Station Oyashirazu Pier Park

Discover the Heart of Japan’s Emerald Coast

Oyashirazu Pier Park is a vibrant roadside station nestled along the pristine shores of the Japan Sea in Itoigawa, Niigata Prefecture. Just a two-minute drive from the nation’s first offshore interchange, the Kansai Expressway’s Oyashirazu IC, it serves as a gateway to one of Japan’s most unique natural and cultural landscapes. Surrounded by sweeping coastal vistas and rich in history, this roadside station is more than a stop—it’s a destination.

Home to the world’s largest emerald boulder, the Emerald Heritage Museum offers an awe-inspiring glimpse into the region’s Jomon-era jade culture. At the heart of the park stands Million, a monumental bronze sea turtle sculpture, a striking symbol of the area’s marine heritage. Visitors can savor fresh seafood at the fish market or dine with panoramic ocean views at the restaurant “Ika,” while exploring local crafts, enjoying relaxing baths at the nearby wellness center, or searching for sea-smoothed jade along the clean, clear coastline.

Oyashirazu Pier Park stands out as Japan’s only roadside station built atop a marine geopark, where visitors can explore the world’s largest 102-ton jade boulder at the Jade Birthplace Museum—uniquely sourced from the Bridge Tidal Jade Gorge. The site’s iconic 6-meter bronze sea turtle statue, the world’s largest, anchors a seaside plaza offering panoramic views of the Japan Sea. Here, only at this roadside station, you can sample fresh sea urchin, rock oysters, and wakame directly from the local fishing port’s daily catch, all sold at unbeatable prices.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit the o-sakana center between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM on weekdays to get first access to the day’s catch, including fresh sea urchin and rock oysters, which are often sold out by 11:30 AM.

• Hidden Gems: At the o-sakana center, ask staff for the daily "special catch" — often seasonal items like mackerel or sea cucumber — which are displayed only during morning hours and not listed on the menu.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the rest-pia between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to catch the live cooking demonstration of the signature "tara-jiru chōnin" (cod soup set), where staff prepare the dish using fish from the morning’s catch.

• Best Photo Spot: Position yourself at the northern edge of the pier park plaza, facing west, between 5:00 PM and 5:45 PM on clear days to capture the full length of the world’s largest bronze sea turtle statue, Million, silhouetted against the sunset over the Japan Sea.

• Free Service Tip: When purchasing fish at the o-sakana center, request the free three-piece filleting service — available only for fish purchased on-site — and specify that you want the head and bones saved for making homemade fish stock.

• Local Product Must-Buy: Purchase the "Hijiri Sake-Flavored Sea Urchin" snack at rest-pia — a limited-edition local product made only during the summer months and available exclusively at the roadside station.

• Best View Access: Use the stairs behind the rest-pia building to reach the elevated walkway that overlooks the Japan Sea; this route provides the clearest unobstructed view of the bridge footprints with the Kurokawa ceramic mural, visible only from this vantage point.

Spring (March-May): Fresh sea urchin and rock scallops arrive at the fish market in April, while coastal hiking near the jade site is ideal in mild spring weather.

Summer (June-August): Best for swimming and scuba diving at the clean coastal waters, with peak sea urchin and abalone season from July to August.

Autumn (September-November): Prime time for rock scallop harvesting and viewing autumn foliage along the coastal trail.

Winter (December-February): Enjoy panoramic views of the Sea of Japan and serene coastal walks, with occasional snow-dusted sea cliffs.