Discover the Heart of Shikoku’s Natural and Cultural Heritage
Kiri no Mori is a vibrant roadside station nestled in the serene highlands of Shikoku Central City, set against a backdrop of misty forests and rolling hills. More than a mere pit stop, it is a gateway to authentic local life, where the legacy of the region’s famed Nishinomiya Tea meets traditional craftsmanship and nature-based recreation.
Visitors are drawn to its unique blend of experiences: savoring handcrafted sweets like the beloved Kiri no Mori Daifuku, enjoying a cup of premium tea at the Tea Pavilion, or relaxing in the soothing waters of the natural hot spring. With a museum dedicated to tea culture, seasonal festivals, and scenic trails like the Misty Highland and the Bluebell Village, Kiri no Mori offers something for every traveler seeking connection, comfort, and the spirit of place.
Why Visit
Visit Kiri no Mori to experience the region’s only tea-focused roadside station where you can savor New宫 Tea paired with handmade confections in the dedicated Tea Festival Pavilion, or enjoy a rare seasonal matcha and red leaf parfaits available only on weekends. The station is also home to the only New宫 Tea Farm Shop and the renowned Kiri no Mori Daifuku, sold exclusively through a limited lottery system—making it a must-visit for authentic, locally crafted treats you can’t find anywhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Kiri no Mori roadside station, where tea-infused dishes and seasonal treats await.
Kirinomori Restaurant
霧の森レストラン
Specialty
Traditional dishes made with local ingredients, including tofu and tea soba
A restaurant located within the roadside station that offers a serene dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming, ideal for enjoying meals made with regional specialties such as fresh tofu and tea soba.
Kirinomori Tea Café
霧の森茶フェ
Specialty
Tea-based beverages and light snacks
A cozy café offering a variety of tea drinks and light refreshments in a peaceful, garden-like setting. The atmosphere is ideal for relaxing with a cup of locally grown tea.
Tea Room Chōsuian
茶室（聴水庵）
Specialty
Traditional tea ceremony experience
A tranquil tea room offering authentic Japanese tea ceremony experiences in a quiet, natural setting. Perfect for those seeking cultural immersion and mindfulness.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique souvenirs and regional crafts at Kiri no Mori roadside station’s vibrant retail outlets.
Kirinomori Confectionery Workshop
霧の森菓子工房
A retail shop specializing in handmade sweets and confectionery made from local ingredients, including New Palace Tea and traditional recipes.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kirinomori Daifuku
New Palace Store
新宮本店
A dedicated retail outlet selling New Palace Tea and other regional specialties, including the famous Kirinomori Daifuku.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kirinomori Daifuku
Tea Museum Shop
茶フェミュージアム
A shop located within the Tea Museum that offers educational and cultural souvenirs related to tea production and local heritage.
Products
Must-Try Item
Tea Ceremony Set
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature products like New Palace Tea and the beloved Kiri no Mori Daifuku.
Kirinomori Daifuku
霧の森大福
A traditional Japanese sweet made with soft mochi and filled with sweet red bean paste, infused with the flavor of New Palace Tea. Known for its delicate texture and regional authenticity.
New Palace Tea
新宮茶
A premium green tea grown in the high-altitude fields of the region, known for its smooth, fresh taste and rich aroma. Ideal for daily consumption or gifting.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge at Kiri no Mori roadside station with spacious parking, accessible restrooms, and serene wellness facilities.
Parking Lot
Standard cars: 253 spaces, Large vehicles: 2 spaces, Disabled parking: 7 spaces. Available 24 hours.
Toilet
4 male toilets, 4 female toilets, including one accessible toilet for persons with disabilities.
Information Center
Open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Provides tourism information and assistance.
Fureai Kan (Welcome Hall)
Playground
A park area available for recreation and outdoor activities.
Hot Spring
Natural hot spring facility named 'Ko-Yu ~ Kan'. Open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Ko-Yu ~ Kan
Shower
Shower facilities available for visitors.
Ko-Yu ~ Kan
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging equipment available on-site.
Nursing Room
Dedicated room for breastfeeding, equipped with changing tables.
Baby Changing Table
Changing table available for infants and young children.
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi available for visitors.
