Discover the Heart of Kii: Where Nature, Sea, and Tradition Meet
Susami roadside station stands at the crossroads of natural wonder and cultural heritage, nestled along National Route 42 and just a short drive from the end of the Kisei Expressway. Overlooking the UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Trail and framed by the breathtaking landscapes of the Kinokuni National Park, it serves as a gateway to the scenic southern reaches of Wakayama Prefecture. More than a rest stop, Susami is a vibrant hub where travelers connect with local life, enjoy regional cuisine, and experience authentic rural Japan.
What sets Susami apart is its rare combination of a full-scale marine aquarium dedicated to shrimp and crabs, offering unique educational and interactive experiences. Visitors can enjoy hands-on activities like making sanma sushi and crafting Iinobuta sausage, while savoring fresh seafood from the nearby Kurekami Trench at the on-site restaurant. With panoramic views of the ocean, nearby natural treasures like Esozaki Island, and access to a scenic hot spring just minutes away, Susami offers a complete journey through the region’s rich coastal culture and natural beauty.
Why Visit
Susami stands out as Japan’s only roadside station featuring a dedicated shrimp and crab aquarium, home to rare species like the giant spider crab and the elusive kelp crab. Visitors can witness live demonstrations of traditional katsuobushi (dried bonito) shaving and taste the region’s prized kenken tuna—known for its chewy texture—served fresh or in a signature dish. These unique, locally sourced experiences, combined with panoramic views of the rugged coast and the nearby Kurekami Tan sea cliffs, make Susami an unmatched destination for food and nature lovers.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh seafood and local specialties at Susami roadside station, where coastal flavors meet rustic charm.
SUSAMI CAFE
SUSAMI CAFE
Specialty
Local specialty food and drinks
A cozy café located within the roadside station, offering unique local cuisine such as signature burgers and snacks made with regional ingredients.
Aoi Umi
蒼海
Specialty
Fresh seafood cuisine
A dining spot that serves freshly caught fish from nearby waters, emphasizing local ingredients and traditional preparation methods.
SUSAMI YOICHI
すさみ夜市
Specialty
Outdoor seafood barbecue
An open-air night market offering grilled seafood and local dishes, set in a scenic location with views of the surrounding landscape.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional products and handmade goods at Susami’s vibrant marketplace.
Kokumidana Fresh Fish Store
枯木灘鮮魚商会
A fresh fish shop specializing in daily catches from nearby waters, offering whole fish, fillets, and ready-to-cook options.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kenchin Bonito
Local Specialty Market
物産販売所
A retail shop offering a wide range of local products, including regional food, crafts, and souvenirs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Inobuta Sausage
Inobuta Specialty Store
イノブタ専門店
A dedicated store selling premium Inobuta pork products, including sausages, cuts, and prepared meals.
Products
Must-Try Item
Inobuta Sausage
Featured Products
Taste signature items like premium Ikobuta pork and freshly caught Kankin bonito, crafted with local pride.
Kenchin Bonito
ケンケン鰹
A high-quality bonito known for its chewy, elastic texture, harvested through the traditional Kenchin fishing method.
Inobuta Sausage
イノブタソーセージ
A locally made sausage using premium Inobuta pork, known for its rich flavor and tender texture.
Plum Tartar Sauce
南高梅タルタルソース
A tangy and sweet sauce made from local Nankoumaki plums, used to enhance the flavor of grilled meats and seafood.
Inobuta Burger
イノブタバーガー
A limited-edition burger featuring a grilled Inobuta pork patty and plum tartar sauce, available only on Saturdays.
Kenchin Bonito Donburi
ケンケン鰹漬け丼
A savory dish of bonito marinated in a special sauce, served over rice.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including parking, EV charging, restrooms, and Wi-Fi at Susami roadside station.
Parking
132 parking spaces available (9 large vehicles, 123 regular vehicles).
Adjacent to the roadside station
EV Charging Station
1 EV charging point available.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Wi-Fi
Free wireless LAN available throughout the facility.
Throughout the roadside station
Information Center
The roadside station features a dedicated information center operated by the Susami Town Tourist Association. It provides tourism information, local guides, and assistance to visitors.
Inside the roadside station
Restroom
Toilets available inside and outside the facility. Inside: 3 male small, 2 male large, 5 female. Outside: 3 male small, 2 male large, 6 female. Accessible toilets available (2 inside, 1 outside).
Inside and outside the roadside station
Hot Spring
A scenic natural hot spring located within a 5-minute walk from the roadside station, accessible to general visitors and not limited to hotel guests.
Within 5 minutes' walk from the roadside station, at the Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Kumano Kodo Susami
Play Area
The roadside station features an experience area where visitors can participate in local activities such as making sanma sushi and Inobuta sausages.
Inside the roadside station
Nursing Room
Multi-purpose toilets with nursing facilities available (2 inside, 1 outside the main building).
