Breathtaking ocean views await at Japan’s hidden gem: Shiokaze Station. Chase your dreams like in the “Seishun 18” campaigns.

Text & Photos /Annie

The unmanned station famous for its Seishun 18 poster — Shiokaze — has been on my Japan travel to-do list for years. For three consecutive years from 1999 to 2001, the Seishun 18 posters featured Shiokaze Station. Before I came to Ehime, if you had asked me where I most wanted to visit in Japan, I would have said Shiokaze without any doubt. In fact, the main reason I flew to Ehime this time was for Shiokaze, with Dogo Onsen being second, as it’s set to undergo renovations next year. Although many Japanese websites describe Shiokaze Station as some kind of hidden gem, it’s actually quite accessible. It takes about an hour to get there directly from JR Matsuyama Station via the Yosan Line.

The Anpanman train we happened to see at Matsuyama Station.

The train we took this time also had special livery on the outside.

The interior of the train car was also different from regular ones. After about an hour of rocking along, passing through countryside and tunnels, a vast ocean came into view.

Surprisingly, quite a few people got off the train, but everyone was there specifically to take photos.

Arrival at Shiokaze Station. Gazing at the wide, tranquil waters of the Uwa Sea stretching out before me — finally seeing it with my own eyes instead of just on a screen.

When I first got off, the sky was still a bit gloomy, but before long, it started to clear up.

Trains on this line run about once an hour. The round trip between Matsuyama Station and Shiokaze takes around two hours, so it’s best to set aside an afternoon if you plan to come here.

Photos taken with Shiokaze as the backdrop — getting married here would feel incredibly romantic.

Fare chart. When returning from Shiokaze to Matsuyama, you’ll need to take a numbered ticket upon boarding.

I thought not many people came here, but I still ran into three other Japanese travelers who had made a special trip just to take photos.

Shiokaze is beautiful after the rain clears.

Next time I come to Shiokaze, I’ll definitely stay longer to wait for the sunset.

Annie＠Travel, Food & Fun
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