Discover the Heart of Shikoku’s Agricultural Spirit
Nestled in the serene countryside of Uchiko, Ehime Prefecture, Uchiko Fresh Park Karari is a vibrant roadside station where nature, tradition, and local craftsmanship converge. Located just off the Nishi-Nippon Expressway at the Uchiko Iogasa IC, it serves as a welcoming gateway to the region’s rich agricultural heritage and cultural charm.
More than a rest stop, Karari is a celebration of local produce and artisanal pride. Visitors can savor fresh seasonal fruits, handcrafted jams, and unique snacks like jabara (a local citrus) sorbet, all made from ingredients grown in the surrounding fields. The on-site bakery, smoked meat workshop, and farm-to-table restaurant showcase the dedication of local farmers and artisans. With seasonal events like the Jabara Harvest Festival and live music performances, every visit offers a taste of authentic Shikoku life.
Why Visit
Uchiko Fresh Park Karari stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering handmade jerky made from locally raised pigs, crafted using traditional German techniques perfected on-site. Visitors can also savor the exclusive Uchiko-grown jabara fruit ice cream—made from a rare citrus variety unique to the area—alongside fresh bread baked daily in the on-site oven. The station’s seasonal harvest festivals and live music events further create a one-of-a-kind cultural experience rooted in local agriculture and craftsmanship.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, locally crafted meals at Uchiko Fresh Park Karari, where farm-to-table flavors meet rustic charm.
Shaved Ice Workshop
シャーベット工房
Specialty
Fresh fruit-based shaved ice made with locally sourced ingredients
A small, casual stall offering refreshing shaved ice made from fresh local fruits and vegetables, perfect for cooling off in the summer heat.
Pork and Ham Specialty Restaurant
あぐり亭
Specialty
Authentic local pork dishes with traditional recipes
A cozy restaurant serving hearty meals made with locally raised pork, offering a true taste of Iyo's rural culinary heritage.
Burger Shop
ハンバーガーショップ
Specialty
Freshly made burgers with local ingredients
A casual food stall serving handcrafted burgers using locally sourced beef and vegetables, served with a side of homemade fries.
Shopping Highlights
Discover seasonal produce and regional treasures at Uchiko Fresh Park Karari’s vibrant marketplace.
Farmers Market
特産物直売所
A direct sales outlet for agricultural products grown in Uchiko Town, offering fresh vegetables, fruits, and seasonal harvests.
Products
Must-Try Item
Uchiko Fresh Tomatoes
Bakery
パン工房
A small bakery producing fresh bread and pastries using locally grown wheat and traditional techniques.
Products
Must-Try Item
Uchiko Wheat Bread
Smoking Workshop
燻製工房
A craft workshop specializing in smoked meats and sausages, using traditional German methods and local pork.
Products
Must-Try Item
Uchiko Smoked Ham
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature items like local jabara fruit and handcrafted sausages.
Jabara Fruit Cube
じゃばら果実キューブ
Convenient, ready-to-use cubes made from fresh jabara fruit, ideal for drinks, desserts, or cooking.
Jabara Juice Cube
じゃばら果汁キューブ
Frozen juice cubes made from natural jabara fruit juice, perfect for refreshing beverages.
Jabara Fruit Syrup
じゃばら果実シロップ
Natural syrup made from concentrated jabara fruit, ideal for cocktails, desserts, and beverages.
Jabara Fruit Jam
じゃばら果実ジャム
Handcrafted jam made from locally grown jabara fruit, with no added preservatives.
Jabara Fruit Tea
じゃばら果実茶
Dried jabara fruit tea with a naturally sweet and refreshing flavor, perfect for herbal tea lovers.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including spacious parking, accessible restrooms, and relaxing lounges.
Parking Lot
Standard cars: 176 spaces; Large vehicles: 2 spaces; Disabled parking: 2 spaces (available 24 hours)
At the roadside station
Toilet
Male: 11 units; Female: 6 units; Accessible toilet: 1 unit
At the roadside station
Information Center
Provides information about the roadside station, local attractions, and events
At the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging facilities available
At the roadside station
Nursing Room
Private space for breastfeeding and infant care
At the roadside station
Play Area
Outdoor play area for children
At the roadside station
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi access available for visitors
Throughout the roadside station
ATM
Automated teller machine available on-site
At the roadside station
Pet Area
Designated area for pets, allowing visitors to bring their animals
At the roadside station
Insider Tips
Plan ahead—seasonal events and hours vary, so check updates before your visit.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00–10:00 AM on weekends to secure the day’s fresh batch of milk bread from the bread workshop, which sells out by 11:00 AM and is not restocked
- Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the entrance for the daily limited-run "Uchiko Fresh Park Karari" seasonal jam, available only on Wednesdays and Saturdays during harvest season (typically late August to mid-September)
- Weekend Special: On the first Saturday of each month, visit the “from the farm” market stall between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM to buy freshly harvested green beans and baby eggplants directly from local farmers who set up at the roadside station
- Best Time to Try the Shaved Ice: Arrive between 2:00–3:30 PM on weekdays when the shaved ice shop offers its signature "Shiokara Sorbet" flavor, made with local fermented squid and seasonal fruit, as it is only available during those hours
- Specialty Product Pickup: Purchase the exclusive "Jabara Fruit Cube" (a frozen juice cube made from local jabara fruit) at the business counter between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, as it is only available on Fridays and Sundays
- Photography Spot: Visit the “Chokubai Garden” path behind the main parking area at 4:00 PM on weekdays to see the illuminated lanterns along the path, which are lit only from 4:00 PM until dusk and not displayed on weekends
- Local Event Tip: If visiting on November 23, attend the “Karari Harvest Festival” at 11:00 AM to sample free samples of handmade fermented vegetable pickles from the “Agritown” booth and receive a free recipe card
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market; wheat fields bloom in late April, ideal for photography.
Summer (June-August): Hydrangeas in full bloom through June; local events like the koi no boari festival run through early June.
Autumn (September-November): Harvest season for fromari (wild garlic); the fromari harvest festival held on November 23.
Winter (December-February): Limited fresh produce; focus on indoor activities and seasonal snacks.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The station offers stroller-friendly paths, multiple restrooms including baby-changing facilities, and a dedicated playground. Family activities include farm experiences and children's events, enhancing the appeal for families.
Food Lover Review
Diverse dining options include restaurants, a bakery, a smoked meat workshop, and an ice cream shop. Fresh local produce and unique regional products like jabara fruit and handmade sausages elevate the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
The station provides restrooms, vending machines, and ample parking with designated spaces for large vehicles. Overnight stays are permitted, though no formal camping facilities are available.
Scenic Beauty Review
The station features scenic views of wheat fields, fruit orchards, and surrounding natural landscapes. Seasonal beauty is enhanced by blooming flowers and harvest festivals, with excellent photo spots and a peaceful atmosphere.