Station Seiryu no Sato Hijikawa

Discover the Heart of Rural Japan Along the Clear River

Seiryu no Sato Hijikawa is a vibrant roadside station nestled along the pristine waters of the Kogawa River in Ehime Prefecture’s Daisen City. More than a mere rest stop, it stands as a dynamic cultural and agricultural hub where local farmers, artisans, and visitors come together. Designed as a pioneering model of regional revitalization, the station integrates fresh produce markets, craft shops, and community spaces into a single, welcoming destination.

Guests can savor farm-to-table flavors at on-site eateries, explore seasonal harvests like sweet strawberries and wild mushrooms, and participate in hands-on workshops. With a riverside walkway, seasonal festivals, and events like the annual Kogawa Festival and winter fireworks, the station offers an authentic, immersive experience of rural life. Whether sampling the famed Kogawa Ramen or browsing locally crafted goods, every visit connects travelers to the spirit of the land.

Seiryu no Sato Hijikawa stands out as the only roadside station in the region built around a 1st-class river, the Kogawa River, offering direct access to its clear waters for family-friendly wading and river play. Its most unique feature is the exclusive on-site Kogawa River Culture Center, where visitors can participate in seasonal events like the original Shiitake Festival and the annual Kogawa Fireworks Festival held at the dam’s spillway. The station also houses the only local production of Kogawa Ramen—a regional favorite with five distinct regional broth styles—alongside the rare Kogawa Kaki Mochi, a crispy, sweet rice cake made from locally harvested chestnuts.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit the produce market by 8:15 AM to secure the freshest seasonal vegetables, especially the seasonal shiitake mushrooms and early winter greens like spinach, which are delivered daily and often sell out by midday.

• Hidden Gems: Check the "物産販売所" (crafts and specialty products shop) for the limited-edition "かきもち" (sweet, crispy rice cakes), available only during the fall and winter months, and look for the seasonal "文楽最中" (traditional local sweet) during November and December.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, head to the "農産物販売所" (farmers' market) between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM to catch the daily fresh delivery of "大野ヶ原大根" (large, frost-resistant daikon radishes), which are available in small sizes starting at 120 yen and are typically sold out by 11:00 AM.

• Seasonal Treats: Visit the "食べ処呑み処 味人" (dining and drinking spot) between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM on weekdays to enjoy their freshly baked "大判焼き" (large stuffed pastries) in anko (red bean) or custard filling—available only during November and sold exclusively at the entrance counter.

• Special Event Timing: On November 16, arrive by 1:00 PM to experience the main stage at the "肱川ふれあいまつり" (Hijikawa Community Festival), where the live performance by singer Shii Imai and the Kamen Rider show begin—these are the highlights of the event and draw large crowds.

• Unique Experience: Visit the "アトリエLapis。2" (Lapis Art Studio) between 9:30 AM and 12:00 PM on weekdays to participate in the monthly "ひじかわらくがき" (Hijikawa Sketching) activity, where visitors draw themed illustrations—this month’s theme is "mushrooms"—and display their artwork on the large glass wall.

• Off-the-Beaten-Path Food: On November 23, visit the "山栄堂" (Yamahideya) pop-up stand to buy their seasonal "シュークリーム" (choux pastries), which are only available for a single day and sold at the roadside station’s entrance during the afternoon.

Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots arrive in early spring; seasonal farm produce includes early strawberries and young greens.

Summer (June-August): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned in the content.

Autumn (September-November): Harvest season for chestnuts and persimmons; original shiitake mushrooms featured in late October.

Winter (December-February): Winter fireworks festival held on December 6; fresh winter vegetables like daikon and spinach available.