Station Kotokami

Discover the Heart of Shikoku’s Natural Beauty

Nestled in the serene foothills of the Asan Mountains, Kotokami roadside station is a vibrant gateway to the unspoiled landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Mano Town in Kagawa Prefecture. Surrounded by lush forests, flowing rivers, and panoramic mountain vistas, this roadside station offers more than just a rest stop—it’s a celebration of local life, nature, and tradition.

At the heart of Kotokami lies Epia Mikado, a multi-functional complex renowned for its historic Meiga-dō Hot Spring, praised for centuries as a healing “milk of stone” by the famed Edo-era inventor Hanaoka Seishū. Visitors can unwind in the therapeutic waters, savor seasonal cuisine featuring hand-pulled soba and fresh local produce, or explore the vibrant farmers’ market. With hiking trails, camping grounds, and seasonal events like mountain treks and autumn nature walks, Kotokami invites travelers to connect deeply with the rhythm of the land.

Visit Kotokami to experience the rare, mineral-rich "Stone Milk" hot spring, revered for over 200 years since being praised by Edo-era polymath Hanaoka Seishū. This unique sulfur-hydrogen bath, found only in the Meikado Gorge, is famed for healing burns and improving circulation. At the roadside station’s Epia Mikado, savor authentic local cuisine featuring handmade soba and seasonal river fish dishes—ingredients sourced directly from the surrounding mountains and streams. These experiences, rooted in the region’s deep history and natural bounty, are found nowhere else.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM on weekdays to access the full range of fresh produce at the open-air market inside Epia Mikado, as the best selection is available before midday and items start selling out by 1 PM.

• Hidden Gems: Head to the deli counter at Epia Mikado by 11:00 AM on weekends to grab the limited-edition hand-rolled soba noodles made with locally milled buckwheat, which are only available during weekend mornings and often sell out by noon.

• Weekend Special: On the third, thirteenth, and twenty-third of each month, visit the onsen counter at Epia Mikado between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to receive a double stamp on your wellness passport—this is the only time the double stamp promotion is active, and stamps are required for the annual prize draw.

• Best Time for Local Food: Order the seasonal tempura set at Epia Mikado’s restaurant between 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, when the kitchen prepares fresh, locally harvested vegetables from the nearby "Kiyouru no Sato" farm, ensuring peak flavor and availability.

• Event Timing: Participate in the monthly "Mikado Day" on the 3rd, 13th, and 23rd by arriving at Epia Mikado’s information counter before 11:30 AM to receive a free sample of local sunflower oil and a map of the hiking trails in the Asozan Mountains.

• Best Photo Spot: Visit the viewpoint near the parking area at 4:30 PM on clear days to capture the best sunset over the Takinomiya Ridge, as the lighting and visibility are optimal just before dusk and the area is less crowded than in the morning.

• Pro Tip for Families: Use the multi-purpose information terminal at the roadside station between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on weekends to print a free, illustrated map of the nearby hiking routes, including the full Asozan Mountain trek trail network, which is not available elsewhere.

Spring (March–May): Peak season for hiking in the Aza Mountains and viewing new greenery along Meiga-dou Gorge.

Summer (June–August): Ideal for cooling off at Meiga-dou Hot Spring and enjoying seasonal vegetables at the farm market.

Autumn (September–November): Best for autumn foliage walks, the Aza Mountain Trekking events, and the Autumn Hot Spring Fan Appreciation Festival.

Winter (December–February): Cozy visits to the hot spring, with special events like the Winter Hot Spring Appreciation Festival.