About Umi-no-Eki Uto Marina

Hello travelers! This is Asukaland, a writer for [Sarukuma].

Today, we’re heading to [Umi-no-Eki Uto Marina] in Shimoamoda, Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture.

You may have heard of “Michi-no-Eki” (roadside stations), but “Umi-no-Eki” (sea stations) are quite rare in Japan, with only a handful of locations across the country.
These unique spots serve as marine leisure hubs that travelers can access by car from land or by pleasure boat from the sea.

And that’s exactly what ‘Umi-no-Eki Uto Marina’ is! Honestly, it was my first time hearing about this concept too (^^)

It’s located on the first floor of GENTOS CAFE & MUSIC, which we featured in a previous article ♪

[GENTOS CAFE&MUSIC – Shimoamoda, Uto City] An ocean-view resort-style café! Limited-time water play pool for kids!!

When we stopped by ‘Umi-no-Eki Uto Marina’——

Wait, what?!

We discovered something brand new that had just launched a few days earlier!

Something that hasn’t even hit the media yet — “that thing”!!

But first, let me tell you about the lobby——

The reception area at ‘Umi-no-Eki Uto Marina’ is a calm, ocean-inspired lounge (*^.^*)

Fitting the ‘Umi-no-Eki’ (Sea Station) theme, even the magazines on display were stylish marine and boating publications (^^)

Recommended Highlights of Umi-no-Eki Uto Marina

Now, back to that mystery “thing” the media hasn’t covered yet…

Yes! (Can you spot it in the photo?)

It is——

Ta-daaa!!

Swan boats floating on the OCEAN (^。^)y-~

You’ve probably seen swan boats on lakes before, right?

But on the sea? This is reportedly a first in Japan!!

First things first — we put on our life jackets for safety!

Then we headed down to the water (^-^)v

We could already spot fish swimming in the water (though they may not be visible in the photo…)

Time to climb aboard the ocean swan boat!

You move forward by pedaling like a bicycle. Since you’re at sea, the wind can sometimes make it harder to gain speed!

And steering is done with just this one handle!!
Here’s a fun local secret — there’s a “do not enter” zone marked by floating buoys (those white dots in the back of the photo)!!

That’s because beneath the waves, a special rice shochu called “Okoshiki no Tsuyu” is being aged on the seafloor!
By the way, “Okoshiki no Tsuyu” is exclusively sold at Michi-no-Eki Okoshiki-kan — you won’t find it anywhere else!

The little ones cheering us on from shore today.
They were apparently shouting “Heeey! Hurry back! You’re too slow!” — but we couldn’t hear a thing out there (^ー^;)
Out on the water, parent and child just have to trust each other and pedal on!!

Since we were inside the bay, the waves were calm. But when a large boat passed by in the distance, gentle ripples would roll through (nothing to worry about at all!)

And on a swan boat, that little sway just adds to the fun (^。^)y-~

At the end, “parking” the boat back into its spot was my son’s job at the helm — and he did a great job (^-^)v

Here are the rates~

15 minutes / 1,000 yen

※ The boats may not operate during strong winds or bad weather.

Capacity: 2 adults + 1 child

Heads up: lower-elementary-aged children may not be able to reach the pedals.

Also, when there’s some wind, pedaling can take a bit of strength. We recommend having two adults pedal while the child sits in the middle to handle the steering — with an adult ready to help guide the handle when needed (^^)

Be careful not to slip when getting on and off the swan boat!

Even though it was a sunny, hot day and I expected to be drenched in sweat, the sea breeze and the gentle rocking of the waves made it feel wonderfully refreshing.
The ocean swan boats at ‘Umi-no-Eki Uto Marina’ have just launched — a perfect new activity!!
Grab your family or friends and give it a try ＼(^_^)(^_^)／

[GENTOS CAFE&MUSIC – Shimoamoda, Uto City] An ocean-view resort-style café! Limited-time water play pool for kids!!

[Uto Marina Lawn Plaza – Shimoamoda, Uto City] A tropical-feeling open lawn by the sea where you can run around freely ♪

[Michi-no-Eki Uto Marina Okoshiki Shokudo] Enjoy delicious seafood with a fresh sea breeze ♬ (Shimoamoda, Uto City)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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