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Yawatahama Jakoten Tasting Tour by Cycling
[24km] A Tour of Jakoten's Traditional Techniques and Innovative Flavors
Yawatahama Jakoten Tasting Tour by Cycling
[24km] A Tour of Jakoten's Traditional Techniques and Innovative Flavors
Originally called "zakoten," jakoten is a type of fried fish paste, which is rare even in Japan, made by grinding whole seasonal fish of various sizes, bones and all. Generally, Yawatahama’s jakoten is known for its softer texture, a milder crunch from the bones, and a pleasantly easy-to-eat texture. On this tour, we will visit “Tanimoto Kamaboko-ten”, a long-established shop founded in 1916, and “Toridu Kamaboko-ten”, a shop dedicated to quality, to compare their respective signature jakoten. At Tanimoto Kamaboko-ten, the first in Shikoku to offer a jakoten-making workshop, you can enjoy making it yourself. At Toridu Kamaboko-ten, you can savor the highest-grade product, which is even used in high-end traditional restaurants. This is a luxurious gourmet cycling tour where you can fully enjoy the unique taste of Yawatahama, packed with the rich umami and aroma of fish.
The information provided here is current as of December 2025.
- distance24km
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level
#Beginners
Reports by a member of Cycle SportsA cyclist who runs a vintage clothing store in Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture. Captivated by the nature and food culture of the Nanyo region, he moved from Tokyo to Seiyo City several years ago. Currently, alongside the apparel business, he also works as a guide for inbound cycle tourism.
Unique local foods featured on this course
Spots
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Start Point
Michi-no-Eki & Minato Oasis Yawatahama Minatto
Yawatahama Port is widely known as the maritime gateway to western Shikoku. Your cycling journey begins at Roadside Station “Minatto,” located right next to the port.
Bicycles are available at reasonable rental rates: E-BIKEs start from 1,000 yen, while electric-assist and tandem bicycles start from 500 yen. They are open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, except during the New Year’s holidays.
The facility is the perfect spot to prepare and gather information, as you can also purchase local Yawatahama specialties and fresh seafood. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of this port town and set off on a tour of famous Jakoten (minced fish cutlet) shops!Address: 1581-23 Okinitta, Yawatahama City, Ehime PrefectureView on Google Map
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1.6km Point
fork_spoon Tanimoto Kamaboko-ten Co., Ltd.
As a long-established shop founded in 1916, this famous store continues to support Yawatahama’s jakoten culture. Since its founding, the shop has been committed to the traditional method of processing fish caught in Yawatahama into paste in-house, using old-fashioned stone mills. The name “jakoten” originates from “zakoten,” which is made by grinding various seasonal fish, bones and all. This method results in a fish paste product with a unique umami and flavor not found in other regions. At their factory “Dekirun”, which was the first in Shikoku to start a jakoten-making workshop, you can enjoy the experience on weekends (Adults: 1,100 yen, Children: 880 yen). Reservations are required, so please contact them at least one week in advance if you wish to participate.
Address: 1 Ekimae, Yawatahama City, Ehime PrefectureView on Google Map
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1.9km Point
fork_spoon Kuzushi Toridu (Toridu Kamaboko-ten)
This artisanal kamaboko shop continues to make jakoten that is truly a “soul food,” embodying the uniqueness and local character found only in Ehime’s culinary world. Their famed products, “Zenryaku, Yawatahama kara. / Shio-aji” (Greetings from Yawatahama / Salt Flavor) and “Zenryaku, Yawatahama kara. / Shoyu-aji” (Greetings from Yawatahama / Soy Sauce Flavor), are masterpieces made with salt from South Iyo and Tatsumi soy sauce, and are favorites among chefs at high-end restaurants and famous shops nationwide. The taste and texture, achieved through extreme precision in temperature control and salt balance, are truly in the realm of artistry. Enjoy a premium jakoten experience at this innovative and famous shop that continues to explore the possibilities of Yawatahama jakoten.
【Hours】Weekdays 8:00-17:00 / Sundays 8:00-14:00 / Saturdays ClosedAddress: 1029-2 Ekimae, Yawatahama City, Ehime PrefectureView on Google Map
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8.7km Point
Mokkin Road
This is a 350-meter-long wooden deck promenade built along the Miyauchi River, which flows through Honai Town, a town that prospered from shipping and textiles from the Meiji to the Taisho periods. The wooden path extending from the former Toyobo red brick warehouse is affectionately known as “Mokkin Road.” On the opposite bank, you can enjoy a retro atmosphere with beautifully patterned revetments made of blue stones stacked like arrow feathers and a traditional townscape. The promenade, where you can walk while watching the river flow, is an excellent spot to feel the history and culture of Yawatahama.
Address: 2-17 Kawanoishi, Honai-cho, Yawatahama City, Ehime PrefectureView on Google Map
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17km Point
Rias Coast around Kurinoura, Yawatahama City
The area around Kurinoura, which marks the finale of the Yawatahama Jakoten cycling tour, is a scenic spot representing the topographical beauty of Yawatahama’s rias coastline. The landscape, woven from intricately indented coastlines and scattered small fishing villages, is a beauty unique to the Nanyo region. Fishing boats are moored in the quiet inlets, and the atmosphere of a traditional fishing town remains strong. When you think that the fresh fish caught in this beautiful sea are the ingredients for the jakoten you tasted today, you will surely appreciate the richness of Yawatahama’s marine bounty once again. The silhouettes of the sea and mountains dyed by the setting sun create a moving scene, a fitting end to your cycling trip.
Address: Around Kurinoura, Yawatahama City, Ehime PrefectureView on Google Map
Access
start
Michi-no-Eki & Minato Oasis Yawatahama Minatto
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By Car
About 25 minutes from the Ozu IC on the Matsuyama Expressway via National Route 197. It is adjacent to Yawatahama Port and has 197 parking spaces (3 for large vehicles, 194 for regular cars, including 5 for disabled persons).
By Public Transportation
The nearest station is JR Yawatahama Station on the Yosan Line. A local bus (Uwajima Jidosha) runs between Yawatahama Port and JR Yawatahama Station. Please take the bus bound for Yawatahama Port from the bus stop in front of Yawatahama Station. However, please note that some services may not run on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, or substitute holidays, so be sure to check the timetable in advance. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by limited express from Matsuyama Station to JR Yawatahama Station, and about 30 minutes from Uwajima Station. From Yawatahama Station, it is about a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride to Minatto.
By Ferry
The facility is directly connected to Yawatahama Port, which departures 20 ferry services a day between Shikoku and Kyushu. The Uwajima Unyu Ferry from Usuki Port in Oita Prefecture and the Orange Ferry from Beppu Port are in service, providing good access from the Kyushu area.
Goal
Michi-no-Eki & Minato Oasis Yawatahama Minatto
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