Discover the Heart of Shikoku’s Natural and Cultural Heritage
Takaradano Sato Saita, nestled at the crossroads of National Route 32 and the Kannonji-Ikeda Road, stands as a vibrant roadside station in the scenic town of Zaita, Sanuki City, Kagawa Prefecture. This dynamic hub serves as a gateway to the region’s rich agricultural bounty, serene landscapes, and timeless traditions. More than a mere stopover, it seamlessly blends relaxation, local culture, and outdoor adventure.
Visitors are welcomed by a diverse array of experiences: unwind in the mineral-rich waters of the renowned En no Yu hot spring, savor fresh local produce and handcrafted ice cream at the well-loved farmers’ market, or explore the interactive Furusato Denshōkan museum. Nature lovers can hike to the panoramic Tower of Tōshū Mountain, stroll along the scenic shores of Hōzan Lake, or enjoy family-friendly activities at the Shikoku Waterway Memorial Park. With year-round events like the Autumn Harvest Festival and seasonal celebrations, Takaradano Sato Saita offers a journey through the rhythms of rural life, where every visit feels like a homecoming.
Why Visit
Takaradano Sato Saita stands out for its unique fusion of natural beauty and local heritage. Visitors can experience the rare sight of blue water lilies and vibrant autumn crocus blooms at the宝山湖 (Hōzan Lake), a 3-million-cubic-meter reservoir offering serene walking paths and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Equally distinctive is the on-site artisanal ice cream made with locally grown, seasonal fruits—particularly the region’s famed 'takaradano rice' and fresh persimmons—served at the in-house bakery and ice cream shop Fresco!
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local goods and handcrafted treasures at Takaradano Sato Saita’s roadside station, perfect for souvenirs and gifts.
Farmers Market
物産館
A marketplace offering fresh local vegetables, fruits, and regional specialties, including handmade ice cream topped with local ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handmade Ice Cream with Local Ingredients
Bakery
ベーカリー&アイス“Fresco!ﾌﾚｽｺ”
A bakery and ice cream shop offering freshly baked breads, sandwiches, and seasonal specialty items.
Products
Must-Try Item
Mini Baguettes
General Store
直営売店
A general retail shop selling a variety of local products and daily necessities.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Specialty Foods
Alcohol Shop
テナントショップ
A shop specializing in local alcoholic beverages and drinks.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Craft Beer
Featured Products
Sample signature treats like handmade ice cream and fresh regional produce, crafted with pride from Takaradano Sato Saita’s fertile land.
Handmade Ice Cream with Local Ingredients
地元の食材をトッピングした手作りアイス
A locally made ice cream featuring seasonal ingredients from the region, offering a unique taste of the area.
Freshly Baked Bread
焼き立てパン
Freshly baked bread made daily using traditional methods and local ingredients.
Mini Baguettes
ミニバケット
Small, freshly baked baguettes with various fillings, including popular flavors like tuna, egg, and special seasonal varieties.
Local Specialty Foods
地元の特産品
Authentic regional products made from locally sourced ingredients, ideal as gifts or souvenirs.
Handcrafted Local Alcoholic Beverages
地元の手作りアルコール飲料
Locally produced alcoholic drinks crafted with traditional methods and regional ingredients.
Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables
旬の野菜と果物
Fresh, seasonal produce harvested from local farms, available in bulk or as gift sets.
Newly Harvested Rice
新米
High-quality rice grown in the region, known for its rich flavor and texture, available in fresh harvest season.
Dried Persimmons
干し柿
Naturally dried persimmons with a sweet, chewy texture, perfect as a healthy snack or gift.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
焼き芋
Locally grown sweet potatoes roasted to perfection, offering a rich, sweet flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge at Takaradano Sato Saita’s roadside station, offering restrooms, parking, EV charging, and wellness facilities.
