Discover the Heart of Shikoku’s Highland Charm
Mikawa roadside station sits nestled at the foot of the Shikoku Mountains, in the serene highland town of Kumanoyama, where untouched nature meets rural hospitality. Located along National Route 33, just 40 kilometers from Matsuyama and 75 kilometers from Kochi, it’s a perfect retreat for travelers seeking tranquility and authenticity.
This vibrant roadside station celebrates the region’s rich agricultural heritage with locally sourced specialties like fresh cucumbers, handmade soba noodles, and seasonal tea. Visitors can enjoy hearty meals at the on-site restaurant, shop for regional crafts and gourmet goods, or simply unwind in the peaceful surroundings. With friendly staff and a calendar full of seasonal events—from tea festivals to summer harvest celebrations—Mikawa offers a genuine taste of rural Japan.
Why Visit
Mikawa roadside station stands out as the only spot in the region where you can taste freshly made Mikawa-style cold tofu with local soy sauce, crafted daily by the renowned Yamaguchi family. Home to the exclusive "Kumakawa Mountain Tea Festival" each June, it offers rare access to hand-picked new tea straight from nearby terraced fields. Visitors also find the area’s only artisanal cucumber juice, made from locally grown mountain cucumbers harvested at dawn.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Mikawa roadside station, where fresh, seasonal meals are crafted with pride.
Kumakawa Mountain Restaurant
久万山食堂
Specialty
Local mountain cuisine with fresh ingredients from the region
A cozy dining spot offering traditional mountain-style meals made with locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for travelers seeking a hearty, authentic meal in a serene highland setting.
Mikawa Farmhouse Kitchen
山口さんち
Specialty
Home-style cooking using family recipes and local produce
A charming eatery offering home-cooked meals inspired by traditional family recipes. The setting feels like dining in a local household, emphasizing comfort and authenticity.
Mikawa Noodle Stall
美川そうめん
Specialty
Fresh handmade soba and somen noodles
A small, vibrant stall specializing in freshly made noodles using traditional methods. The atmosphere is lively and casual, ideal for a quick, refreshing bite.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional treasures and handmade goods at Mikawa roadside station’s vibrant shops.
Y Shop
Yショップ
A general retail shop offering a variety of local goods, snacks, and travel essentials.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Pickled Vegetables
Hometown Market
ふるさと市
A seasonal market featuring fresh produce, handmade goods, and regional specialties from local farmers and artisans.
Products
Must-Try Item
Newly Harvested Green Cucumber
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with Mikawa’s signature specialties, from mountain-grown vegetables to handcrafted treats.
Local Green Cucumber
地きゅうり
Crisp, fresh green cucumbers grown in the highland fields of Kumakawa, known for their sweetness and texture.
Refreshment Bath Salt
リフレッシュ入浴剤
A revitalizing bath salt infused with natural mountain herbs, designed to soothe muscles and refresh the mind.
Freshly Picked Green Tea
新茶
Premium green tea harvested in early summer, known for its delicate flavor and vibrant aroma.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge with comfortable rest areas, clean restrooms, and free parking at Mikawa roadside station.
Information Center
The roadside station features an information center where visitors can obtain local information, maps, and assistance from friendly staff.
Main building
Restroom
Clean and accessible restrooms are available for visitors. The facility is maintained regularly and includes facilities for all guests.
Near the main entrance and inside the building
Parking Area
Ample parking space is provided for vehicles, including space for large buses, located adjacent to the roadside station.
Front and side of the roadside station
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station for visitors' convenience.
Inside the building and common areas
Restaurant (Kumakawa Restaurant)
A local dining area offering regional specialties such as fresh vegetables, local noodles (Mikawa Sōmen), and seasonal dishes like cold tofu set. Open for lunch and special events.
Inside the main building
Y Shop / Souvenir Store
A retail shop selling local products, including fresh vegetables, handmade noodles, seasonal teas, and other regional specialties.
