Where Sea and History Meet in the Heart of the Seto Inland Sea
Nestled along the scenic coastline of Aioi, Aioi Hakuryu Castle roadside station stands as a vibrant cultural gateway in the heart of Hyōgo Prefecture’s scenic Seto Inland Sea region. This striking Chinese-style complex blends heritage and hospitality, offering travelers a unique blend of natural beauty, local tradition, and modern comfort. Perched near the bustling Haima Seasid Road (National Route 250), it serves as a vital stop for drivers, cyclists, and tourists exploring the historic ports and coastal landscapes of western Japan.
At its core, the station shines with its renowned Peiron Hot Spring, where visitors can soak in one of six natural thermal baths while gazing out over the expansive Aioi Bay. The on-site restaurant, Maneki, serves fresh regional cuisine including the famed Aioi oysters, while the bustling specialty market offers seasonal produce, craft beverages, and locally crafted souvenirs. From summer melons to winter oysters, and the annual Peiron Festival’s thunderous dragon boat races, Aioi Hakuryu Castle is a living celebration of place, flavor, and community.
Why Visit
Aioi Hakuryu Castle roadside station stands out for its unparalleled access to the region’s most iconic seasonal delicacy: fresh, locally harvested Hiroshima oysters, available only from November to March. These plump, briny bivalves—renowned as “sea’s milk”—are sold raw, grilled, or in specialty dishes like oyster ramen at the on-site restaurant. Equally unique is the annual Peiron Festival, where visitors can witness 12 elaborately decorated dragon boats race across Aioi Bay, a tradition dating back to 1922. The event culminates in a spectacular firework display over the water, visible from the station’s elevated viewing deck.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh local flavors at Aioi Hakuryu Castle roadside station, where scenic views of the Seto Inland Sea enhance every meal.
Japanese Style Dining Maneki
和ダイニングまねき
Specialty
Traditional Japanese cuisine with local seafood and seasonal vegetables
A cozy Japanese dining hall offering a serene atmosphere with views of the Seto Inland Sea. The restaurant serves a variety of kaiseki-style meals, set menus, and seasonal specialties, including local delicacies such as Aioi oysters. Ideal for enjoying a relaxing meal after a visit to the hot spring.
Shopping Highlights
Discover regional treasures and seasonal produce at the roadside station’s vibrant market, perfect for unique souvenirs.
Specialty Products Store
特産品売場
A retail space offering a wide range of locally produced goods, including fresh seafood, seasonal fruits, and regional crafts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Aioi Oysters
Craft and Souvenir Shop
工芸品・お土産売店
A shop specializing in handmade crafts, traditional souvenirs, and locally made gifts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Dragon-shaped Ceramic Figurines
Beverage and Alcohol Store
飲料・酒類売店
A dedicated section for alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks, including regional wines and spirits.
Products
Must-Try Item
Dragon Plum Wine
Fresh Produce Market
新鮮野菜市場
A market selling fresh, locally grown vegetables and fruits directly from regional farmers.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yano Melon
Flower Nursery
花苗販売所
A nursery offering a variety of flowering plants and garden supplies.
Products
Must-Try Item
Pansy Seedlings
Featured Products
Sample iconic local specialties like sweet grapes, juicy figs, and the famous Aioi oyster, celebrated for their rich, coastal taste.
Thunder Moon Candy
雷満月
A nostalgic, traditional candy made from small round rice crackers coated in sticky syrup, known for its chewy texture and satisfying bite.
Dragon Plum Wine
ドラゴン梅酒
A luxurious plum wine made with premium 'Ou-ee Plum' from Mitsu town, blended with special pure rice wine for a rich, fruity flavor.
Yano Melon
矢野メロン
A premium melon variety known for its sweetness, firm texture, and refreshing taste, harvested in the region.
Fresh Aioi Oysters
相生かき
Freshly harvested oysters from the Seto Inland Sea, known for their plump, sweet, and creamy texture.
Hibiscus Seedlings
アゲラタム
Colorful hibiscus seedlings that bloom from early summer to autumn, ideal for beginners.
