Station Yahata Hama Minatto

Discover the Heart of Shikoku’s Coastal Bounty

Yahata Hama Minatto, nestled along the bustling harbor of Yawatahama in Ehime Prefecture, stands as a vibrant roadside station where the rhythm of the sea meets the richness of local life. Located at the gateway between Shikoku and Kyushu, this dynamic hub thrives on fresh seafood, regional agriculture, and community spirit. Just steps from one of Japan’s largest fish landing ports, visitors can witness the daily catch and enjoy it fresh at the on-site dining venues.

The station’s heart lies in its diverse offerings: the lively Do-ya Market showcases just-caught fish and shellfish, while the Agora Maru market presents a curated selection of local delicacies and seasonal treats. With a café featuring seasonal specialties like chestnut montblancs, a bustling food court, and the community-focused Minato Exchange Center, Yahata Hama Minatto is more than a stop—it’s an experience. Whether exploring the terraced mandarin orange fields across the bay or joining a local event, every visit connects travelers to the authentic pulse of rural Japan.

Yahata Hama Minatto stands out as the only roadside station in Ehime Prefecture where you can witness the daily arrival of fresh sea urchin, abalone, and Pacific saury directly from the bustling Yawatahama Fish Market—just steps from the dock. The station’s signature experience is savoring grilled mackerel from the same catch, served at the on-site do-ya restaurant with a view of the harbor. Beyond seafood, it’s the only place in the region where you can sample handmade chestnut mont blanc made from locally grown Ako chestnuts, a seasonal highlight at the Agora Market’s Café Shushu.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit by 8:15 AM on weekdays to secure the first selection of fresh fish at どーや市場, where the daily catch from Yawatahama Fishing Port is displayed and sold directly from 8:00 AM.

• Hidden Gems: At the アゴラマルシェ café, "Café Shushu" offers a limited-time Kurogaki Mont Blanc Festival featuring "Premium Japanese Chestnut Mont Blanc," available only until the end of October 2025—arrive before 11:00 AM to avoid missing out.

• Weekend Special: On Sundays, the カフェ・シュシュ at アゴラマルシェ hosts a Chestnut and Cheesecake Collaboration event, with special seasonal desserts like "Mont Blanc with Basque Cheese Cake" available only during the festival period.

• Best Food Truck Timing: The food trucks at みなと交流館 are active on weekends and holidays, but the best time to visit is between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM when the limited-time grilled fish skewers from the local fishing cooperative are freshly prepared and available.

• Special Access: The みなと交流館 (Maritime Exchange Center) is open until 9:30 PM on weekdays and until 8:00 PM on weekends—visit after 5:00 PM to access the free local event board and pick up the latest community bulletin, including volunteer opportunities like the Mikan Harvest Volunteer Program.

• Local Product Tip: At the 産直・物販販売 (local produce and craft sales) area, look for "Kurogaki Mikan" (Black Skin Tangerines) from the terraced orchards across the bay—these are only available in October and November and sell out quickly.

• Parking Strategy: Use the disabled parking spots located near the みなと交流館 entrance during peak hours (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM) as they are often the closest to the main food and shopping areas, especially when the どーや市場 is busy.

Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market; peak season for local citrus harvest begins.

Summer (June-August): Summer seafood festivals feature fresh catches from the harbor; cooling onigiri and shaved ice available.

Autumn (September-November): Chestnut festival at Agora Market; mikan (citrus) harvest and picking events in nearby terraced fields.

Winter (December-February): Winter seafood specialities from the harbor; warm local dishes and seasonal drinks at food stalls.