Introducing the Michi-no-Eki Amakusa City Dolphin Center

Hello, everyone!
This is Uents, writer for Sarukuma.

Today we’re heading to Itsuwa-machi, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture to explore “Michi-no-Eki Amakusa City Dolphin Center” — a roadside station every traveler in the area should know about.

Opened in June 2019 along National Route 324, this roadside station also doubles as the main reception desk for Amakusa’s famous dolphin watching tours.

On the first floor you’ll find a shop stocked with fresh local seafood, processed goods, and souvenirs, alongside a takeout café called “Iru Café Amakusa” (currently closed for renovations).

The stairwell near the entrance is decorated with playful illustrations that make you feel as though you’re walking right into the sea — such a lovely touch! ★

Recommended Menu at the Dolphin Center

Upstairs on the second floor, the floor-to-ceiling windows of the “Fishery Cooperative Restaurant” open up to a panoramic view of the ocean.

The kitchen specializes in seafood landed at the Futae Fishing Port right out front, alongside other catches from around Amakusa. There’s no printed menu — instead, the day’s offerings are posted next to the ticket vending machine.
(Images shared with permission from the official website.)

Here’s what we ordered:

The “Futae-don” (1,200 yen) — a seafood rice bowl topped with kurome seaweed harvested by local free-diving fishermen.
Local quality at its finest — this bowl is seriously impressive!

The sashimi alone is fantastic, but the layer of kurome seaweed spread over the rice is an absolute revelation. It’s also more filling than it looks — even hungry travelers will leave satisfied. ★

You simply buy a meal ticket from the vending machine and wait at your table — a comfortably contactless way to dine.

The second floor also features an educational area where you can experience dolphin watching in VR.
There’s even a digital aquarium and a “Dolphin Greeting” zone where you can interact with dolphins on a giant screen.

It’s a wonderful spot to visit with the family — definitely worth adding to your Amakusa itinerary! ♪

Follow us on Instagram for daily updates!
Sarukuma shares lunch spots, parks, and indoor playtime ideas for families raising kids in Kumamoto.
We’d love to have you follow along (*´∀｀*)

How to Get to the Dolphin Center

Dolphin Center: Store Information

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before your visit.