seasonal character, not a future schedule. Check official social media and notices for current details.

Access

Location and surroundings

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1
Roadside station
Roadside Station Aguri Kubokawa

A gateway to Shimanto Town's food, with Shimanto pork buns and Niida rice in one stop.

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2
Temple and town walk
Iwamotoji Temple

From a food break, make a short detour into Kubokawa town and Shikoku pilgrimage culture at the route's 37th temple.

Open in Google Maps
3
Hot spring and rest
Hotel Matsubagawa Onsen

Finish the drive after a meal with a streamside hot spring in the upper Shimanto River area.

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4
Coast and summer outdoor activities
Okitsu Beach and Okitsu Prefectural Natural Park

On a sunny summer day, head from a food stop at the station to a coast of white sand and green pines.

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

Temple and town walk
Iwamotoji TempleJapanese guide
About 3 km from the stationAbout 10 minutes by car

Good after lunch or a pork bun at the station, when you want a brief taste of Kubokawa town and the Shikoku pilgrimage.

Shimanto River and scenery
Ittobaru Submersible BridgeJapanese guide
About 7 km from the stationAbout 15–20 minutes by car

Good for a short addition of Shimanto Town river scenery. When the river is high or it is raining, viewing it without crossing is the practical choice.

Indoor exhibits and families
Kaiyodo Hobby Museum ShimantoJapanese guide
By car from the stationAbout 30 minutes by car from Shimantocho-chuo Interchange

Good when you have eaten lunch at the station and want indoor exhibits for the afternoon, especially on a rainy day.

Hot spring and rest
Hotel Matsubagawa OnsenJapanese guide
About 18 km from the stationAbout 25 minutes by car

Good for a bath and longer rest after lunch, or when the weather makes sea or river activities unappealing.

Coast and summer outdoor activities
Okitsu Beach and Okitsu Prefectural Natural ParkJapanese guide
By car from the stationAbout 30 minutes by car from Shimantocho-chuo Interchange

Good on a sunny summer day: eat at the station, then go swimming or enjoy outdoor activities by the sea.

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