10 Must-Visit Michi-no-Eki for Campervan Travelers
#roadside-stations
If you’re traveling through Japan by campervan, Michi-no-Eki (roadside stations) are great places to stop. They offer free parking, clean restrooms, and local products. You can also find fresh food, souvenirs, and information about the area. Some stations are open 24 hours and allow overnight stays. These spots are perfect for a short break or a peaceful night’s rest. They help make your road trip more fun and comfortable.
In this blog, we’ll introduce the top 10 Michi-no-Eki from the 2024 list that are also campervan-friendly!
JAPAN ROAD TRIP has rental locations all over Japan. So, it’s easy to choose where to begin your road trip. You can also get an early bird discount if you book at least 30 days in advance. Plus, we offer long-term discounts for rentals of one week or more.
A・ra・Date Roadside Station in Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture
If you’re driving through Miyagi Prefecture, don’t miss A・ra・Date Roadside Station in Osaki City. It’s right on National Route 47 and easy to find. This roadside stop is more than just a place to rest. In 2024, it was ranked the number one roadside station in Japan by Jalan, a popular travel magazine.
You’ll find fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade crafts, and even Royce chocolates from Hokkaido. There’s also a restaurant called Datte-chan Kitchen. It serves warm, tasty meals made with local food. One of the best dishes is the wild boar dandan noodles.
The station also hosts fun events like music shows and performances.
In short, A・ra・Date Roadside Station is a great place to take a break, enjoy local food, and experience a bit of the area’s culture.
For more details, visit their website:
Location:
Kawaba Denen Plaza Roadside Station in Kawaba Village, Gunma Prefecture
In Kawaba Village, Gunma Prefecture, you’ll find Kawaba Denen Plaza Roadside Station. It’s a popular stop for travelers. Every year, over 2.5 million people visit. Many return again and again.
This roadside station sits at the foot of Mount Hotaka. The view is beautiful, and the air is fresh. It’s a great place to relax.
There’s also lots of good food. You can buy fresh fruits and vegetables from the local market. You can try handmade soba noodles and drink Kawaba’s famous yogurt. If you like beer, try the craft beer made with mountain water.
Families will enjoy it too. Kids can play on grass slides. In summer, you can pick blueberries. There are also pottery classes for people who want to try something new.
It’s easy to get here. The station is just a 10-minute drive from the Numata Interchange. Parking is big enough for over 800 cars.
So, if you’re traveling in Gunma, stop by Kawaba Denen Plaza. It’s a fun, tasty, and peaceful place to take a break.
For more details, visit their website:
Location:
Yonezawa Roadside Station in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
If you are traveling through Yamagata Prefecture, Yonezawa Roadside Station is a great place to stop. It is easy to reach by car from the Tōhoku-Chūō Expressway.
At the station, you can find many local foods and souvenirs. For example, try Yonezawa beef dishes, handmade soba noodles, and local ramen. The food court uses a ticket system. This makes ordering fast and easy.
There is also a market with fresh fruits, vegetables, and crafts made by local people. You can visit the tourist information center to get maps and tips about nearby places to visit.
The station is open every day from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The restaurant serves food from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The last order is at 5:30 PM. If you want snacks or drinks, a 7-Eleven store is open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
In short, Yonezawa Roadside Station is a perfect stop. You can enjoy good food, buy local goods, and get travel help.
For more details, visit their website:
https://michinoeki-yonezawa.jp/
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Hana Road Eniwa Roadside Station in Eniwa City, Hokkaido
If you are traveling through Hokkaido, you should visit Hana Road Eniwa Roadside Station in Eniwa City. It is 30 minutes from New Chitose Airport. It is about one hour from Sapporo.
This roadside station is famous for its beautiful flowers. The flowers change with the seasons. This makes the place very colorful and pretty.
You can also buy many local products. For example, fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade crafts, and special souvenirs. The restaurant serves tasty local food made with fresh ingredients.
The station has useful tourist information. It helps visitors find nearby attractions. Parking is free. There are restrooms and free Wi-Fi too.
In short, Hana Road Eniwa Roadside Station is a great place to rest and enjoy local food. It is a nice stop whether you want a quick break or a longer visit.
For more details, visit their website:
https://hokkaido-michinoeki.jp/michinoeki/2684/
Location:
Tono Kaze no Oka Roadside Station in Tono City, Iwate Prefecture
If you travel through Iwate Prefecture, visit Tono Kaze no Oka Roadside Station in Tono City. It is easy to find. The station is just 3 minutes from the Tono Interchange on the Kamaishi Expressway.
One special feature is the spiral-shaped wind turbine. It uses strong local winds to make electricity. This helps power the station.
You can eat local food at the restaurant. They serve Hittsumi, a wheat dumpling soup, Kurotsubo soba noodles, and grilled mutton skewers called Genghis Khan style. The restaurant has big windows and an outdoor terrace.
The station also has a market. You can buy fresh produce and handmade crafts. There is a rest area with tatami mats, a TV, and a smoking space. If you like nature, the observation deck has nice views of the countryside and mountains.
The station is open all year, except New Year’s Day. Parking is free. There is space for cars and large vehicles.
