Discover the Heart of the Pacific at Akabane Roco Station
Nestled along the dramatic coastline of the Ise Bay, Akabane Roco Station stands as a vibrant roadside station where the vastness of the Pacific Ocean meets the rich culture of the Tahara region. Located in the heart of the Mikawa Bay and Ise Bay triangle, this station is a gateway to the natural beauty and local heritage of the Owase Peninsula. With panoramic views from its elevated lookout deck, visitors are greeted by sweeping ocean vistas and the rhythmic sound of waves—a perfect setting for a peaceful pause on any journey.
What makes Akabane Roco Station truly special is its deep connection to local life. The station showcases the region’s famed fresh produce, including vibrant seasonal vegetables and flowers from the Owase Flower Market, and features the beloved local delicacy—steam-cooked anchovy (kama-age shirasu). Visitors can enjoy a taste of the sea at the on-site restaurant with Hawaiian-style barbecue, or explore the surf school run by a professional surfer. Whether you're savoring a farm-fresh snack, planning your next coastal adventure, or simply soaking in the sea breeze, Akabane Roco Station offers a genuine, unforgettable experience.
Why Visit
Perched on the rugged shores of the Pacific Ocean, Akabane Roco Station offers a rare experience: the only roadside station in the region where you can enjoy freshly boiled shirasu caught just offshore, served hot from the adjacent processing facility. Its signature dish, the uniquely crafted Kama Age Shirasu—a delicate, savory treat made daily—cannot be found anywhere else. Above the beach, the elevated viewing deck delivers unobstructed views of the ocean, making it a prime spot for watching the sun set over the Pacific, especially during the annual surf competitions that draw international athletes to this renowned surfing destination.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh seafood and Hawaiian-style BBQ with ocean views at Akabane Roco Station.
LuLumoAna Hawaiian BBQ
ルルモアナ ハワイアンバーベキュー
Specialty
Hawaiian-style barbecue with ocean views
A newly renovated restaurant offering a vibrant Hawaiian barbecue experience. Located on the first floor with access to the second-floor panoramic deck, guests can enjoy fresh sea breezes while grilling. The atmosphere is lively and casual, perfect for families and groups seeking a fun, outdoor dining experience.
Shopping Highlights
Discover local treasures and seasonal produce at this vibrant roadside station.
Wakamiya Flower Market
ロコ フラワー マーケット
A premium flower market showcasing the finest blooms from the top flower-producing region in Japan, offering fresh, high-quality, and locally priced flowers.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh seasonal flowers
Local Produce Corner
市場青果物コーナー
A fresh produce section featuring seasonal vegetables and fruits harvested locally in the Tahara region of the Omi Peninsula.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly harvested vegetables
Omi Peninsula Fresh Vegetable Plaza
渥美半島 いきいき野菜広場
A daily market where local farmers sell their hand-cultivated vegetables and flowers at local prices.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hand-cultivated vegetables
Seafood Corner
しらすを中心とした海産物コーナー
A dedicated seafood section featuring fresh catch from the Pacific Ocean, including the station's most popular product.
Products
Must-Try Item
Boiled sardines
Surf Shop
サーフショップ
A surf shop run by a professional surfer, offering surf lessons and equipment for all levels.
Products
Must-Try Item
Surf lessons (reservation required)
Featured Products
Try signature items like steamed shirasu and fresh local vegetables from the region.
Boiled Sardines
釜揚げしらす
Fresh sardines boiled in the adjacent seafood processing facility, a signature product of Akabane and the most popular souvenir at the roadside station.
Large Clams
大あさり
Freshly harvested large clams from the Pacific Ocean, known for their rich flavor and firm texture.
Fresh Flowers
花
High-quality, seasonal flowers sourced directly from local farms in the Omi Peninsula, known as Japan's top flower-producing region.
Local Vegetables
地元野菜
Freshly harvested vegetables grown by local farmers in the Tahara region, available daily at market prices.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy restrooms, EV charging, Wi-Fi, and spacious休息 areas with panoramic views.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has parking for 81 regular cars, 3 large vehicles, and 2 accessible parking spaces.
Adjacent to the main facility
Restroom
There are 14 male toilets, 14 female toilets, and 1 wheelchair-accessible toilet. Note: Outdoor toilets are currently experiencing intermittent water shortages and may not be available at times.
Inside the facility
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
The information center features a large panel and a navigation system to provide easy access to tourism information. It also serves as a rest area.
