Discover the Heart of Uwajima at Uwajima Kisaiya Plaza
Located in the vibrant center of Uwajima City, Uwajima Kisaiya Plaza stands as a dynamic roadside station where land and sea converge. Nestled near the bustling port and just minutes from Uwajima Station, it serves as a vital hub for travelers and locals alike, offering seamless access to the region’s natural beauty and cultural treasures. With ample parking, 24-hour restroom access, and convenient amenities, it’s the perfect gateway to exploring the Shikoku coastline.
This multifaceted destination blends heritage and hospitality through its heritage museum, fresh seafood and local produce market, and authentic regional dining. Visitors can savor dishes made with Uwajima’s famed aquaculture, enjoy seasonal events like the Uwajima Hawaiian Festival, or stroll through nearby attractions such as Uwajima Castle and the serene Narakura Garden. Whether shopping, dining, or simply resting, Uwajima Kisaiya Plaza offers a rich, immersive experience of coastal Japan.
Why Visit
Located in the heart of Uwajima City, Uwajima Kisaiya Plaza stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering direct access to the historic port and a unique blend of maritime culture and local craftsmanship. Visitors can savor the only locally made katsuo no tataki (bonito carpaccio) prepared daily using fish from the nearby waters, paired with the region’s famed wakame seaweed. The plaza also hosts the only on-site ukiyo-e woodblock printing experience in the area, where guests can create their own prints inspired by Uwajima’s Edo-period heritage.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh seafood and local flavors at Uwajima Kisaiya Plaza roadside station.
Kadoya
かどや
Specialty
Traditional Uwajima-style cuisine with local seafood and vegetables
A cozy restaurant offering authentic regional dishes from Uwajima, featuring fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables sourced from local farms and fisheries. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for a relaxing meal.
Hozumi Tei
ほづみ亭
Specialty
Traditional Japanese kaiseki-style dining with Uwajima ingredients
A refined dining experience featuring multi-course meals that highlight the seasonal flavors of Uwajima. The restaurant emphasizes the harmony of taste, texture, and presentation, with a serene and elegant atmosphere.
Wabisuke by Uwajima Sea
宇和海前 わびすけ
Specialty
Casual seafood dining with views of Uwajima Bay
A relaxed seafood restaurant offering fresh catches from the nearby sea. The open-air seating provides scenic views of the bay, creating a peaceful and enjoyable dining experience.
Shopping Highlights
Discover regional treasures and artisan goods at Uwajima Kisaiya Plaza roadside station.
Minamikun Specialty Products Center
特産品センターみなみくん
A retail shop offering a wide range of local specialty products from Uwajima, including food, crafts, and souvenirs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Uwajima-style dried fish
Royce Chocolate
ロイズ
A dedicated chocolate shop offering a variety of premium chocolates, including exclusive regional flavors.
Products
Must-Try Item
Uwajima cherry blossom chocolate
Makoto Bakery
手作りパン工房みなみ
A small bakery specializing in handmade bread and pastries using local ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Uwajima sourdough bread
Shuchou Fisheries Co., Ltd.
秀長水産(株)
A seafood shop specializing in fresh and processed seafood products from Uwajima.
Products
Must-Try Item
Uwajima-style dried fish
Tohakubin Fresh Fish Shop
東海林鮮魚店
A fresh fish shop offering a variety of daily catches from Uwajima Bay.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh local fish
Akoya Hime
あこやひめ
A shop specializing in Akoya pearl-related products and dairy items.
Products
Must-Try Item
Akoya pearl necklace
Kawachiya Fish Cake Shop
河内屋蒲鉾 あげたて家
A shop dedicated to traditional Japanese fish cakes (kamaboko), made fresh daily.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly fried fish cake
Featured Products
Taste signature local specialties like fresh sea products and handmade crafts at Uwajima Kisaiya Plaza roadside station.
Uwajima-style dried fish
宇和島風干し魚
Traditional dried fish made using local methods and fresh catches from Uwajima Bay, known for its rich flavor and texture.
Uwajima cherry blossom chocolate
宇和島桜餅チョコレート
A unique chocolate infused with the delicate flavor of cherry blossoms, inspired by the local spring tradition.
Uwajima sourdough bread
宇和島自家製パン
Handmade sourdough bread using locally sourced flour and traditional fermentation methods, known for its tangy flavor and chewy texture.
Freshly fried fish cake
揚げたて蒲鉾
Crispy, freshly fried fish cake made daily using traditional recipes and local fish.
Akoya pearl necklace
あこや真珠ネックレス
A high-quality Akoya pearl necklace crafted from pearls harvested in the waters around Uwajima.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, and visitor services at Uwajima Kisaiya Plaza roadside station.
