Enjoy meeting new people as you visit the night spots in Ainan Town, Ehime Prefecture.
First, a brief introduction to Ainan Town
First, enjoy Ainan Town's cuisine at an izakaya. I highly recommend trying the fresh sashimi!
Ainan Town is located at the southernmost tip of Ehime Prefecture, bordering Kochi Prefecture, and is a thriving primary industry of fishing and agriculture. Considering its population, the town has many izakayas and snack bars. This time, we'll introduce some lesser-known ways to enjoy the town at night. Stay overnight and experience Japanese culture at one of the town's night spots.
After enjoying some delicious food at an izakaya, head to a night spot.
There are many different shops in the town, so I would like people to visit not just one, but two or three shops and interact with the locals.
Even today, Ainan Town is blessed with many natural and cultural attractions, such as the beautiful Takamo Cape, which offers a 360-degree view, Ishigaki Village, a fishing village that has continued since the Edo period, and fresh fish caught that day.Ainan Town is also attractive during the day, and is blessed with tourist resources and ingredients, but this time we will take a look at the charms of Ainan Town at night.
Ishigaki Village in Gaido.
Cape Takamo offers a spectacular view. If the weather is good, you can see all of Kyushu.
How to get to Ainan Town
The road to Ainan Town is a long one.
The train and highway only go partway, so the smoothest way to get to Ainan Town is by rental car.
It takes time, but the rich natural environment remains, so please take your time and enjoy the scenery along the way.
If you rent a car, it takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from Matsuyama Airport to Ainan Town.
What are night spot snacks?
We will introduce you to what the snack bar is like and what it is like.
Many of these establishments are open from 8:00 p.m., and are often used as a second stop after visiting an izakaya or other establishment.
As it is a seaside town, many of the customers are people involved in the fishing industry, but there are also women and families who use the facility.
Izakayas often have private rooms, so if you want to interact with locals, we recommend snack bars!
There is a mama and a master, and it is a place where you can casually drink alcohol, sing karaoke, and enjoy interacting with other customers.
They have bottled beer, shochu, whiskey, sours, wine, etc., but you can also order by the glass.
The price varies depending on the drinks and the amount, but none of the establishments are overpriced and you can enjoy them casually.
It may be difficult to enter because you can't see what's on the other side of the door, but please be brave and open the door.
We created the Ainan YOASOBI map in the hopes that people would interact with local people.
We introduce three recommended night spots (snack bars) for beginners to Ainan Town.
Snack Jun
Store exterior
The owner and mother of Snack Jun are a close-knit family.
An event at a snack bar. It was packed with customers.
This is a long-established snack bar that has been in business for 50 years. The owner is still active at age 89! It is run by a mother and daughter, making it one of the oldest snack bars in Ainan Town.
It has the feel of a THE snack bar, and can be enjoyed by both small and large groups, and is recommended for beginners. Many regulars sit at the counter, and some have been coming here for 30 years, so it might be fun to hear stories of Ainan Town's past.
FREJA
Store exterior
The owner is Maki Mama.
This is a restaurant that can be enjoyed by both regulars and first-time customers.
Snack bar FREJA, which is also popular with female customers, is celebrating its 5th anniversary this year.
This popular bar has a gorgeous interior and is always crowded with customers. In addition to shochu and whiskey, the owner is a wine lover, so they also have a wide selection of wines.
shotbar RAIN
Store exterior
The owner, Mr. Nuyama.
Since support is available in English, ALT teachers who teach English to children in the town also gather here.
The only bar in Ainan Town. They have a wide selection of alcoholic drinks, and if you tell them your seasonal fruits and preferences, the bartender will create an original cocktail for you. Many customers enjoy a long conversation while enjoying a drink. You can play old-fashioned Famicom games in the bar, and they also hold music events. If you find a bar that catches your eye, feel free to head out to Ainan Town's night spots and enjoy the evening.
Rest areas and local development facilities located throughout 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, a natural paradise at the southernmost tip of Ehime Prefecture
There are plenty of things to do at Ainan Town's roadside stations that allow you to experience the rich nature!
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.
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 to you by the producers every day, ensuring exceptional freshness! 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 associated with distribution is reduced, making it a win-win situation for everyone. For this reason, in this article we will introduce three of the town's main roadside stations.
1. Misho MIC Roadside Station
Located along the national highway, it's easily accessible! There's also a large bus parking lot and a coffee shop.
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
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!
2. Green Fresh Market
A farm shop located in the middle of a rice field, a favorite haunt of locals
Closed: January 1st to January 3rd (New Year's Day)
Parking: Approximately 20 standard-sized cars
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."
3. Fresh Ipponmatsu
A steaming farm shop where people gather and enjoy the bounty of nature
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)
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.
summary
Why not experience the charm of the region through Ainan Town's food?
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.
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0 minutes walk from the southeast exit of Shinjuku Station on the JR Higashi, 3 minutes walk from the south exit of the Odakyu line
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Conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from Nagasaki Station and adjacent to AMU Plaza Nagasaki, you can enjoy convenient shopping and gourmet food.
JR Kyushu Hotel Nagasaki is a hotel located just a 3-minute walk from JR Nagasaki Station.
