Station Makino-san's Michi-no-Eki Sagawa

Discover the Flavors of Shikoku’s Heartland

Makino-san's Michi-no-Eki Sagawa rises in the serene mountain village of Sakawa, nestled along the pristine tributaries of the famed Yodo River in Kochi Prefecture. More than a roadside stop, this vibrant roadside station celebrates the rich agricultural and cultural heritage of the Yodo River Basin, bringing together local farmers, artisans, and makers in a shared celebration of regional pride.

Here, visitors savor the essence of the land through seasonal produce at the farmers' market, sample craft sake from four local breweries—including the renowned Shihana— and indulge in original treats like gluten-free rice flour baukuchen, milky donuts made with century-old local milk, and a delicate amazake soft-serve crafted from traditional rice koji. With its welcoming atmosphere, seasonal events, and commitment to authentic regional flavors, Makino-san's Michi-no-Eki Sagawa offers a true taste of rural Japan’s enduring charm.

Makino-san's Michi-no-Eki Sagawa stands out as the only roadside station in the Iyogawa River basin offering an authentic taste of the region’s terroir through its signature products. Visitors can savor the only gluten-free, fresh rice flour baumkuchen made with local flour and infused with the floral notes of Makino Jin, a unique spirit from the historic Shibata sake brewery. Equally exclusive is the non-alcoholic amazake soft cream, crafted exclusively from Shibata sake kasu and local rice—only available here. These are not just treats; they are edible stories of the mountainous Iyogawa Valley.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure the last fresh batch of milky soft bread from the bakery, which sells out by 11:00 AM and is not restocked.

• Hidden Gems: Head to the deli counter near the entrance to find the limited-edition Sakawa Kabe-cha Sablé—a crisp cookie made with shade-grown tea leaves from the Sakawa region, available only during the November tea harvest season.

• Weekend Special: On November 15 and 16, visit the Sakawa Market in the main hall to sample and purchase seasonal produce, including heirloom radishes and mountain-grown mushrooms, directly from local farmers.

• Must-Try Item: Order the Gochisou Lab.KOCHI amazake soft cream with a side of Milk Donuts on the same day—both use ingredients from the local Shibata sake brewery, and the pairing is available only when both are in stock.

• Event Timing: Arrive by 10:00 AM on November 29 and 30 to participate in the Shibata Sake Tasting Event, where you can sample four different local sake varieties from the four breweries in the Yumegawa River basin, with samples served at the tasting booth by the main entrance.

• Best Photo Spot: Visit the rooftop garden at 11:00 AM on weekdays to see the full view of the Yumegawa River Valley; the sun hits the mist-covered hills perfectly at this time, creating a scenic backdrop visible from the upper deck.

• Off-Peak Shopping: Avoid the afternoon rush by visiting the Gochisou Lab.KOCHI shop between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM on weekdays—this is when the staff restocks the Gluten-Free Rice Flour Baum and Milk Donuts, and the lines are shortest.

Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market from early spring; seasonal tea harvest begins in April.

Summer (June-August): Peak season for "sakawa tea" with strong flavor and aroma; local farmers' markets feature summer vegetables.

Autumn (September-November): Annual "Sakawa Market" held on November 15–16; "Kabusecha" tea harvest in late autumn.

Winter (December-February): Limited market hours; try "amazake soft cream" made from local rice and "Shibuya" sake during winter events.