Discover the Tropical Soul of Japan’s Seto Inland Sea
Southern Seto Towa is a vibrant roadside station nestled along the sun-kissed shores of Oshima Island in Yamaguchi Prefecture, where the clear waters of the Seto Inland Sea meet rolling green hills and golden beaches. More than a rest stop, it’s a cultural gateway offering a taste of island life with a laid-back, tropical flair. From oceanfront dining to seasonal markets and lively music events, this destination captures the spirit of a coastal paradise.
Home to the iconic Tiki statue believed to bring prosperity, Southern Seto Towa is a hub for local flavors and creativity. Savor freshly caught fish, regional citrus treats, and handmade sweets like stone-baked sweet potatoes and island-style mochi. With a range of specialty eateries, a bustling morning market, and events like the annual SISAY music festival and Saturday Hula performances, there’s always something vibrant to experience. Whether cycling the scenic coastal route or exploring the nearby uninhabited Shingujima island at low tide, every visit feels like a journey to a hidden seaside haven.
Why Visit
Southern Seto Towa stands out as the only roadside station in the Seto Inland Sea where you can experience the vibrant fusion of Pacific Island culture and local island life. Visit for the rare chance to enjoy live performances by Ecuadorian folk group SISAY, bringing authentic Andean music to the shores of Suō Ōshima. Equally unique is the island’s only salt-cured soft-serve, the "Ryūjin no Shio Soft," crafted from locally harvested sea salt and inspired by the island’s legendary dragon god.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh local flavors at Southern Seto Towa, where ocean views meet authentic regional cuisine.
Local Cuisine Restaurant
郷土料理レストラン
Specialty
Seafood dishes made with fish caught locally
A restaurant offering panoramic ocean views, specializing in fresh seafood prepared with local ingredients. The atmosphere is relaxed and scenic, perfect for enjoying regional flavors.
Sakura Basha
桜波夏（オハナ）
Specialty
Pork bone-based ramen
A ramen shop specializing in rich, savory broth made from pork bones, offering a hearty and comforting dining experience with a modern twist on traditional flavors.
Happy Wanwan
ハッピーワンワン
Specialty
Fried chicken and rice bowls
A seasonal food stall offering popular fried chicken and hearty rice bowls, ideal for quick and satisfying meals with a casual, friendly atmosphere.
Hakobu Kitchen
ハコブキッチン
Specialty
Roast beef and fish sandwiches
A seasonal food stall using fresh ingredients from Shōfū Ōshima, offering flavorful sandwiches with a focus on quality and freshness.
Ullim
Ullim
Specialty
Coffee and baked goods
A cozy café offering a quiet retreat with a focus on quality coffee and homemade treats, ideal for relaxation and light refreshments.
Ma-Lu
ma-lu（マール）
Specialty
Bagel lunch
A café specializing in fresh bagels served with a variety of toppings and accompaniments, perfect for a light lunch or midday snack.
Minapa Coffee
MINAPA COFFEE
Specialty
Salt-roasted coffee and gluten-free sweets
A specialty coffee shop offering unique salt-roasted coffee and a selection of gluten-free desserts, catering to health-conscious visitors.
Island Takoyaki Shochan
島たこショウちゃん
Specialty
Takoyaki made with local octopus
A seasonal food stall serving takoyaki using fresh octopus from the local waters, offering a delicious and authentic taste of the region.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique island treasures and seasonal goods at Southern Seto Towa’s vibrant marketplace.
Farmers Market
日曜朝市
A weekly market held every Sunday morning where local farmers bring fresh, recently harvested vegetables to sell.
Products
Must-Try Item
Freshly harvested vegetables
Direct Sales Store
物産直売所
A store selling fresh vegetables, fruits, and processed seafood products from Shōfū Ōshima, including citrus fruits and dried sea products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Citrus fruit products
Fish Center
お魚センター
A food court adjacent to the roadside station that serves dishes made with fresh seafood from Seto Inland Sea and also sells fresh fish and shellfish for purchase.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh seafood
Udon Shop
うどん 前小島
A casual udon shop located near the event plaza, offering affordable and simple meals with a focus on fresh ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Sazae Udon
Kaimochi Seasonal Shop
かいもち
A seasonal shop offering a traditional local snack from Shōfū Ōshima, available only during specific times of the year.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kaimochi
Featured Products
Taste the essence of the region with signature specialties like citrus treats and freshly caught seafood.
Mikan Soft Cream
みかん
A popular local soft cream made from fresh mikan oranges grown in Shōfū Ōshima, known for its sweet and refreshing taste.
Ryujin no Shio Soft Cream
龍神乃鹽ソフト
A newly launched soft cream featuring a unique salt flavor inspired by the local Ryujin Shrine, offering a savory twist on traditional soft cream.
Island Soft Cream
島ソフト
A locally made soft cream with a distinctive island flavor, reflecting the unique taste of Shōfū Ōshima.
Mikan Smoothie
みかんスムージー
A refreshing smoothie made from fresh mikan oranges, perfect for a healthy and fruity drink.
Shōfū Ōshima Citrus Products
周防大島産柑橘加工品
A range of processed citrus products made from mikan oranges grown in Shōfū Ōshima, including jams, marmalades, and dried peels.
Seto Inland Sea Iriko
瀬戸内産いりこ
Dried sardines from the Seto Inland Sea, known for their rich flavor and high nutritional value, commonly used in traditional dishes.
Seto Inland Sea Hijiki
瀬戸内産ひじき
Dried hijiki seaweed harvested from the Seto Inland Sea, prized for its texture and umami flavor.
