Route 378 runs along the Seto Inland Sea, passing through Iyo, Futami and Nagahama. It’s a popular road with drivers, motorbike riders, and cyclists alike, offering expansive views out over the sea on one side, and steep mountain ridges on the other. Probably the chief aim of most visitors is the beach and Michi no Eki or Road Station at Futami.
Many of these visitors will be hungry, and one of the governmentally designated roles of Road Stations is to feed hungry travelers. At Futami, this role is fulfilled by the restaurant called Yuhinkan, or Sunset Beach Hall. This is found on the second floor of the glass building which fronts the beach. With a bit of thought and a dash of design, it could be a really attractive place. As it is, it’s just a thoroughly typical Japanese eatery which happens to be blessed with a very good location.
The menu includes set meals starting from around 1,200 yen and light meals from around 500 yen. I have had the fish tempura set before for 1,160 yen, and I remember that it was tasty and satisfying. Last time I went, I ordered the curry and rice with fried chicken and salad for 680 yen. It arrived promptly. Japanese curry can be surprisingly good sometimes. This was piquant but with a fruity tang. It contained a couple of pieces of tender beef. There were also three good chunks of fried chicken with a garlicky flavor. The meal wasn’t hugely filling, but it was just about enough. It left room for a snack or some dessert—an ice cream perhaps from one of the stalls downstairs, or maybe a piece of jakoten fried fish patty.
Alcoholic drinks are available, which might be a very welcome option for visitors to the beach who want a beer with their lunch. For drivers, there are non-alcoholic options. Coffee and cake are also served.
Futami Road Station seeks to create an atmosphere of jollity by playing Japanese pop music from speakers everywhere. For those who aren’t keen on J-pop, this can seem like persecution. The same music is played in the restaurant too. On the plus side, the restaurant has smoking and non-smoking areas which are quite well separated so that you’re not bothered by smoke.
If you’re in Futami around lunch time, Yuhinkan is a good default option.
