Discover the Heart of Shikoku’s Natural Heritage
Nestled along National Route 193 between Kagawa and Tokushima prefectures, Shionoe roadside station stands as a vibrant gateway to the serene beauty of Yashio Onsen, the only hot spring resort in the region. More than a mere rest stop, it’s a cultural and natural hub where mountain streams, lush forests, and traditional craftsmanship converge. Located at the heart of Yashio’s scenic landscape, the station offers a gateway to experiences that celebrate local life, from seasonal festivals to immersive nature trails.
Visitors are drawn to its unique blend of amenities—ranging from a full-service market featuring local shiitake mushrooms, pickled vegetables, and Yashio tea, to the Yashio Art Museum and the famed Firefly and Culture Park. The nearby Innerjo Pond offers excellent fishing and cycling routes, while the panoramic views from Ootaki Mountain’s lookout point reveal sweeping vistas of the surrounding countryside. With camping, kayaking, and even an EV charging station, Shionoe invites travelers to connect deeply with nature and community.
Why Visit
Shionoe stands as the only roadside station in the region nestled within the historic Yashio Onsen hot spring district, where visitors can experience the rare combination of a centuries-old hot spring and a thriving cultural landscape. The station is uniquely home to the only on-site exhibition of traditional bamboo crafts from the area, alongside seasonal offerings of wild mountain vegetables and locally cured pickles. Just steps away, the Hojyogawa River hosts the annual firefly spectacle in June—a rare natural phenomenon visible only in this valley.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic regional flavors at Shionoe roadside station, where cozy cafes and hearty restaurants serve local specialties.
Salt Spring Restaurant
塩江温泉郷のレストラン
Specialty
Traditional local cuisine featuring mountain stream fish and seasonal vegetables
A cozy restaurant offering authentic regional dishes made with fresh ingredients from the local mountains and rivers. The atmosphere is warm and rustic, perfect for enjoying hearty meals in a serene setting.
Local Delights Café
地元の味カフェ
Specialty
Homemade pastries and regional specialty drinks
A charming café offering a relaxed atmosphere with a focus on homemade treats and locally sourced ingredients. Ideal for a light meal or afternoon tea.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local crafts and fresh produce at Shionoe's vibrant shop and market stalls.
Tourism and Local Products Center Shionoe
観光物産センターしおのえ
A retail shop offering a wide range of local agricultural and craft products, including mushrooms, pickled vegetables, tea, and handmade bamboo crafts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Shiitake Mushrooms
Light Food Corner
軽食コーナー
A small food stall offering quick snacks and light meals for travelers on the go.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Pickled Vegetables
Featured Products
Try signature items like Shionoe’s prized shiitake mushrooms, traditional pickles, and handcrafted bamboo goods.
Shiitake Mushrooms
シイタケ
Fresh, high-quality shiitake mushrooms grown in the mountainous region of Shionoe, known for their rich flavor and firm texture.
Pickled Vegetables
お漬物
Authentic regional pickled vegetables made using traditional methods and local ingredients, offering a tangy and refreshing taste.
Shionoe Signature Tea
塩江銘茶
Premium green tea cultivated in the hills of Shionoe, known for its smooth, slightly sweet flavor and vibrant aroma.
Bamboo Craft Set
竹細工
Handmade bamboo crafts created by local artisans, featuring traditional designs and sustainable materials.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities at Shionoe, including restrooms, EV charging, baby care stations, and free Wi-Fi.
Parking Lot
Standard cars: 24 spots, Large vehicles: 2 spots, Disabled parking: 1 spot. Available 24 hours.
Main parking area at the roadside station
Toilet
Men's toilets: 7 units, Women's toilets: 5 units, including accessible toilets for people with disabilities.
Inside the roadside station
Wireless LAN
Free wireless internet access available at the roadside station.
Throughout the station premises
Information Corner
Provides detailed weather, road conditions, local tourism, and event information. Also serves as a visitor information hub.
Inside the roadside station
Playground
A park area with recreational facilities for children.
Near the lake and campground
Hot Spring
A hot spring located in the central part of Shiono Onsen, discovered over 1,200 years ago by the monk Gyōki. Known for its simple hydrogen sulfide water and local cuisine made from mountain stream fish and vegetables.
Within the Shiono Onsen area
Bicycle Rental
Bicycle rental services available for visitors exploring the surrounding natural areas and cycling routes.
Near the cycling path and park
Nursing Room
A dedicated room equipped with baby changing facilities and a space for breastfeeding. Includes free hot water for baby formula.
Inside the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Fast charging station available 24 hours a day. Charging fee: 500 yen per session.
Inside the roadside station, within the tourist shop
ATM
Cash withdrawal machine available on-site for visitor convenience.
Near the roadside station entrance
Pet Area
Designated area for pets, allowing visitors to walk their animals safely around the station and nearby park.
