Station Hiuraura Terminal Park

Discover the Heart of Awaji Island’s Natural and Cultural Treasures

Hiuraura Terminal Park is a vibrant roadside station nestled along the northeastern coast of Awaji Island, where the gentle embrace of Osaka Bay meets lush greenery and seasonal blossoms. Located just minutes from the Higashiura Interchange on the Kobe-Awaji-Nagoya Expressway, it serves as a welcoming gateway for travelers exploring the island’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage.

More than a rest stop, Hiuraura Terminal Park offers a unique blend of experiences—from savoring farm-fresh produce at the local market and enjoying homemade meals at the café, to creating your own ceramic art at the Awaji City Pottery Museum. Art lovers will be captivated by the Midama Minoru Cat Ink Painting Museum, showcasing whimsical and elegant works dedicated to feline inspiration. With nearby attractions like Awaji Flower Park and the relaxing Higashiura Spa, this roadside station is a true destination for all ages.

Hiuraura Terminal Park stands out as the only roadside station in the region where visitors can experience the art of Tōura Ware, a distinctive local ceramic tradition showcased at its dedicated pottery studio. Here, you can create your own piece using clay from the island’s historic kilns. Equally unique is the Tōura Cat Art Museum, the world’s only gallery dedicated solely to the ink wash paintings of cat artist Takeno Nakahama. These signature experiences, combined with seasonal farm-fresh produce from the nearby Awaji Flower Park, make this station a one-of-a-kind destination.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit the agricultural market between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure the freshest local produce, as the morning harvest delivery arrives around 8:30 AM and items like fresh green beans and tomatoes often sell out by 11:00 AM.

• Hidden Gems: Check the back corner of the specialty goods shop between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays to find limited-edition "Tomiura Bitter" marmalade, a seasonal product made from locally grown citrus and only available during the winter months.

• Weekend Special: Attend the pottery experience session at the Tominari Ceramics Museum at 1:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, when staff demonstrate the traditional "Tominari Ware" technique using clay sourced from the nearby riverbed.

• Best Time for Free Wi-Fi: Use the free Wi-Fi in the bus waiting area between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM on weekdays, as the connection is most stable during early morning hours when fewer visitors are present.

• Unusual Exhibit Access: Visit the Nakahama Minoru Cat Art Museum before 1:00 PM on weekdays to view the rotating exhibition of original ink paintings, as the museum updates its display every Monday morning and only shows one special piece per week.

• Parking Strategy: Park in the large vehicle section near the entrance if you're visiting with a group or have a large vehicle, as the standard parking area fills up quickly after 11:00 AM on weekends, especially during the flower season.

• Dining Tip: Order the "Tomiura Harvest Bowl" at the café between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM to get the daily special featuring ingredients harvested that morning, as the kitchen prepares only 15 servings and they are typically sold out by 12:00 PM.

Spring (March–May): Canola flowers bloom in late March to April, and fresh bamboo shoots are available at the farm market.

Summer (June–August): Ideal for beach visits to nearby Higashiura Beach and enjoying the cool waters of the Osaka Bay.

Autumn (September–November): Seasonal harvests include sweet potatoes and persimmons at the roadside station.

Winter (December–February): Quiet visits to the cat ink painting museum and nearby hot spring bath are most enjoyable.