Ride, Dine, and Unwind at the Heart of the Shimanami Kaido
Imabari Tatara Shimanami Park is a premier roadside station nestled just off the Takashima Interchange on the Shimanami Kaido, where the breathtaking span of the Tatara Bridge meets the shimmering waters of the Seto Inland Sea. This dynamic destination offers panoramic views of the iconic bridge and the open sea, making it a favorite among cyclists, photographers, and travelers seeking serene coastal beauty. More than a rest stop, it’s a vibrant hub of local culture, nature, and adventure.
Here, visitors can savor fresh seafood—like the prized mahata and local flounder—at the on-site restaurant, shop for regional specialties at the bustling produce market, or enjoy a light meal at the lively food court. With rental bicycles, a nearby campsite, and guided experiences like the historic Gansaki Castle’s tidal walk, every journey here feels uniquely personal. Whether you're exploring the island on two wheels, relaxing with a view, or discovering the legacy of calligrapher Muraoka Misa, Imabari Tatara Shimanami Park delivers an authentic, unforgettable Shimanami experience.
Why Visit
Imabari Tatara Shimanami Park stands out as the only roadside station where you can witness the dramatic emergence of the ancient stone walls of the 671-year-old Gansaki Castle during low tide—revealing a rare underwater ruin only accessible during specific tidal windows from April to August. Just steps away, the iconic "Cyclist’s Sacred Monument" pays tribute to the sister cycling route between Shimanami Kaido and Taiwan’s Sun Moon Lake, with its stone design symbolizing bicycle wheels and a saddle. For food, the on-site restaurant offers a rare chance to taste mahata, a prized and elusive sea bream known as a "legendary fish" among local connoisseurs, caught fresh from the Seto Inland Sea.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor the flavors of the Seto Inland Sea at Imabari Tatara Shimanami Park roadside station, where fresh fish and local produce shine in every dish.
Tatara Dream Cape
多々羅夢岬
Specialty
Traditional Japanese cuisine using fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea
A restaurant offering exquisite dishes made with locally sourced, fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables. Located in a scenic spot overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, it provides a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxing during a journey. The cuisine highlights regional flavors and seasonal ingredients.
Tatara Food Court
フードコート
Specialty
Variety of local light meals and snacks
A spacious and open food area offering a wide range of light meals, snacks, and beverages made with fresh local ingredients. Ideal for a relaxing break with ocean views.
Shopping Highlights
Discover local treasures and seasonal goods at Imabari Tatara Shimanami Park roadside station, where regional crafts and farm-fresh produce await.
Local Specialty Center
特産品センター
A center offering a wide variety of local products, including fresh produce, citrus fruits, and regional specialties.
Products
Must-Try Item
Ehime Citrus Fruit Set
Farmers Market
ふれあい屋台市
A daily market featuring fresh vegetables and citrus fruits directly from local farmers.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Citrus Fruit Basket
Agricultural and Marine Products Direct Sales Store
農水産物直売所
A store specializing in fresh local vegetables, citrus fruits, and seafood directly from producers.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Seafood Box
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature products like rare sea delicacies and sun-kissed citrus fruits, proudly sourced from local farms and fisheries.
Ehime Citrus Fruit Set
愛媛県産柑橘セット
A premium selection of fresh citrus fruits from Ehime Prefecture, known for their sweetness and juiciness.
Fresh Seafood Box
新鮮海産物ボックス
A box of freshly caught seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, including fish and shellfish.
Local Vegetable Assortment
地元野菜セット
A variety of seasonal vegetables grown by local farmers in the region.
Seto Inland Sea Seafood Snack Pack
瀬戸内海海鮮スナックパック
A convenient pack of grilled or fried seafood snacks made from local catch.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy comfortable amenities at Imabari Tatara Shimanami Park roadside station, including accessible restrooms, charging stations, and relaxing rest areas.
Parking Lot
Standard cars: 298 spaces, Large vehicles: 16 spaces, Disabled parking: 3 spaces, Bicycle parking: 110 spaces. Available 24 hours.
At the roadside station
Toilet
Men's toilets: 10 units, Women's toilets: 8 units, Accessible toilets: 1 unit.
At the roadside station
Wi-Fi
Available at the roadside station. Credit card, electronic money, and smartphone QR code payments are accepted.
At the roadside station
Information Center
Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Offers tourist information, multilingual support, and assistance for international visitors.
Inside the roadside station
Park
A scenic park located near the roadside station, offering views of the Seto Inland Sea and the Tatara Bridge. Ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Hot Spring
Located at the Tatara Campground, approximately 500 meters from the roadside station. Features showers, toilets, and 10 air-conditioned cottages.
Tatara Campground, about 500m from the roadside station
Bicycle Rental Terminal
The Uwaura Bicycle Rental Terminal is located within the roadside station premises, allowing visitors to rent bicycles for cycling along the Shimanami Kaido route.
