Station Hina no Sato Katsuura

Discover the Heart of Shikoku’s Spring and Ancient Wonders

Hina no Sato Katsuura, nestled along Prefectural Road 15 near the tranquil shores of Katsuura in Tokushima Prefecture, is a vibrant roadside station that seamlessly blends culture, nature, and regional charm. Located just steps from the renowned Hina Character Exchange Museum—home to the annual Big Hina Festival featuring a towering 7-meter pyramid of traditional dolls—this destination celebrates the arrival of spring with artistry and tradition.

More than a rest stop, it serves as a gateway to sacred sites like Shōrin-ji, the 20th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, and the mystical Seiya-ji, famed for its legendary "Star Rock" and the breathtaking "Back View Waterfall." Visitors can also explore nearby fossil beds, where dinosaur remains have drawn national attention. With a bustling local market, hands-on experiences, and a range of dining and relaxation options, Hina no Sato Katsuura offers a rich, immersive journey into the soul of rural Shikoku.

Visit Hina no Sato Katsuura to experience the region’s only Big Hinamatsuri, where a towering 7-meter pyramid of 30,000 intricately decorated hinamatsuri dolls is displayed from late February to late March. Adjacent to the human-scale cultural exchange hall, the roadside station offers exclusive access to Katsuura’s rare dinosaur fossils—among the few found in Japan—on display at the on-site fossil exhibit. Here, you can also taste and buy unique citrus products made from Katsuura’s signature mandarins, including handcrafted mandarin ice cream and dried peel snacks—flavors you won’t find anywhere else.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit the物産品展示販売 (product display and sales) counter by 9:15 AM on weekdays to secure the limited daily batch of Katsuura Town’s fresh citrus jam, which sells out by 11:00 AM.

• Hidden Gems: At the product display and sales counter, look for the exclusive “Dino-Map” map book—only available during the dinosaur fossil exhibition season (February through April), which includes hidden fossil site locations and a QR code linking to a virtual tour.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the restaurant between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM to order the seasonal “Spring Citrus Pancake” before it sells out—only 20 portions are made daily.

• Best Photo Spot: Take photos at the viewpoint behind the information corner just after 3:00 PM on clear days to capture the full view of the Seto Inland Sea and the distant Kōchi Prefecture coastline, which is best lit during late afternoon.

• Cultural Event Tip: If visiting in late February or early March, arrive by 2:00 PM to access the special “Big Hinamatsuri” exhibition at the Human Figure Cultural Exchange Hall, which opens at 1:00 PM and features a 7-meter pyramid-style display of 30,000 hinamatsuri dolls.

• Local Food Hack: Purchase the Katsuura Mikan Sake at the sales counter before 4:00 PM on weekdays—this limited-edition seasonal drink is only stocked from February to April and often sells out by 5:00 PM.

• Trail Access Tip: Use the roadside station’s rest area as a starting point for the Hachimaki Trail to Shōgatsu-dera (Shōgatsu Temple), which begins at the eastern exit of the parking lot—follow the blue trail markers marked “20番札所 鶴林寺” for the official pilgrimage route.

Spring (February–March): Visit during the Big Hinamatsuri festival (late February–late March) to see 30,000 dolls displayed in a 7-meter pyramid at the Human Culture Exchange Center.

Summer (June–August): Enjoy the cool shade of the silver gingko trees and the scenic hiking trail to the stone Buddha pillars at Seiya-ji in autumn.

Autumn (September–November): Experience the golden glow of the silver gingko trees and the stone Buddha pillars at Seiya-ji, a highlight of the season.

Winter (December–January): Explore the museum and shop year-round, with special holiday sales on local mandarin orange and dinosaur-themed souvenirs.