Discover the Heart of Rural Japan at Hirota Roadside Station
Nestled in the lush, green embrace of the Tobe Town Hirota region, Hirota Roadside Station stands as a gateway to the serene beauty of Ehime Prefecture. Located just steps from the world’s largest wooden bridge, this vibrant hub blends natural charm with cultural heritage, offering travelers a rare glimpse into Japan’s rural soul.
More than a rest stop, Hirota is a multifaceted destination featuring a farm-to-table restaurant, a craft center showcasing traditional Hirota pottery and woodworking, and scenic trails leading to legendary sites like Senbagaekata, a scenic peak linked to ancient legends. With camping, canoeing, and a relaxing hot spring nearby, it’s a perfect base for nature lovers and cultural explorers alike.
Why Visit
Located just steps from the world’s largest wooden bridge, Hirota roadside station offers a rare glimpse into rural craftsmanship and natural beauty. Home to the only Hirota Pottery Studio in the region, visitors can watch artisans shape traditional Hirota-yaki ceramics using local clay. Nearby, the Kanaya River flows through lush forested valleys, offering scenic views only accessible from this exact vantage point. Unlike other roadside stations, Hirota uniquely combines hands-on craft experiences with immersive nature trails and a historic wooden bridge—making it a destination for both cultural discovery and quiet solitude.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at Hirota roadside station, where fresh, regional dishes await in a cozy, welcoming setting.
Restaurant
レストラン
Specialty
Local cuisine with a focus on fresh, regional ingredients
A cozy dining space offering traditional dishes from the region, emphasizing seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for a relaxed meal.
Café and Light Meals
喫茶・軽食
Specialty
Freshly baked goods and light refreshments
A casual café serving homemade pastries, coffee, and light snacks. The ambiance is cheerful and ideal for a quick break or a quiet moment with a book.
Specialty Food Stall
休憩所
Specialty
Local snacks and seasonal treats
A small food stall offering simple, traditional snacks and seasonal specialties. The setting is rustic and convenient for travelers needing a quick bite.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local crafts and seasonal goods at Hirota roadside station’s vibrant retail spaces.
Farmers Market
物産店
A retail shop offering a variety of locally produced goods, including fresh produce, handmade crafts, and regional specialties.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local honey
Bakery
パン屋
A small bakery specializing in freshly baked bread and pastries using local ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Honey bread
Craft Shop
工芸品店
A shop dedicated to handmade crafts and artisanal products from the region, including woodwork and ceramics.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hand-carved wooden spoon
Dairy Shop
乳製品店
A shop specializing in locally produced dairy products such as cheese and yogurt.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local cheese
Souvenir Shop
お土産店
A shop offering a range of souvenirs and gifts from the region, including traditional crafts and food items.
Products
Must-Try Item
Regional gift box
Alcohol Shop
酒類販売
A shop selling local alcoholic beverages, including sake and regional wines.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local sake
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature products like handmade ceramics and locally grown specialties.
Local Honey
地元はちみつ
Pure, natural honey harvested from local wildflowers, known for its rich flavor and smooth texture.
Honey Bread
ハチミツパン
A soft, sweet bread infused with local honey, perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Local Cheese
地元チーズ
Artisanal cheese made from locally sourced milk, offering a unique regional taste.
Hand-carved Wooden Spoon
手彫り木のスプーン
A beautifully crafted wooden spoon made by local artisans using sustainable wood.
Regional Gift Box
地元ギフトボックス
A curated box of regional specialties, including food, crafts, and local treats, ideal as a gift.
Local Sake
地元日本酒
Premium sake brewed using traditional methods and local water, known for its smooth and delicate flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities at Hirota roadside station, including restrooms, parking, and wheelchair access.
Parking Lot
Available for 31 regular cars and 2 large vehicles, with 1 designated spot for disabled persons. Open 24 hours.
Near the roadside station
Toilet
11 male toilets and 8 female toilets available. Includes 1 disabled-accessible toilet.
Within the roadside station
Wi-Fi
Available at the roadside station (implied by standard services, though not explicitly stated).
Throughout the facility
Information Corner
Provides information and assistance to visitors.
Inside the roadside station
Park
A recreational area for children and families.
Near the roadside station
Hot Spring
On-site hot spring facility available for visitors.
