Station Shishikui Onsen

Discover the Soul of Shikoku at Shishikui Onsen Roadside Station

Nestled along the scenic National Route 55 at the border of Tokushima and Kochi Prefectures, Shishikui Onsen Roadside Station sits at the heart of the breathtaking Shikoku Coast National Park. With the rugged peaks of the Shikoku Mountains as a backdrop and the turquoise waves of the Pacific Ocean stretching before it, this station offers a rare blend of natural grandeur and authentic regional charm.

More than just a pit stop, Shishikui Onsen is a cultural gateway featuring a massive train diorama, a bustling farmers’ market called Suginoko Ichiba, and a vibrant shop area showcasing local treasures like citrus vinegar, dried bonito, and handcrafted souvenirs. Visitors can savor fresh seafood and mountain delicacies at the on-site restaurant, relax in the adjacent hot spring resort, or explore nearby wonders like the crystal-clear underwater park at Takegashima and the ancient fossilized ripple marks. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or local flavor, Shishikui Onsen delivers an unforgettable journey through the essence of Shikoku.

Visit Shishikui Onsen roadside station to experience the only ocean-view giant diorama in Japan, showcasing the region’s railway history in stunning detail. Nearby, savor the rare and locally unique tuna simmered in soy sauce—a signature dish made from fish caught in the waters of the Shikoku Coast. With direct access to the Blue Marine tour boat for viewing coral reefs and the fossilized ripple marks, one of Japan’s largest and oldest geological formations, this station offers a rare blend of natural wonders and cultural authenticity found nowhere else.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a spot at the Sugi no Ko Market (local produce market) before the fresh sea urchin and seasonal mountain vegetables sell out by midday.

• Hidden Gems: Check the Sugi no Ko Market at 10:00 AM on weekdays for the daily fresh catch of sardines and sea bream, which are only stocked once per day and often sell out by 12:30 PM.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the BeGa Restaurant in Hotel Riviera Shishikui between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM to order the Tuna Miso Simmered (Tuna no Umami Nitsuke), a limited-time dish only available during weekend lunch hours.

• Best Photo Spot: Take a photo at the giant diorama of the Shikoku Railway located in the central hall—arrive between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM when the lighting is best and crowds are minimal.

• Unique Souvenir Tip: Purchase the Yuzu Vinegar and Utsubo no Chinmi (a pickled sea urchin delicacy) at the local specialty counter before 3:00 PM, as these items are restocked only once daily and often sell out by early afternoon.

• Family-Friendly Perk: Use the nursery room and changing table located just inside the main entrance before 10:00 AM, as they are busiest after 11:00 AM when families arrive for lunch.

• Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience: Ride the Blue Marine sea tour boat departing from the dock near the roadside station at 10:30 AM—this is the earliest daily departure and offers the clearest visibility of coral and tropical fish in the Chikage Island Underwater Park.

Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market in early spring; peak season for canola flower viewing in late March to April.

Summer (June-August): Blue Marine tour boats run daily from June to August, offering underwater views of coral and tropical fish.

Autumn (September-November): Harvest season for local citrus and yuzu vinegar, with special market displays from late September.

Winter (December-February): Hot spring bathing at the adjacent hotel is most popular during cold months, especially December and January.