Michi no Eki Märchen Oyabe

Michi no Eki, literally “roadside stations,” are a common sight throughout Japan, providing a place for travelers to rest during road trips, with shopping from a wide selection of local specialties.

Michi no Eki Märchen Oyabe is located along National Route 8, and offers plenty for visitors to enjoy. In addition to large shopping areas lined with hundreds of items spanning local seasonal fruits and vegetables, prepared foods and condiments from Oyabe, and items like herb teas and local crafts, this facility also features a restaurant serving casual fare like udon noodles, freshly made rice balls, and soft-serve ice cream.

Beyond food and drinks, the facility includes a collection of free tourism information pamphlets to peruse, coin-operated showers for freshening up on long journeys, and a playground and dog park out back where kids and pets can stretch their legs and run around. And for seeing the local sights when the weather is nice, there are even free bicycle rentals available!