Savor the Sea and Mountain Treasures of Kii Nagashima Manbou
Nestled along the rugged coast of Mie Prefecture’s Kihoku Town, Kii Nagashima Manbou is a vibrant roadside station where the bounty of the sea and the richness of the mountains converge. Located within the scenic Kumanosho临海公園 recreation area, this unique destination offers travelers a rare chance to taste local delicacies like grilled manta ray and shark skewers—dishes found nowhere else in Japan.
Beyond its standout cuisine, the station thrives as a cultural hub, showcasing regional crafts, seasonal festivals like the annual Manta Ray Autumn Festival, and a family-friendly grassy plaza perfect for relaxing with children. With easy access from Kii Nagashima Interchange and proximity to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Kumano Kodo trail, Kii Nagashima Manbou is more than a pit stop—it’s a gateway to the soul of southern Kii.
Why Visit
Visit Kii Nagashima Manbou for the region’s only roadside station offering grilled manta ray and shark skewers—unique seafood specialties found nowhere else. Home to the famous "Manbou Yatai" street food stall, this station serves these bold, local delicacies only on weekends, making it a must-try for adventurous eaters. The site also features a grassy park perfect for families, set within the scenic Kumano Sea Coastal Park, blending nature and regional flavor in one unforgettable stop.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor coastal and mountain flavors at Kii Nagashima Manbou, where local specialties like grilled manta ray and shark skewers are served fresh.
Manbou Dining Hall
お食事処「マンボウ」
Specialty
Local cuisine featuring regional specialties such as manta ray and shark skewers
A cozy dining hall offering traditional local dishes from Kihoku Town, Mie Prefecture, with a focus on fresh seafood and mountain ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for travelers seeking authentic regional flavors.
Manbou Food Cart
マンボウ屋台
Specialty
Grilled manta ray and shark skewers served on-site
A lively food stall offering grilled skewers of local seafood, especially manta ray and shark, cooked fresh for visitors. The casual, outdoor setting enhances the authentic roadside experience.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional crafts and local produce at Kii Nagashima Manbou, a vibrant marketplace rooted in community and tradition.
Local Specialty Market
物販
A general retail shop offering a wide variety of local products from Kihoku Town, including food, crafts, and seasonal goods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Manta Ray Skewer Kit
Dairy and Meat Shop
乳・肉
A dedicated shop selling locally sourced meat and dairy products from the region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kihoku Beef
Craft and Souvenir Store
工芸品
A shop specializing in handmade crafts and souvenirs made by local artisans.
Products
Must-Try Item
Bear-shaped Wooden Figurine
Bakery and Confectionery
菓子
A small bakery offering fresh baked goods and traditional sweets made with local ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Mie Prefecture Strawberry Cake
Alcohol and Beverage Shop
酒類
A shop specializing in local alcoholic beverages, including sake and regional specialty drinks.
Products
Must-Try Item
Bear Forest Herbal Liqueur
Featured Products
Experience signature treats like manta ray and shark skewers, alongside seasonal delicacies from the heart of Kii Peninsula.
Manta Ray Skewer Kit
マンボウ串焼きキット
A ready-to-cook kit featuring manta ray skewers, perfect for grilling at home. Includes seasoning and instructions.
Shark Skewer Kit
サメ串焼きキット
A convenient kit for cooking shark skewers at home, complete with marinade and grilling guide.
Bear Forest Herbal Liqueur
熊野森ハーブリキュール
A locally crafted herbal liqueur made from wild herbs found in the forests of Kihoku Town, with a smooth, aromatic flavor.
Kihoku Beef Jerky
紀北牛せんべい
Dried beef jerky made from high-quality local beef, seasoned with traditional Japanese spices.
Mie Prefecture Strawberry Cake
三重県いちごケーキ
A light and sweet cake made with fresh strawberries from Mie Prefecture, ideal as a gift or dessert.
Bear-shaped Wooden Figurine
くま型木製雑貨
A hand-carved wooden figurine of a bear, symbolizing the natural spirit of the region. Perfect as a souvenir or decorative item.
Local Seafood Seasoning Mix
地元海鮮だしの素
A traditional seasoning blend made from dried fish and local herbs, ideal for enhancing seafood dishes.
