Discover the Heart of Coastal Echizen
Nestled in the scenic heart of the Echizen Coast National Park, the roadside station Echizen offers travelers a vibrant gateway to one of Japan’s most celebrated coastal regions. More than just a rest stop, it serves as a cultural and culinary hub, showcasing the rich heritage of Fukuoka’s northern coast. From the famed Echizen crab to exquisite Echizen ceramics and the fragrant blooms of the region’s famed narcissus fields, this station celebrates local craftsmanship, seasonal bounty, and natural beauty.
Visitors can savor fresh seafood at the light food counter, explore the Echizen Brand Corner featuring regional produce and artisan crafts, or unwind in the scenic open-air bath “Yukihotaru,” where the waves of the Japan Sea meet the evening sky. Seasonal festivals like the Crab Festival and the Illuminated Narasen Park highlight the area’s vibrant traditions, while nearby attractions such as the Echizen Pottery Village and the historic Kannon Shrine invite deeper exploration. Whether you're seeking relaxation, local flavor, or a connection to the land, Echizen delivers an unforgettable journey.
Why Visit
Located at the heart of the Echizen Kaga Coast National Park, the roadside station Echizen offers two uniquely local experiences found nowhere else. Visitors can soak in the ocean-view open-air bath "Yag火," where seasonal changes include a monthly "ginger bath" known for its warming, detoxifying effects. Just steps away, the Echizen Crab Museum features a detailed diorama of local crab fishing, offering a rare, immersive look into the region’s most celebrated seasonal harvest.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh local flavors at Echizen roadside station, where seasonal seafood and regional specialties take center stage.
Light Meal Corner
軽食コーナー
Specialty
Fresh seafood and local dishes from Echizen
A casual food stall offering a variety of local specialties, including fresh seafood and traditional Echizen cuisine, served in convenient meal sets.
Shopping Highlights
Discover authentic local crafts and produce at Echizen's vibrant marketplace, celebrating the region's rich heritage.
Echizen Brand Corner
越前ブランドコーナー
A retail space showcasing a wide range of local Echizen products, including agricultural goods, seafood products, and ceramics.
Products
Must-Try Item
Echizen Crab
Echizen Pottery Cultural Exchange Hall
越前陶芸村文化交流会館
A cultural and retail space dedicated to Echizen pottery, offering handmade ceramics and pottery experiences.
Products
Must-Try Item
Modern Echizen pottery
Echizen Crab Museum
越前がにミュージアム
A museum dedicated to the history and culture of Echizen crab, featuring exhibits and souvenirs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Crab model
Featured Products
Sample signature items like succulent Echizen crab, handcrafted Echizen pottery, and seasonal farm-fresh goods.
Echizen Crab Bath Salt
越前温泉の入浴剤
A set of five different bath salts inspired by the natural hot springs of Echizen, designed to provide a relaxing and therapeutic experience.
Echizen Pottery Coffee Cup
越前焼で珈琲時間
A modern Echizen pottery coffee cup available for use with the automatic coffee vending machine at the cultural exchange hall.
Halloween Moon Pressed Flower Keychain
ハロウィンムーン押し花キーホルダー
A handmade keychain featuring pressed flowers and a Halloween-themed charm, available at the botanical garden.
Halloween Spider Web Ornament
ハロウィンリース作り
A decorative Halloween ornament made from natural materials like dried flowers and twigs, available at the botanical garden.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including spacious parking, accessible restrooms, and free Wi-Fi at Echizen roadside station.
Parking Lot
168 parking spaces available, including 11 large vehicle spots and 157 small vehicle spots.
Adjacent to the roadside station entrance
Toilets
Male toilets have 12 small and 7 large fixtures; female toilets have 15 fixtures. Accessible toilets are available with 5 fixtures and 4 accessible parking spaces.
Throughout the facility, including accessible areas
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless internet access is available on-site.
Throughout the roadside station and public areas
Information Center
Provides road and tourism information via search terminals and large monitors. Includes a tourism information counter staffed by guides offering information about tourist attractions across Fukui Prefecture.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Children's Play Area
A play area is available for children, including free games such as ring toss, throwing games, and coloring activities.
In the recreational area near the roadside station
Open-Air Bath 'Isaribi'
A hot spring bath with a view of the Japan Sea, open from 10:00 to 21:00. Admission is 510 yen for adults and 300 yen for children (tax included). Closed every Tuesday (or the next day if Tuesday is a holiday).
Near the roadside station entrance
Open-Air Bath 'Nihonkai'
An open-air bath located by the Japan Sea, open from 7:00 to 20:00 on weekdays and 7:00 to 20:00 on weekends and holidays. Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and every Tuesday (with changes effective April 2024).
Located at the Japan Sea coast, near the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging station available on-site.
Near the parking area
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in seasonal festivals, hands-on workshops, and cultural experiences throughout the year.
Christmas Wreath Making
クリスマスリース作り
Create a festive wreath using pine cones and dried flowers. Decorate with a large Christmas tree centerpiece and charming figures of Santa, reindeer, and sleeping children. Limited to 30 pieces.
