News Discussion

Top Five Roadside Stations to Stop By on a Drive

Michi-no-Eki (roadside stations) have evolved from simple rest stops into destinations in their own right. A survey conducted by the travel information site JALAN News asked 4,219 people nationwide, aged 20 to 50, to rate roadside stations in terms of satisfaction.

The top-ranked station for satisfaction is Kawaba Denen Plaza in Kawaba Village, Gunma Prefecture. It reclaimed the top spot after ranking second in 2024.

The station is particularly known for its local gourmet offerings. Specialties include Yukihotaka rice produced in the area and yogurt drinks made from local milk. Visitors can also enjoy craft beer at the on-site restaurant. The bakery, famous for freshly baked bread, attracts many visitors who come specifically for its products.

Hands-on experiences such as pottery classes and obstacle courses are also available. Situated at the foot of the lush Mt Hotaka, the station provides opportunities for both adults and children to enjoy the outdoors.

Rising from 10th place last year to second place is Roadside Station Munakata in Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture. It is a favorite in the Kyushu region.

A highlight is the seafood section, which features fresh fish from the Genkai Sea. The station is so popular that people form lines even before opening. It features a restaurant that serves dishes such as tuna bowls and chazuke sets. In addition to seafood, a wide variety of local produce and prepared foods are available. The Hijiki Croquette, made with fluffy potatoes and plenty of hijiki seaweed, is particularly popular.

Ranking fifth is A-La-Datena Roadside Station in Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. It is one of the largest roadside stations in the Tohoku region, attracting over three million visitors annually.

Its spacious marketplace features a wide range of local specialties, including processed wild boar meats such as OSAKI GIBIER, which is popular among adventurous food enthusiasts.

The true charm of Michi-no-Eki is that they offer both a place to rest and a convenient way to experience local food and culture, right along major roads.

Roadside Station Satisfaction Ranking

1. 1. survey　（意識・満足度などの）調査、アンケート
   At the end of the tour, we filled out a survey on how much we liked the tour and the service.
2. 2. satisfaction　満足、充足感
   The hotel owners care very much about the satisfaction of their guests.
3. 3. attract　（人を）引きつける、呼び込む
   Redwood National and State Parks attracts visitors from all over the world.
4. 4. available　利用可能な、手に入る
   A personal guided tour of Vancouver is available for a small fee.
5. 5. produce　農産物
   The produce at that farmers market is the best in the area.

1. 1. What kinds of food items does Kawaba Denen Plaza have for visitors?
2. 2. What other things can visitors do at Kawaba Denen Plaza?
3. 3. What food items does Roadside Station Munakata offer to its visitors?
4. 4. What benefits do all roadside stations have besides food?
5. 5. Which of the five top-ranked roadside stations would you like to visit and why?

ドライブ途中の休憩だけでなく、旅の目的地として進化を続ける「道の駅」をご紹介します。旅行情報サイト「じゃらんニュース」では、全国の20～50代の男女4219人を対象に「満足度の高い道の駅」のアンケートを実施しました。その結果をもとに、個性豊かな道の駅の魅力を伝えます。

満足度1位を獲得したのは群馬県川場村の「川場田園プラザ」。昨年2位から首位に返り咲きました。

とくにおすすめしたいのは地産地消のグルメです。地場産の「雪ほたか米」や地元の生乳を使用した「のむヨーグルト」など特産品が豊富にそろっています。地ビールが味わえるレストランなどもあります。焼きたてパンが人気のベーカリーを目的に訪れる人が多いのも特徴です。

陶芸教室やアスレチックなど体験施設も充実。大人だけでなく、子供も遊べる、自然豊かな武尊山のふもとのスポットです。

昨年の10位から2位へと大きく順位を上げたのが、福岡県宗像市の「道の駅むなかた」です。九州エリアで絶大な支持を集めました。

特に人気を呼んでいるのが、玄界灘でもまれた鮮魚がずらりと並ぶ水産物コーナーです。開店前から鮮魚を求めて行列ができるほど活気にあふれています。レストランでも、マグロ丼や茶漬けセットなどを提供しています。魚介類だけでなく、農産物や総菜などの品ぞろえも豊富。なかでもホクホクのジャガイモとひじきがたっぷり入った「ひじきコロッケ」は絶品です。

5位にランクインした宮城県大崎市の「あ・ら・伊達な道の駅」は東北屈指の大型の道の駅。年間300万人以上が訪れるそうです。

広い売り場に地元の特産品がずらりと並んでいます。イノシシの加工肉「OSAKI GIBIER（大崎ジビエ）」などもあり、探求心がくすぐられます。

休憩はもちろん、その土地ならではの食や文化に触れられるのが道の駅の醍醐味（だいごみ）。この夏、旅の目的地として、魅力あふれる道の駅へ出掛けてみてはいかがでしょうか。

「満足度の高い道の駅」ランキング