In short, Tono Kaze no Oka Roadside Station is a great place to rest, eat, and enjoy the beauty of Tono City.
For more details, visit their website:
https://kazenooka.tonofurusato.jp/
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Nanairo Nanae Roadside Station in Nanae Town, Hokkaido
If you travel through southern Hokkaido, then stop at Nanairo Nanae Roadside Station in Nanae Town. It is 30 minutes from Hakodate by car. So, it is easy to visit.
At Nanairo Nanae, you can taste many local foods. For example, they have apple juice and apple soft serve ice cream. These are made from the town’s famous apples. In addition, you can buy fresh vegetables and other local products.
The station also has a shop with unique souvenirs. Many are made from Donan cedar wood. Also, there are handmade crafts that make great gifts.
This roadside station is family-friendly. It has a kids’ play area, a nursing room, and a diaper changing room. In summer, families can enjoy the outdoor pocket park. It has a small fountain. Children can play while parents relax.
The station is open every day from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Therefore, whether you want to taste local foods, shop for souvenirs, or rest with your family, Nanairo Nanae Roadside Station is a great stop on your trip.
For more details, visit their website:
Location:
Shichinohe Roadside Station in Shichinohe Town, Kamikita District, Aomori Prefecture
If you travel through Aomori Prefecture, then stop at Shichinohe Roadside Station in Shichinohe Town.
At the station, you can find many local products. For example, there are fresh vegetables, local sake, and folk crafts. These make great souvenirs or gifts.
In addition, you can enjoy local food at the station’s restaurant. Try the special ramen or a rice bowl made with fresh ingredients. It is a nice place to rest and eat during your trip.
Next to the station is the Takayama Uichi Memorial Museum of Art. This museum shows the works of Uichi Takayama, a famous painter from Shichinohe. You can see paintings and artifacts about the region’s culture.
The station is open every day from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, it is closed on January 1 and March 31. Therefore, whether you want to shop, eat, or enjoy art, Shichinohe Roadside Station is a great stop in Aomori Prefecture.
For more details, visit their website:
https://www.shichinohe-kankou.jp/michi/
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Ito Marine Town Roadside Station in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture
When visiting Shizuoka Prefecture, don’t miss Ito Marine Town Roadside Station in Ito City. It is along National Route 135, so it is easy to find.
At the station, you can enjoy many local products. For example, fresh seafood, regional snacks, and handmade souvenirs are available. These show the best of the Izu Peninsula.
In addition, you can eat at several restaurants. Try sushi or a seafood rice bowl made with fresh ingredients. It is a great way to taste local flavors and rest during your trip.
For relaxation, visit the Seaside Spa. You can enjoy hot spring baths with ocean views. Also, the free outdoor footbath called “Atamari~na” lets you soak your feet while enjoying the scenery. If you want to explore, sightseeing boats offer cruises around the coast.
Therefore, whether you want to shop, eat, relax, or explore, Ito Marine Town Roadside Station is a great stop on your trip through Shizuoka.
For more details, visit their website:
Location:
Hota Elementary School Roadside Station in Awa District, Chiba Prefecture
If you travel through Chiba Prefecture, then don’t miss Hota Elementary School Roadside Station in Kyonan Town. It used to be an elementary school that closed in 2014. As a result, the old building is now a unique place to visit. In fact, you can stay overnight in classrooms that have become guest rooms. They still have desks and blackboards, which feel nostalgic.
In addition, the on-site restaurant, Satoyama Shokudo, serves meals like school lunches. Therefore, it’s a fun way to enjoy local food. Also, the old gymnasium is now a lively market called Kyonan Rakuichi. Here, you can buy fresh produce and handmade goods from local farmers and artists.
Moreover, families will love the nearby kindergarten annex. It has a children’s play area, a dog run, and a café. Because of this, it is a perfect stop for travelers with kids or pets.
Overall, whether you want to shop, eat, relax, or explore, Hota Elementary School Roadside Station is a memorable place to visit in Chiba Prefecture.
For more details, visit their website:
Location:
Munakata Roadside Station in Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture
When visiting Fukuoka Prefecture, make sure to stop at Munakata Roadside Station in Munakata City. This roadside station is a great place to experience local culture and flavors.
First, you’ll find shops selling fresh seafood caught nearby. You can also buy local snacks and crafts made by area artisans. These products give you a real taste of Munakata’s charm.
Next, enjoy a meal at one of the station’s restaurants. Many serve dishes made with local ingredients, such as seafood rice bowls. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the region’s specialties.
Additionally, the station is close to beautiful coastal views. You can relax while soaking in nearby hot springs or take a stroll along the waterfront. For a unique experience, sightseeing boat tours let you explore the sea around Munakata.
All in all, Munakata Roadside Station is more than just a stop—it’s a chance to enjoy fresh food, local crafts, and stunning scenery in Fukuoka.
For more details, visit their website:
https://www.michinoekimunakata.co.jp/
Location:
Summary
As of mid-2025, there are about 1,200 Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Stations) across Japan.
These stations are found all over the country, from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south. They offer rest stops with local products, food, and tourist information. The number can change a little as new stations open or some close.
If you are looking for specific places to visit, we are happy to help. Feel free to contact us anytime by mail, WhatsApp, or Messenger!
