Station Yusuhara

Discover the Heart of Shikoku’s Natural Splendor

Nestled at the foothills of the renowned Shikoku Karst—recognized as one of Japan’s Three Great Karst landscapes—Yusuhara roadside station offers a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and modern design. Located along National Route 197, this vibrant hub is more than a pit stop; it’s a gateway to the serene beauty of Toshima Town in Kochi Prefecture.

Home to the acclaimed “Clouds Above” hotel and gallery designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, Yusuhara showcases architecture that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding forest and limestone terrain. Visitors can explore a restored thatched-roof waterwheel house, enjoy panoramic views from the lookout, or unwind at the on-site restaurant serving regional delicacies like wild boar rice and the famed Clouds Above cheesecake. With facilities ranging from camping and cycling to a wellness center and seasonal markets, Yusuhara invites travelers to experience the authentic rhythm of rural Shikoku.

Visit Yusuhara, a roadside station nestled at the base of Japan’s three great karst landscapes, where the rare sight of grazing cattle across vast, rolling limestone plains creates a sweeping green-and-blue vista only visible in spring and autumn. Home to the region’s only cloud-top restaurant, it offers a legendary cheesecake so rich and velvety it’s called “a dream,” and a signature dish of pheasant broth rice—crafted with a centuries-old local recipe. This is the only place where you can experience both the natural grandeur of the Shikoku Karst and the refined architecture of renowned architect Kengo Kuma’s “Cloud Above” complex.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the Cloud Above Restaurant, as it opens at 11:00 AM and fills up quickly during lunch hours.
• Hidden Gems: Head to the Cloud Above Market located within the roadside station to find fresh shiitake mushrooms and wasabi-based products made from local ingredients—these are only available at this location and not sold elsewhere in the region.
• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the waterwheel cottage (reconstructed thatch-roofed mill) between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to see live demonstrations of traditional waterwheel operation, which are scheduled only during these hours.
• Best Photo Spot: Climb to the viewing platform near the forest learning center between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM on weekdays when sunlight highlights the limestone formations of the Shikoku Karst, offering the clearest views of the surrounding landscape.
• Must-Try Food: Order the Cloud Above Cheese Cake at the Cloud Above Restaurant—this signature dessert is only available here and is known for its rich, moist texture and unique flavor profile, with a limited daily batch that sells out by 6:30 PM.
• Accessibility Tip: Use the accessible parking space near the restroom and the universal toilet facility, both of which are clearly marked and located close to the main entrance—ideal for visitors with mobility challenges.
• Timing for Events: Check the information corner between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on Sundays for updates on the Tsurugi Mountain Kagura performance schedule, as this traditional dance is performed live at nearby shrines and only announced in advance at the roadside station.

Spring (March–May): Fresh mountain vegetables and wild herbs peak in early spring; the forest path around the waterwheel house is especially scenic during cherry blossom season.

Summer (June–August): Ideal for visiting the grassy slopes of Shikoku Karst, where grazing cows and panoramic views of green fields are at their best.

Autumn (September–November): The market features freshly harvested shiitake mushrooms and wasabi products; the autumn foliage enhances the scenic beauty of the surrounding hills.

Winter (December–February): The hot spring and cloud-covered mountain views create a serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and quiet reflection.