Main building
Play Area
The station includes a spacious rest area with a navigation system and a relaxing space for visitors.
Main building
EV Charging Station
There are 24/7, 365-day fast charging stations (50kW) for electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs).
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitor convenience.
Near the entrance
Nursing Room
A dedicated room for breastfeeding and baby care is available for visitors with infants.
Inside the facility
Pet Area
While not explicitly mentioned, the station has a welcoming environment for pets, and nearby natural areas like the beach and coastal paths are pet-friendly.
Near the beach and coastal trail
Activities & Experiences
Join surf lessons, seasonal workshops, or relax on the scenic oceanfront deck.
Surfing Lesson
サーフィンスクール
Participants will receive a surfing lesson from a professional surfer, suitable for children and adults, including beginners. Lessons require prior reservation.
Duration
60 min
Hawaiian BBQ Experience
ルルモアナ ハワイアンバーベキュー
Enjoy a Hawaiian-style barbecue at the restaurant with ocean views. The BBQ is available by reservation and includes a 2-hour session on the 2nd-floor panoramic deck, where guests can enjoy the sea breeze.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor BBQ may be affected by strong winds or rain; check weather conditions before visiting.
Fresh Sardine Boiling Experience
釜揚げしらす
Participants can observe and learn about the traditional method of boiling fresh sardines caught from the Pacific Ocean, a local specialty of Akabane Coast.
Duration
30 min
Local Vegetable and Flower Market
渥美半島 いきいき野菜広場
Explore a daily market featuring fresh vegetables and flowers grown by local farmers. Visitors can interact with farmers and purchase produce at local prices.
Duration
60 min
Pacific Ocean Viewpoint
展望台
Visit the scenic viewpoint deck adjacent to the roadside station to enjoy panoramic views of the vast Pacific Ocean, especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.
Duration
30 min
Best viewed on clear days; visibility may be reduced during fog or rain.
Insider Tips
Visit early to avoid crowds and check for seasonal events at Akabane Roco Station.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a spot at the Lulu Moana Hawaiian BBQ restaurant before it fills up, as it often reaches capacity by 10:30 AM during peak season.
- Hidden Gems: Head directly to the 釜揚げしらす (Boiled Shirasu) counter near the sea product section and ask for the daily fresh batch — it is prepared on-site using Pacific-caught shirasu and sells out by 12:00 PM most days.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, arrive by 10:00 AM to attend the surfer-led surf school at the onsite surf shop, which offers beginner sessions starting at 10:30 AM and requires advance booking via phone at 0531-45-4190.
- Best Time for Fresh Produce: Visit the Wakami Peninsula Fresh Vegetable Plaza between 9:15 AM and 9:45 AM to buy the day’s first harvest of local vegetables and flowers, which are priced at farm gate rates and often sell out by 11:00 AM.
- Actionable Access Tip: Use the EV charging station (50kW, 24/7) located at the station’s west side — it is the only fully operational fast charger in the immediate area and is ideal for travelers on long routes who need a 30-minute break while charging.
- Insider Viewpoint Timing: To experience the best view from the 2nd-floor observation deck, go between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM on weekdays when the sunlight hits the Pacific at a golden angle and the area is less crowded than on weekends.
- Avoid Toilet Issues: Plan your visit around the information counter (open 9:00–17:00) to get real-time updates on the outdoor restroom status, as the facility has intermittent water supply issues and may be temporarily closed without notice.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Peak season for fresh shirasu and early-season vegetables at the market; wildflowers bloom along the coastal path.
Summer (June–August): Best time for beachside BBQ at the 2F deck and to enjoy the Pacific Ocean views; shirasu harvest reaches its peak.
Autumn (September–November): Ideal for visiting the nearby Fujidani藤棚 and enjoying the sea breeze during cooler weather.
Winter (December–February): Quiet season with fewer crowds; perfect for relaxing at the view deck and trying hot local seafood.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The station features a dedicated children's play area, stroller-friendly paths, and a baby care room. Interactive elements include a surf school for kids and a hands-on flower market, enhancing family engagement.
Food Lover Review
Offers diverse dining with a standout Hawaiian BBQ restaurant and local specialties like steamed shirasu. Fresh produce and high-quality seafood from the nearby coast elevate the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides ample parking, functional restrooms, and EV charging. However, outdoor toilets are unreliable due to water shortages, reducing comfort for overnight stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from the elevated deck. Scenic photo spots, seasonal landscapes, and a coastal atmosphere create a visually striking and serene environment.