Discover the Heart of Kyushu’s Seafood Legacy
Matsuura Umi no Furusato-kan is a vibrant roadside station nestled along National Route 204, strategically positioned between Fukuoka and Hirado, making it a perfect stop for travelers exploring Nagasaki’s coastal treasures. Located in the historic town of Matsuura, this destination honors the region’s deep maritime heritage—home to the famed Matsuura Naval Force and Japan’s top catch of mackerel and saury at the Matsuura Fish Market.
More than just a rest stop, the station is a celebration of local bounty. Visitors can purchase freshly landed seafood from the market, savor crispy, golden fried mackerel bowls, or enjoy a hearty buri (yellowtail) bowl made with ingredients sourced from the sea. With a dedicated information center, EV charging stations, and scenic parking, Matsuura Umi no Furusato-kan offers both convenience and cultural immersion. It’s a place where tradition, flavor, and nature come together.
Why Visit
Matsuura Umi no Furusato-kan stands out as the only roadside station where you can taste freshly caught sardines and mackerel straight from the morning’s haul at the famed Matsuura Fish Market. Its signature dish, the grilled sardine bowl, is made daily with fish landed that very morning, offering a flavor impossible to find elsewhere. The station also hosts the region’s only live sardine fry station, where visitors can watch the golden, crispy fish prepared on the spot—making it a must-try for seafood lovers seeking an authentic, hyper-local experience.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor the freshest sea flavors at Matsuura Umi no Furusato-kan, where daily catch inspires bold, coastal-inspired dishes.
Fresh Seafood Bento
ぶり丼弁当
Specialty
Popular bento featuring fresh local sea bream
A popular food stall offering convenient and delicious bento boxes made with fresh local ingredients, perfect for a quick meal on the go.
Fresh Fish Fry Bento
アジフライ丼
Specialty
Crispy fried sardines served over rice
A savory and crispy fried fish bento made with freshly caught sardines, offering a classic taste of the region.
Seafood Rice Bowl Restaurant
ぶリ丼定食
Specialty
Signature rice bowl with fresh local sea bream
A casual dining spot specializing in hearty rice bowls made with fresh, locally sourced seafood, offering a true taste of the coastal region.
Shopping Highlights
Discover local treasures and seasonal goods at Matsuura Umi no Furusato-kan’s vibrant roadside station market.
Seafood Market
海のふるさと館
A fresh seafood market offering daily catches from the Matsuura Fish Market, including a variety of local fish and shellfish.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly landed fish from Matsuura Fish Market
Seafood Processing Shop
水産加工品販売コーナー
A shop specializing in processed seafood products made from fresh catches, including fried fish and other ready-to-eat items.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly fried sardine fritters
Souvenir Shop
オリジナルピンバッチ
A shop offering unique souvenirs and memorabilia from Matsuura, including branded pins and local crafts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Original Matsuura Sea of Homeland Pin
Featured Products
Explore signature seafood delights and artisanal crafts, crafted from the rich heritage of Matsuura’s coastal traditions.
Fresh Fish
鮮魚
Freshly landed seafood from the Matsuura Fish Market, known for its exceptional quality and taste.
Fried Sardine Fritters
揚げたてアジフライ
Crispy, freshly fried sardines made from the day's catch, ideal as a snack or meal accompaniment.
Sea of Homeland Pin
オリジナルピンバッチ
A collectible pin featuring the official logo of Matsuura Umi no Furusato-kan, perfect as a memento of your visit.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, EV charging, and a welcoming information center.
Parking
The roadside station has a parking area available for visitors.
Located at the roadside station premises
Restroom
Public restrooms are available for visitors.
Located at the roadside station premises
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors. 100V power outlet is also provided for free (limited to one device per day).
Located at the roadside station premises
Information Center
An information corner provides road information, nearby roadside stations, tourism information, medical information, weather, and disaster updates. Information is available through staff, information terminals, bulletin boards, and pamphlets.
Located at the roadside station premises
Play Area
A park is available for children and families to enjoy.
Located at the roadside station premises
EV Charging Station
An electric vehicle rapid charging station is available (4-hour type). Charging reservations can be made by calling 0120-062-004.
Located at the roadside station premises
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors' convenience.
Located at the roadside station premises
Nursing Room
A baby care facility is available for parents with infants.
Located at the roadside station premises
Insider Tips
Visit during peak fish landing hours for the freshest catches and plan ahead for popular events like the Seafood Festival.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM on weekdays to secure one of the limited 100 freshly made salmon bento boxes, which are sold daily and often sell out by midday.
- Hidden Gems: Check the information corner between 8:30 AM and 19:00 for real-time road and weather updates, as well as printed guides to nearby attractions like Kajigawa Castle Ruins and Sei-ka Mountain.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the food truck area near the parking lot during the October events—especially the Matsuura Seafood Festival—to sample seasonal local dishes like grilled mackerel skewers and fresh tuna sashimi.
- EV Charging Tip: Use the dedicated EV charging station located at the roadside station, and book in advance via the toll-free number 0120-062-004, especially during peak travel times in summer or during the July fireworks festival.
- Fresh Fish Strategy: Arrive by 9:00 AM on weekdays to purchase the day’s first catch from the Matsuura Fish Market fresh fish sales counter, as the most popular items like mackerel and sea bream are often sold out by 11:30 AM.
- Bento Box Timing: Order the signature grilled mackerel bento (400 yen) at the counter between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, as this is when the kitchen prepares the daily batch and the quantity is limited to around 500 units on weekends.
- Information Hub Use: Visit the information corner during the 8:30 AM to 19:00 window to pick up printed route maps and event schedules for the upcoming Matsuura Melon Festival and other seasonal events listed on the official site.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Visit during the May Melon Festival for fresh local melons and enjoy the 3rd week of May's coastal flower blooms.
Summer (June-August): Experience the July Fireworks Festival and sample grilled mackerel at the roadside station.
Autumn (September-November): See the 9th month's rice paddy fire festival and harvest cosmos flowers in late October.
Winter (December-February): Enjoy winter melon festivals in December and try fresh sea bream at the market.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station offers stroller-friendly access, restrooms with baby facilities, and a park area. While no dedicated play area is present, the engaging seafood-themed environment and nearby nature spots provide informal entertainment for children.
Food Lover Review
Features a variety of fresh seafood from the local fish market, including daily catch, processed seafood, and popular dishes like grilled mackerel and buri donburi. The food experience is enhanced by high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
Car Camping Review
Offers free 100V power for campers and an EV charging station, but lacks designated overnight parking or camping facilities. The area is quiet during off-hours, though no official camping policy is stated.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near coastal views and natural landscapes, with seasonal events highlighting local beauty. The surrounding area includes scenic spots like riverbanks and nearby hiking trails, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.