Inside the main building
Children's Play Area
A designated play area for children, featuring safe equipment and space for outdoor fun.
Near the front courtyard
Hot Spring (Onsen)
A relaxing hot spring facility is available for visitors to enjoy traditional bathing experience. The onsen is part of the station's wellness offerings.
Adjacent to the main building
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
An EV charging station is available for electric vehicles, supporting sustainable travel.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitors to withdraw cash conveniently.
Near the entrance
Nursing Room
A private and comfortable nursing room is provided for mothers with infants.
Inside the building
Activities & Experiences
Engage in seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and nature-inspired experiences at Mikawa roadside station.
New Tea Festival
新茶まつり
Join the New Tea Festival to experience the harvesting and tasting of freshly picked local tea. Enjoy traditional tea ceremonies and learn about the tea-making process from local farmers.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor activities may be affected by rain; check weather conditions before attending.
Local Cucumber Experience
地きゅうり
Participate in a hands-on activity to harvest and learn about locally grown cucumbers. Discover their cultivation methods and enjoy fresh samples.
Duration
60 min
Outdoor farming activities are best done on sunny days.
Refreshing Bath Product Workshop
リフレッシュ入浴剤
Create your own refreshing bath salts using natural ingredients. Learn about the benefits of aromatic bath products and take home your handmade creation.
Duration
90 min
Indoor activity; unaffected by weather.
Mikawa Somen Making Experience
美川そうめん
Learn the traditional method of making handmade soba noodles (somen) from local flour. Participate in the kneading, stretching, and drying process.
Duration
150 min
Indoor activity; unaffected by weather.
Insider Tips
Visit during tea harvest season or on weekends for special local events and fresh seasonal offerings.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the Y shop before the local milk bread and seasonal soumen (from the Meikawa Somen display) sell out, as these items are often fully sold by 11:00 AM.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter near the Y shop between 8:30–9:00 AM on weekdays to find the fresh daily batch of local cucumber pickles (from the "local cucumber" promotion), which are not restocked after 10:00 AM.
- Weekend Special: On Sundays in June, participate in the New Tea Festival (6/1) to sample freshly harvested tea and purchase limited-edition tea sets from the Y shop, available only during the event.
- Best Food Order: Order the Yamaguchi Family Cold Tofu Set at the restaurant between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM on weekdays to enjoy it at its peak freshness, as it is prepared only once daily and served until 1:00 PM.
- Seasonal Product Tip: Purchase the refreshment bath salts (from the June 14 announcement) at the Y shop before 4:00 PM on weekdays, as they are often sold out by late afternoon due to high demand.
- Post-Dinner Relaxation: After the restaurant closes at 3:00 PM on weekends, use the open dining area for a quiet break—this space remains accessible even after service ends, making it ideal for resting during a long drive.
- Specialty Purchase: Buy the Meikawa Somen (from the April 30 announcement) at the Y shop on Wednesdays or Thursdays when the vendor restocks, as the product is only available in limited quantities and frequently sells out by Friday.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available in early spring; new tea harvest celebrated at the June 1st New Tea Festival.
Summer (June-August): Local cucumbers harvested in June; summer mountain air offers cool relief.
Autumn (September-November): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned in the content.
Winter (December-February): Closed December 31 to January 2; ideal for quiet mountain retreats.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Features a play area and stroller-friendly paths. Offers child-friendly meals and educational farm activities. Safe, accessible parking and family-oriented staff enhance the experience.
Food Lover Review
Offers diverse local cuisine including fresh regional specialties like Mikanu soba and local cucumbers. High-quality farmers market and unique artisan food products enhance the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides clean restrooms and vending machines. Quiet, peaceful setting suitable for overnight stays. No explicit overnight parking policy noted, but facilities allow extended visits.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a serene highland area near the Shikoku Mountains. Offers scenic views, excellent photo spots, and seasonal beauty with lush landscapes and vibrant spring tea festivals.