Discover the Essence of Hagi’s Sea and Soil
Hagi Shimart is a vibrant roadside station nestled along the historic coast of Hagi City in Yamaguchi Prefecture, directly adjacent to the bustling Hagi Fish Market. More than just a pit stop, it’s a celebration of local flavor, where the day’s freshest catch, seasonal produce, and traditional crafts converge in one lively destination. From brimming seafood counters to artisanal sweets and heirloom pickles, every stall tells a story of Hagi’s deep-rooted culinary heritage.
Visitors can savor ocean-to-table delicacies at on-site restaurants like Kihagi, enjoy handcrafted steam buns at Nakamura Sweets, or sample regional specialties like grilled mackerel, uni bowls, and traditional dried fish. With its proximity to Hagi Castle and the scenic coastline, Hagi Shimart serves as the perfect gateway for travelers exploring the cultural riches of this historic city.
Why Visit
Hagi Shimart stands out as the only roadside station in the region where you can taste freshly caught Hagi Harbor fish, such as the prized akagai clam and seasonal hiramasa, served the same day they were landed. Its signature experience is the rare chance to sample handmade karaage made from locally dried saba, a specialty only available here. The station also hosts the exclusive summer-only "Mikan & Cream Steamed Manju" from Nakamura Sweets, crafted with peel from Hagi’s famed summer mandarins—unavailable anywhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh seafood and local flavors at Hagi Shimart’s three restaurants, where coastal cuisine meets tradition.
Seafood Restaurant Kihagi
海鮮レストラン来萩Kihagi
Specialty
Fresh seafood sourced directly from the nearby fish market
A seafood restaurant that sources the freshest catch daily from the adjacent fish market, emphasizing freshness and expert selection to deliver the finest local seafood dishes.
Ishintei
維新亭ishintei
Specialty
Handcrafted dishes with expert fish and culinary explanations
A restaurant where knowledgeable staff explain fish and dishes at the counter while serving handcrafted meals. Offers takeout options for handmade bento and side dishes.
Hama Ryori Gangan
浜料理がんがん
Specialty
Seasonal dishes highlighting local Hagi ingredients
A lively, casual dining experience inspired by coastal life, offering seasonal dishes that highlight the authentic flavors of Hagi ingredients in a vibrant atmosphere.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a vibrant marketplace at Hagi Shimart, where local artisans and producers offer unique regional treasures.
Nakamura Confectionery
中村製菓本舗
A handmade confectionery specializing in Hagi's famous steamed manju, including seasonal summer mandarin peel-filled manju.
Products
Must-Try Item
Summer mandarin and cream steamed manju
Sankyo Fresh Food
三共鮮食
A fish shop where the owner personally selects high-quality fish from the market, known for expert handling and premium seafood.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh fish selection
Ebisuya
えびすや
A shop dedicated to providing high-quality seafood at affordable prices, offering pre-packed sashimi from early morning catches at the adjacent fish market.
Products
Must-Try Item
Pre-packed sashimi
Sengyo Bu
鮮魚部
A fish market offering a wide variety of seafood, from large fish like mackerel to premium shellfish and affordable everyday fish, all sourced directly from the Hagi fishing grounds.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly caught fish from Hagi waters
Murata Kamaboko
村田蒲鉾店
A direct store specializing in traditional Hagi-style grilled kamaboko, using fresh fish from the Japan Sea and following time-honored methods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Mura-4ro grilled kamaboko (100% domestic eel)
Hagi Pudding Shop
萩ぷりん亭
A popular specialty pudding shop from Hagi's castle town, offering smooth and silky-textured puddings.
Products
Must-Try Item
Silky smooth pudding
Otsuchi
大つち
A long-established seafood manufacturer and seller since Meiji era, producing traditional Hagi seafood products using seasonal fish from the Hagi fishing grounds.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hagi chirimemen
Oshima Store
大島商店
A shop offering seasonal seafood dishes and side dishes prepared on-site, including tempura, pickled fish, and simmered dishes.
Products
Must-Try Item
Seasonal fish dishes
Imachi Seafood
井町海産
A wholesale seafood store selling products like dried iko, chirimemen, wakame, and sea urchin, as well as dried fish from the Hagi coast.
Products
Must-Try Item
Thick-fleshed, tender kensakiika dried squid
Sakuraya
さくら屋
A shop specializing in traditional pickled vegetables using local ingredients and natural fermentation, with no additives.
Products
Must-Try Item
Sake lees longzhou pickles
Wagyu Ando
和肉のあんどう
A direct meat shop offering high-quality beef such as Takamori beef, Oou cattle, and Nagorikou wagyu at competitive prices.
Products
Must-Try Item
Monthly meat day (29th)
Seikabu & Daily Goods
青果部・日配
A store offering seasonal local produce such as summer mandarins, eggplants, and watermelons, along with local condiments and Hagi-made products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hagi-made dressing
Hagi to Sake
萩と酒。
A store dedicated to promoting Hagi's GI-recognized sake from Hagi City and Abo Town, offering local sake paired with seasonal dishes.
Products
Must-Try Item
GI-recognized Hagi sake
Featured Products
Taste signature specialties like steam buns, grilled fish, and traditional pickles, crafted with pride from Hagi’s finest ingredients.
