Roadside station

A Roadside Station (道の駅, Michi no eki) is a government-designated rest area found along roads and highways in Japan.

Seto Agriculture Park, a Roadside Station in Ikata, Ehime

Roadside Station Seiryunosato Hijikawa (道の駅 清流の里ひじかわ) in Ehime

Roadside Station in Yamakita, Kanagawa

Roadside Station Tsu Kawage in Tsu, Mie

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 and facilities for sharing information.

As of Feb 2020, there are 1,160 Roadside Stations across Japan: 125 in Hokkaido, 163 in the Tohoku-area, 178 in the Kanto-area, 80 in the Hokuriku-area, 134 in the Chubu-area, 147 in the Kinki-area, 104 in the Chugoku-area, 87 in the Shikoku-area, 142 in the Kyushu- and Okinawa-areas.[1]