Near the park and walking trails
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in nature and culture through seasonal events, guided hikes, and hands-on workshops.
Hot Spring Bathing Experience
温泉入浴体験
Participants can enjoy soaking in the natural hot spring waters of Shionoe, known for its sulfuric hydrogen content and therapeutic properties.
Duration
60 min
Camping at Ojima Pond Campground
内場池キャンプ場
Guests can rent camping sites at the Ojima Pond campground, located near a large dam lake ideal for fishing and outdoor relaxation.
Duration
120 min
Weather conditions may affect availability and safety; check with staff before booking.
Hiking in Ootaki Mountain Recreational Forest
大滝山
Explore scenic hiking trails in the Ootaki Mountain recreational forest, with access to a viewing platform, nature learning center, and campsite.
Duration
90 min
Wear appropriate footwear and check weather forecasts before hiking.
Canoeing on Ojima Pond
カヌー
Rent a canoe and paddle across the calm waters of Ojima Pond, offering peaceful views of the surrounding nature and fishing opportunities.
Duration
60 min
Canoe rentals may be suspended during heavy rain or strong winds.
Fishing at Ojima Pond
内場池
Enjoy fishing for species such as black bass and perch in the large dam lake of Ojima Pond, equipped with fishing facilities and nearby picnic areas.
Duration
120 min
Fishing may be restricted during adverse weather conditions.
Firefly Viewing at Firefly and Culture Park
ホタルと文化の里公園
Witness the spectacular display of male fireflies (Genji fireflies) dancing over riverbanks during early June, a seasonal highlight of the region.
Duration
60 min
Best viewed on clear, humid nights; avoid rainy or windy conditions.
Cycling Around Ojima Pond
サイクリング
Ride along scenic cycling paths surrounding Ojima Pond, passing through green landscapes and offering views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Duration
60 min
Avoid cycling during heavy rain or high winds.
Art Exhibition at Shionoe Art Museum
塩江美術館
Explore rotating art exhibitions featuring local and regional artists at the Shionoe Art Museum located within the Firefly and Culture Park.
Duration
45 min
Tennis at Ojima Pond Tennis Courts
テニスコート
Rent tennis courts near Ojima Pond for a game with family or friends, available in a scenic outdoor setting.
Duration
60 min
Court availability may be affected by rain or high humidity.
Local Product Tasting and Shopping
地元特産品の試食販売
Sample and purchase local specialties such as shiitake mushrooms, pickled vegetables, Shionoe tea, and bamboo crafts at the local specialty shop.
Duration
30 min
Insider Tips
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and explore the nearby firefly park during summer evenings.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 8:30 AM on weekdays to access the free milk supply for baby bottles at the nursing room, which is available during the official opening hours (8:00 AM) and fills up quickly.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the on-site Shionoe Tourist & Craft Center between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM to purchase fresh shiitake mushrooms, pickled vegetables, Shionoe-branded tea, and bamboo crafts—all produced locally and sold at discounted rates on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the light food counter between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to enjoy a limited-time local river fish lunch set featuring ayu and amego, served only during the summer months.
- Best View Timing: Head to the Ootaki Mountain Viewpoint between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM in June to witness the firefly spectacle along the riverbank, as the peak viewing period occurs during the first week of June.
- EV Charging Tip: Use the rapid EV charging station (24-hour access) during daylight hours to ensure optimal battery performance; charging costs 500 yen per session and is best scheduled between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to avoid peak congestion.
- Free Service Access: Stop by the information corner before 12:00 PM on weekdays to request free local event maps and hiking trail guides, which are only distributed during the morning hours and often run out by midday.
- Bathroom Access: Use the baby-friendly restroom with changing table and bottle-warming station located near the front entrance—this is the only facility in the station with a dedicated warm water supply for formula preparation, open during all operating hours.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market; cherry blossoms bloom in late March.
Summer (June-August): Firefly season peaks in early June at the Firefly and Culture Park.
Autumn (September-November): Shiitake mushrooms harvested in autumn; scenic foliage at Daitakisan.
Winter (December-February): Hot spring bathing at Shionoe Onsen; local pickles and tea available year-round.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Shionoe roadside station offers a dedicated playground, baby-changing stations, nursing rooms, and stroller-friendly paths. It includes family-oriented facilities like a children's museum and interactive nature experiences, making it highly suitable for families.
Food Lover Review
The station features a variety of local food options including a specialty market selling shiitake mushrooms, pickled vegetables, and salt-bridge tea. Fresh produce and regional dishes are available, with quality and authenticity enhancing the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Shionoe provides a campsite with toilets, showers, and vending machines, though overnight parking is not clearly advertised. The location is quiet and scenic, though it lacks designated camping rules or extended camping amenities.
Scenic Beauty Review
The station overlooks a scenic lake and is surrounded by lush mountains and a clear stream. It offers panoramic views from the lookout, abundant photo opportunities, and seasonal beauty, especially during the firefly season in June.