Station Tsuda no Matsubara

Discover the Heart of Shikoku’s Coastal Heritage

Nestled along the scenic coastline of Sanuki City in Kagawa Prefecture, Tsuda no Matsubara is a roadside station where natural beauty meets local tradition. Set within the renowned Kinrin Park—designated as one of Japan’s Top 100 Beaches—this vibrant hub lies at the intersection of history, nature, and culinary delight. Visitors are greeted by sweeping views of white sandy shores, turquoise waters, and a majestic stand of black pines that have stood since the Edo period as a protective windbreak.

More than just a rest stop, Tsuda no Matsubara offers a full sensory journey. Explore the vibrant Onsen-ken and Kotohiki bridges—legendary for their wish-fulfilling power—then savor seasonal specialties like the famed Matsubara Udon or try the nostalgic Wagasembai Ice Cream. With fresh seafood, regional sweets like ginger candy and seasonal mochi, and easy access to watersports like SUP and kayaking, this roadside station is a gateway to authentic Shikoku experiences.

Visit Tsuda no Matsubara to experience one of the few roadside stations in Japan where you can savor handmade wagashi that captures the essence of the region—specifically, seasonal age-mochi with a delicate sweetness and crisp texture, made using traditional methods passed down through generations. Equally unique is the chance to taste the only shoga sugar in the area, crafted with a generous amount of fresh ginger, perfect for enhancing fish dishes or warming teas. These authentic, locally crafted treats are available exclusively at the station’s tourism center.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit the roadside station between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the Matsubara Udon restaurant before the lunch rush begins, as the restaurant opens at 10:30 AM and fills up quickly.

• Hidden Gems: Look for the seasonal age mochi (fried rice cake) at the Tanabe Toshokan souvenir shop, which is only available during limited months and is known for its light, crispy texture and subtle sweetness.

• Must-Try Product: Purchase the shoga sugar (ginger candy) from the Tanabe Toshokan shop, which uses significantly more ginger than standard commercial versions—ideal for adding to fish dishes or making ginger tea.

• Seasonal Special: Try the kawasebeni ice cream (pottery cracker ice cream), a limited-time flavor released in October, which features a nostalgic taste of traditional Japanese rice crackers blended into creamy vanilla ice.

• Best Dining Experience: Order the meat udon (small) at Matsubara Udon for the most popular dish, which features sweet and savory braised pork served over thick, chewy udon noodles—available only between 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM.

• Unique Souvenir: Buy the Tsuda no Matsubara hand towel (available in the souvenir center), a locally crafted textile featuring traditional patterns inspired by the coastal landscape, recently featured in the Shikoku Shimbun newspaper.

• Best Photo Spot: Walk across the Wish Bridge and Fulfillment Bridge (also known as Negai Bridge and Kanae Bridge) on the Meigawa River, where locals believe that if you cross the bridge while making a wish and return, the wish will come true—perfect for capturing photos with the red railings and sea views.

Spring (March-May): Best for visiting the pine forest and coastal scenery; cherry blossoms bloom in early April.

Summer (June-August): Ideal for swimming, SUP, and board sailing; peak season at the roadside station.

Autumn (September-November): Enjoy seasonal treats like ginger candy and seasonal udon; cooler weather suits sightseeing.

Winter (December-February): Visit for quiet coastal walks and the seasonal "wa senbei ice" and "age mochi" treats.