Michinoeki(Japan's Roadside Station) Detail Guide
[Michinoeki Signboard]
-What is Michinoeki?
Michinoeki is Japanese style of road station. There are 1209 Michinoeki(s) around Japan. Michinoeki(s) are used by many people as rest facilities for drivers and, more recently, as destinations for travelers.
[Now Michinoeki is a destination for travelers.(photo Tomiura/Chiba prefecture)]
-What are the features of Michinoeki?
All Michinoeki(s) have free parking and restrooms available 24 hours a day. Many Michinoeki(s) are equipped with souvenir shops, agricultural crops shops, and restaurants. Some Michinoeki(s) also have onsen facilities. Some Michinoeki(s) offer hands-on activities such as buckwheat noodle making and Japanese paper making.
[Free parking and restrooms available 24 hours a day(photo Irago Cristal Porte/Aichi prefecture)]
-What attracts people to the Michinoeki?
Japan is a small country, but in fact, each region has its own food culture and customs, and there are a lot of local dishes and regional specialties that can only be experienced in that area. Touring Michinoeki(s) across Japan, you will discover new charms of Japan that most people do not know about, such as the local cuisine and specialties that are exclusive to the area. There are also a number of scenic spots near the roadside station. These spots are sure to attract you as well.
[Local cuisine; Tomato ramen is probably the only dish in Japan.(photo Kirara 289/Fukushima prefecture)]
List of Michinoeki with local cuisine.
[The spectacular view is one of the pleasures of visiting Michinoeki.(photo Nango/Miyazaki prefecture)]
List of Michinoeki with spectacular views
Michinoeki List across Japan
Kanto(関東)
Ibaraki(茨城) |
Tochigi(栃木) |
Gunma(群馬) |
Saitama(埼玉) |
Chiba(千葉) |
Tokyo(東京) |
Kanagawa(神奈川) |
Chubu(中部)
Yamanashi(山梨) |
Nagano(長野) |
Gifu(岐阜) |
Shizuoka(静岡) |
Aichi(愛知) |
Mie(三重) |
Kinki(近畿)
Shiga(滋賀) |
Kyoto(京都) |
Osaka(大阪) |
Hokkaido(北海道)
| (in preparation) |
Tohoku(東北)
| (in preparation) |
Hokuriku(北陸)
| (in preparation) |
Chugoku(中国)
| (in preparation) |
Shikoku(四国)
| (in preparation) |
Kyushu/Okinawa(九州/沖縄)
| (in preparation) |