Japan's Unique Michi-no-Eki(Roadside Stations)

What do you do if you need to use the restroom while driving in Hawaii? There are few rest areas on the highways, but distances between cities are short. Once you exit, you’ll quickly find towns, shops, or parks with restrooms. So, it’s usually manageable—though dedicated rest stops would be convenient.

In Japan, I used to struggle to find restrooms on rural roads. Now, however, there are free parking areas with toilets and rest facilities called Michi-no-Eki. Ever heard of them? They’re uniquely Japanese and have grown into a nationwide roadside rest network. Let me explain.