Japan’s road side stations, called “michi no eki,” are not your typical truck stops. What started out as simple pit stops for restless travelers have evolved into a rural theme parks, drawing tourists to otherwise quiet villages. Kawaba Denen Plaza, one of the nation’s most popular michi no eki located in northern Gunma Prefecture, boasts a total of 5 hectares of land that combines the leisure of cozy hot spring hotels with a lively farmers market. But that’s not all: There’s a soba restaurant on the compound, as well as a bakery, pizza house, ramen shop, craft beer factory and a meat processing plant. For those interested in ceramics, there’s a studio offering pottery classes, while visitors can pick blueberries for free during summer. With so many activities to do, sometimes michi no eki are better than your destination. 📸 Alex Martin
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