Discover the Spirit of Shikoku at Washi no Sato
Nestled along the scenic Naka River in the heart of Naka Town, Tokushima Prefecture, Washi no Sato is a vibrant roadside station where nature, culture, and adventure converge. Perched near the famed Wakishiki Line, a stretch of the river renowned for its dramatic rock formations and exhilarating rapids, this station is a gateway to outdoor exploration and spiritual discovery.
What sets Washi no Sato apart is its unique fusion of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visitors can ride the expansive Tairyuji Ropeway—the longest in western Japan—offering breathtaking aerial views that culminate at the historic Tairyuji Temple, a sacred stop on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. The station also features a bustling tourist and craft center, a riverside park perfect for kayaking and cycling, and a rich array of local specialties like Awa Late Tea and Mokuto Yuzu Vinegar. With ample parking, family-friendly facilities, and year-round access, Washi no Sato offers an unforgettable journey into the soul of Shikoku.
Why Visit
Visit Washi no Sato to experience the only large-scale ropeway in western Japan, offering panoramic aerial views that culminate at the historic Shido-ji Temple, a designated cultural site on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Here, you’ll find the region’s exclusive Awa Evening Tea and seasonal Mokuzo Yuzu Vinegar, both crafted from local ingredients and available only at this roadside station. The site’s unique combination of riverfront adventure, historic pilgrimage access, and authentic regional flavors makes it a one-of-a-kind destination.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at Washi no Sato’s restaurants and cafes, where fresh, regional ingredients take center stage.
Bodaiju Restaurant
菩提樹
Specialty
Traditional Japanese cuisine with local ingredients
A cozy restaurant offering authentic Japanese meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxing meal after exploring the surrounding natural attractions.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique souvenirs and local crafts at Washi no Sato’s well-curated shops and markets.
Ropeway Direct Store
ロープウェイ直売店
A retail shop located directly at the ropeway station, selling local products and souvenirs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Awa Late Tea
Hana Kage
花かげ
A general store offering a variety of local goods and daily necessities.
Products
Must-Try Item
Wooden Citrus Vinegar
Featured Products
Try signature specialties like Awa Evening Tea and seasonal Mokuzo Yuzu Vinegar, crafted with pride from the region’s natural bounty.
Awa Late Tea
阿波晩茶
A unique local tea known for its rich flavor and refreshing aroma, produced in the Awa region.
Wooden Citrus Vinegar
木頭柚子酢
A distinctive vinegar made from locally grown citrus fruits, known for its tangy and aromatic taste.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy comfortable amenities including spacious parking, accessible restrooms, and relaxing lounges at this roadside station.
Parking Lot
Standard cars: 150 spaces, Large vehicles: 10 spaces, Disabled parking: 3 spaces. Available 24 hours.
At the roadside station
Toilet
Men's toilets: 6 units, Women's toilets: 4 units. Includes accessible toilets and multi-purpose toilets.
At the roadside station
Wireless LAN
Free wireless internet access available at the roadside station.
At the roadside station
Information Corner
Provides tourist information, maps, and local guides. Open daily from 8:00 to 17:00.
Inside the roadside station
Playground
Grass playground with composite play equipment, swings, and slides.
At the roadside station
Hot Spring
Traditional hot spring bath available for visitors. Includes a hinoki bath (cypress bath) at the nearby youth center.
Nearby at the 鷲敷青少年野外活動センター (Washifuku Youth Outdoor Activity Center)
Bike Rental
Bicycles available for rent for exploring the surrounding area and the riverbank park.
At the roadside station
Nursing Room
Dedicated space for breastfeeding with a baby changing table and warm water for preparing milk.
Inside the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging facilities available at the roadside station.
At the roadside station
ATM
Cash machine available for visitors.
At the roadside station
Pet Area
Designated area for pets, allowing visitors to bring their animals to the station.
At the roadside station
Activities & Experiences
Explore outdoor adventures like kayaking, hiking, and scenic rides on the spacious park and ropeway trails.
