Savor the Spirit of Coastal Japan at Nakatosa Roadside Station
Nestled along the sun-drenched coast of Kochi Prefecture, Nakatosa Roadside Station stands as a vibrant gateway to the natural beauty and culinary soul of Nankatsu Town. Located in the heart of Kurei, a bustling fishing port renowned for its prized return skipjack tuna, the station blends scenic ocean views with authentic local culture. Surrounded by rolling hills and open sea, it offers travelers a peaceful retreat with panoramic vistas and a deep connection to the rhythms of coastal life.
What sets Nakatosa apart is its celebration of hyper-local flavors and traditions. Visitors can savor freshly caught katsuo in the form of smoky grilled tataki or tender kuroshio-style fish rolls, all prepared with pride by fishermen and artisans. The station’s market, Marche Nakatosa, showcases seasonal seafood, handmade crafts from Kazekoubou, and regional grains from Iwamoto Komugi Ten. With seasonal events like the “Everyone, Let’s Get Energized Festival” and live fishing market experiences, Nakatosa isn’t just a stop—it’s an immersive journey into the heart of rural Japan.
Why Visit
Nakatosa roadside station is the only place where you can taste the region’s famed grilled skipjack tuna, known as katsuo no tataki, prepared fresh daily from fish landed at the nearby Kuryu Fishery Cooperative. The station’s signature dish, the Kuryu Harbor Catch Tuna Croquette, offers a uniquely rich, smoky flavor from the traditional straw-grilled method. Visitors also find the only dedicated space in the area to sample fresh mejika (young mackerel) and other seasonal seafood, making it essential for food lovers seeking authentic, hyper-local flavors.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh coastal flavors at Nakatosa roadside station, where local seafood and seasonal dishes shine.
Kuroshio Restaurant Ika Sendou
黒潮亭 いか船頭
Specialty
Fresh squid and seafood dishes from the local catch
A lively food stall specializing in freshly caught squid and other seafood, offering a vibrant taste of the coastal fishing culture of Nakatosa.
Hama Yaki Kaiou
浜焼き 海王
Specialty
Grilled fish and seafood from the local catch
A seaside food stall offering grilled fish and seafood, highlighting the fresh flavors of the ocean with traditional coastal cooking methods.
Iwamoto Komugi Ten
岩本こむぎ店
Specialty
Hand-ground wheat flour and traditional grain products
A specialty shop dedicated to high-quality, locally milled wheat flour and traditional grain-based foods, emphasizing craftsmanship and regional heritage.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local crafts and regional treasures at Nakatosa's vibrant shop stalls.
Marche Nakatosa
マルシェなかとさ
A bustling farmers' market featuring fresh local produce, seafood, and handmade goods from Nakatosa's artisans and farmers.
Products
Must-Try Item
Katsuo Tatakis
Kaze Koubou
風工房
A craft shop specializing in handmade wooden and natural material products, including seasonal and regional art pieces.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hand-carved wooden bowls
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature specialties like grilled bonito and fresh seafood.
Katsuo Tatakis
カツオのタタキ
Grilled skipjack tuna with a smoky, charred exterior and tender, juicy interior, a signature dish from Nakatosa's coastal fishing tradition.
Mejika New Kids
メジカの新子
Young, tender sea bream known for its delicate texture and sweet flavor, harvested during the summer season in Nakatosa.
Katsuo Charcoal Grilled
鰹の藁焼きタタキ
Skipjack tuna grilled over straw fire, giving it a unique smoky flavor and crispy texture.
Local Wheat Flour
地元小麦粉
Premium, locally milled wheat flour made from regional wheat, ideal for traditional baking and noodle making.
Hand-carved Wooden Bowls
手彫り木製ボウル
Handcrafted wooden bowls made from sustainably sourced local wood, each unique in grain and finish.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy comfortable amenities including restrooms, parking, and scenic viewing areas.
Information Center
The roadside station features an information center providing tourism and local event information, including details on seasonal activities, local cuisine, and nearby attractions.
Inside the roadside station
Parking Area
A parking area is available for visitors and travelers, allowing convenient access to the roadside station and surrounding facilities.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Restroom
Clean and accessible restrooms are provided for visitors, ensuring comfort during their stay at the roadside station.
Inside the roadside station building
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station, allowing visitors to stay connected while exploring local attractions.
Throughout the facility
Children's Play Area
A dedicated play area is available for children, offering a safe and fun space for families to enjoy together.
Near the outdoor plaza
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors using electric cars, supporting eco-friendly travel.
Near the main parking area
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitors to withdraw cash conveniently while visiting the roadside station.
Near the entrance
Nursing Room
A private nursing room is provided for mothers with infants, offering a comfortable and quiet space for breastfeeding or changing diapers.
Inside the restroom building
Pet-Friendly Area
A designated pet-friendly area allows visitors to bring their pets, with space and facilities to ensure their comfort.