Mountain Vegetable Dried Mix
山菜乾物ミックス
A mix of dried mountain vegetables harvested from the region, perfect for soups and stews.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy spacious parking, accessible restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and EV charging at Kii Nagashima Manbou, all within a scenic coastal setting.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking lot with space for 80 regular cars, 5 large vehicles, 2 disabled parking spots, and 7 motorcycle parking spots.
Inside the Kumanosan Rinko Park recreational facility
Restroom
There are 8 male and 5 female toilets available, with a ramp for accessibility. The toilets are available 24 hours a day.
Inside the roadside station premises
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless LAN is available at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
The roadside station features an information corner that provides regional cultural information, tourism guidance, and showcases local specialty products.
Inside the roadside station
Children's Playground
The station is located within Kumanosan Rinko Park, which includes a grassy area and a children's play area, making it ideal for families with children.
Within Kumanosan Rinko Park recreational facility
EV Charging Station
An electric vehicle charging facility is available, though it is temporarily unavailable from October 6 to October 17.
Inside the roadside station premises
Activities & Experiences
Join seasonal festivals, hands-on workshops, and nature walks that celebrate the culture and natural beauty of the region.
Manta Ray Skewers Tasting Experience
マンボウの串焼き
Participants will enjoy tasting unique manta ray skewers, a local specialty available only at this roadside station.
Duration
30 min
Shark Skewers Tasting Experience
サメの串焼き
Participants will sample shark skewers, a regional delicacy offered exclusively at this roadside station.
Duration
30 min
Manta Ray Festival
まんぼう秋まつり
Join the annual autumn festival celebrating manta rays with local food, crafts, and cultural performances.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor event; check weather conditions before attending
Local Soft Cream Tasting
大内山ソフトクリーム
Taste locally made soft cream from the famous Dainoyama brand, a popular seasonal treat.
Duration
20 min
Best enjoyed on warm days
Insider Tips
Visit on weekends for the lively manta ray food stall, and arrive early to explore the serene park and picnic areas.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the "Mambo" food truck, as the grilled shark skewers and manta ray skewers sell out quickly—typically by 11:00 AM.
- Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the information desk for the limited-edition "Mambo" seasonal pickles, made only during the autumn months and available for a short window each year.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the "Mambo" food truck offers a free sample of manta ray skewer with any purchase of two other skewers—available only from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
- Best Photo Spot: Visit the grassy area just north of the main parking lot, near the "Mambo" food truck, to capture the best view of the ocean backdrop with the roadside station's iconic sign and the coastal highway in the foreground.
- Local Product Tip: Purchase the "Kii Nagashima Manbou" handmade sea salt at the shop counter—only available in small glass jars and restocked every Tuesday and Friday.
- Family-Friendly Hack: Use the free rest area next to the children’s play zone (located behind the main building) to change diapers or take a break; it has both a baby-changing table and a shaded bench.
- EV Charging Alert: Avoid using the EV charging station between October 6 and October 17, as it will be temporarily unavailable due to maintenance—plan charging stops before or after this period.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots and wild mountain vegetables peak in spring, with the large-scale soft-serve ice cream event held in May.
Summer (June-August): The Manbou Food Truck operates daily during summer, offering grilled manta ray and shark skewers.
Autumn (September-November): The annual Manbou Autumn Festival takes place in November, celebrating local seafood and seasonal harvests.
Winter (December-February): The roadside station remains open year-round, offering warm local dishes and seasonal produce throughout winter.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Features a grassy playground area and children's space, making it ideal for families. Stroller-friendly paths and accessible restrooms enhance usability. Educational elements include local culture exhibits and seasonal events.
Food Lover Review
Offers unique local specialties like manta ray and shark skewers, alongside fresh seafood and mountain ingredients. Multiple dining options include a dedicated restaurant and food cart, with high-quality regional products available.
Car Camping Review
Provides ample parking, clean restrooms open 24 hours, and a quiet coastal location. However, no official overnight camping policy or designated sleeping area is mentioned, limiting its suitability for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located within a coastal park with views of the Kumano Sea. Offers scenic viewpoints, seasonal beauty in spring and autumn, and a peaceful atmosphere enhanced by natural surroundings and park landscaping.