Station Nankoku Furaryori

Discover the Heart of Shikoku at Nankoku Furaryori

Nestled just off the Nankoku Interchange on the Kochi Expressway, Nankoku Furaryori serves as a vibrant gateway to Kochi Prefecture’s lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage. More than a roadside stop, it’s a dynamic hub where travelers can unwind, explore local flavors, and connect with the spirit of rural Japan.

This expansive roadside station showcases the best of Nankoku with fresh seasonal produce, handmade crafts, and unique regional specialties like paprika sauce, ginger pie, and roasted sweet potato chips. Highlights include the iconic puppet clock tower, a serene green plaza, and a vibrant spot garden perfect for families. Visitors can savor local cuisine at the restaurant, shop for authentic souvenirs, or enjoy hands-on experiences from farm to table.

Nankoku Furaryori stands out as the only roadside station in the region where you can savor fresh asari and four-corner bamboo ramen—a seasonal specialty made with locally harvested clams and the distinctive, tender shoots of South Kōchi’s native four-corner bamboo. Home to the only on-site paprika sauce factory in the area, visitors can sample and purchase unique condiments crafted from South Kōchi’s vibrant red paprika, a regional specialty. The station also features a rare handcrafted shoga pie made with locally grown ginger, offering a bold, sweet-spicy taste unique to this location.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit the JA Kochi Prefecture Direct Sales Store (Wind Market) by 9:00 AM on weekdays to get first access to the day’s fresh seasonal vegetables, as they are restocked at 8:30 AM and often sell out by noon.

• Hidden Gems: At the Shop Furari, look for the Paprika Sauce and Ginger Pie in the specialty food section—they are exclusive to Nankoku Furaryori and frequently sell out by mid-afternoon.

• Weekend Special: On Sundays, visit the Handmade Market held on November 16, 2025, to purchase limited-edition crafts and local goods directly from artisans and farmers; it runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

• Best Dining Time: Order the seasonal Clam and Four-Direction Bamboo Ramen at Café Restaurant Furari between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM to avoid peak lunch crowds and ensure availability of the limited-time menu item.

• Unique Product to Buy: Purchase the Four-Direction Bamboo Crafts and Paprika Nuts only available at the Shop Furari—these are made exclusively from local South Kōchi bamboo and paprika, not sold elsewhere.

• Restroom Tip: Use the accessible toilets near the green plaza and haramiya bridge garden—they are well-maintained, have baby-changing tables, and are less crowded than the main restroom area.

• Parking Strategy: Use the second parking lot (66 spaces) when visiting during peak hours on weekends, as the first lot fills up quickly and is often reserved for visitors with disabilities and tour buses.

Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots from local farms are available at the market in early spring, with peak harvesting from April to May.

Summer (June–August): Seasonal specialties include fresh melons and watermelons from the West Island Horticultural Complex, available from July through August.

Autumn (September–November): The roadside station features seasonal dishes like clams and four-cornered bamboo ramen from September to November.

Winter (December–February): Limited hours apply, but the handcrafted market returns on November 16, and winter menus highlight hearty local flavors.