Uwaura Bicycle Rental Terminal, inside the roadside station
Nursing Room
Equipped with baby changing tables and facilities for mothers to breastfeed. Located within the roadside station.
Inside the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging facilities are available at the roadside station for visitors using electric vehicles.
At the roadside station
ATM
An ATM is available at the roadside station for convenient cash access.
At the roadside station
Pet Area
The roadside station provides a pet-friendly environment, with designated areas for pets and their owners.
At the roadside station
Activities & Experiences
Explore hands-on experiences and seasonal events from sea treasure hunts to cycling along scenic routes at Imabari Tatara Shimanami Park roadside station.
Fishing for Medaka
メダカすくい
Participants will catch small freshwater fish called medaka in a designated area, enjoying a fun and interactive experience with nature.
Duration
60 min
Seafood Grilling Festival
海鮮焼きフェア
Attendees can enjoy grilling fresh seafood caught from the Seto Inland Sea, with various local dishes and cooking demonstrations.
Duration
180 min
Shimanami Sea Route Commemoration Monument Photo Spot
サイクリストの聖地碑
Visitors can take photos at a commemorative monument symbolizing the sister cycling route between Shimanami and Taiwan's Sun Moon Lake, with the iconic Tatara Bridge as a backdrop.
Duration
30 min
Camping at Tatara Campground
多々羅キャンプ場
Guests can rent camping sites or air-conditioned cottages with access to showers, toilets, and a kitchen hall, offering a comfortable outdoor experience near the sea.
Duration
1440 min
Shower and toilet facilities available regardless of weather
Exploring Hakasaki Castle Ruins
甘崎城
Visitors can explore the ruins of Japan's oldest naval castle, where stone walls are visible underwater and become accessible on foot during low tide.
Duration
90 min
Best visited during high tide when the stone walls are visible; check tide schedule before visiting
Shimanami Park Viewpoint
多々羅しまなみ公園
Enjoy panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and the famous Tatara Bridge from a scenic overlook, perfect for photography and relaxation.
Duration
60 min
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around seasonal events and check operating hours in advance, as schedules vary during winter and peak seasons.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:00 AM on weekdays to access the fresh produce at the Fureai Yataiichi (local farmers' market) before the morning rush, as the best citrus and vegetables are sold first and often deplete by 11:00 AM.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the Tatara Shimanami Park Information Center between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM to receive a free map of the Shimanami Kaido cycling route and learn about the upcoming Medaka Scooping Event on July 2, 2025, which is not widely advertised.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the Fureai Yataiichi between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to purchase fresh Yuzu and Mikan citrus fruits directly from local farmers before they sell out—these are especially popular for gifts and are only available during peak harvest months.
- Best Dining Window: Order at the Tatara Shimanami Park Restaurant between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM to enjoy the full lunch menu, including the signature Mahata (a prized local fish) and Hirame dishes, as the kitchen stops taking orders at 3:00 PM and the selection narrows after 1:00 PM.
- Cycling Access Tip: Rent a bike from the Uraura Rent-a-Bike Terminal located on-site and use it to reach the Shimanami Kaido Cyclist’s Sacred Monument immediately after checkout, as the monument is best photographed during the 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM window when sunlight hits the stone wheels perfectly.
- Discount Tip: Use the Tatara Shimanami Park Special Goods Store between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to buy limited-edition Shimanami Sea View Bento Boxes—these are only available on weekdays and are sold at a 10% discount during the first hour of opening.
- Winter Access Tip: If visiting between January 13 and March 15, 2026, when the site has weekly Thursday closures, plan your visit for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, and check the Tatara Shimanami Park official website before arrival, as the Restaurant and Fureai Yataiichi operate only from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM during this period.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Peak season for citrus harvest begins in April, with fresh mandarins available at the farmers' market; cherry blossoms bloom in late March.
Summer (June–August): Seafood grilling festival in June; meadow and sea views perfect for cycling and beachside relaxation.
Autumn (September–November): Best time for the Shimanami Thank You Festival on November 1; sweet potatoes and late-season citrus available.
Winter (December–February): Limited hours; ideal for quiet visits with scenic views and fewer crowds.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station features a playground, baby-changing facilities, nursing rooms, and stroller-friendly paths. Child-friendly dining options and interactive exhibits enhance the experience, while safety and accessibility are well maintained.
Food Lover Review
Diverse and high-quality dining options include a seafood restaurant, food court, and local market. Fresh local specialties like maha-ta fish and citrus fruits are prominent, offering an authentic regional culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
The nearby Tatara Campground offers showers, toilets, and cabins with air conditioning. While facilities are solid, the roadside station itself does not allow overnight parking, limiting direct camping use.
Scenic Beauty Review
Overlooks the Shimanami Kaido's iconic Tatara Bridge and the scenic Seto Inland Sea. The panoramic views, seasonal landscapes, and well-designed viewpoints create a striking and peaceful atmosphere.