Parking Lot
228 parking spaces available, including 19 standard cars, 5 large vehicles, and 2 accessible parking spots. The parking lot is available 24 hours a day.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Toilet
Male toilets: 7 units. Female toilets: 5 units. Accessible toilets: 1 unit. All toilets are available 24 hours a day.
Inside the roadside station
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Tourist Information Center
Provides information about local attractions, events, and tourism in the area. Open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Inside the roadside station
Playground
A children's play area located within the facility grounds, suitable for family visits.
Outdoor area of the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging equipment is available for visitors with EVs.
Near the parking lot
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitor convenience.
Near the entrance
Bike Rental
Bicycles can be rented at the roadside station for exploring the surrounding area.
Near the entrance
Activities & Experiences
Participate in hands-on workshops and seasonal events at Uwajima Kisaiya Plaza roadside station.
Joy Candle Making
ジョイキャンドル
Participants will create their own candles using various scents and colors, learning basic candle-making techniques.
Duration
90 min
Hawaiian Festival
UWAJIMA Hawaiian Festival 2025
Enjoy Hawaiian music, dance performances, tropical food, and cultural activities celebrating Hawaiian traditions.
Duration
480 min
Outdoor event; weather-dependent
Sunflower Festival
きさいや広場パークのひまわり
Visit the sunflower park to enjoy blooming sunflowers and take photos in a beautiful floral landscape.
Duration
120 min
Best enjoyed on sunny days
仙台フェア
仙台フェア開催!!
Experience traditional Sendai culture with local food, crafts, and performances from Sendai, Japan.
Duration
360 min
Indoor event; weather not a factor
Halloween Festival
ハロウィンフェスティバル ～女子力UPふぇあ～
Join a themed Halloween celebration with costumes, games, and special treats designed to boost women's confidence and fun.
Duration
240 min
Outdoor activities may be affected by weather
Rental Bicycle
レンタサイクル
Rent a bicycle to explore the surrounding area, including scenic routes along the coast and local landmarks.
Duration
120 min
Not recommended in heavy rain
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around peak hours and use the nearby parking for easy access to Uwajima Kisaiya Plaza roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure a parking spot at the ordinary vehicle lot, which fills up quickly after 10:00 AM due to local shoppers and tourists arriving for the morning market.
- Hidden Gems: At the Handmade Bread Workshop Minami, ask for the fresh milk bread baked daily at 8:00 AM—it sells out by 11:00 AM and is not restocked.
- Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the food stall “Hokuzumi Tei” between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM to try the limited-time grilled sea bream with local miso, available only during weekend lunch hours.
- Best Use of Free Time: After visiting the Uwajima Castle, walk to the Uwajima Kisaiya Plaza and use the rooftop courtyard (屋根付き広場) between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to enjoy a quiet view of the harbor while sipping tea from the café area.
- Special Access: Use the free rental bicycles (レンタサイクル) located near the entrance to ride the short coastal route to the nearby Yosoko Water荷浦 Rice Terraces—this path is clearly marked on the roadside station’s map and takes about 20 minutes round-trip.
- Exclusive Product Tip: Purchase the “Kisaiya Special Blend” coffee from the Minamikun Specialty Products Center before 1:00 PM, as it is only available in the morning and not restocked after noon.
- Best Dining Window: Order the “Uwajima Seafood Set” at the restaurant Kadoya between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM to ensure the day’s freshest catch is still available, as the kitchen prepares ingredients only once daily and runs out by 1:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Visit during May for the UWAJIMA Hawaiian Festival and blooming hibiscus at the park.
Summer (June–August): Enjoy the park’s sunflowers in full bloom by late August.
Autumn (September–November): Experience the Joystick Candle event in November.
Winter (December–February): Discover seasonal treats during the仙台フェア in October.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station offers stroller-friendly access, multiple restrooms including baby-changing stations, and a dedicated playground. Family activities and interactive exhibits enhance the experience, though limited play areas restrict a full 5-point score.
Food Lover Review
It features diverse dining options including local seafood restaurants and regional specialty shops. Fresh marine products, artisanal items, and seasonal offerings elevate the culinary experience, though limited seating reduces overall score.
Car Camping Review
The station provides ample parking, clean restrooms, and vending machines, supporting overnight stays. However, no designated camping zones or explicit overnight parking policy limits its suitability for extended car camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
Overlooking the sea with panoramic views, the site offers striking natural scenery and multiple scenic viewpoints. Seasonal changes and well-maintained landscapes enhance visual appeal, contributing to a strong aesthetic experience.