Savor the Spirit of Awaji’s Udon Heritage at Donari
Nestled along National Route 318, Donari roadside station lies in the serene heart of Awa City, Tokushima Prefecture, where rolling hills meet clear mountain streams. More than a pit stop, it’s a vibrant cultural gateway celebrating the region’s beloved takoyaki udon, a dish born from local tradition and passion. At its core, Donari offers visitors the chance to step into the story of this iconic noodle—through hands-on udon-making experiences, a giant 8.7-meter wooden trough on display, and a charming gallery space that blends art and agriculture.
The station’s standout feature is the "Love-Found Taira Shrine," built atop the legendary giant trough, where visitors can pray for romance or blessings with a unique natural heart-shaped stone as the sacred focus. With panoramic views from its second-floor café, a vibrant farmers’ market, and seasonal events like the annual udon painting contest, Donari blends tradition, nature, and community in a truly unforgettable way.
Why Visit
Visit Donari to experience the only roadside station in Japan featuring a giant 8.7-meter wooden trough—originally created to honor the region’s famed tara udon—and home to the whimsical "Love-Seeking Trough Shrine," where visitors can pray at a naturally formed heart-shaped stone believed to grant romantic wishes. The station also offers the rare chance to hand-pull authentic tara udon in a dedicated experience workshop, where you’ll eat your own creation straight from the giant trough.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Donari roadside station, where the famous tairo udon awaits with rich, handcrafted taste.
Takoyaki Udon Specialty Restaurant
たらいうどん専門店
Specialty
Famous for its unique takoyaki udon with a rich, flavorful dipping broth
A dedicated udon restaurant specializing in the region's signature takoyaki udon, offering a traditional and authentic dining experience with a focus on local ingredients and craftsmanship.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional treasures and souvenirs at Donari, blending local craftsmanship with heartfelt charm.
Local Specialty Market
地元特産物販売所
A retail space offering a variety of local products, including handmade crafts, regional food items, and seasonal goods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handcrafted wooden takoyaki udon bowl
Café & Light Bites Shop
カフェ・軽食
A cozy café serving light meals, drinks, and seasonal snacks in a relaxed atmosphere.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local honey latte
Art & Craft Gallery
ギャラリースペース
An art space showcasing local artists' works, including paintings, sculptures, and handmade crafts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Heart-shaped stone sculpture
Featured Products
Try Donari’s signature tairo udon and seasonal specialties, crafted with tradition and local pride.
Takoyaki Udon Dipping Broth
たらいうどんつけ汁
Authentic, ready-to-use dipping broth made with traditional local ingredients for home preparation.
Handcrafted Wooden Takoyaki Udon Bowl
手作り木製たらいうどん椀
A beautifully crafted wooden bowl inspired by the famous giant takoyaki udon tub, perfect for serving udon or as a decorative item.
Local Honey Latte Mix
地元はちみつラテミックス
A premium mix combining locally sourced honey with high-quality coffee for a naturally sweet and aromatic drink.
Heart-Shaped Stone Souvenir
ハート型石おみやげ
A naturally formed heart-shaped stone from the area, blessed at the Love Shrine, symbolizing love and good fortune.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax with spacious parking, accessible restrooms, EV charging, and serene rest areas at Donari roadside station.
Parking Lot
Available for 26 regular cars and 5 large vehicles. Includes 2 designated parking spots for people with disabilities. Open 24 hours.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Toilet
10 male toilets and 6 female toilets. Includes 2 accessible toilets for people with disabilities.
Inside the roadside station
Wi-Fi
Available throughout the facility, including the parking area and restrooms.
Throughout the roadside station
Information Counter
Provides information about the roadside station, local attractions, events, and services.
Inside the roadside station
Play Area
Includes a park and various attractions such as a waterwheel house, monuments, and amusement devices.
Near the main building and outdoor area
Hot Spring
Features a public hot spring and shower facilities for visitors.
Inside the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging equipment available for use 24 hours a day.
Near the parking area
Nursing Room
Includes a baby changing table and a dedicated space for breastfeeding.
Inside the roadside station
Pet Area
Designated space for pets, allowing visitors to bring their animals to the station.
Outdoor area near the parking lot
Activities & Experiences
Join hands-on udon-making workshops, explore scenic trails, or visit the heart-shaped shrine at Donari.
Handmade Udon Experience
手打ちうどん体験
Participants will experience making udon noodles by hand, then enjoy eating them in a large traditional wooden trough. The activity includes making one udon portion (serves 4) and a serving of dipping broth.
Duration
60 min
Insider Tips
Visit early to avoid crowds, reserve udon experiences in advance, and enjoy the panoramic views from the second-floor café.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 10:15 AM on weekends to secure a spot for the hand-pulled udon experience, as sessions fill up quickly and reservations are required at least one week in advance
- Hidden Gems: Visit the second-floor panoramic café between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to enjoy the best views of the Miyakawa Dam Park and surrounding mountains with a cup of coffee or tea
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the on-site deli counter offers a limited-time "Takoyaki Udon Combo" (available only until 3:00 PM) featuring takoyaki served with takoyaki-style udon soup
- Unique Photo Spot: Take a photo on top of the giant 8.7-meter diameter wooden trough (takai) located near the entrance, especially during the morning light for the best shot of the "Love-Heaven Taira Shrine" carved into the wood
- Experience Timing: Book the "Hand-Pulled Udon Experience" for the 1:00 PM session to enjoy a full meal with the included fried chicken side dish, as this time slot includes the most complete meal option
- Avoid the Lunch Rush: Order food at the restaurant counter before 11:30 AM to avoid the 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM crowd, when the seating area fills up due to nearby group tours and school trips
- Best Souvenir Purchase: Buy the "Takoyaki Udon Gift Box" at the shop counter before 4:00 PM, as it is only available during the final two hours of operation and is not sold online
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Canola flowers bloom in late March to April, and fresh bamboo shoots are available at the market.
Summer (June–August): The park and lake offer cool views; the largest event is the annual "Takara Udon Painting Contest" in late October.
Autumn (September–November): The lake reflects vibrant autumn foliage from late October through November.
Winter (December–February): The roadside station remains open, with cozy dining and seasonal udon experiences.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Donari offers a dedicated playground, baby-changing stations, nursing rooms, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Interactive experiences like udon-making and the heart-shaped stone shrine add educational and engaging elements for children.
Food Lover Review
Donari features a variety of dining options including a specialty restaurant for Tora-i Udon, a unique local dish. The roadside station also includes a café, market-style produce, and artisanal food experiences with seasonal ingredients.
Car Camping Review
The station provides 24-hour access to restrooms, parking for large vehicles, and vending machines. However, it lacks designated overnight camping zones and has no explicit camping policy or quiet overnight facilities.
Scenic Beauty Review
Donari offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and the Miyagawa Dam Park lake, especially from the second-floor viewing café. The natural landscape, seasonal changes, and unique heart-shaped stone shrine enhance its aesthetic appeal.