Pansy Seedlings
ペチュニア
Vibrant pansy seedlings that thrive in spring and early summer, perfect for garden borders.
Hibiscus Flower Seeds
ジニア
Durable and colorful flower seeds that bloom throughout the summer, ideal for gardeners of all levels.
Marigold Seedlings
マリーゴールド
Bright marigold seedlings that bloom from early summer to late autumn, known for their resilience.
Hibiscus Seed Pack
アゲラタム
A pack of hibiscus seeds for growing vibrant flowers in your garden.
Pansy Seed Pack
ペチュニア
A pack of pansy seeds for easy home gardening.
Marigold Seed Pack
マリーゴールド
A pack of marigold seeds for growing colorful flowers in your garden.
Fresh Summer Vegetables
夏野菜
A seasonal selection of fresh summer vegetables, including eggplants, peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
Fresh Watermelon
スイカ
Sweet, juicy watermelons harvested in the region, perfect for summer refreshment.
Fresh Melon
網干メロン
A sweet and refreshing melon variety from the region, known for its firm texture and rich flavor.
Fresh Grapes
ぶどう
Large, juicy grapes with a crisp texture, perfect for eating fresh or using in recipes.
Fresh Figs
いちじく
Sweet, soft figs harvested at peak ripeness, known for their rich, honey-like flavor.
Fresh Peaches
桃
Juicy, sweet peaches with a vibrant color and refreshing taste.
Fresh Tomatoes
トマト
Ripe, flavorful tomatoes perfect for salads, cooking, or eating fresh.
Fresh Eggplants
なす
Tender, flavorful eggplants ideal for grilling, frying, or stewing.
Fresh Peppers
ピーマン
Crisp, colorful peppers perfect for stir-frying, grilling, or eating raw.
Fresh Cucumbers
きゅうり
Crisp, refreshing cucumbers perfect for salads or pickling.
Fresh Okra
オクラ
Tender okra with a slightly slimy texture, ideal for stir-frying or steaming.
Fresh Goya
ゴーヤ
Bitter melon with a unique flavor, perfect for stir-frying or making soup.
Fresh Zucchini
ズッキーニ
Tender zucchini with a mild flavor, ideal for grilling, frying, or baking.
Fresh Onions
玉ねぎ
Fresh, crisp onions perfect for cooking or eating raw.
Fresh Spring Vegetables
春野菜
A seasonal selection of fresh spring vegetables, including asparagus, peas, and spinach.
Fresh Bamboo Shoots
タケノコ
Fresh bamboo shoots harvested in spring, known for their tender texture and mild flavor.
Fresh Ferns
わらび
Fresh fern shoots harvested in spring, known for their tender texture and earthy flavor.
Fresh Strawberries
いちご
Sweet, juicy strawberries harvested at peak ripeness.
Fresh Cherry Tomatoes
ミニトマト
Small, sweet cherry tomatoes perfect for snacking or salads.
Fresh Apples
りんご
Crisp, juicy apples harvested in the region.
Fresh Pears
梨
Sweet, juicy pears with a delicate flavor.
Fresh Cherries
さくらんぼ
Sweet, juicy cherries harvested in the region.
Fresh Plums
梅
Sweet, juicy plums with a rich flavor.
Fresh Peaches
桃
Juicy, sweet peaches with a vibrant color and refreshing taste.
Fresh Apricots
杏
Sweet, juicy apricots with a rich, honey-like flavor.
Fresh Nectarines
ナツメ
Sweet, juicy nectarines with a smooth skin and rich flavor.
Fresh Plums
梅
Sweet, juicy plums with a rich flavor.
Fresh Pomegranates
ザクロ
Juicy pomegranates with a sweet-tart flavor.
Fresh Persimmons
柿
Sweet, juicy persimmons with a rich, honey-like flavor.
Fresh Kiwis
キウイフルーツ
Sweet, juicy kiwis with a tangy flavor.
Fresh Bananas
バナナ
Sweet, ripe bananas perfect for snacking or baking.
