Roadside stations are popular for their accessible rest facilities and services that incorporate regional culture and specialties. Ehime Prefecture boasts many attractive roadside stations, and here are 5 roadside stations particularly recommended for cyclists.

Roadside Station Tatara Shimanami Park

A perfect viewing spot overlooking the Tatara Bridge

Located on the Omishima side of Tatara Bridge, which connects Omishima Island in Ehime Prefecture to Ikuchijima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture, Roadside Station Tatara Shimanami Park marks the midpoint of the Shimanami Kaido. With its picturesque view of the elegantly designed Tatara Bridge up close, it is a popular stop for Shimanami cyclists. Visitors can take memorable photos with the “Cyclist’s Sanctuary” stone monument against the backdrop of Tatara Bridge or ring the “Bell of Happiness,” said to have been made in Normandy, France. The restaurant here offers fresh seafood dishes, making it an ideal spot for a lunch break. It is also home to Kamiura Rental Cycle Terminal, which is part of the Shimanami Rental Cycle network.

Address: 9180-2 Iguchi, Kamiura-cho, Imabari City
Hours: 9:00–17:00, Restaurant: 11:00–15:00 (last order, subject to seasonal changes)
Regular Holidays: None (winter closure days apply)
Website: https://imabari-shimanami.jp/tatara/
SNS: https://x.com/shimanamitatara

Roadside Station Futami Futami Seaside Park

Blue ocean and white sandy beach spread out before your eyes

Iyo City’s Futami-cho is known for the tagline “The town where the setting sun stands still,” and Roadside Station Futami Futami Seaside Park delivers on its promise. Located along the Setokaze Kaido of Iyo-nada/Sada Cape, it offers breathtaking views of the sea, sky, and beach from its observation deck, rooftop plaza, and tiered shoreline, perfect for relaxing while enjoying the sea breeze. In addition to a restaurant serving dishes made from local ingredients, there’s a snack corner offering freshly fried Jakoten, crepes, and smoothies—a great treat to refresh during a cycling break. E-BIKE rentals are also available, making seaside cycling enjoyable for everyone.

Address: 2326 Takagishiko, Futami-cho, Iyo City
Hours: 9:00–18:00, Restaurant: 11:00–17:30 (last order)
Regular Holidays: 3rd Tuesday of the month (open daily in July and August)
Website: https://www.futamiseaside.com
SNS: https://www.instagram.com/futamiseaside/
https://www.facebook.com/futamiseasidepark/

Karari Farmers’ Market & Restaurant

Recognized as a “National Model Roadside Station” by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

Uchiko Town is one of Ehime Prefecture’s major tourist destinations, with townhouses dating back to the Edo and Taisho periods. Karari Farmers’ Market & Restaurant is located along the Uchiko/Naka-Iyo Rural Cycling Course. This station is bustling with locals looking for fresh vegetables and fruits at its farmer’s market. Other highlights include a smokehouse producing and selling ham and sausages made from Uchiko pork, a bakery crafting fresh bread using local wheat and rice flour, and a gelato shop offering handmade ice cream made with seasonal vegetables and fruits. Additionally, there’s a restaurant serving dishes made from Uchiko pork and other local ingredients, making it a great spot for a lunch break. Set amidst trees along the river, cyclists can enjoy a pleasant walk while savoring ice cream or bread.

Address: 2452 Uchiko, Uchiko-cho, Kita District
Hours: 8:00–17:00 (seasonal variations apply), Restaurant: 11:00–14:30 (last order, changes may apply)
Regular Holidays: None (restaurant operates irregular holidays)
Website: https://www.karari.jp
SNS: https://www.instagram.com/uchikokarari/
https://www.facebook.com/karari.uchiko

Roadside Station Nijinomori Park Matsuno

Experience the lush nature of the Shimanto River

Located along the Hiromi River, a tributary of the Shimanto River, this roadside station is a must-visit spot when cycling the Uwajima/Shimanto Terraced Fields Cycling Course . Its standout feature is the “Osakanakan” aquarium, showcasing the charm of the Shimanto River and freshwater fish from around the world. The outdoor diorama tank illustrates the ecosystem from the source to the mouth of Shimanto River, with displays of rare species like the elusive Akame, letting visitors get up close with Shimanto’s aquatic life. The station also houses a glass workshop recycling materials, offering experiences in glassblowing and sandblasting. E-BIKE and cross-bike rentals are available for those looking to enjoy cycling along the Shimanto River.

Address: 1510-1 Nobunono, Matsuno-cho, Kita-Uwa District
Hours: 8:30–17:00; Restaurant: 11:00–16:00 (last order); Osakanakan: 10:00–17:00
Regular Holidays: January 1
Website: https://morinokuni.or.jp
SNS: https://www.facebook.com/NijinomoriPark/?ref=embed_page

Minetopia Besshi Roadside Station

A roadside station themed around the Besshi Copper Mine

The Besshi Copper Mine in Niihama City was once known as Asia’s premier copper mine, operating for about 300 years from the Edo to Showa periods. Minetopia Besshi has repurposed this historical site into a theme park where visitors can learn about mining history and culture in an engaging way. There are two key areas: Hadeba, the former mining headquarters, and Tonaru. The Hadeba area is popular as a roadside station, offering mining tours and activities like gold panning. It also features a hot spring facility called “Besshi Onsen—Tenku-no-Yu,” which offers stunning mountain views from its open-air baths. After cycling the Besshi/Suiba Flower View Cycling Course , soaking in the hot springs is the perfect way to unwind.

Address: 707-3 Tatsukawa-cho, Niihama City
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (seasonal variations apply); Besshi Onsen—Tenku-no-Yu: 10:00–22:00 (last entry at 21:00)
Regular Holidays: None (temporary closures in February)
Website: https://besshi.com
SNS: https://www.instagram.com/minetopia_official/