Station Mima

Discover the Heart of Shikoku’s Rural Heritage

Mima roadside station lies nestled in the lush countryside of Uwajima City, nestled within the fertile fields and quiet hills of Nanyo, Ehime Prefecture. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Iyo Sea and the rugged terrain of the Shikoku mountains, Mima offers travelers a serene retreat where urban rhythms fade into the rhythm of the land. The station’s traditional wooden architecture blends harmoniously with its surroundings, creating a space of calm and connection.

At Mima, visitors can savor fresh local produce like the renowned Mima Rice and seasonal vegetables from the Iyo and Tsurugi River regions. The on-site restaurant and market showcase the region’s bounty, while the nearby cycle paths invite exploration of nearby cultural gems, including the historic old Kuramori family estate and the sacred 41st and 42nd Shikoku Pilgrimage temples. Art lovers will appreciate the Shidai Umetaro Memorial Art Museum, honoring a celebrated printmaker, and the memorial hall dedicated to the founder of Ikenaga Farm Machinery. Whether dining, shopping, cycling, or simply unwinding, Mima offers a rich, authentic experience rooted in local culture and nature.

Visit Mima roadside station to experience the only public exhibition of works by renowned Japanese printmaker Kaido Baitaro, whose legacy is preserved in a dedicated museum on-site. Here, you can also explore the historic former residence of the Maki family, a rare surviving example of an Edo-period village headman’s estate with original architecture and landscape. These cultural treasures, combined with the chance to taste freshly harvested Mima rice and seasonal vegetables from the Shikoku highlands, make this roadside station a uniquely authentic destination.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit by 9:30 AM on weekdays to explore the Kaidan Museum and Inazawa Memorial Hall before the afternoon crowds arrive, as both close at 5:00 PM and are not open on Tuesdays.

• Hidden Gems: At the Odaishi Restaurant, order the "Mima Rice with Local Seafood" dish—available only during the New Rice Fair (September–October)—to experience the seasonal highlight using freshly harvested Mima Rice from the region.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the bike rental counter between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM to reserve a free guided cycling tour of the Nakayama Pond Nature Park, which starts at 11:00 AM and includes access to the seasonal flower fields.

• Must-Try Product: Purchase the "Mima Rice Bento" from the Kaidan Shop—a limited-edition box featuring local rice, pickled vegetables, and a small portion of Anago (conger eel) from Uwajima Bay—available only during the Autumn Gourmet Festival (October 19).

• Off-Peak Experience: Visit the Inazawa Memorial Hall on a Tuesday between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM, when the museum is open and staff often give impromptu tours of the rare Edo-period farmhouse layout and original kake-ya (corner house) structure.

• Best Photo Spot: Head to the viewing platform near the Nakayama Pond Nature Park just after sunrise on weekdays to capture the mist rising over the flower fields, especially during the "Autumn Bloom Season" (mid-October to early November).

• Free Access Tip: Use the free public Wi-Fi at the information corner to download the Mima Roadside Station app, which includes a map of all nearby cultural sites and real-time updates on event schedules such as the "仙台フェア (Sendai Fair)" held on October 28.

Spring (March–May): Late March to April brings peak canola flower blooms at the nearby nature park, while fresh bamboo shoots appear in local markets.

Summer (June–August): August features the annual summer festival with fireworks and local food stalls.

Autumn (September–November): September hosts the New Rice Fair with rice draw events, and October offers the Autumn Gourmet Festival.

Winter (December–February): December brings the sister city仙台 (Sendai) Fair, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the partnership.