Fresh Oranges
オレンジ
Juicy, sweet oranges with a refreshing taste.
Fresh Lemons
レモン
Fresh lemons with a tangy, citrusy flavor.
Fresh Limes
ライム
Tangy, citrusy limes perfect for cooking or drinking.
Fresh Grapefruit
グレープフルーツ
Juicy, tangy grapefruit with a refreshing taste.
Fresh Mangoes
マンゴー
Sweet, juicy mangoes with a rich, tropical flavor.
Fresh Pineapples
パイナップル
Sweet, juicy pineapples with a tangy, tropical flavor.
Fresh Papayas
パパイヤ
Sweet, juicy papayas with a tropical flavor.
Fresh Guavas
グァバ
Sweet, juicy guavas with a tropical flavor.
Fresh Lychees
ライチ
Sweet, juicy lychees with a floral flavor.
Fresh Rambutans
ランブタン
Sweet, juicy rambutans with a tropical flavor.
Fresh Longans
ロンガン
Sweet, juicy longans with a honey-like flavor.
Fresh Dragon Fruits
ドラゴンフルーツ
Sweet, juicy dragon fruits with a tropical flavor.
Fresh Passion Fruits
パッションフルーツ
Sweet, juicy passion fruits with a tangy, tropical flavor.
Fresh Star Fruits
スターフルーツ
Sweet, juicy star fruits with a tangy, tropical flavor.
Fresh Durians
ドラゴンフルーツ
Sweet, juicy durians with a strong, unique flavor.
Fresh Mangosteens
マンゴスチン
Sweet, juicy mangosteens with a unique, tropical flavor.
Fresh Rambutans
ランブタン
Sweet, juicy rambutans with a tropical flavor.
Fresh Longans
ロンガン
Sweet, juicy longans with a honey-like flavor.
Fresh Dragon Fruits
ドラゴンフルーツ
Sweet, juicy dragon fruits with a tropical flavor.
Fresh Passion Fruits
パッションフルーツ
Sweet, juicy passion fruits with a tangy, tropical flavor.
Fresh Star Fruits
スターフルーツ
Sweet, juicy star fruits with a tangy, tropical flavor.
Fresh Durians
ドラゴンフルーツ
Sweet, juicy durians with a strong, unique flavor.
Fresh Mangosteens
マンゴスチン
Sweet, juicy mangosteens with a unique, tropical flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax in six natural hot spring baths or enjoy modern amenities, including EV charging and accessible restrooms.
Parking Lot
46 standard vehicle parking spaces available.
Near the main entrance
Restroom
Male restroom with 8 fixtures, female restroom with 4 fixtures, and baby changing facilities available.
Near the main lobby
Tourism Information Center
Provides information about Aioi City, nearby towns, and the wider western Harima region, including maps and travel guides.
Main lobby
Peiron Hot Spring
A hot spring facility with various bathing options including an open-air bath overlooking the Aioi Bay, sauna, foam bath, and massage services. Open daily except Tuesdays.
Second floor of the main building
EV Charging Station
One electric vehicle charging point available.
Near the parking area
ATM
Available for use 24 hours a day.
Near the main entrance
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless internet access available throughout the facility.
Throughout the premises
Activities & Experiences
Join seasonal events, try hands-on workshops, or attend lively festivals like the Moon Viewing Night and Peiron Dragon Boat races.
Moon Viewing Night Event
あいおい白龍城観月ナイト
Enjoy a moon viewing event under the stars with music live performances, food trucks, games for children, and stargazing in a scenic location near the sea.
Duration
180 min
Cruise on Aioi Bay
相生湾クルージング
Take a guided boat cruise around Aioi Bay, offering scenic views of the coastline and surrounding natural beauty.
Duration
60 min
Weather-dependent; may be canceled in case of strong winds or rain.
Peiron Dragon Boat Race
相生ペーロン競漕
Witness or participate in a traditional dragon boat race held annually in May on Aioi Bay, featuring 70 teams racing over a 300-meter course with synchronized rowing and drumming.