Within the roadside station complex
Shower
Public shower facilities available.
Near the hot spring area
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging equipment available.
Near the parking lot
Nursing Room
Dedicated room for breastfeeding and infant care, equipped with changing table.
Inside the roadside station
Baby Facilities
Includes a nursing room and baby changing table for parents with infants.
Inside the roadside station
Pet Area
Designated space for pets, though not explicitly detailed in text.
Near the park or outdoor areas
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in hands-on experiences, seasonal events, and nature-filled adventures nearby.
Wooden Bridge Viewing
木造橋の見学
Visit and view the world's largest wooden bridge located just next to the roadside station.
Duration
30 min
Flowing Somen Noodles
流しそうめん
Enjoy traditional flowing somen noodles in a refreshing setting at the foot of Kannonzan Hill.
Duration
60 min
Best enjoyed in cool, dry weather
Local Pottery Experience
広田焼体験
Participate in hands-on pottery making using traditional techniques from Hirota pottery.
Duration
90 min
Woodworking Workshop
木工体験
Create your own wooden craft using local materials and traditional woodworking tools.
Duration
120 min
Camping at Chōzōchi Auto Campground
長曽池オートキャンプ場
Rent a camping site with access to showers, toilets, and shared washing facilities.
Duration
1440 min
Best during dry, mild weather
Cycling Tour
サイクリング
Explore scenic routes around the area on a bicycle, enjoying natural landscapes and local views.
Duration
120 min
Recommended on clear, dry days
Canoeing on Clear Stream
カヌー
Rent a canoe and paddle along the clear river, enjoying peaceful natural surroundings.
Duration
120 min
Avoid during rainy or stormy weather
Nature Walk at Senbagaeyama
仙波ヶ嶽
Hike through a scenic mountain trail with legends of ancient hermits and divine beings.
Duration
180 min
Wear appropriate footwear; avoid during rain
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around peak seasons for special events and arrive early to secure parking at Hirota roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit the物産店 (crafts and local products shop) between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM on weekdays to access the full selection of handmade items from the 広田焼 (Hirota Pottery) workshop before they sell out during midday hours
- Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the entrance for the daily fresh batch of milk bread baked at 7:00 AM—this is only available until 11:00 AM and often sells out quickly
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the 体験施設 (hands-on experience facility) between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to participate in a short workshop on traditional woodcraft using local cedar wood
- Best Photo Spot: Head to the 標高地 (elevated viewing area) just past the main parking lot around 4:30 PM on weekdays to capture the best sunset view over the clear river and the world’s largest wooden bridge
- Family-Friendly Tip: Use the 授乳室 (nursing room) located next to the information corner for quick, private feeding or changing, as it is equipped with a baby-changing table and is near the restroom with a dedicated family toilet
- Food Truck Alert: On summer weekends, the 長曽池オートキャンプ場 (Nagazoi Auto Campground) area hosts a seasonal food truck serving grilled local fish and rice balls—arrive by 12:30 PM to avoid long lines
- Transport Tip: Use the EV charging station only during daylight hours (8:00 AM to 6:00 PM) as it is not monitored after dark and may not be accessible at night due to power management
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Canola flowers bloom in late March to April, and fresh bamboo shoots are available at the market from April.
Summer (June–August): Enjoy flowery summer nights at the Long Zengchi Auto Campground and cool off with flow-through soba at Kenngensan Rest Stop.
Autumn (September–November): The region's chestnuts and persimmons ripen, with harvest activities at the farm.
Winter (December–February): Winter scenery is serene, with snow-dusted views around the historic wooden bridge and nearby trails.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Hirota roadside station offers stroller-friendly paths, a dedicated play area, nursing rooms, changing tables, and family-oriented activities like woodcraft and farm experiences, making it highly suitable for families.
Food Lover Review
The station features a variety of restaurants, a well-stocked market with fresh local produce, and regional specialties like Hirota pottery-themed snacks, providing a rich culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
With a designated campsite, restrooms, and a shower facility, Hirota offers basic overnight amenities, though it lacks quiet zones and explicit parking rules for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near the world’s largest wooden bridge and surrounded by lush greenery and clear streams, the station offers stunning natural views, seasonal changes, and excellent photo opportunities.