Near the outdoor seating area
Activities & Experiences
Join seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and immersive local experiences.
Katsuo Tatakis Cooking Experience
カツオのタタキ作り体験
Participants will learn how to prepare and cook traditional Katsuo Tatakis, a local specialty made from fresh bonito fish, using traditional methods such as grilling and smoking.
Duration
60 min
Surfing at Kuryu Beach
久礼ビーチでのサーフィン
Enjoy surfing on the coastal waves of Kuryu Beach, known for its clear waters and consistent surf conditions, perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Duration
120 min
Best during sunny days with light wind; avoid during heavy rain or strong waves.
Fresh Fish Market Tour
久礼大正町市場見学
Take a guided tour of the Kuryu Daishocho Market, where visitors can observe the daily fish auctions, learn about local fishing traditions, and see fresh catches from the morning haul.
Duration
90 min
Best visited early in the morning; may be affected by rain or typhoon conditions.
Mejika New Fish Tasting Experience
メジカの新子試食体験
Taste fresh Mejika new fish, a seasonal delicacy from the summer months, known for its soft and chewy texture, available at local stalls and markets.
Duration
30 min
Katsuo Festival Participation
中土佐町みんなで元気になる大会
Join a community festival featuring events such as a talk show by professional athlete Tsugumi Sakurai, baseball experience with the Kochi Fighting Dogs team, and fun games like mochi throwing and rock-paper-scissors.
Duration
180 min
Event may be modified in case of rain; check official notice for updates.
Local Seafood Cooking Workshop
地元海鮮料理作り体験
Learn to prepare traditional local seafood dishes using fresh ingredients from the Kuryu fishing port, including grilling, steaming, and marinating techniques.
Duration
75 min
Kuryu Harbor Morning Tour
久礼港朝市見学
Experience the morning fish auction at Kuryu Harbor, where fresh catches are sold to local vendors and restaurants, offering insight into the daily rhythm of the fishing community.
Duration
60 min
Best experienced early morning; may be canceled during typhoons or heavy rain.
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around market days and seasonal harvests for the best local flavors and events.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure fresh-baked milk bread from the bakery, which sells out by 11:00 AM and is only available during limited morning hours.
- Hidden Gem at the Deli Counter: Look for the seasonal "Kuroshiotei Ikasendou" stand near the entrance, where you can purchase fresh sea urchin and squid sashimi prepared daily using ingredients sourced directly from the Kuroshio fishing fleet.
- Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the "Marche Nakatosa" market stall between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM to try the limited-time "Kuroshio Harbor Catch Bonito Croquettes," made with fish landed at the Kuroshio Fish Market the previous day and only available during the autumn fishing season.
- Must-Try Seafood Specialty: Head directly to the "Hamayaki Kaiou" stall to sample the "Charcoal-Broiled Skipjack Tuna Tataki," a regional signature dish made with fish from the Kuroshio fishing fleet, available only from September to December and cooked fresh on-site each day.
- Timing for Fresh Local Produce: Purchase the "Newborn Mijika" (young flatfish) at the "Marche Nakatosa" or "Ikasendou" counters between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM on weekdays, as these seasonal fish are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and often sell out by early afternoon.
- Event-Driven Visit: Attend the "Nakatosa Everyone Gets Energized Festival" on November 30 to participate in the exclusive "Yukari Tsugumi Sports Talk Show" and the "Kochi Fighting Dogs Baseball Experience," both hosted at the Nakatosa Community Center within the roadside station complex.
- Check Real-Time Availability: Before visiting, confirm the current status of the "Iwamoto Komugi Ten" (Wheat Shop) and "Kaze Koubou" (Wind Workshop) stalls, as both operate on irregular schedules and often close temporarily—check the official website for updates on opening days and hours.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market in early spring, with the peak of canola flower season in late March to April.
Summer (June-August): Fresh mejika young fish available through August, with peak sales in July.
Autumn (September-November): Return of bonito fishing begins in September, with peak catches and grilled katsuo from late September through November.
Winter (December-February): Limited seasonal offerings; best for enjoying local crafts and visiting the roadside station during calm weather.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Nakatosa roadside station offers a play area and family activities. Kid-friendly food options like katsuo takoyaki are available. Facilities are stroller-accessible with ample parking. Educational elements include local fishing and seasonal food experiences.
Food Lover Review
The station features diverse dining options including fresh katsuo takoyaki and seasonal specialties like mejika young fish. Local produce is available at the market. Premium seafood and artisanal products enhance the overall culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Basic facilities like restrooms and vending machines are available. The site is quiet with scenic views, suitable for overnight stays. Overnight parking is permitted but not explicitly detailed on the website.
Scenic Beauty Review
The station offers beautiful coastal views and natural surroundings. Scenic viewpoints provide excellent photo opportunities. Seasonal beauty varies with seafood harvests and clear skies. The atmosphere is peaceful and authentically coastal.