Mihara city, Hiroshima prefecture is located near the center of the Seto Inland Sea region. It is a historical town that was governed during the Warring States period (1467-1568) by Mori Motonori’s third son, Kobayakawa Takakage.

However, as Mihara city is apparently a treasure house for ingredients, we visited roadside station Mihara Shinmei no Sato where a myriad of local products are on sale.

Despite the port town being for famous for its octopus, yours truly, photo-writer Izumi Furukawa was charmed by this impressively big chicken wing, Torikaji ippon !!

Its diameter is around 25 centimeters! After octopus the next best recommendation in Mihara city is chicken – it has the largest production rate of chicken in the prefecture.

The brand name is Shinmei chicken, and apparently they are developing various products!

Best No.2
Many of you may already know about these – they’re highly popular even overseas.
They’re the cream-filled rolls of Hattendo. And as it says on the wrapping paper that Hattendo is a shop from Mihara.

Melty custard paired with moist fluffy dough – a dreamlike combination of textures! Though they’re offered only on Saturdays and Sundays at the roadside station, they often sell out quickly, so get there early!

Best No.3
Octopus salt! Even its name is takeshio (octopus salt)! As octopus is Mihara city’s biggest specialty, there were heaps of products, but I chose this one as it was quite unusual.

Its raw ingredients include octopus, kombu (kelp) and salt. If you have a lick, you’ll taste the octopus flavor right away.

 

I tried using it when making rice balls, and the fragrance was close to octopus rice♪ It’s fun just thinking about the ways it can be used both with Japanese and Western style dishes!

Its raw ingredients include octopus, kombu (kelp) and salt. If you have a lick, you’ll taste the octopus flavor right away.

I tried using it when making rice balls, and the fragrance was close to octopus rice♪ It’s fun just thinking about the ways it can be used both with Japanese and Western style dishes!
After enjoying shopping, I went out to the observation deck, which has a beautiful view over the Seto Inland Sea’s numerous islands.

Roadside station Mihara Shinmei no Sato has not only delicious ingredients, but also wonderful scenery. Drop by the roadside station at the port town where it’s fun whether you’re eating or just admiring the views.

Roadside station Mihara Shinmei no Sato

Address: 4-21-1 Itozaki, Mihara city, Hiroshima prefecture
Open: Store facilities & Restaurants 9.00-18.00 (The 1st floor entrance is open 24hrs. For other facility opening hours, please check the homepage link below)
Closed: Every 3rd Tuesday of the month
Tel: 0848-63-8585
Homepage: http://www.shinmeinosato.jp/ (Japanese)

Setouchi Finder Photo-writer: Izumi Furukawa