Discover the Heart of Shikoku’s Highland Paradise
Nestled at an elevation of 800 meters in the serene highlands of Kumakogen, Tenku no Sato Sansan is more than a roadside station—it’s a gateway to the natural and cultural treasures of Ehime Prefecture. Located just 30 minutes from Matsuyama Interchange, this alpine haven blends sustainable forestry, vibrant agriculture, and breathtaking mountain vistas into a seamless visitor experience.
Renowned for its fresh, high-altitude vegetables and locally crafted goods, the station features a vibrant food hall, a cozy bakery, and a seasonal farm-to-table restaurant offering a signature vegetable buffet. Highlights include the unique wooden art museum, the stargazing observatory with a planetarium, and access to scenic trails, cycling routes, and winter sports at Kumakogen Ski Resort. With its warm, timber-walled interiors and panoramic views, Tenku no Sato Sansan invites travelers to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly connect with the rhythm of the highlands.
Why Visit
Perched at 800 meters in the heart of Iyo's Highland, Tenku no Sato Sansan is the only roadside station in Shikoku to feature a fully operational planetarium and a public observatory with a high-powered telescope, offering some of the clearest views of the Milky Way in Japan. Visitors can savor the region’s only wood-fired "Yamato-style" soba made from locally milled buckwheat, paired with fresh mountain-grown shiitake and wild mountain greens, all served in a space crafted from sustainably harvested local cedar.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor the essence of highland freshness at Tenku no Sato Sansan's restaurants and cafes.
Sky Garden Restaurant
天空の郷レストランさんさん
Specialty
Local ingredients and seasonal mountain vegetables
A dining space that offers a warm, home-like atmosphere with the natural scent of wood, reflecting the town's forestry heritage. The restaurant features a seasonal buffet showcasing fresh highland vegetables grown in the region.
Shopping Highlights
Discover local treasures and handcrafted goods at the roadside station's vibrant shops.
Sansan Market
物産館さんさん
A retail shop offering a wide variety of local products, including processed foods, agricultural goods, and regional souvenirs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Highland Vegetable Dried Snacks
Sansan Bread Workshop
sansanパン工房
A bakery specializing in freshly baked bread using local ingredients and traditional methods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly Baked Highland Bread
Farmers Market
農林水産物直売所
A direct sales outlet for fresh local agricultural and forestry products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Highland Vegetables
Featured Products
Taste the pride of the region with signature mountain-grown produce and artisanal specialties.
Highland Vegetable Dried Snacks
高原野菜ドライスナック
Delicious dried snacks made from fresh highland vegetables, preserving their natural flavor and nutrients.
Wood-Scented Soap
木の香り石鹸
Handmade soap infused with the natural scent of local wood, perfect for a refreshing and aromatic experience.
Forest Honey
森のハチミツ
Pure honey harvested from wildflowers in the highland forests, known for its rich, natural flavor.
Highland Vegetable Jam
高原野菜ジャム
A unique jam made from locally grown highland vegetables, offering a savory-sweet taste.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy comfortable amenities including parking, restrooms, and accessible facilities.
Parking Lot
Standard cars: 71 spaces, Large vehicles: 3 spaces, Disabled parking: 2 spaces (available 24 hours)
Toilet
Men's toilets: 7 units, Women's toilets: 5 units, Accessible toilets: 1 unit
Information Center
Provides up-to-date information on roads, tourism, and weather. Also features a disaster prevention center with advanced capabilities.
Park
A recreational area for visitors to enjoy outdoor activities.
Hot Spring
A hot spring facility available for visitors to enjoy.
Shower
Public showers available for visitors.
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging equipment available on-site.
Nursing Room
A dedicated room for breastfeeding and infant care, equipped with changing tables.
Children's Play Area
A play area for children, part of the park facilities.
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi access available for visitors.
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around seasonal highlights and local events for the best experience.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit by 9:15 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the breakfast counter in the restaurant before the morning rush, as the "Highland Breakfast Set" sells out by 10:30 AM
- Hidden Gems: Check the back corner of the sansanパン工房 (sansan Bakery) daily between 11:30 AM and 12:00 PM for the day’s limited batch of Milk Bread with Local Honey, which is not listed on the menu but available only to early visitors
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays, visit the ファーストフード（さんさんまんま・まほら葉） (fast food area) between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to try the seasonal Pumpkin Curry Rice Box, available only during the autumn months and sold out by 1:30 PM
- Off-Peak Food Access: Go to the 農家レストラン (Farmers' Restaurant) at 3:10 PM on weekdays to order the Hearty Highland Vegetable Stew, which is prepared in limited quantity and served only after the lunch rush ends
- Unique Experience: Use the プラネタリウム (planetarium) at the 久万高原天体観測館 (Kumakogen Astronomy Observatory) during the 6:00 PM session on clear nights—reservations are required and space is limited to 20 people per show
- Seasonal Product Tip: Visit the 物産館さんさん (Products Shop) on the first Saturday of every month between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to purchase the exclusive Dried Highland Mushroom & Walnut Mix, a limited-run product made from local harvests
- Practical Parking Strategy: Park in the 身障者用駐車場 (handicapped parking) zone when arriving on weekends, as it is closest to the sansanパン工房 and レストランさんさん and often remains available even when other spots are full
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market in early spring; peak season for canola flower viewing in late April.
Summer (June–August): Ideal for cool mountain hiking and stargazing; summer festivals and outdoor activities at the roadside station.
Autumn (September–November): Harvest season for highland vegetables; autumn foliage views around the stone forest and mountain trails.
Winter (December–February): Snow-covered landscape perfect for skiing at Kumakogen Ski Resort; hot springs and wood-fired dining available.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station features a dedicated playground, nursing rooms, diaper changing stations, and stroller-friendly paths. It offers child-friendly food options and interactive experiences like the observatory and forest-themed activities, making it highly suitable for families.
Food Lover Review
The station provides diverse dining options including a farm-to-table restaurant, bakery, and food court. It showcases high-quality local produce, seasonal mountain vegetables, and unique regional specialties like wooden barrel-aged products and local herbal teas.
Car Camping Review
It offers ample parking, clean restrooms, and vending machines. While the area is quiet and suitable for overnight stays, there is no explicit overnight parking policy, and camping facilities are limited to designated sites.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located at 800m elevation, the station offers panoramic views of Shikoku’s mountainous landscape, including Mount Ishizuchi and the Katsura Plateau. Scenic viewpoints, seasonal beauty, and a serene atmosphere enhance its visual appeal.