Duration
120 min
Weather-dependent; may be canceled due to high winds or storms.
Peiron Festival Pre-Party
相生ペーロンまつり前夜祭
Attend a festive pre-party with food stalls, live music, and a fireworks display on the night before the main Peiron Festival, with reserved seating available.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor event; may be affected by rain or strong winds.
Summer Vegetable Tasting
夏野菜の販売
Taste and purchase fresh seasonal vegetables such as watermelons, melons, tomatoes, and eggplants directly from local farmers at the roadside station.
Duration
60 min
Fresh Fruit Sampling
果物の販売
Sample and buy fresh seasonal fruits like grapes, figs, and melons directly from local producers at the roadside station.
Duration
60 min
Local Seafood Market
相生かき
Explore a seasonal seafood market featuring fresh oysters from Aioi Bay, available from late November to March, with options for direct purchase and cooked samples.
Duration
60 min
Flower Seedling Selection
花苗
Choose and purchase flower seedlings such as marigolds, petunias, zinnias, and ageratum, ideal for planting during the spring and early summer months.
Duration
30 min
Traditional Craft Workshop
陶芸室
Participate in a hands-on pottery workshop at the local cultural center, where visitors can create their own ceramic pieces using traditional techniques.
Duration
90 min
Insider Tips
Visit early for limited-edition items like the annual Yano melons, and check for seasonal events at the nearby Peiron Harbor Museum.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:00 AM on weekdays to secure the first batch of fresh strawberries, which are available daily and often sell out by midday due to high demand.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to find the limited daily batch of locally made “雷満月” (Rai Mangetsu) candy, a traditional sweet sold only in small packs and often exhausted by early afternoon.
- Seasonal Special: On weekends in late October, head to the special event area near the parking lot by 5:30 PM to join the annual “観月ナイト” (Moon Viewing Night), where you can enjoy live music, food trucks, and a guided moon observation session under the full moon.
- Best Time for Fresh Seafood: Visit the seafood counter on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, when the daily catch from the nearby fishing port is freshly delivered and displayed, including seasonal items like live sea urchins and fresh oysters.
- Weekend Special: On the first Sunday of each month, the flower stand near the entrance offers a “spring planting bundle” of beginner-friendly flowers—such as marigolds, petunias, and zinnias—sold at a 20% discount if purchased before noon.
- Avoid Wait Times: Skip the long lines at the main entrance by using the secondary entrance near the parking lot, which leads directly to the specialty food counter and the EV charging station, especially during peak holiday periods.
- Best Time for Local Produce: Visit the vegetable and fruit stand just after 11:00 AM on Thursdays and Fridays to catch the latest delivery of locally grown melons from the Yano family farm, which are only available for a few hours before being sold out.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots and wild ferns arrive in early spring; the annual Aioi Peiron Festival features a fireworks display on May 24.
Summer (June-August): Peak season for watermelon, muskmelon, and fresh peaches; outdoor activities and summer events thrive.
Autumn (September-November): Delicious figs and grapes reach peak ripeness; the Aioi Peiron Moon Viewing Night is held on October 3.
Winter (December-February): Prime time for fresh oysters and local seafood; winter events include the annual oyster festival.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a children's play area, games during events like the Moon Viewing Night, and family-friendly food options. The facility includes stroller-accessible restrooms and baby beds, with interactive cultural exhibits on the Peiron dragon boat tradition.
Food Lover Review
Features a diverse range of dining options including a Japanese-style restaurant and multiple food stalls. Offers local specialties like fresh oysters, seasonal fruits, and regional crafts such as 'Rai Mangetsu' candy, with high-quality fresh produce and artisanal products.
Car Camping Review
Provides basic facilities including restrooms, parking, and vending machines. The location is relatively quiet with scenic views, though overnight parking is not explicitly permitted, and camping amenities are limited.
Scenic Beauty Review
Boasts stunning views of Aioi Bay and surrounding mountains, with excellent photo spots along the waterfront and scenic walking paths. The Chinese-style architecture enhances the aesthetic appeal, and seasonal beauty is evident year-round.