Rapids Rafting Experience
ラフティング体験
Participants will navigate the dynamic rapids of the Naka River's Washifuki Line, enjoying thrilling water adventures with professional guidance.
Duration
60 min
Activity may be suspended during heavy rain or poor weather conditions.
Canoeing Experience
カヌー体験
Participants will enjoy paddling on the Naka River, experiencing the natural beauty of the Washifuki Line at their own pace.
Duration
60 min
Canoes may be unavailable during heavy rain or strong winds.
Trick Art & Tourism Exhibition
トリックアート・観光資料展示ホール
Explore interactive trick art installations and view historical exhibits showcasing the region's cultural heritage.
Duration
30 min
Ropeway Panoramic Ride
太龍寺ロープウェイ
Ride the large-scale ropeway across the Naka River and mountains, offering panoramic views with a final destination at the sacred Tairyuji Temple.
Duration
30 min
Ropeway may be suspended during adverse weather conditions.
Nature Park Exploration
芝生公園
Enjoy open green space with playground equipment, swings, and slides, perfect for family relaxation and outdoor play.
Duration
60 min
Local Specialty Tasting
阿波晩茶・木頭柚子酢
Taste seasonal local specialties including Awa Evening Tea and Kito Yuzu Vinegar, available during limited periods.
Duration
30 min
Insider Tips
Visit early to avoid crowds, and don’t miss the seasonal events and hidden viewpoints near the river and temple.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM on weekdays to secure a spot at the Looped Way Direct Sales Store before the morning rush, as it opens at 8:00 AM and sells out of seasonal Awa Evening Tea and Kido Yuzu Vinegar by midday.
- Hidden Gems: Check the Flower Shade shop between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM, where you can find fresh, limited-edition handmade soaps and local crafts not displayed elsewhere in the station.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, arrive before 10:30 AM to join the free guided tour of the Trick Art and Tourism Information Hall, which starts at 10:30 AM and includes a special view of the Awa Evening Tea display.
- Best Food Timing: Visit the Bodaiju Restaurant between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM to enjoy the daily special lunch set, which features local ingredients like fresh river fish and Awa Evening Tea-infused rice—available only during lunch hours and often sold out by 1:30 PM.
- Experience Access: Purchase your ticket for the Tairyuji Ropeway at the ticket booth before 11:00 AM to guarantee a seat on the first available gondola, as the last boarding time is 4:40 PM and weekend lines form early.
- Free Services: Use the baby care facilities located near the restrooms between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM to access free warm milk for infants—available upon request at the information counter.
- Best View Timing: Take the Tairyuji Ropeway for the panoramic view of the Naka River and the surrounding mountains at 11:00 AM on weekdays, when crowds are minimal and the morning light enhances the natural scenery.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Peak season for visiting the Tairyu-ji Temple pilgrimage site and enjoying the Tachibana River’s scenic "Washifuki Line" with blooming wildflowers.
Summer (June–August): Ideal for kayaking and rafting on the Tachibana River, with the ropeway operating daily.
Autumn (September–November): Best for harvesting Awa late tea and sampling seasonal wood head yuzu vinegar.
Winter (December–February): Quiet months with year-round access to the ropeway and hot spring facilities.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Washi no Sato offers a playground with slides and swings, nursing rooms, changing tables, and baby-friendly facilities. It includes stroller access, family activities, and interactive exhibits, making it highly suitable for children and families.
Food Lover Review
The roadside station features multiple dining options, including a restaurant and cafes, with local specialties like Awa late tea and Mokudou yuzu vinegar. Fresh produce and artisanal goods are available at the shops, enhancing the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Washi no Sato provides restrooms, vending machines, and designated parking. While the site supports overnight stays, it lacks clear signage on overnight parking rules and has limited quiet zones, affecting comfort for car campers.
Scenic Beauty Review
The station overlooks the Naka River’s scenic Wajiki Line, with dramatic rock formations and flowing water. The panoramic views from the ropeway and the surrounding natural landscapes offer excellent photo opportunities and seasonal beauty.