Discovering Michi-no-Eki: roadside stations in Japan

Have you heard about Michi-no-Eki? It is a place where you can rest while driving. Not only can you stretch your legs or have a light meal, but there are various facilities like a local-based market, a photo booth, and a historical museum. There are over 1200 roadside stations in Japan, but all of them make your travel experience unique with convenience, comfort, and culture.

What is Michi-no-Eki?

Michi-no-Eki (道の駅), literally translated as “road station,” are government-designated rest areas along major highways and local roads in Japan. They were established in 1993 by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism to promote safe driving as well as community revitalisation. Generally, roadside stations have four features: free parking, resting areas, an information centre for driving and touring, and a community with locals.

Different from a normal highway rest stop, Michi-no-Eki is designed for both travellers and the region around it. Drivers can rest well and learn about the culture, and locals can improve the economy by spreading the goodness of their place. Every road station is operated independently. Through events, stores, and leaflets, they show the characteristics of their area like local specialities, crafts, and nature.

What you can find

Offerings in Michi-no-Eki depend on the region, but you can try many things, from buying vegetables to relaxing in a hot spring. It is more likely a small community place rather than a resting spot. In most areas, you can go to a farmers’ market where they sell high-quality but affordable produce. In addition, there are regional restaurants and food stalls that use local food in the market. This attempt is called 地産地消 (Chisan-Chisho) in Japanese, which means production and consumption of local food. After eating cuisine in restaurants, let’s see souvenirs in the craft shops!

Each region has specific famous industries, such as knives, clothes, or dolls. If you want to know the area more deeply, we recommend going to tourist information centers and getting a brochure, maps, and local event news. Michi-no-eki has a strong relationship with the local communities, so there is beneficial information that you can not discover on the internet. Free Wifi and charging stations are offered too. When it comes to recreation, some Michi-no-eki have facilities like playgrounds or parks where both adults and children can hang out. You can even enjoy hot springs and foot baths. In cultural exhibitions, you can learn about local history or art.

Famous and unique branches

Each Michi-no-Eki has its own charm. Here, we will show some places that stand out with unique and fascinating facilities and services.

Kobe Fruit Flower Park Ozo

Located in the northern part of Kobe City in Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe Fruit Flower Park Ozo is a scenic roadside station. You can experience outdoor barbecues, strawberry picking, see flower gardens, and even an onsen there! The most famous place is the FARM CIRCUS, which consists of a market, food court, and a restaurant. With the concept of “Chisan-Chisho,” you can buy fresh vegetables, enjoy harvesting, and eat seasonal dishes. You can reach Kobe Fruit Flower Park Ozo in about 15 minutes by car from Okabe Station.

Address: Kamiozo-2150 Ozocho, Kita Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-1522

Opening hours: Depends on the facility (you can check here!)

Price range: 500 ~ 1000 yen (FARM CIRCUS Restaurant)

Website: https://fruit-flowerpark.jp

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fruitflowerpark.kobe

Michi-no-Eki Asagiri Kogen

In Michi-no-Eki Asagiri Kogen on the slopes of Mt.Fuji, you can get local specialities and information related to sightseeing. This Michi-no-Eki is surrounded by the Asagiri plateau, which is known for farming because of the fresh air, as well as melted snow water. They have their own ice cream and dessert shop with products made using local ingredients. While watching Mt. Fuji, you can try ice cream made from freshly produced milk! It is 12.5 kilometers from Mt. Fuji 5th station.

Address: Nebara, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka 418-0101

Opening hours: 8:00 ~ 17:00

Entrance fee: Free

Website: https://asagiri-kogen.com/73417/

Michi-no-Eki Utsukushigahara Kogen

Residing in Nagano Prefecture, Michi-no-Eki Utsukushigahara Kogen is said to be the highest roadside station in Japan. From an elevation of 2000 meters, you can see the Northern Alps (Hida Mountains), Mt. Asama and Sakudaira. During summer, it is a great spot to escape from the hot and humid weather! Also, you can visit a museum called the Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum and see 350 sculptures outside the building, which are made by artists from around the world.

Address: 2085-70 Takeshikamihoniri, Ueda, Nagano 386-0507

Opening hours: 9:00 ~ 17:00

Price: 1000 yen (Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum)

Website: http://m-utsukushigahara.jp

Michi-no-Eki Hota Shogakko

Located in Kyonan Town, Chiba Prefecture, Michi-no-Eki Hota Shogakko is a unique roadside station. It was renovated from a closed elementary school. Many parts of the old classroom, like blackboards and hallways, are still there. You can also taste Japanese school lunch and stay overnight in a classroom! Not only can you experience staying in a school, but you can also buy local vegetables, fruits, seafood, and handmade goods at the farmer’s market. You can reach this location in about 15 minutes on foot from Hota Station. Michi-no-Eki Hota Shogakko is the best place to see the scenery as if in an anime and feel a nostalgic atmosphere.

Address: 724 Hota, Kyonan, Awa District, Chiba 299-1902

Opening hours: 9:00 ~ 17:00

Entrance fee: Free

Website: https://hotasho.jp

Michi-no-Eki are more than just rest spots–they are relaxing and enjoyable places to learn local culture and communicate with people through the market, craft shops, and museums. It has four features: free parking, resting areas, an information center for driving and touring, and a community space with locals. With clean facilities, local specialities, and other unique attractive points, you can make road travel more enjoyable and meaningful. Whether you are tasting fresh produce, watching scenery, or just resting in a quiet area, each station offers something special to your journey.

Featured Photo Credit: 丸岡ジョー

Want to road trip across Japan and visit lots of different Michi no Eki locations? Contact our team of travel specialists to see how we can build your personalized itinerary!

 

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