Station Kubokata-no-Sato Nakagawa

Discover the Heart of Shikoku’s Heritage at Kubokata-no-Sato Nakagawa

Nestled at the mouth of the Naka River, Kubokata-no-Sato Nakagawa lies just 20 kilometers south of Tokushima City along National Route 55, where lush farmland meets the calm waters of a historic river delta. This vibrant roadside station is more than a stop—it’s a gateway to the region’s rich past, home to the legacy of the Ashikaga Shogunate, whose influence shaped the area for nearly three centuries.

What sets Kubokata-no-Sato Nakagawa apart is its seamless blend of culture, nature, and community. Visitors can explore the History and Folklore Museum, marvel at Japan’s largest reflecting telescope at the Anan Science Center, or enjoy fresh local produce at the farmers’ market. With ample parking, accessible facilities, and a cozy café serving regional favorites like Nakagawa Gyu-Kara Curry, it’s a destination where every visit feels like a journey through time and taste.

Kubokata-no-Sato Nakagawa stands out as the only roadside station in the region featuring a dedicated history and science complex, home to the largest reflecting telescope in Japan and a museum showcasing the legacy of the 270-year-old Ashikaga shogunal residence. Visitors can sample the station’s signature dish, Nakagawa Gyu-Ka Curry, made with locally raised beef and inspired by the town’s feudal past—available only here. The riverside location along the Naka River mouth also offers panoramic views of seasonal reed beds and migratory birds, a landscape shaped by the area’s unique delta geography.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit by 7:30 AM on weekdays to secure fresh produce from the farm stand before it sells out, as the farm stand opens at 7:00 AM and often depletes by mid-morning
• Hidden Gems: Stop at the information corner between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to receive a free map of the historical walking trail near the foot of the old Ashikaga shogunate residence
• Weekend Special: On Saturdays, visit the on-site café between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM to purchase the limited-edition Nakagawa Gyu-Kara Curry, available only during weekend mornings and sold out by 11:00 AM
• Off-Peak Shopping: Avoid the busiest times at the farm stand by visiting on Wednesday afternoons, as the produce market closes at 5:00 PM and the area is quietest between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM
• Family-Friendly Perk: Use the dedicated infant care room located just past the information corner for diaper changes and feeding—open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, ideal for parents with young children
• Photography Tip: Visit the viewing platform near the riverbank at 4:00 PM on weekdays to capture the golden-hour reflection of the Ashikaga Shogunate historical building in the river’s surface, especially visible during autumn months
• Local Insight: Ask the staff at the information desk for the free pamphlet on the Ashikaga Shogunate history exhibit—it includes a self-guided tour route and details about the Japanese-style reflection telescope at the Ainan Science Center, located just 5 minutes away by foot

Spring (March–May): Canola flowers bloom in late March to April, and fresh bamboo shoots are available at the market from early April.

Summer (June–August): Fresh watermelon and local vegetables are sold at the produce market from July through August.

Autumn (September–November): Persimmons ripen in October, and the roadside station hosts seasonal harvest events.

Winter (December–February): Hot curry made from local ingredients is available at the café during cold months.