Pioneer of Sustainable Travel in Rural Japan
Tucked along the scenic routes of Tokushima Prefecture, Itano is more than a roadside station—it’s a forward-thinking hub where nature, innovation, and community converge. As Japan’s first roadside station equipped with a mobile hydrogen refueling station and an EV fast-charging network, Itano leads the nation in sustainable mobility. Designed as both a disaster preparedness center and a vibrant community space, it features a helipad, earthquake-resistant water storage, and emergency shelters, ensuring safety and resilience.
Visitors can savor regional specialties like spring carrots, pickled vegetables, edamame, and fresh peaches, or enjoy meals at the cozy惠食堂 (Hoe Shokudo) and ROUTE88. With a relaxing foot bath, dog park, rental bicycles, and a bustling farmers’ market, Itano offers a rich sensory journey through rural life. Whether you're fueling up, exploring local culture, or simply unwinding in nature, this roadside station redefines what a journey can be.
Why Visit
Visit Itano roadside station to experience Japan’s first roadside station equipped with a mobile hydrogen refueling station, a pioneering step toward sustainable travel. Here, you can sample the region’s signature spring carrots, freshly harvested and sold alongside unique pickled vegetables made using traditional local methods. The station also features a dedicated foot bath and a rare agricultural training center, offering hands-on insight into the area’s farming heritage.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, local flavors at Itano roadside station, where meals are crafted with seasonal ingredients and regional pride.
Hieishokudou
恵食堂
Specialty
Local cuisine with seasonal ingredients
A full-service restaurant offering traditional regional dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal in a relaxed setting.
Route 88 Onigiri Shop
ROUTE88（おにぎり屋）
Specialty
Freshly made rice balls with local ingredients
A quick-service food stall specializing in handcrafted onigiri using seasonal and regional ingredients. Ideal for a light meal or snack on the go.
Sora Iro Light Dining Corner
そらいろ
Specialty
Light meals and beverages with a view
A casual light dining area offering simple, comforting food and drinks in a bright, airy space. Perfect for a relaxed break with a view of the surrounding landscape.
Shopping Highlights
Discover authentic local goods and handmade treasures at Itano’s vibrant marketplace and specialty shops.
Local Specialty Store
特産物直売所
A retail shop offering a variety of locally produced goods, including seasonal produce, handmade crafts, and regional specialties.
Products
Must-Try Item
Spring Carrot
Farmers Market
農産物直売所
A market selling fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables directly from nearby farms.
Products
Must-Try Item
Spring Carrot
Bakery
パン屋
A small bakery offering freshly baked bread and pastries using local ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Peach Bread
Craft Store
工芸品店
A shop specializing in handmade crafts and artisanal products made by local artisans.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Pottery
Alcohol Shop
酒類販売所
A shop selling locally produced alcoholic beverages, including sake and fruit-based drinks.
Products
Must-Try Item
Peach Sake
Featured Products
Explore signature products like spring carrots, pickled vegetables, fresh edamame, and ripe peaches from the region.
Spring Carrot
春にんじん
Fresh, crisp spring carrots harvested from local farms in the region, known for their sweetness and vibrant color.
Pickled Vegetables
漬物
Assorted traditional pickled vegetables made using local recipes and seasonal ingredients.
Edamame
枝豆
Fresh, steamed edamame pods with a natural, savory taste, perfect for snacking.
Peach
桃
Sweet, juicy peaches grown in the region, harvested at peak ripeness.
Peach Sake
桃酒
A locally crafted sake infused with fresh peach, offering a delicate floral and sweet flavor.
Peach Bread
桃パン
Soft, sweet bread with a hint of peach, baked fresh daily using local ingredients.
Local Pottery
地元陶器
Handcrafted ceramic items made by local artisans using traditional techniques.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including EV charging, hydrogen refueling, restrooms, foot baths, and accessible facilities.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking area with 9 large vehicle spots, 313 regular vehicle spots, and 4 accessible spots for people with disabilities.
Main area of the roadside station
Restroom
The station provides accessible restrooms including a multi-purpose toilet, an ostomy toilet, a baby-changing toilet, and a baby stroller-friendly toilet. Warm water flushing toilets and free baby milk heating are also available.
Throughout the facility
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) is available at the roadside station.
Information corner and throughout the facility
Information Center
The information center is open from 8:30 to 17:00 and provides local information, maps, and assistance to visitors. It also serves as the stamp collection point.
Regional Information Corner
Dog Park
A dedicated dog park is available for pets, open from 8:30 to 18:00.
Near the main area
Foot Bath
A foot bath facility is available for public use, open from 8:30 to 18:00.
Near the main area
Bike Rental
Bike rental service is available for visitors, with rental hours from 8:30 to 16:00.
Near the main area
Nursing Room
A dedicated nursing room with free hot water for preparing baby milk is available for mothers.
Near the restroom area
EV Fast Charging Station
The station features a fully operational EV fast charging station. It is also the first roadside station in Japan to include a mobile hydrogen station.
Near the main parking area
Pet Area
A designated pet-friendly area, including a dog park, is available for visitors with pets.
Near the main area
Insider Tips
Plan your visit during off-peak hours and check seasonal events for the best local experiences.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 8:30 AM to access the free milk for nursing mothers at the information counter before it runs out, as it is provided daily from opening until 10:00 AM only
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter at the regional promotion facility between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to purchase the day’s limited batch of fresh spring carrot pickles, which are only available during seasonal harvest
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the Route 88 rice ball stand before 12:00 PM to get the special seasonal peach-flavored rice ball, which sells out by 1:00 PM
- EV Charging Tip: Use the EV fast charger located near the main entrance between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM to avoid peak congestion, as it is most reliably available during these hours
- Best Time for Foot Bath: Use the foot bath between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM on weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy the quietest time of day, as it is especially popular with local workers during lunch breaks
- Bike Rental Advantage: Reserve a rental bicycle at the rental counter by 10:00 AM on weekends to ensure availability of the larger models suitable for long-distance cycling along the nearby river trail
- Information Counter Perk: Ask at the information counter before 12:00 PM to receive a free sample of the locally produced soybean sprout salad, offered daily during the spring season only
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh spring carrots and pickled vegetables available at the market; peach harvest begins in late April.
Summer (June–August): Fresh edamame sold daily; seasonal events at the roadside station peak in July.
Autumn (September–November): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned in the content.
Winter (December–February): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned in the content.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Itano roadside station offers a baby-changing station, stroller-friendly paths, and a dog run. While no dedicated play area is mentioned, the presence of multiple dining options and family-oriented facilities enhances its appeal for families.
Food Lover Review
Itano features diverse dining options including a restaurant, bento shop, and light café. Local specialties like spring carrots, pickled vegetables, edamame, and peaches are available, with fresh produce sold at the direct market.
Car Camping Review
The station provides restrooms, showers, and EV charging, but lacks designated overnight parking. While it has a quiet environment during daytime hours, it does not explicitly permit or support overnight stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Itano offers scenic views of the surrounding farmland and natural landscape. The foot bath and open areas provide pleasant photo opportunities, with seasonal beauty enhanced by local agriculture and greenery.