Hagi Chirimemen
萩ちりめん
A traditional dried fish product made from local catch, known for its delicate flavor and texture.
Hagi Boiled Shirasu
釜揚げしらす
Freshly boiled small fish from Hagi waters, known for its delicate taste and high nutritional value.
Dried Sasa Kai
瀬つきあじの干物
Dried sasa kai fish, a traditional Hagi delicacy with a rich, savory flavor.
Fugu Sashimi
真ふぐの刺身
Fresh fugu sashimi made from fish caught in Hagi waters, known for its delicate and unique taste.
Hagi-made Dressing
道の駅オリジナルドレッシング
A unique dressing created exclusively for Hagi Shimart, perfect for adding local flavor to salads.
Hagi Shaved Ice
道の駅オリジナルシャーベット
A refreshing shaved ice made with local ingredients, available as a seasonal treat.
Sake Lees Pickled Vegetables
酒粕・長州漬
Traditional pickled vegetables made using local vegetables and natural sake lees, with no additives.
Thick-fleshed Dried Squid
金太郎の干物
A premium dried squid with thick, tender flesh and a rich, savory taste.
Sesame-flavored Wakame
しそ風味わかめ
Wakame with a distinctive sesame flavor, perfect for rice and traditional dishes.
Summer Mandarin and Cream Steamed Manju
夏みかん＆クリーム蒸気まんじゅう
A seasonal steamed manju made with fresh summer mandarin peel and creamy filling, available only at Nakamura Confectionery.
Silky Smooth Pudding
とろとろのなめらかなプリン
A rich, smooth pudding with a silky texture, made using traditional methods.
GI-recognized Hagi Sake
GI萩の日本酒
A premium sake from Hagi City and Abo Town, officially recognized with GI status.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, and information desks for a seamless roadside station experience.
Information Center
The roadside station features an information center that provides visitors with details about local attractions, events, and nearby points of interest, including World Heritage sites.
Main entrance area
Parking
Ample parking space is available for visitors, making it convenient for those traveling by car.
Front of the roadside station
Restroom
Clean and accessible restrooms are available for visitors, including facilities for people with disabilities.
Near the main entrance and inside the facility
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station for visitors' convenience.
Throughout the premises
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors using electric cars.
Parking area near the main entrance
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitors to withdraw cash.
Near the entrance
Nursing Room
A private nursing room is provided for mothers with infants, equipped with necessary facilities.
Inside the facility, near the restrooms
Play Area
A designated play area is available for children, offering a safe space to play and relax.
Near the outdoor seating area
Pet Area
A designated pet-friendly area is available for visitors with pets, allowing them to walk and relax together.
Outdoor area near the main entrance
Insider Tips
Visit early for the freshest catch, and explore hidden gems like seasonal specials and limited-edition treats.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s first batch of fresh fish from the Hagi Fish Market, especially the rare Hiramasu and Akaguni sea urchins, which are sold out by midday.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the Mura-ta Kamaboko shop before 11:00 AM to get the day’s first batch of freshly fried fish croquettes and fugu tempura, available only during morning hours.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, stop by the Sakuraya store before 12:00 PM to buy the limited-edition Shōzū Tsukemono (long-aged sake lees pickles) that are only made once a month and sell out quickly.
- Best Takeout Order: Order the Ishintei handcrafted bento at 11:30 AM to avoid the lunch rush; the sashimi set with mackerel and squid is only available until 1:00 PM and is often sold out by then.
- Exclusive Product: Purchase the Hagi Pudding from Hagi Pudding Shop between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM, when they offer a special “fresh-from-the-oven” batch of their signature Hagi-style custard pudding—not available after 12:00 PM.
- Seasonal Must-Buy: On summer weekends, visit the Otsuchi store between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to buy the Hagi-chirimen and katsuo-dried fish in their seasonal summer pack, available only from June through August.
- Cash-Only Deal: Visit Andō Wagyu on the 29th of each month (the “meat day”) between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to buy their exclusive Kōgō Beef and Nogō Wagyu at discounted prices—these deals are only available in cash and sell out by 12:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available March to May; peak season for canola flower picking in late March to April.
Summer (June-August): Fresh summer mandarin oranges and grilled fish specialties featured from July through August.
Autumn (September-November): Fresh sea urchin and seasonal sardines available September to November.
Winter (December-February): Winter-only dried fish and traditional pickled vegetables on sale; closed weekends in winter.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers multiple dining options with child-friendly meals, clean restrooms, stroller access, and a relaxed atmosphere. Though no dedicated play area exists, the variety of food and scenic views provide engaging experiences for families.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse restaurants serving fresh seafood, local specialties like Hagi steam buns and uni bowls, and high-quality regional products. The direct fish market access ensures exceptional freshness and authenticity.
Car Camping Review
Provides clean restrooms and vending machines, suitable for short stops. While no explicit overnight parking policy is listed, the quiet coastal location and ample space make it moderately suitable for car camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
Boasts stunning views of the sea, mountains, and sunset. Scenic viewpoints and seasonal landscapes enhance visual appeal, with the surrounding coastal scenery and harbor adding to its tranquil, picturesque atmosphere.