Stone-Baked Sweet Potato
石焼き芋
A warm and sweet potato baked in hot stones, known for its soft texture and rich flavor.
Tōwa Kinotoki
東和きんとき
A popular variety of sweet potato known for its golden color and sweet taste, often baked and enjoyed as a seasonal treat.
Anan Yams
安納芋
A type of sweet potato from Anan, known for its smooth texture and rich sweetness, often enjoyed baked or boiled.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, and bike rentals at Southern Seto Towa.
Parking
The roadside station has a parking area for visitors.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Restroom
Restrooms are available for visitors at the roadside station.
Inside the facility
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
The information corner provides tourism information about Suo Oshima and other regional details.
Inside the facility
Play Area
A children's playground with whale-shaped equipment is located near the Shingujima side.
Near Shingujima
Bike Rental
Bicycles are available for rent for visitors of all ages to enjoy cycling around Suo Oshima. Advance booking is recommended.
At the roadside station
Nursing Room
A private nursing room is available for mothers with infants.
Inside the facility
EV Charging
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors to withdraw cash.
Near the entrance
Pet Area
A designated pet-friendly area is available for visitors with pets.
Near the entrance
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in lively events, seasonal workshops, and cultural performances throughout the year.
East and West Festival
東和フェスティバル
Students from Tōwa Elementary School will perform on the special stage at the roadside station, including hula dancing, sign language-accompanied school songs, and sea-themed performances.
Duration
120 min
Makura Island Beach Cleanup
真宮島の海そうじ
Participants join a beach cleanup event at Makura Island, organized by the local post office managers and their wives, open to all visitors.
Duration
90 min
Please bring appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor work.
SISAY (Sisay) Ecuadorian Folk Music Live
エクアドル民族音楽グループ「SISAY（シサイ）」LIVE
Experience live performances by the Ecuadorian folk music group SISAY, known for traditional South American rhythms and cultural music.
Duration
180 min
Tommy’s Hula
Tommy’ｓ Hula
Enjoy free hula dance performances by Tommy’s Hula group on the special stage at the roadside station.
Duration
60 min
Hula Dance Workshop
サタデーフラ
Participate in a fun and interactive hula dance workshop held on Saturdays during summer holidays, led by local instructors.
Duration
90 min
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for dancing.
Bike Rental
レンタサイクル（サイクルステーション）
Rent bicycles for leisurely cycling around Suō Oshima Island, suitable for children and adults.
Duration
120 min
Rental is recommended to be reserved in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Visit Makura Island
真宮島
Walk across the sandy beach to Makura Island, a small uninhabited island accessible only during low tide.
Duration
60 min
Check tide times before visiting; walking is only possible during low tide.
Asagimadara Butterfly Viewing
アサギマダラ
Observe the migratory Asagimadara butterflies that travel over 3,000 km, visiting the butterfly garden near the roadside station.
Duration
60 min
Best viewed on clear, sunny days; bring binoculars for better observation.
Insider Tips
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and arrive early for the best selection at the morning market.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM on weekends to secure a spot at the Ishiyakiimo Miyamoto Noen stone-baked sweet potato stand, which opens only on Saturdays and Sundays at the front entrance and sells out by noon.
- Hidden Gems: Head to the Oshakana Center (seafood food court adjacent to the roadside station) and order the Sazae Udon (octopus udon) from the Udon Maekojima stall—this is a local favorite not listed on the main menu but available daily.
- Weekend Special: On Sundays, arrive early for the Sunday Morning Market (held at the front of the station) where local farmers sell freshly harvested vegetables; the best produce is available before 11:00 AM.
- Seasonal Food Tip: Try the Tommy’s Hula live hula performance on October 25 at 1:00 PM at the event stage—this free event is held every month and features authentic Polynesian dance and music.
- Unique Experience: Visit the Shingujima islet during low tide—access is possible from behind the roadside station, but only when the tide is out; check the tide schedule at the Information Corner before heading out.
- Cycling Perk: Rent a bike from the Rental Cycle Station and use the cyclist discount—get 100 yen off the soft cream and a free drink when you show your rental receipt at the Soft Cream Corner.
- Local Specialty: Purchase the Mikan Salt Soft (a new flavor) at the Soft Cream Corner—it’s only available during the autumn season and is made with locally grown citrus from the Seto Inland Sea region.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): No specific seasonal offerings mentioned.
Summer (June-August): "Satadé Hula" events held on summer Saturdays, featuring Hawaiian dance performances.
Autumn (September-November): "Kaki Fry Set" available from October; "SISAY" Ecuadorian music festival on November 2–3.
Winter (December-February): Stone-baked sweet potato stalls operate on weekends; "Tommy’s Hula" event in October.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station features a child-friendly playground shaped like a whale, interactive events like the 'Tommy’s Hula' dance performances, and seasonal activities such as the 'Island Children's Lunch' program, making it highly suitable for families.
Food Lover Review
It offers diverse dining options including local seafood, regional specialties like 'Kaki Fry Set', and fresh seasonal products such as 'Miyamoto Farm Stone-Baked Sweet Potatoes' and citrus-based desserts.
Car Camping Review
While it has basic facilities like restrooms and vending machines, and a quiet coastal location, there is no explicit overnight parking policy or dedicated camping area, limiting its suitability for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
The station boasts stunning ocean views, a scenic overlook of the nearby uninhabited Shingujima island, and seasonal beauty with vibrant displays during events and natural landscapes throughout the year.