Station Ai Land Udatsu

Step into the Living Heritage of Shikoku’s Blue Town

Ai Land Udatsu, nestled along the bustling Nagato-Ikeda Road just 40 kilometers west of Tokushima City, is more than a roadside station—it’s a gateway to Edo-era charm. Located adjacent to the nationally designated Important Traditional Building Preservation District, the historic Uda-tsuke Townscape, the station offers travelers a rare glimpse into Japan’s cultural past. The surrounding area features restored Edo-period merchant homes, a reconstructed riverfront dock, and the preserved Yoshida Family Residence, a 1792-era indigo merchant house now open to the public.

Visitors can explore the renovated Indigo Dyeing and Washi Umbrella Experience Studio, sip tea at the on-site café, or stroll through the scenic Tourist Information Center Park. With ample parking, EV charging, and a range of dining and rest areas, Ai Land Udatsu blends heritage, nature, and modern convenience—perfect for a meaningful stop on any journey through Shikoku.

Visit Ai Land Udatsu to experience the only roadside station in Japan where you can walk through a preserved Edo-era udatsu townscape, complete with historic merchant houses and the original 1792-era Yoshida Family Residence. Here, you can personally try authentic indigo dyeing using traditional techniques in the renovated indigo warehouse, a hands-on experience found nowhere else. The station’s signature treat, indigo ice cream made from local milk, is a unique local specialty available only here.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit before 10:00 AM on weekdays to access the Blue Dye Workshop (藍染工房) before it closes for the day at 5:00 PM, as sessions fill up quickly and last longer than 30 minutes
• Hidden Gems: At the Blue Store (藍蔵) located next to the information center, ask for the limited-edition blue-dyed silk scarf, only available during the spring and autumn seasons
• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the Tea House (茶房) serves a seasonal matcha and sweet red bean sandwich that sells out by noon
• Best Photo Spot: Head to the old boat landing area behind the Blue Store at 3:00 PM on weekdays when natural light hits the historic warehouses, creating ideal conditions for photos of the traditional townscapes
• Must-Try Food: Order the Blue Store Ice Cream (藍蔵アイスクリーム) at the counter marked "Blue Store – Seasonal Flavors" and request the "Indigo Blossom" flavor, available only from May to September
• Special Access: Enter the Kojima House (吉田邸) through the side entrance near the information center to avoid the main ticket line; this entrance opens 15 minutes before the official opening time
• Unique Experience: Reserve a spot at the Blue Dye Workshop (藍染工房) via phone at 0883-53-8599 at least 24 hours in advance to participate in a hands-on indigo dyeing session using traditional methods

Spring (March–May): Late March to April features vibrant canola flowers in bloom near the roadside station, with blue dye plant harvesting beginning in early April.

Summer (June–August): July and August offer ideal conditions for canoeing on the Koyagawa River and exploring the historic uda tsu townscapes in the heat.

Autumn (September–November): October brings the peak season for local persimmons and chestnuts, available at the roadside station’s market.

Winter (December–February): Late December to early January sees the station closed for renovation, but the surrounding townscapes glow with traditional lanterns during the winter festival.