Parking Lot
Standard cars: 199 spaces, Large vehicles: 3 spaces, Disabled parking: 4 spaces. Available 24 hours.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Toilet
Men's toilets: 10 units, Women's toilets: 6 units, Accessible toilets: 1 unit.
Within the roadside station premises
Information Counter
Provides information about the roadside station, nearby attractions, events, and services.
Inside the roadside station
Hot Spring
Features two types of hot springs: one rich in iron and another rich in sodium. Attracts over 100,000 visitors annually.
At the 'Kan no Yu' facility
Shower
Available at the 'Kan no Yu' hot spring facility.
At the 'Kan no Yu' facility
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging equipment available on-site.
Adjacent to the parking lot
Nursing Room
Equipped with baby changing tables and facilities for breastfeeding.
Inside the roadside station
Playground
A park area with recreational space for children.
Near the roadside station
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi access available for visitors.
Throughout the roadside station
Activities & Experiences
Enjoy seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and nature walks at Takaradano Sato Saita’s roadside station, blending culture and adventure.
Autumn Harvest Festival
秋の大収穫祭
Participants can enjoy events such as mochi tasting, lucky draw games, and unlimited vegetable sampling. Fresh seasonal vegetables, fruits, and special sales of local 'Takarada rice' are available. Various vendor tents offer local products and food.
Duration
120 min
Spring Cherry Blossom Festival
諶之丞祭り
Celebrate the legacy of the famous local figure, Daisuke Jinnosuke, during cherry blossom season. Enjoy events, food stalls, and view cherry blossoms planted around Tokugawa Dam.
Duration
180 min
Local Produce Fair
旬の味フェア
Experience fresh local peaches and watermelons at a special tent. Try samples of ripe fruit and arrange for local delivery of gifts.
Duration
90 min
New Rice Festival
新米祭り
Taste freshly harvested 'Takarada rice' in the form of warm rice balls. This annual event attracts many visitors eager to purchase the new harvest.
Duration
60 min
Hot Spring Festival
温泉祭り
Celebrate the anniversary of the hot spring with special weekend bath offerings, limited-time meals, and lucky draw games. Express gratitude to visitors with festive events.
Duration
150 min
Hot Spring and Hot Pot Package
温泉入浴付き鍋プラン
Enjoy a hearty local vegetable hot pot followed by a relaxing soak in the hot spring. The combination warms both body and soul during cold winter months.
Duration
180 min
Best enjoyed during cold weather
Summer Hot Spring Beer Garden
芝上ビアガーデン
Relax in the open-air beer garden at the hot spring facility. Enjoy a buffet of local cuisine and cold beer after soaking in the hot spring. Family-friendly meals are available.
Duration
120 min
Best enjoyed on warm, sunny days
Baking and Ice Cream Workshop
ベーカリー&アイス“Fresco!ﾌﾚｽｺ”
Participate in a hands-on baking session at the on-site bakery. Learn to make traditional Japanese-style breads and ice cream using local ingredients.
Duration
60 min
Local History and Culture Experience
ふるさと伝承館
Explore the history and culture of the region through interactive exhibits and storytelling. Learn about local traditions, agriculture, and notable figures.
Duration
45 min
Scraping Campaign
スクラッチキャンペーン
Participate in a fun scratch card game at the bakery. For every 700 yen spent, receive a scratch card with a chance to win exciting prizes.
Duration
30 min
Park Golf
パークゴルフ場
Rent golf equipment and enjoy a round of park golf on the dedicated course. Suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Duration
60 min
Best played on dry, sunny days
Nature Walk and Scenic View
塔重山公園
Hike through the scenic Tower Mountain Park and enjoy panoramic views of the city and Seto Inland Sea. The park offers walking trails and a lookout tower.
Duration
90 min
Wear appropriate footwear; slippery terrain possible
Fujisan Temple Garden Visit
萬福寺『藤寺』
Visit the famous Fujisan Temple with its beautifully maintained wisteria garden. The best time to view the blooming wisteria is around April 25th.