Duration
120 min
Halloween Moon Pressed Flower Keychain
ハロウィンムーン押し花キーホルダー
Create a keychain by drawing with colored pencils and arranging pressed flowers on a themed design. Features a cute ribbon and a charming Halloween charm that sways gently.
Duration
60 min
Family Craft Making
親子で楽しむクラフト作り
Create a spider web-themed wall hanging and a fun lantern with drawings. The lantern features a six-sided cedar board decorated with Halloween elements and a movable spider charm.
Duration
90 min
In-Store Scavenger Hunt: Dark Alice Halloween
館内スタンプラリー ダークアリスハロウィン
Participate in a themed scavenger hunt inside the facility. Collect stamps and answer quiz questions. Collect enough stamps to win a Halloween-themed lucky draw.
Duration
120 min
Mushroom Observation Walk
きのこ観察会
Join a guided walk to observe various mushrooms in nature. Learn about mushroom biology and participate in a mushroom identification session after collection.
Duration
300 min
Bring rain gear as the event proceeds in light rain
Autumn Arrangement Workshop
秋の寄せ植え教室
Learn the basics of autumn flower arrangement from a professional instructor. Create a beautiful arrangement using seasonal plants and take it home to enjoy the season.
Duration
120 min
Six Ancient Kilns Pottery Exhibition
第1回六古窯のやきもの
Experience a rare exhibition featuring pottery from six ancient kilns across Japan, including Echizen, Seto, Tokoname, Shigaraki, Tango, and Bizen. View traditional and modern designs and purchase your favorite pieces.
Duration
180 min
Find Kanitarou: Secret Keyword Edition
かに太郎をさがせ ～ひみつのキーワード編～
Children can search for hidden Kanitarou figures throughout the museum. Collect secret keywords and combine them to unlock a treasure box and receive a special gift.
Duration
90 min
11th Anniversary Celebration
道の駅「越前」11周年
Celebrate the 11th anniversary of the roadside station with food trucks, special merchandise, and a variety of activities including a succulent arrangement workshop.
Duration
360 min
Ginger Bath
生姜風呂
Enjoy a ginger bath on the 26th of each month. Ginger helps improve circulation, relieve coldness, and ease muscle pain and stiffness.
Duration
60 min
Recommended during cold weather
Insider Tips
Plan visits around the annual crab and lantern festivals, and arrive early to secure limited-edition souvenirs.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to experience the full range of fresh produce at the Echizen Brand Corner before it closes at 6:00 PM, as popular items like locally caught seafood and seasonal vegetables sell out quickly.
- Hidden Gems: At the Echizen Brand Corner, look for the seasonal "Echizen Crab" display near the entrance—this includes whole live crabs and pre-cooked crab meat, available only during the crab season (typically November through January).
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the Echizen Brand Corner between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM to pick up the limited-edition "Echizen Crab Festival" souvenir set, which includes a small crab-shaped keychain and a brochure with local seafood recipes.
- Unique Experience: Stop by the Echizen Brand Corner’s "Echizen Pottery" section to see the modern ceramic coffee cups on display—use the automatic vending machine nearby to buy a cup of coffee and enjoy it in a unique handmade Echizen ceramic mug.
- Best Time for Relaxation: Use the open-air bath "Ishibi" between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM on weekdays to enjoy the sunset view over the Japan Sea, as the bath is specifically designed for evening views and has fewer visitors during this time.
- Event Tip: On the first Sunday of November, visit the Echizen Brand Corner during the "Echizen Crab Festival" event to participate in the "Crab Bingo" game—winning tickets can be redeemed for free crab meat samples or discounted crab-related souvenirs.
- Souvenir Strategy: Purchase the "Echizen Hot Spring Bath Salts" set at the Echizen Brand Corner before 5:00 PM on weekdays, as this item is only available at the roadside station and often sells out by early evening due to high demand.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Water仙 blooms from late March to early April at Cape Echizen Narcissus Land, filling slopes with fragrance.
Summer (June–August): The hot season brings access to the open-air bath "Yukihama" and seasonal seafood at the roadside station.
Autumn (September–November): Harvest season for autumn events at the plant garden and the Kani Festival in November.
Winter (December–February): Enjoy the warm "Yukihama" bath and winter seafood, especially fresh Echizen crab.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers multiple child-friendly activities including the 'Kani Tarou' scavenger hunt, hands-on crafts, and a dedicated play area at the plant nursery. The museum features interactive exhibits on crab fishing. Facilities include stroller-accessible restrooms and ample parking, making it highly accommodating for families.
Food Lover Review
Features a variety of local specialties such as Echizen crab, heshiko (fermented fish), and fresh seafood. The food corner offers themed meals like crab and sashimi sets. The brand shop sells regional produce, processed seafood, and Echizen pottery, enhancing the authentic culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides 168 parking spaces, including 11 for large vehicles, and 24-hour access to restrooms and vending machines. The location is quiet with scenic views, though no official overnight parking policy is stated. It offers a peaceful environment for short stays but lacks designated camping facilities.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in the heart of Echizen-Kaga Coast National Park, it offers panoramic views of the Japan Sea. The illuminated entrance and nearby Narcissus Land provide stunning seasonal beauty, especially in spring. The overall atmosphere is serene and visually appealing, enhanced by natural and cultural landmarks.