Ainan Roadside Stations: Where Locals Go for the Freshest Seafood & Souvenirs

• Table of Contents
• What Are Roadside Stations Found Across Japan?
• Ainan Town, Rich in Delicious Seafood and Fresh Farm Products 
• 1. Misho MIC Roadside Station
• 2. Midori Shinsenichi
• 3. Fresh Ipponmatsu
• Why Not Experience the Charm of Ainan Through Its Local Cuisine?

What Are Roadside Stations Found Across Japan?

Established as a system by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, roadside stations are "places to rest during your journey" and "small bases where you can experience local culture, food and nature." Anyone can use the parking lot and toilets 24 hours a day, and each roadside station has its own unique features, such as being able to find tourist information about the area and purchase local specialties.

Ainan Town, Rich in Delicious Seafood and Fresh Farm Products 

Located at the southernmost tip of Ehime Prefecture, Ainan Town produces and sells agricultural products throughout the year, including bonito and sea bream caught in the rich and beautiful seas that are designated as a national park, as well as various citrus fruits and broccoli, including Kawachi bankan, which boasts the highest production volume in Japan.

Find out more about Ainan's Gourmet

The various vegetables, fish, and fruits grown in Ainan Town, bathed in the tropical sun, are shipped to markets, supermarkets, restaurants, and other locations both within and outside the town, but the produce on display at the local roadside station is brought there by the producers every day, so it's incredibly fresh! You can experience the seasonal flavors of Ainan Town in real time. What's more, local production and consumption keeps distribution costs down, sales prices lower than in urban areas, and the environmental impact of distribution is reduced, making it a win-win situation for everyone.

In this article, we will introduce three major roadside stations in the town.

1. Misho MIC Roadside Station

The first place we would like to introduce is Misho MIC Roadside Station.

Located along National Route 56, this roadside station has parking for both private cars and large buses, making it a popular destination for bus tours and motorcycle touring. Depending on the season, the roadside station offers a wide selection of seasonal seafood, including bento boxes made by local fishmongers, bonito, oysters, and other seafood, as well as citrus fruits and vegetables from local farmers. It also sells a wide range of souvenirs, so if you're unsure what to look for in Ainan Town, this is the place to go!

In addition, there is a coffee shop called "Ambert" on the second floor of the store, perfect for a meal or a break during your drive!

Business hours: 7:00-19:00 (public toilets and parking lot available 24 hours) *Coffee shop: 8:00-19:00

Parking: 3 large vehicles, approximately 30 standard vehicles, 1 disabled parking space

2. Midori Shinsenichi

Midori Shinsenichi is a locally-based direct sales store with an array of fresh, locally grown vegetables, seafood, and handmade processed goods. We recommend it as a place to experience the "authentic local flavors" that you won't find in tourist areas. Inside the store, you'll find vegetables harvested that morning and seafood caught in the Uwa Sea. Particularly popular are the freshly seared bonito and side dishes and bento boxes made by local mothers. Everything is reasonably priced, making it an "oasis of flavor" that you can easily drop into during your travels. The store staff are also familiar with local producers, and will gladly recommend which ingredients they recommend and how to cook them. It's truly a "market that connects people."

Business hours: 8:30 - 18:00

Closed: January 1st to January 3rd (New Year's Day)

Parking: Approximately 20 standard-sized cars

3. Fresh Ipponmatsu

Ipponmatsu is located between the mountains and the sea in Ainan Town. Fresh Ipponmatsu is a direct sales store adjacent to the hot spring inn, Ipponmatsu Onsen Akebono-so. In addition to fresh vegetables and fruits brought by local farmers and fishermen, one of the highlights is the handmade ice cream that can be enjoyed all year round. It's the perfect dessert for your trip. They also sell processed products made from moray eels and locally caught fish, side dishes, and local crafts such as bamboo baskets. Ipponmatsu Onsen Akebono-so is located nearby, so you can enjoy the hot springs and local cuisine together.

Business hours: 8:00 - 18:00

Closed: January 1st to January 3rd (closed only during the New Year holidays)

Parking: Approximately 10 cars (parking is also available in front of Akebono Onsen and Akebono Grounds)

Why Not Experience the Charm of Ainan Through Its Local Cuisine?

In the naturally rich town of Ainan, located at the southernmost tip of Ehime Prefecture, you can experience the region's unique "abundance of food" by visiting the town's farm shops and roadside stations. Vegetables and fruits picked that morning, seafood caught in the Uwa Sea, prepared dishes and processed foods handmade by locals, all of these products are filled with the warmth of "seeing the faces of the people who made them."

The best time to visit is in the morning, when the freshest produce delivered by producers that morning is on display and the selection is at its most extensive. Popular items may sell out early, so it's a good idea to stop by at the start of your trip.

Experience the "life in Ainan Town" through agricultural products and local flavors, something you won't find just at tourist spots. The "gentle deliciousness" is sure to remain in your memory from your trip.

Find out more about Ainan Town