Inside and outside the roadside station
Activities & Experiences
Engage in hands-on experiences like sushi making and fish carving, celebrating Susami’s rich traditions.
Saba Sushi Making Experience
さんま寿司作り
Participants will learn how to make traditional saba sushi using fresh local mackerel, guided by experienced staff.
Duration
60 min
Inobuta Sausage Making Workshop
イノブタソーセージ作り
Guests will create their own Inobuta sausages using local pork, learning traditional preparation methods.
Duration
90 min
Katsuo Shaving Experience
かつお節削り体験
Participants will personally shave fresh katsuo (bonito) to create their own homemade katsuobushi, experiencing the traditional method.
Duration
45 min
Best enjoyed during colder months when katsuobushi is traditionally made
Grilled Bonito (Katsuo) Cooking
鰹の藁焼き
Guests will enjoy the traditional method of grilling bonito over straw fire, learning about local fishing culture and taste.
Duration
60 min
Outdoor activity best done in warm weather
Tuna Slicing Demonstration
マグロ解体ショー
Watch a live tuna deboning demonstration by skilled fishmongers, learning about the quality and preparation of fresh tuna.
Duration
30 min
Fresh Fish BBQ Experience
バーベキューコーナー
Guests can grill fresh fish and seafood purchased from the on-site fish market, enjoying a hands-on outdoor cooking experience.
Duration
90 min
Outdoor activity; weather-dependent
Inobuta Burger Tasting
イノブタバーガー
Taste the exclusive Inobuta burger made with local pork and a special Nanako plum tartar sauce, available only on Saturdays.
Duration
30 min
Yamamochi Making Experience
芋もちづくり体験
Participants will make traditional yamamochi (sweet potato mochi) using local ingredients, learning a regional culinary tradition.
Duration
60 min
Best enjoyed during colder months
Sustainable Fishing Tour
ケンケン漁体験
Join a guided tour to learn about the unique Kenken fishing method used in Susami, focusing on sustainable local practices.
Duration
120 min
Weather-dependent; best during calm sea conditions
Insider Tips
Visit during off-peak hours to enjoy quiet views and exclusive events at Susami roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on weekends to catch the live katsuo (bonito) roasting at the dried fish shop, which is held daily during weekend lunch hours and offers a rare chance to smell and watch the process in real time
- Hidden Gem at the Fresh Fish Shop: Ask for the "Kenken katsuo" (a locally caught, chewy-textured bonito) at the Kakekawa Fish Market stand—this special fish is only available during winter and sells out quickly, often within two hours of arrival
- Limited-Time Food Experience: Visit the SUSAMI CAFE on Saturdays only to try the exclusive Inobuta Burger, which is available in limited quantities of just six per day and features a pork patty with Nankou Mei tartar sauce
- Best Time for Seafood Sampling: Stop by the fish market’s BBQ corner between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM on weekdays when the staff offers free grilled fish samples from the day’s catch, including fresh mackerel and red snapper
- Unique On-Site Activity: Participate in the katsuobushi shaving experience at the Kakekawa Fish Market during the first half of the day on Tuesdays and Thursdays when the event is scheduled, and take home your own freshly shaved katsuobushi to enjoy at home
- Optimal Viewpoint for Nature: Head to the outdoor viewing platform behind the roadside station between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to witness the golden-hour light reflecting off the Kakekida Sea, especially striking during autumn when the surrounding cliffs turn vibrant red and orange
- Essential Stop for Night Visitors: If planning to use the roadside station for overnight parking, arrive before 5:00 PM to secure a spot near the public toilets and ensure access to the nearby scenic hot spring at Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Kumano Kodo Susami, which accepts walk-in guests after 5:30 PM
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh catch of katsuo arrives in spring, with seasonal events like katsuo grilling and maguro deboning shows held on weekends.
Summer (June-August): Enjoy fresh saba and seasonal seafood at the roadside station, with the best fishing and coastal views at nearby streams and cliffs.
Autumn (September-November): Peak season for katsuo and kanki, with the popular "Susami Night Market" running weekends and special events like katsuobushi shaving.
Winter (December-February): Ideal for trying hot kanki dishes and seasonal fish, with shorter days and cozy indoor experiences at the roadside station.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a children's play area, interactive experiences like seafood cooking, and a water park with educational exhibits. Features kid-friendly food options and accessible facilities including stroller-friendly paths and ample parking.
Food Lover Review
Provides diverse dining with local specialties like fresh fish, Ikuno pork, and unique dishes such as Ikuno pork burger. Features a well-stocked fresh fish market and high-quality regional products.
Car Camping Review
Offers 24-hour restroom access, a large parking area with EV charging, and a quiet location. However, overnight parking is not explicitly permitted, limiting its suitability for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near scenic coastal views, including Karentan and the Kuroshima islands, with a designated lookout point. Offers panoramic vistas of the sea and surrounding natural landscapes throughout the year.