Experience
Learning from people, experiences
This roadside station attracts visitors as a place of learning that conveys the spirit of doctor Hanaoka Seishu to the present day. Here you can embark on a journey to discover the connections between the local community with a storyteller.
Roadside Station Seishu no Sato
Roadside Station Seishu no Sato
Learn, eat, play and feel refreshed. The home of Seishu Hanaoka, the medical master, will lighten your spirit.
Seishu-no-Sato is a roadside station blending seamlessly into the lush natural surroundings of the satoyama. It's a hub of learning that continues to convey the spirit of Hanaoka Seishu, the Edo-period physician who successfully performed the world's first general anesthesia surgery. As a hands-on roadside station with a health-themed theme, it's popular with visitors from both within and outside the prefecture.
Opened in 1999, it was designed by renowned Japanese architect Kurokawa Kisho. The striking circular building is inspired by the mandala flower, the source of anesthetics. The core of the facility is the educational experience. Within the grounds, Seishu's medical school, Shunrinken, which served as both his home and clinic, is said to have attracted over 2,000 students from across Japan. On weekends and holidays, a storyteller shares insights into Seishu's life and approach to medicine. An AI guided tour of Shunrinken is also available on smartphones, providing a game-like experience that offers visitors an opportunity to reexamine life and health.
After learning, it's time to "eat" for health. The on-site restaurant serves a buffet of wholesome dishes, primarily made with seasonal vegetables. The rich flavors that bring out the natural taste of the ingredients are sure to leave you completely satisfied. Takeout lunch boxes are also available. In addition, a farm produce store opened in 2022, expanding the joy of taking home local bounty, including seasonal vegetables, fruits, and processed foods.
Finally, it's time for some physical play and health. The park within the park is filled with seasonal flowers, such as cherry blossoms, wisteria, and hydrangeas, and even just strolling around is a great way to relax. Another attractive feature is the effortless movement of an electric-assisted bicycle along the Kinokawa River. Seasonal herb experiences and health events are also popular programs to help balance the mind and body.
Roadside Station Seishu no Sato
Stationmaster and Storyteller Masayuki Kamitoku
Masayuki Jintoku
A time to learn about life and savor the bounty of the land. A roadside station where you can experience the spirit of Seishu and travel for health.
He worked in the Agriculture, Forestry, Commerce and Industry Department as an employee of Kinokawa City, and made a significant contribution to the planning and operation of Seishu no Sato. After retiring, he became stationmaster in 2020. He respected the medical saint Hanaoka Seishu more than anyone else, and was inspired by his contributions to the community through medical care. He is also active as a storyteller to pass on the story of Seishu's achievements to future generations. "It was the largest medical center in the Edo period, and developed in cooperation with the local community. The bonds between people, involvement with the local community, and compassion for others. These values embodied by Seishu are becoming increasingly important in modern society." He is committed to connecting visitors to Seishu.
Roadside Station Seishu no Sato
Address: 473 Nishinoyama, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture
Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed: Tuesdays (or the following weekday if Tuesday is a public holiday), New Year's holiday
Tel: 0736-75-6008
Learn, eat, play and relax in the home of Seishu Hanaoka, the master of medicine, where even your heart will be lightened.
Experience content
*The period, schedule, and amount have yet to be determined.