In addition to the "AMU Plaza Nagasaki Main Building" and "AMU Plaza Nagasaki New Building," the facility also houses the "Nagasaki Kaido Kamome Market," which is a collection of Nagasaki souvenir shops, and houses a total of 246 stores! (※1)
In particular, the "AMU Plaza Nagasaki New Building," which opened in 2023, will house a variety of stores, including clothing and miscellaneous goods, restaurants, and more, including stores opening in the Nagasaki area for the first time, allowing you to enjoy gourmet food and shopping.
In addition, the hotel is directly connected to the AMU Plaza Nagasaki Main Building Parking Lot and New Building Parking Lot, making it easily accessible by car.
AMU PLAZA Nagasaki Main Building (left) and New Building (right)
*1 (The number of stores is based on the JR Kyushu official website "About the stores opening in the new Amu Plaza Nagasaki building" at the time of the opening of the new Amu Plaza Nagasaki building in autumn 2023) https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/news/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2023/06/29/230629_amyunagasaki_shinkan_tenpo.pdf
Simple, modern and comfortable guest rooms with a touch of Eastern and Western culture
A space with a calm atmosphere and accent colors
The guest rooms at JR Kyushu Hotel Nagasaki are based on a simple modern theme, with Chinese "red" and Western "green" theme colors combined with Chinese latticework to create a Nagasaki atmosphere. We also pay particular attention to the beds, lighting, and air conditioning to ensure you have a comfortable stay.
Point 1: A space where you can experience the exotic atmosphere of Nagasaki
The interior cleverly incorporates Chinese "red" and Western "green," creating a space unique to Nagasaki, where foreign cultures intersect, and the Nagasaki lattice design incorporated into the interior is particularly striking.
Point 2: A high-quality, comfortable bed
To ensure a comfortable sleep, all rooms are equipped with highly functional and durable Simmons pocket coil beds.
Point 3: Functional guest rooms
All rooms are equipped with a writing desk, which is extremely convenient for workation or business use.
Various room types to meet your needs
It can accommodate a wide variety of uses, from tourism to business.
The spacious room is equipped with a sofa and a table for you to relax in. It can also accommodate up to three people (three beds). The room is equipped with a safety box and bottled water.
We have aimed to create a room that is friendly and easy to use, with wide aisles and careful consideration given to the placement of switches and furniture. Everyone can relax here, including people with disabilities, the elderly, and families with children.
Number of rooms: 1
Area: 26 m²
Capacity: 2 people
Bed size: 120cm x 195cm
Breakfast consists of a choice of Japanese or Western main dishes and a half-buffet using ingredients from Nagasaki.
The breakfast venue will be renovated on April 1, 2024!
Breakfast at JR Kyushu Hotel Nagasaki can be enjoyed at Umaya Nagasaki on the 5th floor of the AMU PLAZA Nagasaki main building.
Guests can choose between a Japanese or Western main course, and there is also a half-buffet corner where guests can enjoy a salad bar and bread.
Breakfast hours: 7:00-10:30 (last order 10:00)
▽Japanese breakfast
Menu: Grilled silver finfish in saikyo style (daily special), rolled omelet, mentaiko, two daily side dishes
*The image is for illustrative purposes only. The menu may change depending on the availability of ingredients.
▽Western food set
Menu: Grilled chicken (changes daily), sausage, seasonal ratatouille, scrambled eggs or fried eggs, daily Western-style side dish
*The image is for illustrative purposes only. The menu may change depending on the availability of ingredients.
▽Half buffet corner
We have a wide variety of menu items, including Nagasaki ago dashi ochazuke, a salad bar, bread, and fruit.
Inside "Umaya Nagasaki Store"
Start your trip to Nagasaki at Umaya Nagasaki and experience the city with a wide variety of delicious Nagasaki cuisine!
Exclusive for hotel guests! Great discounts at AMU PLAZA Nagasaki stores
JR Kyushu Hotel Nagasaki offers discounted rates for guests staying at the hotel to AMU PLAZA Nagasaki and Nagasaki Kaido Kamome Market by presenting your room key at the time of payment.
This discount, which can be used at a variety of stores, including fashion, miscellaneous goods, and local gourmet foods, is perfect for creating memories of your trip. You can enjoy great deals when choosing souvenirs or treating yourself to a little gourmet food.
If you wish to use the service after check-out, please present your hotel billing receipt (only for the same day).
For more information, please visit the JR Kyushu Hotel Nagasaki official website.
Summary | JR Kyushu Hotel Nagasaki is the perfect base for your trip to Nagasaki! It's convenient for shopping and has great access, so we recommend it!
・Excellent access, located close to Nagasaki Station. The hotel is adjacent to AMU Plaza Nagasaki! You can access the hotel without needing an umbrella when shopping!
-After enjoying shopping or a meal, you can immediately relax in your room.
・A comfortable hotel experience in Nagasaki, a city where Eastern and Western cultures coexist
As a base for your trip, JR Kyushu Hotel Nagasaki is a hotel that will make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
Why not spend a special day at JR Kyushu Hotel Nagasaki on your next trip?
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