Station Aguri Kubokawa

Taste the Heart of Shikoku’s Untouched Nature

Aguri Kubokawa is a vibrant roadside station nestled along the pristine banks of the last clear river in Japan—the Four Million River—located in the serene town of Shikoku. As a gateway to Shikoku tourism, it serves as both a rest stop and a cultural bridge between urban visitors and rural life. What sets it apart is its unique integration of a fully self-operated food factory, where local ingredients are transformed into authentic, high-quality products.

At the heart of the experience is the signature Four Million Pork "Fill-It-Up Steamed Bun," made with tender, sweet pork raised in the region. Visitors can enjoy fresh, locally crafted foods, explore the on-site shop, or take part in guided tours of the area. With its focus on sustainable agriculture, regional branding, and community development, Aguri Kubokawa is more than a stop—it’s a celebration of Shikoku’s natural bounty and enduring craftsmanship.

Aguri Kubokawa stands as the eastern gateway to the scenic Fourteen River (Shimanto River) region, uniquely offering the only roadside station in the area with an on-site factory. Here, visitors can experience the creation of the famed "Gudakusan Pork Bun," made exclusively with sweet, tender Fourteen River pork—produced only in this region. The station also features a rare, self-run dairy ice cream made from Jersey cows raised in local pastures, available only here. This fusion of on-site production and hyper-local ingredients creates a one-of-a-kind destination for food lovers and cultural explorers alike.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure the fresh batch of Kubokawa-style Pork Buns (also known as Gudaku-san Pork Buns) as they are made daily at 8:00 AM and typically sell out by 11:00 AM.

• Hidden Gems: Visit the small deli counter near the entrance to find the Kubokawa Special Tofu Salad—a house-made side dish made with locally sourced tofu and seasonal vegetables, available only during lunch hours (11:30 AM – 2:00 PM).

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the Four Million River View Terrace (located just outside the roadside station) hosts live local music performances starting at 1:00 PM; bring a blanket and enjoy the sound of traditional shamisen while overlooking the Shimojo River.

• Must-Try Product: Purchase the Shimojo River Water-Infused Rice Cake (Shimojo Mizu-ki) from the in-house bakery counter—it is made using natural water drawn directly from the Shimojo River and is only available in limited quantities each day, typically sold out by 3:00 PM.

• Best Value Combo: Buy the Kubokawa Local Food Box (a curated set including the Gudaku-san Pork Bun, Shimojo River Water-Infused Rice Cake, and a jar of Shimojo-Style Pickled Vegetables) at the main checkout counter—it’s priced at ¥1,200 and includes a 10% discount when purchased before 1:00 PM.

• Parking Tip: Use the large parking area on the left side of the roadside station entrance, as the smaller lot near the entrance is reserved for disabled access and fills quickly during peak hours.

• Photography Spot: For the best photo of the roadside station with the Shimojo River in the background, walk down the short path from the back entrance to the riverside viewing platform—this spot is visible from the main road and is popular with visitors during sunrise hours.

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

Summer (June–August): Freshly harvested sweet corn and locally grown vegetables peak in July and August.

Autumn (September–November): Chestnuts and sweet potatoes from the region are harvested and sold starting in September.

Winter (December–February): The roadside station offers warm dishes like "gudaku pork buns" and seasonal pickled vegetables.