michi no eki
A UFO catcher that goes beyond plushies and figures.
Read More
New installations will provide welcome relief for families with young children while on the road.
Read More
Seems the people of Japan are listening to their stomachs when choosing the best of the nation’s roadside attractions.
When traveling in Japan, there are a number of quick and easy ways to see the whole country. You can take the Shinkansen, Japan’s bullet train that excels at speed and comfort. There are also a number of budget airlines including Peach, Air Asia, and Skymark Airlines that can make your trip quicker, but force you to sacrifice some amenities for a lower cost.
But if you have the time, there is no better way to travel around Japan than by hitting the open roads. Just like the US, there are many quirky best-kept secrets accessible only by car that are worth visiting. Some of the best places that really connect you with the locals are the roadside rest stops called Michi no Eki (literally “roadside stations“) that are perfect for taking a toilet or sleeping break, but are also hubs for local food, crafts and history.
Want to find the best roadside stations to visit? The travel website Trip Advisor has assembled a list of the best Michi no Eki for 2015, so gas up the car, it’s time for a road trip.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
The other side of Shibuya Station has a great restaurant for trying tamagokakegohan
Poop is in full bloom at the Unko Museums for cherry blossom season
Playing Switch 2 games with just one hand is possible thanks to Japanese peripheral maker
Japan’s bathhouse-themed bar replaces hot water with unlimited alcohol
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Cute coffins now available at Tokyo’s coffin relaxation salon[Photos]
Feast your eyes on yet more adorable 8-bit GIFs depicting daily life in Japan
Japan has trams that say “sorry” while they ride around town…but why?
Weekly
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed- Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Now is the time to visit one of Tokyo’s best off-the-beaten-path plum blossom gardens- Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Can you eat lunch in Tokyo for less than 500 yen?
Monthly
- Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
- Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
- Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026- Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
- Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】- Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
- Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home- Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】- Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Cute coffins now available at Tokyo’s coffin relaxation salon[Photos]
Feast your eyes on yet more adorable 8-bit GIFs depicting daily life in Japan
Japan has trams that say “sorry” while they ride around town…but why?
Racing into our stomachs this winter are motorcycle fuel tank-shaped bento
Five things that keep Japanese people chained to their jobs
Original Totoro plush toys from 80s and 90s re-issued for Studio Ghibli exhibition
Testing Japan’s fluffy mayonnaise pancake cooking hack【SoraKitchen】
What happens if you make instant noodles with Coca-Cola instead of water?
Shizuoka hot springs town invites you to see one of the longest hina doll displays in Japan
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
-
