When riding a motorcycle in Japan, one thing you should definitely know about is “Michi-no-Eki”—roadside stations found all across the country.
There are over 1,000 Michi-no-Eki nationwide, making them an essential part of motorcycle touring in Japan.
Michi-no-Eki are located along major national and prefectural roads. They offer large parking areas and clean restrooms, which are free and open 24 hours a day.
Some Michi-no-Eki even have onsen (hot spring) facilities, and in recent years, more travelers have begun touring Japan by campervan while staying overnight at these roadside stations.
On Japan’s expressways, service areas and parking areas are available every few dozen kilometers, making highway travel very convenient.
Michi-no-Eki play a similar role on non-expressway routes, such as national highways and local roads.
Why Michi-no-Eki Are Great for Motorcycle Riders
One of the best things about Michi-no-Eki for motorcycle touring is food.
Because they are operated by local governments or local businesses, many have restaurants where you can enjoy regional and traditional local dishes.
They also often sell bento lunch boxes, snacks, sweets, fruits, and vegetables made with local ingredients, making them perfect for quick meals or energy refueling during a ride.
At Michi-no-Eki along the coast, it’s common to find affordable sushi bento boxes or seafood rice bowls made with locally caught fish.
These offer a great chance to enjoy everyday, local-style Japanese seafood at a reasonable price.
Stopping at a local restaurant during a tour is always enjoyable, but when you want a simple lunch or need to save time due to your schedule, buying a bento at a Michi-no-Eki is highly recommended.
Michi-no-Eki are also very useful as shelter during extreme weather—whether it’s summer heat, winter cold, or sudden storms.
If you see the Michi-no-Eki sign while riding, it’s usually a good idea to stop and take a break.
Personal Tip from the Road
Personally, during recent tours, I often have lunch by buying a bento or onigiri (rice balls) at a Michi-no-Eki.
Convenience stores are an option, of course, but if you want to enjoy local ingredients and regional flavors while traveling, Michi-no-Eki lunches are far more satisfying.
Many Michi-no-Eki are located next to parks or campgrounds, so on a nice day, eating lunch outdoors can be a great experience.
One important thing to keep in mind:
While restrooms at Michi-no-Eki are available 24 hours, most restaurants and shops operate roughly from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
If you plan to buy food or local products, be sure to watch the time.