Information Center Kawamoto is a roadside station located along National Route 261 in Kawamoto Town, Ochi District, Shimane Prefecture. Opened in 2007 as the 22nd roadside station in Shimane Prefecture, it serves as a convenient place to take a break while exploring the region.
The facility stands next to the former Inbara Station of the San’ko Line, a railway that once played an important role in transportation through the area. Although the railway closed in 2018, the location still reflects Kawamoto’s history as a transportation hub. Today, the roadside station serves as a center for tourism, local products, food, and community exchange.
It is also conveniently located approximately 30 minutes by car from Iwami Ginzan, the UNESCO World Heritage site. This makes it an excellent place to stop during a sightseeing trip while also discovering the food and culture of Kawamoto Town.
The station’s market area features a wide variety of products from Kawamoto and the surrounding region. One of its specialties is egoma, or perilla seed, which is widely cultivated locally.
Egoma is known for its high content of alpha-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid. At the roadside station, visitors can find around 30 different egoma-related products, including egoma oil, seasonings, and rice crackers.
The selection goes well beyond egoma. Local products include fragrant ayu sweetfish from the clear waters of the Gonokawa River, tsugani river crabs, fresh locally grown vegetables, alcoholic beverages, and a variety of sweets.
Many of these products are also available for nationwide delivery within Japan, allowing travelers to continue enjoying the flavors of Kawamoto after returning home.
The on-site restaurant, Info, serves a variety of dishes prepared with ingredients from the local area. Having operated for many years, the restaurant has earned a reputation for satisfying portions and flavorful food and is popular with both travelers and local residents.
Popular dishes include the Kawamoto Croquette Set Meal made with egoma, a savory Iwami Wagyu Beef Rice Bowl, and a ginger-fried Iwami Pork Set Meal.
Each dish highlights the flavors of locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant can become quite busy around lunchtime, making it a convenient choice for travelers who want to enjoy a substantial meal during their journey.
In March 2021, the sweets specialty shop piccolusso opened on the roadside station grounds. Supervised by a pastry chef from Kawamoto, the shop has attracted attention as the town’s only specialty sweets store.
Among its popular offerings are freshly baked egoma apple pies and carefully crafted gelato made with selected ingredients.
The desserts combine elegant sweetness with rich flavors and are ideal as a small treat during a drive or as a souvenir. Their convenient takeaway format also makes them perfect for enjoying between sightseeing stops.
Information Center Kawamoto provides information about attractions throughout the surrounding area, including Iwami Ginzan, Dangyokei Gorge, Yudani Onsen, and Yunotsu Onsen.
For first-time visitors to Kawamoto, stopping here can be a useful way to gather information and plan an efficient sightseeing route.
The site also includes Inbara Rural Park and facilities where visitors can enjoy various experiences. The spacious surroundings make the area suitable for families and groups looking to take a break and spend some time outdoors.
Surrounded by the natural landscape of Kawamoto, the facility offers more than shopping and dining. It provides an opportunity to relax and experience the atmosphere of the local community.
The roadside station is easy to reach by car from destinations across the region. It is approximately 45 minutes by car from JR Oda-shi Station and about 40 minutes from the Oasa Interchange on the Hamada Expressway.
Its location along National Route 261 makes it easy to find, while convenience stores and gas stations nearby add to its usefulness as a stop during a road trip.
The former Inbara Station once provided rail access to the area, but after the San’ko Line closed, bus services took over the role of public transportation. Kawamoto can therefore still be reached without a car, although driving offers greater flexibility for exploring the surrounding attractions.
Information Center Kawamoto is much more than a place to rest during a journey. It brings together the food, culture, nature, and local products of Kawamoto Town in one convenient location.
Visitors can shop for egoma products and other regional specialties, enjoy a meal made with local ingredients, try handmade sweets, and gather information about nearby attractions.
For travelers exploring Iwami Ginzan and the mountains of central Shimane, the roadside station provides a convenient introduction to the character of Kawamoto Town.
Whether you are taking a road trip through Shimane, visiting the World Heritage site of Iwami Ginzan, or exploring the Gonokawa River region, Information Center Kawamoto is a worthwhile place to stop.
The combination of local flavors, regional products, helpful tourist information, and a relaxed atmosphere makes it an inviting gateway to Kawamoto. A short break here can become an enjoyable part of the journey, offering a taste of the town’s distinctive culture and everyday life.