A roadside station (道の駅, Michi no eki) is a government-designated rest area found along roads and highways in Japan.
In addition to providing places for travelers to rest, they are intended to promote local tourism and trade. Shops may sell local produce, snacks, souvenirs, and other goods. All roadside stations provide 24-hour access to parking, public toilets, directional and tourism information, and other facilities.
As of February 2024, there are 1213 roadside stations across Japan: 127 in Hokkaido, 174 in the Tōhoku region, 186 in the Kantō region, 84 in the Hokuriku region, 135 in the Chūbu region, 157 in the Kansai (Kinki) region, 108 in the Chūgoku region, 90 in Shikoku, and 152 across both Kyushu and Okinawa.[1]
References
editExternal links
editWikimedia Commons has media related to Michinoeki in Japan.
- (in Japanese) National Michi-no-Eki Association website
- (in English) Japan Road Bureau website
- Flickr photos 道の駅 (Michi-no-eki)