ATM
Cash machine available on-site.
Activities & Experiences
Engage in hands-on experiences from tea ceremonies to seasonal festivals at Kiri no Mori roadside station.
Tea Festival Experience
茶フェ
Participants can enjoy tasting locally produced Shingū Tea at the Tea Festival shop, which is located within the roadside station. The experience includes learning about tea culture and enjoying tea-based snacks.
Duration
60 min
Handmade Greeting Card Workshop
手すきはがき作り
Attendees can create their own handmade greeting cards using traditional paper-making techniques. The workshop is conducted on designated days and requires prior reservation.
Duration
90 min
Tea Room Experience
茶室（聴水庵）
Visitors can enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in a serene tea room, experiencing the art of tea preparation and mindfulness in a tranquil setting.
Duration
45 min
Forest Hot Spring Relaxation
温泉（交湯～館）
Guests can unwind in a natural hot spring bath, enjoying the therapeutic benefits of mineral-rich waters while surrounded by forest scenery.
Duration
60 min
Best enjoyed during cooler months
Hiking on Uwajima Plateau
霧の高原
Explore the high-altitude Uwajima Plateau, ideal for hiking and mountain walking with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Duration
120 min
Wear appropriate footwear and check weather conditions before hiking
Iris Garden Tour
あじさいの里
Walk through a scenic garden featuring 20,000 irises in full bloom, offering a vibrant display of colors during the flowering season.
Duration
60 min
Best visited on clear days for optimal viewing
Flower Field Exploration
翠波高原
Stroll through a 3-hectare flower field where rapeseed blooms in spring and early cosmos flowers bloom from summer to early autumn.
Duration
75 min
Best enjoyed on sunny days
Insider Tips
Plan ahead for popular events and enjoy extended hours during peak seasons at Kiri no Mori roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the Tea Room (Chōsu-an) before the 11:30 AM tea ceremony, which fills up quickly during peak season
- Hidden Gems: Visit the Tea Festival Museum between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to view rotating exhibits on traditional tea ceremony tools and rare tea utensils from the region
- Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the Kiri no Mori Café (Tea Festival Café) between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to try the seasonal Red Maple Parfait, available only on weekends and holidays
- Product Availability: Purchase the Kiri no Mori Daifuku (mochi with green tea filling) at the New宫 Main Store during the first two hours of opening (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) as it sells out daily by noon
- Experience Timing: Book the hand-made washi postcard workshop at the Paper Town Museum at least one day in advance via the official website, as sessions are limited to 8 people per day and held only on weekdays
- Relaxation Tip: Use the bathhouse (Kōyō~kan) from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM on weekdays to avoid crowds, as evening hours see heavy use and the bath can fill up by 6:00 PM
- Parking Strategy: Park in the designated accessible parking zone (7 spaces) near the entrance if you plan to visit the Tea Festival Museum or the Kiri no Mori Restaurant, as these facilities are closest to that area and parking is often full by 11:00 AM
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Enjoy blooming canola flowers in early spring and fresh bamboo shoots at the market from late March to April.
Summer (June–August): Visit the 20,000-petal azalea garden in full bloom and experience early cosmos flowers in the flower fields.
Autumn (September–November): Savor the seasonal Red Maple Parfait on weekends and holidays, available from late October.
Winter (December–February): Relax in the natural hot spring and enjoy quiet mountain views with no crowds.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Kiri no Mori offers a playground, baby changing facilities, nursing rooms, and stroller access. It features child-friendly dining and interactive experiences like the paper-making workshop, making it highly suitable for families.
Food Lover Review
The roadside station boasts diverse dining options including a tea café, restaurant serving local dishes like tofu and tea soba, and a dedicated shop for specialty products like Kirinomori Daifuku and Shinga Tea, with high-quality local ingredients.
Car Camping Review
While it provides restrooms, showers, and a campsite, overnight parking is not explicitly permitted. The area is quiet during daytime but lacks clear overnight camping guidelines, limiting its appeal for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located on a high-altitude plateau, Kiri no Mori offers panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea, mountains, and seasonal landscapes. Scenic spots like the Aoiyama and Suiha Highlands provide excellent photo opportunities year-round.