Duration
60 min
Best visited on clear, sunny days
Yamakae Waterfall Exploration
鮎返りの滝
Explore the scenic waterfall located upstream of Tokugawa Dam. Learn about the legend of young ayu fish returning from the waterfall. Exercise caution due to slippery terrain.
Duration
45 min
Slippery surfaces; wear non-slip shoes
Ginkgo Tree Viewing
釈迦堂の大イチョウ
Visit the large ginkgo tree designated as a protected tree in Kagawa Prefecture. Enjoy the golden carpet of fallen leaves beneath the tree during autumn.
Duration
30 min
Best viewed on clear, dry days
Insider Tips
Visit during harvest festivals for special deals and hidden local gems—timing your trip with seasonal events brings the best experience.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit the roadside station between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM on weekdays to access the full range of fresh-baked goods from the Fresco! bakery, as the Italian-style panini and other specialty sandwiches are only available until 12:00 PM and often sell out by early afternoon.
- Hidden Gems: Head to the Fresco! bakery counter between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM to grab the last of the day’s freshly baked milk bread and seasonal mini baguettes, including the popular salted egg yolk and condensed milk varieties, which are known to sell out quickly.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the outdoor "harvest tent" during the Autumn Harvest Festival (typically late October to early November) to participate in the "vegetable stuffing for free" event and collect freshly picked seasonal produce like kabocha squash and local chestnuts.
- Seasonal Product Tip: During the Autumn Harvest Festival, purchase the "takarada rice" (local rice) in bulk from the dedicated sales booth—this premium variety is only available in limited quantities and is not sold outside of the festival season.
- Best Time for Free Activities: Arrive at the roadside station by 1:00 PM on weekends to join the free "pumpkin carving" workshop at the festival area, which runs until 3:00 PM and is offered exclusively during the annual Autumn Harvest Festival.
- Event Timing: Attend the "Fresco! Scratch Campaign" by making purchases of 700 yen or more at the bakery counter—each transaction earns one scratch card, and the campaign runs only during the Autumn Harvest Festival and ends when the prize supply is exhausted.
- Nearby Hidden Viewpoint: Drive to the Tower Mountain Park entrance from the roadside station (a 7-minute drive) and walk to the summit’s observation deck before 4:00 PM to capture the best sunset views of the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding hills, especially during the cherry blossom season in spring.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms at Tōjōzan Park peak in late March to early April, coinciding with the Shinnōjō Festival honoring local historian Daimatsu Shinnōjō.
Summer (June-August): Enjoy the En no Yu rooftop beer garden with local food and cold beer, open during hot months.
Autumn (September-November): Visit during the annual Autumn Harvest Festival in November, featuring fresh produce, mochi tastings, and pumpkin draws.
Winter (December-February): Experience the "Hot Spring and Hot Pot" package with local vegetables and relaxing baths, ideal for cold weather.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station features a playground, baby care facilities, nursing rooms, and changing tables. It offers child-friendly food options like fresh ice cream and baked goods. The area is stroller-accessible with ample parking and safe, scenic paths. Interactive elements include seasonal festivals and hands-on activities at the experience center.
Food Lover Review
The roadside station offers diverse dining with a well-stocked farmers market, local specialties like fresh fruits and handmade ice cream, and a variety of restaurants. The on-site bakery provides fresh bread and seasonal treats. The quality of produce and artisanal food items is consistently high.
Car Camping Review
The station provides restrooms, vending machines, and a dedicated RV park with 24-hour access. It offers a quiet, scenic environment with nearby camping and picnic areas. Overnight parking is allowed, though no formal reservation system is mentioned.
Scenic Beauty Review
The station overlooks Tower Mountain and offers panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding mountains. Scenic viewpoints include the park and nearby lakes. The area features seasonal beauty with cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, and spring flowers, creating a peaceful, picturesque atmosphere.